Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

DORIS CHAN SCORES AGAIN!

by

Crochet Lace Innovations by Doris Chan

I really wanted the picture of the cover of Doris Chan’s latest book to be large enough so you could see  the lovely lace design.  This is indicative of the beautiful designs Doris has created for us!  This same design also appears as a dress in the book.  There are 20 designs in this book, incorporating a variety of crochet techniques, including broomstick, hairpin, tunisian, and Doris’ signature exploded lace.

I have yet to give hairpin lace a serious try – but the cap sleeve vest pattern in this book makes me want to go for it!  Tunisian has become a well-used technique in my crochet repertoire, although I’m still painfully slow at it.  And the whole concept of using doily patterns to make full size garments is very enchanting.

This book contains a hairpin lace tutorial that is thorough and well illustrated.  Same for tunisian.  All the designs are shown in full color pictures with both text and schematics.  In addition, Doris gives a full page of ‘Tips for Success’ for each technique – sorta like having the designer right there with  you while you’re crocheting.

Yarns in this book tend to be natural fibers, wool and silk.  Color choices are both current and classic.  Project difficulty ranges from intermediate beginner to experienced crocheter.  Scarf patterns are great ‘beginner’ projects to give the technique a test drive.  Then, a more complex pattern follows to encourage the crocheter to stretch the limits.

While every garment crochet book contains scarves, cardigans, and skirts, you’ll look far and wide to find a scarf as visually complex as the Siona Stole on page 37.  It’s made in cream and Celery green bamboo wool in strips of hairpin lace.  The visual impact is simply stunning!

This book is definitely a keeper.

BOOK STATS:

Potter Craft Books, 2010

144 pages

ISBN:  9780307463821

List price is $21.99 USD

Comments

  1. ooh…I so want this…need to work it into the budget. thanks for the review.

  2. I have your book but i have some problem with the size also with the pattern. maybe somebudy can help me?
    I am doin”Bozina Dress” page 96
    Thanke You
    Orit cohen

  3. Doris Chan has a blog but she has this posted there:
    I do not provide pattern support for my designs here on this blog. Please join me and the posse at Ravelry.com, and post your questions on the forum dedicated to my designs, Doris Chan: Everyday Crochet. Thanks.

    So, I suggest you take your specific questions to Ravelry.com. There are so many helpful crocheters on their forums. I’m sure you’ll find the help you need there.
    jd

Have you read?

The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book: That Rooster Had Me Hooked

Apparently, this is the year chickens took over my crafting attention. First came the emotional support chickens, then the pocket chickens, and now a rooster has managed to talk me into looking at another crochet book.

Honestly, put a crocheted chicken in front of me at this point and I’m going to stop scrolling.

That is exactly what happened with The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book. The rooster sucked me in before I had even properly investigated what else was inside. After all the emotional support chicken crochet patterns we’ve been sharing, you would think I’d have had enough poultry. Apparently, there is still room in the imaginary yarn coop.

Now, a little honesty before we go any further: I haven’t read this book yet or tried its patterns. This is a look at why it has caught my attention ahead of publication. I have a very good feeling about this one, and I’m expecting it to be a lovely addition to the crochet bookshelf.

What’s Inside The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book?

The publisher describes a collection of 25 crochet patterns with variations for more than 45 amigurumi projects, created by ConcernedApe, Megan Lapp and Ryan Novak.

The announced projects include Junimos, Slimes, chickens, a Junimo Hut and familiar game items. There are simpler projects such as Eggs alongside more challenging makes, including the Mermaid Pendant.

The chicken variations are particularly tempting, with different beaks, combs and tail feathers, plus White, Blue, Brown, Golden and Void varieties. You can probably see why my attention keeps wandering back to the coop.

It is scheduled for release on 26 January 2027 through Random House Worlds, with 240 pages in the hardcover edition.

Why This Crochet Book Is on My Radar

What appeals to me is the combination of recognisable characters and slightly ridiculous little objects. Those are often the crochet projects that make me smile most. A useful blanket is wonderful, but sometimes you simply want a tiny yarn creature keeping you company beside the sewing machine.

If you’ve enjoyed our emotional support pocket chicken crochet feature, you’ll understand the attraction. Small, characterful projects have a way of becoming much more tempting than the sensible project already waiting in your basket.

For Stardew Valley fans, there is also the pleasure of making something connected to a favourite game. We’ve previously shared a Junimo crochet pattern, so this feels like a lovely next book to explore for readers who enjoy that crossover between gaming and yarn.

Would I Add It to My Crochet Wishlist?

Absolutely. I can’t yet comment on the clarity of the instructions, the finishing details or how the patterns work up. Those are things I would want to assess with the book and a hook in hand.

But based on the announced collection, I know this is going to be a good one for my kind of crochet browsing: plenty of personality, playful projects and chickens I’m already mentally choosing yarn for.

You can take a closer look at The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book on Amazon.

I came for the rooster. I suspect I’ll stay for the rest of the farm.