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Crochet Stitch Dictionary – A Review

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Do NOT be fooled by this books cover!  It’s way better than the cheerful cover might lead you to believe.  Really!

Crochet Stitch Dictionary

Interweave Press author Sarah Hazell has gathered 200 stitches, some of which will be entirely new to you.  Each stitch has the requisite color picture and instructions but also a larger than average chart to aid in your ability to recreate the stitch.  And, she uses a nice ‘trick’ that is often overlooked by other authors – contrasting colors for each row when necessary to define each row.  I find that extremely helpful.

In addition, to help you find a stitch you KNOW you saw somewhere, there is a thumbnail of each stitch in the Table of Contents!  Another very helpful feature of this book.

As usual, Interweave Press has created a book that is outstanding in the field.  This book will easily earn its place in your crochet library.  And, with the clear beginner section at the start of the book, it will make a great gift (or investment) for anyone wishing to learn or improve her crochet.

Book Specs:

Interweave Press, 2013

192 Pages with many color photos and great charts

8X10 inch softcover

ISBN: 9781620331293

List Price $22.95 USD

 

 

Comments

  1. Many thanx! I was thinking to buy this book but wasn’t sure if it was good. Now I’m sure I’ll get a copy!

  2. I just got this book from the library for the second time. Such a wonderful book! You will love it!

  3. I’m hooked on crochet dictionaries, this one sounds great! Thank you for such an excellent review, I’m adding it to my wish list now.

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.