Well, you might not agree. The three books I reviewed over the past few weeks as ‘reruns’ were all excellent books. But, this week’s book is CHARMING!! Even I find it amazing that I find this book so charming. I hated dolls when I was a kid as I was SUCH a tomboy. I can’t say I’m a doll fan now, but something in this book just speaks to me. Maybe it says as much about how I think a child’s like should be as it does about the charm of crocheting for one’s favorite doll or teddy.
The Mary Frances Knitting and Crocheting Book
by Jane Eayre Fryer is one of my all time favorite crochet books. And, unlike most books that mix crochet with knit, crochet does not get short shrift. There are lots of crochet projects in this little gem. Further charm is added by the (mostly)black and white photos and the quaint drawings of Jane Allen Boyer. The book claims over 55 projects for all levels of expertise. I think they are right.
The subtitle of the book ‘Adventures Among the Knitting People’ pretty much tells it all – except that the wording should have included among the crocheting people also. The book certainly does.
This book tells a story that you will enjoy reading to or sharing with a youngster in your life, perhaps as you teach the art of crochet. There are plenty of ‘how-to’ instructions, photos, and illustrations. And, I don’t think you will find a more complete set of projects to properly clothe your dolls and teddies – and maybe even your own babies or grandchildren!
From crocheted leggings (to teach the decrease) to the infant doll’s complete crocheted outfit of socks, cap, and sacque to the doll’s crocheted garters, you will find a wealth of pretty patterns, each focusing on learning a new stitch.
One defect in the book is that the chapter on ‘Red Cross Knitting’ includes no crochet patterns among its patterns for wash cloth, wristlets, ehlmets and hot water bottle cover. Such a shame! We crocheter are/were willing to crochet for the Red Cross effort too! It would also have been pleasing to have a greater number of color plates also. The ones included are especially attractive in vintage tones and styles.
For you who also knit, both the ‘standard’ and continental version are included, along with an equally good collection of knit patterns for dolls and teddies.
This book is 270 pages published in 2003. ISBN is 0875885373. It’s readily available at online booksellers, new and used, from about $4 to more than $70. This one should not be missed. Note: the same author has written books about sewing, cooking, and several other titles that might be of interest.
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