Book Review – Hooked on Shakespeare: Crochet Projects Inspired by The Bard

As a lover of both literature and crafting, stumbling upon “Shakespearean Crochet” was a delightful surprise. This unique book offers a creative twist on the timeless works of William Shakespeare, bringing his iconic characters to life through the art of crochet. With 15 projects featuring over 30 step-by-step designs, it promises a journey through the Bard’s most beloved plays.

The magic of “Shakespearean Crochet” lies in its ability to transform classic literary characters into charming crochet creations. From the star-crossed lovers of “Romeo and Juliet” to the tragic hero of “Hamlet,” and even the mischievous Three Witches from “Macbeth,” each project captures the essence of its Shakespearean inspiration.

One of the highlights of this book is its educational aspect. Before diving into each project, readers are treated to an introduction to the play and its characters. This contextualization adds depth to the crafting experience, allowing you to connect with the characters on a more profound level. Whether you’re well-versed in Shakespearean literature or just getting started, these insights make the book accessible and engaging.

The step-by-step instructions accompanying each project are a boon for crocheters of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate the fully illustrated stitch basics, which provide a helpful foundation for those new to the craft. Advanced crochet enthusiasts, on the other hand, can dive right into creating intricate and detailed characters.

The colorful and whimsical designs in “Shakespearean Crochet” truly stand out. The patterns capture the essence of Shakespeare’s characters while infusing them with a playful and imaginative spirit. Whether it’s Bottom and Titania from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” or the enigmatic Woolliam Shakespeare himself, each creation is a work of art.

Here are some funny or Punny Crochet/Shakespeare quotes

Parting is such sweet crochet.”
“All the world’s a yarn ball, and all the men and women merely crocheters.”
“Though she be but little, she crochets with might.”
“A crochet hook by any other name would still craft as sweet.”
“The course of true yarn never did run smooth.”
“O, for a stitch in time that saves nine!”
“To crochet or not to crochet, that is no longer a question.”
“Crochet me, my love, you complete my stitches.”
“Yarn is the food of love; stitch on!”
“A crochet project shared is a joy doubled.”
“Goodnight, goodnight, crochet delight.”
“All that glitters is not gold, but a well-made crochet item is pure gold.”
“Though crocheted items be but little, they are fierce in coziness.”
“The better part of crochet is the finishing touch.”

Feel free to use these punny Shakespearean quotes as gift tags to add a touch of literary charm to your handmade crochet items. They’re sure to bring a smile to the recipient’s face!

There are crochet books that give you a collection of useful patterns, and then there are crochet books that make you want to disappear into the woods wearing a handmade cloak and carrying a basket of mushrooms.

Fantasy Crochet by Jess Bertolina definitely falls into the second category.

And I mean that as a compliment.

Fantasy-inspired crochet has been creeping steadily into our yarn feeds for a while now — think woodland colours, flowing skirts, corset-style tops, fingerless gloves, fairycore accessories and clothes that look like they belong somewhere between a Renaissance fair and an enchanted forest.

This book takes that whole aesthetic and turns it into a genuinely wearable crochet collection.

Published by Page Street Publishing, Fantasy Crochet contains 16 crochet patterns inspired by faeries, elves, nymphs and other magical folklore, spread across 160 pages. Rather than concentrating on amigurumi creatures, the projects are predominantly clothing and accessories designed for you to actually wear.

You can find Fantasy Crochet by Jess Bertolina on Amazon if you want to take a closer look at the book.

This Isn’t Just Crochet Cosplay

What I really like about the concept is that you don’t necessarily have to dress like you’ve just escaped from a fairy kingdom.

Although, frankly, if that’s your thing, go for it.

The patterns have enough fantasy influence to feel interesting while still being adaptable to an everyday handmade wardrobe.

Among the designs are the Blossom Skirt, Forager’s Gloves, Mistweaver Skirt, Mossling Bag, Warden’s Cloak, Lunar Ties Top and Eerie Lights Necklace. You can make individual pieces or combine projects from the same theme to create a complete fantasy-inspired outfit.

Change the yarn colours and suddenly something that looks dramatically woodland-fairy in moss green could become a completely different garment in cream, black or a dusty plum.

And we crocheters know we’re going to change the colours anyway.

Following the suggested colour palette exactly would require a level of yarn-stash discipline I personally don’t possess.

One Feature I Really Like: Made-to-Measure Garments

One of the more useful features of Fantasy Crochet is that the garment patterns are made to measure rather than relying solely on a rigid set of standard sizes.

That’s a big plus with crochet clothing.

Bodies don’t conveniently come in small, medium and large, despite what sewing patterns and clothing labels have spent years trying to convince us.

The garments also include step-by-step photographs to help with construction and fitting.

For anyone who has ever crocheted half a top before realising it is heading rapidly toward either tent or postage-stamp proportions, having fitting guidance along the way is very welcome.

Is Fantasy Crochet Suitable for Beginners?

I wouldn’t buy this as someone’s absolute first crochet book.

That isn’t because the instructions appear particularly intimidating — the step-by-step photography and made-to-measure approach are actually reassuring — but many of these projects involve garments, shaping and fitting.

I’d see it as particularly appealing to a confident beginner through intermediate crocheter who already understands the basic crochet stitches and is ready to move beyond scarves and granny squares.

If you’ve mostly been making small fantasy projects, you might also enjoy our Enchanting Fairy Doll crochet pattern or have a look at the wonderfully whimsical projects in our Crochet Mini Magical Animal book review.

And if your version of fantasy involves considerably more dragons, our roundup of free Toothless crochet patterns should keep your hook busy too.

What Makes This Crochet Book Different?

For me, it’s the styling.

There are thousands of crochet garment patterns available now, but many start blending into the same cropped cardigan, granny-square sweater and oversized vest territory.

Fantasy Crochet has a very definite personality.

Jessica Bertolina, who creates under @cozyfaeriecraft, has built the collection around folkloric and fantasy worlds rather than simply adding a few leaves to ordinary crochet patterns and declaring them enchanted. She is a fibre artist and crochet and knit designer based in Valtellina, Italy.

The patterns are intended to work together, which makes the book feel more like a little handmade wardrobe than a random collection of sixteen unrelated designs.

That also makes it a good source of inspiration even if you don’t make every project exactly as shown.

I can easily see crocheters borrowing the shape of a top, the texture from a skirt or the idea behind an accessory and then taking it in their own direction.

Which, to me, is what a good crochet book should do.

Who Would I Buy This Book For?

This would make a lovely gift for a crocheter who loves fairycore, cottagecore, fantasy books, Renaissance fairs, woodland aesthetics, folklore or handmade clothing.

It also feels particularly suited to younger crocheters who have discovered crochet through TikTok and Instagram and aren’t terribly interested in making another traditional afghan.

But don’t let the fairy theme fool you into thinking there’s an age limit.

Crochet doesn’t suddenly have to become beige when you turn 40.

If you fancy a dramatic cloak, make the dramatic cloak.

My Verdict

Fantasy Crochet feels refreshingly different from the usual crochet pattern collection.

The strongest selling point for me is that the fantasy theme has been applied to wearable garments and accessories, rather than simply giving us another collection of fantasy amigurumi.

With 16 coordinated designs, made-to-measure garment construction and step-by-step photographs, there’s enough practical information here to back up all that lovely styling.

Would I buy it if my crochet taste leaned heavily toward classic blankets and practical dishcloths? Probably not.

But if you’ve ever looked at your yarn stash and thought, I could absolutely turn this into something an elf would wear, this book has your name written all over it.

And really, sometimes we all need a project that’s a little less practical and a little more magical.

Have you read?