Crochet

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CROCHET BELTS FROM THE HIP – An E-Book Review

by

Have you ever ordered an e-book? Do you have a waist? I remember having a waist……..

But, I had never ordered an e-book before. I must confess that I thought e-books were probably lame attempts to self-publish substandard work that a reputable publisher wouldn’t purchase. Wrong!! This book is a delight. It’s 34 pages of color photographs, ‘Straight From Tioday’s Designers’ – names that we all know in the world of crochet.

Crochet belts from the hip is no longer in publication.

Even if you don’t have a waist, you can still use the designs in this book. The range here is remarkable and charming. From the simplest little chained belt from Vashti Braha to the show-stopping focal piece from Margaret Huber, there is something here for everyone. Further, many of these designs could be used as necklaces or enlarged with extra rows to become scarves. Embellished with elaborate stitch detail, beads, buttons, and buckles, each belt is a mini masterpiece. No kidding!

To further whet your appetite, I’ll give you a preview of the many designers whose work is included here: Kinsler, Guzman, Crone-Findlay, Chachula, Ohrenstein, Chan, Best, Gentry, and more. Interested yet?

Kim Guzman\'s Tunisian Belt

Another thing that appeals to me about this book (okay, I’m dropping the e-book term because this IS a book), is that it is a compilation of timely designs that was taken from concept to execution in about two months! That’s remarkable in itself. We usually get crochet patterns at the end of a trend rather than at the beginning because it takes so long to get from the designer’s mind to the pages of a book or magazine. Amy O’Neill Houck came up with the idea for this book one day, and two months later, it’s a reality.

So, what’s here? A simple, delicate but effective belt, edged in simple beads from Angela Lavonne Best. A couple of tunisian goodies, one from Kim Guzman and one from Doris Chan. A fun and funky piece of whimsy from Noreen Crone-Findlay. Pineapples, picots, popcorns, circles, waves, and even a felted belt. You gotta’ love it.

As with sewn garments where buttons often ‘make’ the design, several of these belts are set off nicely by the designer’s choice of buckles and/or beads. Some of the belts are focal waist definers. Others are hip-hugging accessories that will go from dress to jeans.

On my to-do list are two definites – Vashti’s Barbed Wire Belt and Lavonne’s Beaded Lacy Sash. Check out this collection and you’ll find your own must-makes.

STATS:

Thirty Four pages, nineteen designs, color photos, some symbol designs

www.SFTDOnline.com to order or contact the publisher(s)

$15.00 USD

 

Comments

  1. Hi JD
    Actually, it took a whloe lot longer than 2 months! We got together last July at the CGOA National conference in NH and decided to do the book.
    It was a group decision, although there are a bunch of technical wizards in the group who went above and beyond the call of duty.

    Also, the book has taken us a year to publish, not 2 months. Lots of hard work and a steep learning curve!

    I agree that it’s really a fine book, and I am very proud and happy to be part of it!

    Thanks a million for the positive review, JD!
    Love your blog :o)
    Noreen

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.