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Book Review – Get Your Crochet On; Hop Hats & Cool Caps

March 2, 2007 by jd wolfe


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I grabbed this book off the ‘New Books’ shelf at my local library when I ran in to drop some things off for my mom. I always check the 745.XX section to see what new crochet and craft books are available. Many of them I go on to purchase for my own library. Checking them out first at the library is a great ‘screening’ technique.

At our last local Crochet Club meeting, we had a newbie, Teresa, attend. She had brought a newsboy type cap she was trying to replicate from a purchased crocheted cap. She was having trouble with the visor. No one at the meeting could really get her ‘over the hump’ so she emailed that she had purchased a pattern online. When I got this book home and looked at it, I immediately emailed Teresa to tell her where she could find some great help with her problem, if it wasn’t already solved.

What’s in this book? Lots of hat and cap patterns! Many are what might be defined as ‘ethnic’ patterns, rasta, do-rags, and ‘hip-hop’ styles. There are even patterns for matching ‘pig tail’ holders called ‘Jam Pony’. Equal space is given for hats and caps for men as well as women. You’ll recognize one as the style typical of Erykah Badu. Whether you like her music or not, she’s a very lovely woman. Other styles are more classic and traditional. Overall, there are 20 different patterns – all very attractively presented.

I am especially attracted to the generously sized bun holders, ‘Bunny’, and only wish I had the hair to wear one! (Bunny is one of the ‘Search Inside’ photos on Amazon.com.) There are lots of full color pictures and clearly written instructions for recreating all the patterns.

All the patterns are made of readily available sport and worsted weight yarns and are pictured in a vast array of colors – not just what’s ‘in’ right now. Overall, I think this book would be a great addition to the library of a crocheter who likes hats or caps. This is Ibomu’s only book in print (that I could find), and I look forward to more crochet goodies from her in future.

Here are the particulars:

Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats & Cool Caps by Afya Ibomu

ISBN-13: 978-1-56158-850-3

The Taunton Press copyright 2006.

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Comments

  1. Ken says

    March 2, 2007 at 5:44 pm

    I too have that book. I agree with your opinion about itas well. The one Thing I like most about the hats is the brim technique.The photographs are clear, and well done.
    I do have one complaint……why didn’t she put one out sooner!!!

  2. viji victor says

    March 2, 2007 at 8:51 pm

    Hi jd,
    I am delighted about your new assignment. Though I could not respond immediately, I have been reading your blog regularly. I am enjoying it thoroughly, especially your style of writing. It is down to earth. I enjoy your reviews very much as it gives me a chance to know more about books and magazines. I am also getting nice tips and links. Further, the topics discussed are varied. I am sure you do a lot of research and your expeience and knowledge in respect of with crafts also is seen. Keep up the good work and all the best to you.
    -viji

  3. Rosetta says

    March 4, 2007 at 4:31 pm

    I have this book and I love it! One day I was off from work and watched Uncommon Threads, the author was featured. I started grinning because I already had the book.

  4. jd wolfe says

    March 4, 2007 at 11:27 pm

    Glad to see that others have seen this book and agree with my ‘review’. Also, it’s great to hear from Viji – an ‘old’ online friend. Thanks for all the great comments!
    jd

  5. chrystal says

    November 4, 2011 at 10:00 am

    it is a cute book but I have had problems with her mostly all of her patterns. For me the finished product is too big. I find I have to improvise and skip an increase and decreases. The hats are cute but I have given up trying to do them.

Have you read?

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch: An Easy Textured Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

  • Crochet mug cosies
  • Ear warmers and headbands
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Cushion covers
  • Tote bags
  • Baby rompers
  • Crochet cardigans
  • Lap blankets
  • Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.

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