Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Seamless Crochet

by

Kristin Omdahl fans will be pleased to know that she has just released a new crochet book, Seamless Crochet, described as “techniques and motifs for join-as-you-go-designs.”

I can’t think of anyone who has told me that they’re in love with the idea of joining 100 squares to make a baby blanket or even a dozen to make a shawl.  It’s something we all do from time to time because we like the look of a certain project or someone begs us for such a project.  My friend Dj and I decided years ago that we would never start any crochet project which began with instructions reading something like “make __ of these” especially if the number was double digits.  All those projects composed of piles of tiny granny squares or hexagons will not find there way into my WIP’s.  Not happening.

At least, not until now.  Omdahl has developed some join as you go techniques that require the kind of analytical skills which I definitely lack.  Envisioning the completed project and how the smaller components can be joined at various angles to simplify the process is foreign territory to me.

Some of the beautiful designs in this book are variations of ‘standards’ and others are newer and unique.  The stunning cover design, a shawl composed of 144 ‘Blissful Flower’ squares (and triangles), looks like a lot of shawls we’ve seen composed of numerous motifs.  The trick here is how Omdahl joins those motifs.  That, of course, is the theme of the book.  Other designs are unique.  The Ninja Star shawl is lovely.  The Star Moebius is stunning.  The Jamie and Shark Hunter caps will be coveted by the guys around you.  The Buttercup Baby Blanket will make you the envy of any baby shower – and will assure that you’ll be reproducing it for years to come!

And, if the great pictures and schematics in the book aren’t enough for you to master Omdahl’s techniques, there’s an instructional DVD included with the book!  With this book, modular designs are no longer the boring side of crochet.  Fewer ends to weave in, more secure joins, and finer (and far fewer) seams make this book a great resource for any crocheter – beginner or advanced.

Want to win this book?  Stay tuned!

Book Specs:

Interweave Books, November, 2011

152 pages, softback with DVD

ISBN 9781596682979

$24.95 USD

 

 

Comments

  4. My mother loves to crochet and her birthday is coming up pretty soon, I would love to give that as a gift to her because she does so much for me just by loving and caring <3.

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.