Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Whose crochet is it, anyway?

by

Sometimes a book comes along that really throws you.  This is such a book.  I didn’t even know that the author’s website existed!  All of a sudden, I’m cast into a collection of pretty awful works of ‘art’ complete with snarky commentary, all with a starting point of www.etsy.com.  Who knew?

But, I gotta admit it.  I think I’m hooked!

Let’s face it.  Art is clearly in the eye of the beholder – and the creator.  Often, the twain shall never meet.  You know what I mean.  Who decided that roadkill should be memorialized in oil on canvas?  Who decided that a crocheted, beaded, buttoned, and embroidered thong was worth mentioning?  Who would crochet an (ugly) unearthly creature giving birth?  Well….the point is – someone did.  And the author, April Winchell, decided to tell us about these artful endeavors.

Winchell is, to be kind here, irreverent.  Sometimes, she’s just downright crude in her wording.  But, somehow – if you can overlook the vulgar and crass – which Winchell does not – this book contains a pretty interesting take on the kitch that is offered for sale on etsy.  Hence the name, Regretsy.  Get it?

There’s not a whole lot of crochet in this book.  But, there is a whole lot of ‘what were they thinking?’  I’m not a fan of kitchy portrayals of human body parts, the aforementioned roadkill, or dressed up real animals.  But, someone, somewhere IS.  Enough to create ‘art’ of it and offer it for sale.  One wonders, again, who buys this stuff.  Not me, I can assure you.

In addition to pictures of the ‘art’ there are commentaries by the ‘artists’, many of whom consider it an honor (and a financial windfall) to be mentioned in the book and on the website.  Apparently, Winchell is the Oprah of kitch.  If Winchell mentions your work on her site or in her book, you get a boost in sales on etsy.  Only in America…

HER WEBSITE IS www.regretsy.com.

I leave further evaluations to my readers.  Check it out for yourself.   Let us know what you think…..if you think…..

BOOK STATS:

Regretsy, Where DIY Meets WTF

Villard Books (Random House), 2010

157 pages, lots of color photos, no patterns or schematics, but each item is credited to its creator

ISBN:9780345523181

$14.00 USD

Comments

  1. Hum … I may have to order this book. But, I gotta admit, I’m a bit scared! What will I find within these pages? Yikes!

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.