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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?

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.