Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

On The Crochet Newsstand

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This evening, I had a few minutes to browse through the magazines at Barnes and Noble.  This is a rare occasion for me!  I saw some crochet magazines I’d heard about but never seen.  Simply Crochet magazine was one I’d never held in my hands.  I had also not seen Inside Crochet in some months.  I used to have an online subscription to it, but had to give it up.  Like many others have stated, I like to hold the magazines (and books) in my hands so electronic versions just don’t do it for me.

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But, I wanted to tell you about a couple of goodies I saw.  First, Issue 37 of Inside Crochet has this lovely pattern.  The Mildred Poncho.  The ‘turtle’ neckline would have to go, but the interesting textural stitches that make up the poncho are delicious.  I think I’ll end up buying the magazine just to get this pattern!  The project is featured on www.ravelry.com with a link but I cannot find the pattern on their site.  I’ve sent them an email to clarify.

Another of my favorite magazines, although not crochet-oriented, is Belle Armoire.  If I could wake up in Design Heaven one day, it would look like the items in Belle Armoire.  The Winter, 2012 issue contains an amazing garment they call Gypsy Girl Doily Pants.  I can’t find a picture of it, but you can imagine a pair of pallazzo style pants, mostly sheer, composed of a frothy, ethereal mixture of diaphanous fabric joining numerous lovely doilies – all in white.  Lovely as a dream.

Here are a couple other things you might want to check out on the newsstand.

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Simply Crochet magazine.  This issue has a number of cute projects, but the heart shaped and layered lapel pin is one I’ll be making.  You can sorta see it on the cover model’s white blouse.  Nice scrap yarn project and one to which I can add a single interesting button.

Inside Crochet magazine has also published a large magazine called ‘Complete Guide To Crochet’ that sells for $19.99 USD.  Inside Crochet magazine itself is $9.99 USD and is about half the size of the ‘Complete Guide’ publication.

cro complete guide to cro mag 0213

Frankly, I didn’t have enough time to give this one a thorough look.  But, I plan to head back to the book store tomorrow to take a closer look.  If it’s of the quality of Inside Crochet magazine, it’s likely worth the list price.

I’m still waiting to check out the newish crochet magazine that Walmart is offering.  I’m not in Walmart very often but will make a trip to check out the magazine and report back to you.

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. I’ve stopped subscribing to all but one knit or crochet magazine. All too often there’s nothing I want to make. Instead I hit the book stores 1x a month and buy what I have seen and know I want to duplicate.

  2. I like to check out Alibris.com They sell new and used books and often have really good deals. I have always had good luck with even the least expensive ones being in good condition. I cant really afford to get magazines. Lucky for me my local library offers several that I can check out.

  3. I love Inside Crochet! I frequent the bookstore, waiting for it to arrive! 🙂 The Brits do love their crochet, too!

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.