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Austentatious Crochet – Jane Austen Designs

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Jane Austen wrote novels of the Regency Era in England, that period in history that was just pre-Victorian, when women’s fashions were a bit elongated and very feminine without being as fussy as the full blown Victorian Era.  The designs in this book  pay homage to the sketches and writings of Jane Austen as she described her characters and their homes in her books.  Many of the 36 designs look remarkably modern, practical expressions of these historic beauties.

If you haven’t read Jane Austen, this book may well pique your interest.  The charming illustrations and vivid photography bring Jane’s words to life!  There’s just no way to escape the warm, lovely world Austen created with her words and Melissa Horozewski has interpreted in crochet.  Charming is the only word I can think of to describe this must-have book.

Highlights in the book include the versatile ‘All Buttoned Up’ shawl which can be worn three ways merely by reconfiguring the three motifs that button together, the Regency Handbag and Hat which look remarkably current, and the stunning (and wedding dress candidate) dress called ‘An Afternoon At Pemberley.  There are designs for children, charming and special, for the home, warm and cozy, several tempting scarves and shawls, and the stand-out cover sweater.

To make successful completion of your crochet projects easier, there are written directions, detailed photography, and informative schematics.  In these 208 pages, you’re sure to find enticing projects that will have you itching to pull out your hook and yarn.

Book Specs:

Austentatious Crochet, 36 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen by Melissa Horozewski

208 pages, softback, published by Running Press Books, USA, October, 2011

ISBN 9780762441464

$16.00 USD

 

Comments

  1. Wow!!!! I’m NOT a crocheter, but a knitter! This makes me WISH I knew how to crochet! I am a BIG Jane Austen fan!!!!!!!! The cover sweater is breath taking! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  2. This book will be in my “collection”!!! I just love the style of this era. Thanks JD!!!

  3. I JUST saw this at the bookstore tonight and had to buy it! The designs are surprisingly modern! Looking forward to making some!

  4. Thanks for the review. I will put this on my wish list. I love Jane Austen. Have read most of her works, and of course, have seen a lot of the movies out there. In fact, just a few days ago, I saw a movie about her life on cable. Thanks so much for doing these reviews! I don’t know how you keep up with so much.

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.