Simple Fresh Crochet Love

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

This Free Whip It Up Crochet Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like pure comfort crochet. It is a free download for a crochet afghan, and Mary Maxim describes it as a beautifully textured blanket with a plush, soft texture designed to be worked up quickly.

The yarn choice is what really sets the tone here. This pattern uses Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, with 5 skeins and a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That puts it firmly in the jumbo-yarn category, which usually means fast progress, chunky stitches, and that lovely instant-gratification feeling where the blanket actually starts looking like a blanket very quickly. Mary Maxim lists the yarn as weight 7 jumbo.

The finished size is also generous at 52 x 60 inches, so this is more than a tiny lap throw. It sounds like a proper snuggle-on-the-sofa blanket, and one that would make a nice gift as well. Mary Maxim specifically suggests it as a throw for home décor or as a thoughtful handmade present.

Skill-wise, this one looks very approachable. The page lists it as Beginner / Easy, and the stitch requirements are simple: chain, double crochet, repeat, single crochet, and slip knot. That makes it a good option for newer crocheters who want a chunky blanket project without too much fuss, or for more experienced crocheters who just want something relaxing and cozy on the hook.

I also think this is the kind of pattern that has strong appeal for anyone who likes fast, useful projects. Jumbo yarn blankets are not subtle, but that is part of their charm. They feel squishy, dramatic, and very giftable. Sometimes you want a delicate heirloom project, and sometimes you want a big soft blanket that feels like crocheting with a cloud. This one definitely leans toward the second category. That last part is my take based on the listed materials, size, and description.

Comments

Have you read?