Heirloom Afghans to Knit or Crochet
I hit the jackpot, as it were, at the library this week when I went to the crochet section. There were a number of books I had heard or read about but never had in my hands. I grabbed them and headed to the check-out without even looking inside. One of them is new – Knit One, Stripe Too – and is a aimed at knitters. I’ve blogged about it separately. Well worth the price (which in this case was FREE).
You can’t go wrong with a book edited by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. Their 2005 publication, ‘Heirloom Afghans to Knit & Crochet’ is a wonderful book, oversized and full of color pictures of lovely afghans. For once, there are at least as many crocheted as knitted. Usually, in book titled ‘knit and crochet’, crochet gets really short shrift. I’ve seen one that had 50 patterns, 4 of which were crocheted!! Unfair!
The forty crochets in this book are a very nice distribution of techniques, yarns, and occasions. One thing that draws me back to this book is the use of color in the interpretation of the design. Every quilter and crochet is familiar with the ‘log cabin’ design. In this book, the ‘Cabin in the Woods’ log cabin is a stunning combination of bright, crisp white and red, set off with black and taupe. Another outstanding pattern is ‘Pretty Pinwheels’. The squares in this afghan are similar to a pattern on the Elegant Crochet website, but with a few twists. It’s an unusual 3D afghan as most 3D’s are floral. And, the ‘Carved Ivory Roses’ is exquisite and would be a truly wonderful wedding gift. Were I a knitter, I’d go for the ‘Black and White Diamonds’ afghan on page 99. Will someone please tell me how to accomplish this look in crochet?
As with Jean and Rita, I have come to trust Reader’s Digest craft books, especially as reference tools. The Reader’s Digest ‘The Big Book of Weekend Crochet’ edited by Hilary Mackin and Sue Whiting (2007) is full of delightful patterns that are not quite doable in a weekend. Well, maybe if you never slept…..
But, I am definitely going to be crocheting the Casual Comfort Jacket on page 47. It’s the boxy style that suits me and is shown in a brushed chunky yarn so it should work up quickly with little finishing. The most fun will be picking out just the right buttons for it. I love buttons!
This book also contains patterns for a great halter top, ‘Chevron Classic’ which will flatter my daughter’s pretty shoulders and a number of other adult sweaters which make me want to go yarn shopping right now. The book also contains patterns for the obligatory scarves, caps, and belts along with a nice selection of attractive baby clothes. There are a few patterns for home accessories which seem more like an afterthought. Nice but nothing outstanding.
All in all, these two books would make a nice addition to your crochet library. They are inexpensive to obtain new or used online.
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