Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Book Review – 150 CROCHET TRIMS

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150 CRO TRIMS 0909150 Crochet Trims , Published in 2007, this book is a delicious collection of crochet edgings and some motifs (especially flowers), complete with color pictures and written instructions.  What’s missing?  Schematics.  Susan Smith has assembled a pretty collection of trims that is well displayed in this attractive book, but schematics would have improved things.

The Double Rings Belt on page 97 (project # 149) is an intricate looking belt that can be made fairly simply.  It’s a stunner.  I also like project #114, Framed Flower, and #119, Golden Leaf.  These are different than others I’ve seen.  There are some cute things here that can be adapted for a variety of uses.

If you don’t already own a similar book, this might be a nice addition to your crochet library.  It’s widely available used online.  Originally, it listed for $21.95.  It is 128 pages, published by St. Martin’s Griffin in the USA, with ISBN 9780312359829.

Have you read?

Crochet Baby Beanie – A Sweet Beginner-Friendly Hat Pattern for Baby Showers and Handmade Gifts

This Crochet Baby Beanie is one of those simple little patterns that makes a really lovely handmade gift. It uses soft Bernat Softee Baby yarn for the hat, a fluffy Pipsqueak edging, and an optional crochet flower on the side, giving it that cute baby-shower-ready finish.

What makes this one appealing is that the shape is worked in easy rounds, starting with a magic circle and increasing up to 48 stitches before moving into the textured post-stitch section. The fluffy edging softens the whole look, and the added flower gives it a sweet decorative touch without making the project feel too fussy.

I also like that it feels like a pattern you could easily customize. You could skip the flower for a simpler baby beanie, change the colors for a more modern look, or keep the pink-and-white version for a classic handmade baby gift. It has that practical “quick weekend project” feel, which is always handy when a baby shower sneaks up on you.

If you’re looking for an easy crochet baby hat pattern with a soft, cozy finish, this one is definitely worth a look. It’s cute, giftable, and the fluffy trim gives it a little extra charm.