Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Book Review – Christmas Crochet Wish List

by

Get 45+ exciting projects to feed your crochet passion and solve your gift-giving dilemmas!

This jam-packed issue is filled with a wide variety of crochet patterns that are sure to delight everyone on your holiday list, from the young to the young at heart. Themed sections include Gifts for Her, featuring chic crochet scarves, cowls, a shawl, bag, hat, jewelry and socks; Gifts for Him, including a muffler, beanie, hooded cardigan, slippers, a tablet tote and throw; Gifts for Kids, filled with cute stuffed animals, fun games, hats, an art tote and colorful blanket; Holiday Gifts for the Home, featuring a tea cozy, kitchen gift basket, jar toppers, hot mitt set, holiday doily and festive little snowman; and Christmas Throughout the House, including Christmas stockings, candle wraps, holiday throws, pot holders, a pillow, table runner and wreath.

Order this must-have issue now to start stitching your holiday gifts!

Looking for more Christmas themed Crochet Patterns? Check out these books

Crochet Christmas Ornaments

 Christmas Crochet Pattern Books 

And these Christmas patterns on Etsy  

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.