CROCHET TO GO

My sweetie of a husband came home from the bookstore with this the other day:

CROCHET TO GO DECK BY ALICIA BERGIN
He always checks the clearance tables and racks looking for books for himself or others.  Usually there’s not much crochet there.  He was unsure if I already owned this, but took a chance as there were only two copies available.  Good job!

Now, I own several crochet pattern ‘books’ designed like this one – with sheets or cards that can be carried separately from the whole batch.  This is especially nice when, well, wanting to ‘Crochet To Go.’  The advantage to this item is that the pattens are printed on heavy card stock with a satin finish rather than on some flimsier paper or card stock.  Each of the 25 patterns has its own card, some of which fold out to the size of four cards.  A couple of patterns are offered with variations, each outlined on the original card.  Further, the patterns are rated as to degree of difficulty.  While this is a controversial subject, the ‘scale’ used here is quite helpful, leaning heavily to  the beginner and intermediate levels.  Fewer patterns are offered for the more difficult advanced and challenging levels.

The first card in the box is a stitch guide, listing each stitch and it’s abbreviation – but no illustrations which would have been helpful, especially for the beginner.  But, one box can’t hold everything.

The pattern I actually think I’ll use the most is one of the Level 1 (beginner) patterns for a ‘Customizable Scarf’ worked in mohair.  The pattern offers that if one chooses to use a yarn other than mohair, more yardage would be required – two balls rather than the mere 80 grams of mohair.  What useful information for a beginner!  The pattern is a simple single stitch scarf worked side to side but includes four different options for a decorative finish at either end.  These are cleverly pictured in a clear cut style.

Other patterns on my ‘to do list’ include the arm warmers with button on (and off) finger covers, the simple striped hat with the stripes going vertically rather than horizontally, and the adorable cupcake pin cushion.  Other winners are the ladybug baby sleep sack and the lap blanket worked in something that looks like LB Homepsun yarn but with a lacier look than usually found for bulky yarns.

As a more advanced crocheter, I’m not sure I would spend the full freight of $16.95.  But for a beginner, it’s a nice collection of patterns.  On the sale table, it was a steal and I’ll definitely use it.

SPECS:

ISBN 139780811857871

Copyright 2007 by Chronicle Books