Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

THE BEADED EDGE

by

This beautiful book, full of crochet beaded confections, is due for publication very soon.  It’s another beauty from Interweave Press.

If there’s anything you want to edge with beads, this book has a project or an idea to suit you.  The delicious colors and beads used will have all crocheters running to the bead shop to pick out just the right beads to edge everything in the house!

Have you ever considered adding butterflies to the hem of your sweater, berry clusters to your pants pockets, or stars to your scarf?  You will now! The frothiest confection in this book is the wedding ensemble – a delicate, exquisitely edged veil with gloves, ring pillow, and bridal pouch to match.  Other projects include candle drapes, a lariat necklace, curtain and shade edgings – even adding a delicate beaded edge to a jelly jar makes it special.  There is something in this book for everyone who likes to see the words crochet and bead in the same sentence.  You will not be disappointed.

The designer of all these beauties is Midori Nishida of Japan (and will remind you of an Ondori book if you’re familiar with those) who was influenced by Turkish edgings and includes a detailed article about the Turkish edgings.

The true strength of this book – after you’ve stopped drooling over the designs – is the 27 pages of instructions.  These are detailed with charts, photos, written patterns, and diagrams.  The photographs are very detailed just where you need them to be.  I can’t recall another book (except for Ondori) where this much care or this many pages are devoted to actually creating the designs. Further, at $17.95, it’s a bargain!

BOOK SPECS:

The Beaded Edge, Inspired Designs for Crocheted Edgings and Trims by Midori Nishida/CRK Designs

Interweave Press, 2010

Glossy soft back with 87 pages and numerous color photos, B&W photos, diagrams, and charts

$17.95 USD

Comments

  4. I am disappointed in the book in a way… while it is lovely they do not include the if they have a picture in the book it leads you to believe the pattern is in the book , its misleading because in this book they leave all the cover picture patterns out, I was not happy with that

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.