Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Simple Fresh Crochet Love

by

cro love bk 1013

This new book takes a truly fresh look at some humble crochet projects.  The cover gives just a hint of the goodies inside.  There’s little flash here – but the ideas are winners.  You’ll be inspired to rethink some of your uses of thread and simple objects around your home.  This book will guide you to feather your nest and embellish your wardrobe. Even your cupcakes will get a crochet re-do!

From the cover, you can see how crochet designer Jenny Doh takes humble, everyday objects and spiffs them up with her hook and yarn.  This is a reflection of a design philosophy called Zakka, a Japanese term that Doh explains clearly to us with the nature of her designs.  The designs are both simple yet sophisticated, humble yet charming, sprinkled with unexpected bits of delight.

I’ve written before about crochet covered rocks.  This is one of my all time favorite ways to use thread!  Doh takes it one step farther as you’ll see in the book.  A simple, easy, but effective ‘upgrade’.  And, those mason jars.  I can think of other ways to use this idea.  What about using Doh’s pattern with Christmas yarn to create charming candle holders or Gifts In A Jar goodies?  I think these would be great sellers for school and church bazaars too.

That heart shaped item on the book cover is a simple, sweet purse.  Made in holiday themed colors, it would set off any outfit.  School colors would make them popular gifts or bazaar items too.  Inside the book is a door stop that can only be described as dazzling.  Take a single brick, covered with a fairly simple crochet design, and, Voila!, you have an outstanding decor item that just happens to be a doorstop.

There are many other similar ideas in this book – some of which can be crocheted in just minutes.  I am inspired by this book to pull out the bag of jars I have on hand and create some holiday themed gift containers or home decor items.  These are perfect ways to use up those partial skeins I have in the stash.  You, too, will be tickled at how simple yet creative Doh’s projects are.  I mean, who ever thought to embellish a birthday cake (the real, edible kind) with crochet?  I can’t wait to try that one!

Book Specs:

Crochet Love by Jenny Doh

Lark Books, 2013

128 page, satin finished paperback with numerous helpful photos

ISBN 9781454707554

List Price: $17.95 USD

 

 

 

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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.