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Tunisian Crochet For Baby – Meet The Author!

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This new book is full of goodies for baby, created by best selling crochet designer Sharon Silverman.  I asked Sharon why she chose Tunisian crochet for babies to create these designs.  She kindly offered the following information:

Looking for more Patterns for blankets? Check these Crochet Blanket Patterns out on Etsy.

Tunisian crochet can be used to create fabrics and textures that are impossible in regular
crochet. Because the stitches are linked horizontally as well as vertically, Tunisian crochet
does not have the “loopy” look that regular crochet does. Some Tunisian fabrics look knitted or
woven. I am always glad for the opportunity to share Tunisian techniques with other crocheters.
Baby items, including garments, are very popular and seemed to be the logical next step
after my books on scarves and pillows (both from Stackpole Books), and a recent Leisure Arts
title, Tunisian Baby Blankets. Because of their small size, baby projects are the perfect things on
which to practice a new skill. The investment in time and materials is smaller than for a full-size
adult item.
Tunisian crochet stitch patterns seem very well suited to baby items, refreshingly
different from other crocheted designs. Although Tunisian has a reputation for being bulky and
heavy, that’s an unfair characterization. With the right combination of yarn, hook size, and stitch
pattern, Tunisian fabric can be lacy, open, and lightweight. There are a lot of interesting textures
that will appeal to parents and grandparents. The patterns in the book have a variety of styles,
techniques, and skill levels; I think crocheters will welcome the opportunity to try these new
designs. Each pattern has written instructions and at least one symbol chart. Photo tutorials are
also included.
And with new babies entering the world all the time, crocheters always need things to
make for those precious bundles!
About Sharon:
Sharon Silverman is a designer, author, and instructor based in West Chester,
Pennsylvania. This is her seventh crochet title, with several more in the works. She is a
professional member of the Crochet Guild of America and a design member of The National
NeedleArts Association. You can find her at www.SharonSilverman.com; on Ravelry at
CrochetSharon; and on Facebook and Pinterest at Sharon Silverman Crochet. Silverman is also
the author of several travel guidebooks and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. She
currently writes the “Shop!” column for The Hunt Magazine, a Brandywine Valley lifestyle
publication. She and her husband are the parents of two college-age sons

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Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.