Early Book Review: Oversize Fashion Crochet: 6 Cozy Cardigans, Pullovers & Wraps Designed with Maximum Style and Ease by Salena Baca

Oversize Fashion Crochet: 6 Cozy Cardigans, Pullovers & Wraps Designed with Maximum Style and Ease by Salena Baca is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. As the title tells readers, this book offers up  6 crochet designs made with bulky yarn and big hooks. Designs include pullovers, cardigans, ponchos, and wraps in easy-to-wear, popular oversized fit. 

Oversize Fashion Crochet is a book that delivers on its promises. It offers readers six patterns, with pictures and finishing instructions. I thought the instructions were easy to understand and follow for all but the newest to crochet. I like that the designer took the time to explain how to get the best fit and explain some of the stitches so that newer crafters can make use of the patterns. I think everything is well done, my only sticking point is that none of these designs are unique. There are similar designs available already in books, magazines, and for free on the internet. It is good for what it is, but is not a book that would make it into my home collection. However, I might check it out from the library and I think it would be a solid addition to a public library collection. 

Book Review: Super Easy Crochet for Beginners: Learn Crochet with Simple Stitch Patterns, Projects, and Tons of Tips by Deborah Burger

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners: Learn Crochet with Simple Stitch Patterns, Projects, and Tons of Tips is a nonfiction resource by Deborah Burger. Want to learn how to crochet but are not sure how to start? With Super Easy Crochet for Beginners, adapted from Deborah Berger’s best-selling Crochet 101, you will feel confident in your skills quickly and eliminate frustrating mistakes and missteps. Learn what you need, how to read patterns, how to select yarn, and how to troubleshoot problems and turn yarn into charming knitted accessories and clothing. Building skills through fun projects, you will find success quickly and easily while actually making something, giving you the confidence to try another project. This is a comprehensive beginning crochet book, yet it won’t overwhelm you with details and instruction you don’t need or want, so you can start enjoying your crochet hobby immediately.

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners is the book I wish I had fifteen years ago when I taught myself to crochet via books, YouTube, and helpful advise fro fellow crafters after my childhood lessons on the subject failed me. Event after years or crochet, sewing, embroidery, and other crafts I had somehow never finished a project by felting, so I still learned something new even as a more experienced crocheter.  The projects are nicely varied and cover the skills and questions that new or struggling crocheters often need clarification on. My only issue is one I commonly have with this kind of guide- while the patterns are well written and the instructions easy to follow and great starting points they are also generally (with some exceptions) something that few of us actually want more of in our house, or that others would be overjoyed to receive as gifts. They are great starting points, and good ways to try new stitches and skills or to bolster confidence before trying something new, but not something many of us would make repeatedly to hone our skills. repeating a pattern you feel you mastered and enjoyed, and looks more difficult that it is results in a box of fancy shawls that it is way too hot to wear. Trust me, I know from experience.

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners definitely lives up to the title and is a great starting point.