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Book Review – Simple Crocheting

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Erika Knight uses 20 projects in her new book, Simple Crocheting, to guide new and intermediate crocheters through the process of creating projects that are less complicated than one might expect from this accomplished designer.  But, what might ‘simple’ mean?  Don’t jump to conclusions!  One of the simple skills you’ll master using this book is the insertion of a zipper into a crochet project.  Most people consider this an advanced skill.  Knight breaks it down so that in one paragraph, almost anyone can successfully sew a zipper into crocheted fabric.  Really!

The 20 projects in this book range from the basic dishcloth to slipper boots, a contemporary clutch, a triangle scarf, square motifs, an asymmetrical cardigan to a lovely scarf created from and edging pattern.  The projects use a range of readily available yarns and are accompanied by graphs when appropriate and notes called Masterclass which indicate how adaptations of each pattern can be made.

The soft tones in this book, enhanced by the pale-toned photography, are very enticing.  The slippered boots and the bejewelled brooches are two patterns that made their way immediately to my To-Do List!

Book Specs:

St Martin Press, June, 2012

144 pages, 8.5X11 soft cover with satin (peanut butter and jelly proof!) finish binding

ISBN9781250016218

$24.99 USD

We love the concept of making long-lasting re-usable dishcloths that are practical and help save the environment. We highly suggest using a 100% Cotton yarn as it stays fresh longer. Looking for more Dishcloth patterns? Check these crochet patterns out on Etsy. Dishcloths come in so many different designs and themes which makes them perfect little handmade gifts. Everyone can always use a dishcloth right?

Comments

  3. 95139
    Zip code first so I won’t forget! vbg
    This book looks interesting. I checked it out on Amazon but they really only showed 2 projects. I certainly liked the colors, very relaxing to look at.

  4. Sounds fantastic. If I could learn how to put a zipper in then I would consider myself almost a master of the craft-notice I said ‘almost’!

Have you read?

Christmas Tree Crochet Scarf – A Fun and Festive Pattern Worth Revisiting

Some crochet patterns are practical, some are pretty, and some are just pure holiday fun. This Christmas Tree Crochet Scarf from CraftBits falls firmly into that last category, and honestly, that is exactly why it caught my eye again. It is quirky, cheerful, and the kind of novelty scarf that makes people smile before you have even had a chance to explain that yes, you really did make it yourself. The pattern comes from CraftBits and creates a scarf made up of Christmas tree motifs joined together into one gloriously festive wearable.

If this scarf looks a little familiar, you might already have spotted it in our roundup of 18 Free Christmas Crochet Scarf Patterns To Make As Gifts or in our collection of 15 Fun And Silly Crochet Scarf Patterns. It has definitely popped up on Crochet.CraftGossip before, and for good reason. It is one of those patterns that manages to be both wearable and wonderfully ridiculous, which is a very fine line in the world of festive crochet.

What I like most about this design is that it does not try to be subtle. It fully embraces the novelty Christmas vibe, and sometimes that is exactly what a seasonal project needs. The scarf is made using repeated tree shapes, so it has that satisfying motif-based construction that many crocheters enjoy. It also gives you the chance to play with embellishments like pom poms and stars, which adds even more personality to the finished piece. According to the CraftBits pattern, the scarf uses Red Heart Super Saver yarn, a size I hook, and simple decorative extras including felt and pom poms.

This would be such a fun project for a holiday party outfit, an ugly sweater event, a handmade gag gift, or just for someone who genuinely loves festive accessories. We all know at least one person who would wear this proudly while serving Christmas lunch or turning up to school pickup in December like the absolute queen of holiday spirit.

It is also the sort of pattern that feels a little nostalgic in the best possible way. CraftBits has had this project around for years, and it still holds up because novelty crochet never really goes away. It just waits patiently for the rest of us to catch up again. And let’s be honest, there is something refreshing about a project that does not take itself too seriously. Not every scarf needs to be neutral, elegant, or sensible. Some scarves are allowed to be actual Christmas trees.

So yes, you may have seen this one before in our scarf roundups, but I think it deserves its own little spotlight too. If you are in the mood to make something playful, memorable, and completely unapologetic for the holiday season, this one is worth another look.