“It Girl” Crochet

Don’t you love the unique wrist warmers on the cover of this new book? I love the symmetry as well as the swirl effect the designer has created. This is just one of 23 patterns for accessories in this book It Girl Crochet . They range from scarves, mittens, and caps to more fashion forward looks like a chunky belt and these impressive knee socks. I’m in love with these socks!!

Check out these Crochet Mittens Book on Amazon

Looking for more mittens to crochet? Check out these Crochet patterns for mittens and gloves we found on Etsy.

Check out our NEW Facebook page for Crochet. This page is only about Crochet!! Free pattern links, tips tricks, and tutorial videos. We will be sharing it all to the ONE SPOT. Make sure you LIKE the new Crochet Facebook Page so you don’t miss out. Crochet Facebook Page. or join our Facebook group for conversations about crochet.

If you’re a shawl fan, you’ll find several lovely projects in this book. They are lacy and delicate and include some surprising elements. There are several purses, displaying an array of techniques.

Back to those mittens, caps, and scarves. You’ll find a variety in this book that will please everyone on your gift list. I’m especially fond of the Op Art Reversible Scarf, with it’s bold geometrics on one side and lattice look on the reverse. The caps, scarves, and mittens can easily be mixed and matched to create even more beautiful sets.

These patterns are fresh and youthful – but not cutesy and just for youngsters. Yarn and color selections can easily move a pattern from sophisticated to casual, from flashy to serene. The yarns chosen for each design are typically available at your LYS or from an online vendor of finer yarns, but substitutions with mass marketed yarns are easy to make as each pattern contains the often rarely found yarn size (#2, fine, for instance). I wish all patterns contained this useful bit of information. This book also contains really detailed charts, some with color added, making them easier to follow in a complex pattern.

If you enjoy crocheting fashion projects, this book is for you. It would make a great gift for a fashionista or anyone interested in adding fashion forward accessories to her wardrobe.

Book Specs:

It Girl Crochet by Sharon Zientara

Interweave Press, 2014

Soft cover, 135 pages

ISBN: 9781620330968

List Price $22.99 USD.

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.

Have you read?

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

The Printable Christmas Dove Card