Early Book Review: Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals by Kristen Rask

Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals by Kristen Rask is currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. These patterns come from talented artists around the world, with tips and tricks for learning amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting adorable companions. Crochet yourself a wide-eyed owl, a huggable fox, a napping fawn, a pig with an adorable curly tail, and more. These animals make for great decorations around your home, unique gifts for your friends and family, and something to keep in the car or backpack as a furry companion! The book offers a glossary of crochet terms for beginners, easy instructions to follow, and helpful photos to make sure you're on track with each of these projects. The patterns: Cow, Pig, Chick, Giraffe, Bird, Koala, Bear Pod, Dog, Alpaca, Peter Pilot Duck, Owl, Bunny, Beaver, Bear, Fish, Hedgehog, Cats, Fox, Raccoon, Fawn, Squirrel, Kitten, Mouse, Skunk, and Tortoise.

Amigurumi Crochet: Farm and Forest Animals is a solid crochet pattern and instruction book. It offers readers exactly what the title promises, and does it well. I liked that it included the tools and tricks that help beginning crocheters find comfort and success in the process. I thought the instructions and corresponding pictures were very well done, and would be easy for beginners to follow and understand. I do think that more advanced crafters are likely to skip the beginning of the book and go just for the pattern they want or need. Most of the patterns are also similar to those I have seen before, but they are all well done. I would recommend this book for crocheters that are just starting to make the stuffed toys, or plan on making many of them. Otherwise, I would recommend this book for libraries, for checking out when you need to make one of these for the first time, or to revisit a specific pattern. 

Book Review: Cuddly Crochet Critters 26 Animal Patterns by Megan Kreiner

Cuddly Crochet Critters: 26 Animal Patterns by Megan Kreiner introduces 26 soft, huggable, pillow-like animals that are easy projects for beginners and will be loved by children and adults of all ages. Fashioned from super-bulky, machine-washable, chenille-style yarn, the stuffed animals can be completed in just a few hours. These cuddly critters make great pillows for a child's nap time, homey accessories for a dorm room, comfy companions for travel, and great gifts, too! Based on the popular Japanese "tsum tsum" style, each project starts with a standard body shape and requires just some basic crochet stitches. As an added bonus, there are 12 additional "critter combinations" to make! Mix and match pattern pieces to create a koala, a zebra, a narwhal, and more. 

Cuddly Crochet Critters offers readers clear and accessible patterns and instructions for reasonably large crochet stuffed animals. I like the idea of the blanket yarn used in these patterns- it makes for faster work and larger projects, and less hand cramps than smaller works. With this in mind- I liked that the book offers tips and tricks for working with the special yarn, but I think they could have gone one step further and made the stitch instructions in the front of the book with the yarn readers would be using. This is done in the project instructions- but not the stitch tutorials in the very beginning. Having worked with both I have to say that there is a big difference in working in such different weights and it will take some getting used to for those that have never worked with it before. With all that said- the patterns are well written, and I think they will offer readers plenty guidance to complete these projects along with room further customization as they continue to create. The book offers a good starting point and clear instructions, but it is not something I can see adding to my permanent collection- rather I would borrow it from a library and return for the next happy crafter.

Cuddly Crochet Critters is a good introduction for fairly quick working amigurumi. 

Book Review: Corner to Corner Crochet: 15 Contemporary C2C Projects by Jess Coppom

Corner to Corner Crochet: 15 Contemporary C2C Projects by Jess Coppom is a good introduction to 

corner to corner crochet--also known as C2C crochet. This style can be a good way to create colorful, graphic designs without having to learn complex colorwork techniques. Using basic crochet stitches you can create stunning, contemporary designs for home decor items and accessories. This is a collection of 15 modern projects all made using the C2C technique. Choose from patterns for six different afghans or blankets including a monochrome chunky throw and a beautiful Mexican style blanket. Other projects include pillows, a bathroom rug and some stunning items to wear such as a poncho, shawl and cowl.

Corner to Corner Crochet: 15 Contemporary C2C Projects was the perfect reading choice for me this weekend. I have been looking to start a new afghan, and frogged the last couple I started just because I did not really like the look or feel of them after I got a few inches in. I have always been in awe of those that take the time for serious color work in their crochet, but have never been willing to take that leap. I think with this book I am about to make that jump, because complex color work and color grams make so much more sense and seem much more accessible with the c2c technique than in more traditional stitches. The tips and tricks to help organize the colors and keep things untangled and working smoothly were wonderful and well worded. I think newer crocheters will be able to follow the instructions fairly well, and more experienced crafters will still find new and useful bits of information and inspiration to keep their minds and hooks moving along.

Book Review: Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More by Sharon Hernes Silverman

Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More by Sharon Hernes Silverman

Light, airy pieces crocheted in fine yarns show off the beauty of your crochet stitches and are a dream to wear! The shawls, cardigans, tops, and other designs in this collection are light as a feather, super soft, and made to drape beautifully across your body. These lacy pieces are fun to crochet and very versatile. Change up the yarns to create looks for day or night, work or play, city or suburbs. Pattern contributors include Kristin Omdahl, Robyn Chachula, Marty Miller, Amy Solovay, Vashti Braha, and others known for their innovative, gorgeous crochet designs. Each of the 23 patterns includes full written instructions and charts as needed. All special stitches are fully explained and skill levels range from easy to advanced.

Delicate Crochet is a well written collection of patterns, and the special stitches are well explained. I liked some of the patterns very much; the Flirt Cardigan, Lacy Sleeveless Cardigan, and Lotus Wrap were my favorites. I also liked some of the lace stitches and borders that were used elsewhere. The beadwork in the necklace pattern and the Tunisian crochet are skills that might be new to many, and are not something I have yet mastered- however only because I have not invested the time into the process. I also have to say that a lace or open crochet stitch skirt is something I never thought to make or wear, even to wear with leggings, except if one were wearing it more as a wrap or something with a dress or pants. So, at least one of the patterns was a hard no for me.

However, none of the patterns rally struck me as completely new or fresh. For crocheters that do not have access to resources like Ravelry this might be worth the investment, but for most crafters I would recommend visiting the local library to borrow this book to learn a few new stitches and try their hand at some of the patterns. 

Book Review: The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers by Rachele Carmona

The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers by Rachele Carmona offers readers the chance to follow popular crochet blanket designer Rachele Carmona through her unique collection of crochet blankets inspired by the work of popular independent artists. The Art of Crochet Blankets will help you create your own colorful crochet blankets as unique works of art for your home! Inside this one-of-a-kind crochet blanket guide you'll find details on how to translate art to hook with 18 bold and unique crochet afghan patterns influenced by the works of their feature artist. Modern quilts, fabric designs, tapestry weaving, digital art, and more become the source of one-of-a-kind projects for a more artful home. Biographies and beautiful photos profiling 6 inspiring modern makers--Tula Pink, April Rhodes, Maryanne Moodie, Fransisco Valle, Maud Vantours, and Caitline Dowe-Sandes. 

The Art of Crochet Blankets: 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers is a lovely book with great designs, and stories that tell of how they were inspired and came together. Some of the designs were just not my style, which happens with any collection of art or designs, but others made me smile and think about what I might do in a similar vein. For instance, the Boho Desert, Abstract Blocks, and Layered Waves caught my eye, and I love them. I also enjoyed getting to know the artists and medium that inspired some of these designs. Seeing the beauty and creativity in the original, and how the shapes and colors were turned into something new was very interesting. I like how varied the starting points were, and in turn how different the end results turned out. While I am not likely to design my own blankets, I like reading or binge watching too much as I stitch, I do like seeing how inspiration can become a tangible creation and a design to share. However, I just might be giving one (or more) of these patterns a go.

I think this book would be a good addition to a personal library if you like creating and exploring new designs, and enjoy the inspiration of others that do as well. For those of us who are content to find a lovely pattern and maybe change a color, size, or so on I think this would be better borrowed from the library. It is wonderful and lovely to explore, but not a necessary addition to my craft room at this point. 

Book Review: Summertime Crochet: 30 Tops, Bags, Wraps, Hats, & More for Sunny Days & Balmy Nights by Helgrid van Impelen and Verena Woehlk Appel

Summertime Crochet: 30 Tops, Bags, Wraps, Hats, & More for Sunny Days & Balmy Nights by Helgrid van Impelen and Verena Woehlk Appel is a collection of instructions and patterns that take advantage of today's cotton and linen yarns. These yarns are perfect for lighter apparel like tanks, motif tops, and cute hats.  Breezy articles that can all be crocheted and are just right for warm-weather style.

Summertime Crochet is a well organized collection of patterns with bright, bold photographs that capture the feel, drape, and possible styles for the featured pieces. The instructions are understandable, with notes about skill level and options to adjust sizing. I really like that the notes about yardage often includes matching or related items from the book. I really likes some of the ideas and patterns, like the espadrilles. However, I found some of the patterns to look much like theses easily found on free pattern websites. I also found a few that had me thinking, just because you can does not mean you should- or maybe I am just old- because crochet bikini pieces make me shudder (and they always have).  I do like that the basic instructions for the stitches and terms is included at the end, for some of the beginner crafters than want or need the additional support.

Summertime Crochet is a small collection of patterns for working in cotton and linen yarn. I was not greatly impressed by it, but think that it would be helpful for those that prefer to work in these yarns, and do not want to go looking for the patterns every time they want to make a lightweight hat, shawl, or handbag. 

Book Review: Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs by Sandra Eng

Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs by Sandra Eng offers a twist on crocheted motifs as you shift through various shapes and color combinations. From the traditional granny square to more complex forms, these faceted motifs are the building blocks to creating unique and stunning designs. Along with a collection of 100 fresh motifs, this book includes a complete guide to choosing yarn colors, what order to put them in, and how many to include. Plus, get five home decor and accessory patterns including a table runner, pillow, and rug from crochet designer and author Sandra Eng. You can shift shapes and shades to make the perfect piece for your home.

Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs is a well organized and encouraging collection of ideas and instruction. It is not a great book for novices and those that need the basics thoroughly explained, but I think some beginners that are comfortable with the terminology and willing to try new things will be fine. I will admit that I am not one for working in motifs, mainly because I hate sewing the pieces together in order to get the final product, whether it be a cool jacket, sweater, afghan, or something else entirely. I prefer one piece or join as you go motifs, so my skill set here was lacking. However, some of the information shared I had a good understanding of, like color choices, but I found the instruction and encouragement to try new or different things through out the book to be very well put together and worded. The suggested colors and notes included with each motif were helpful, and I think will help make newcomers and those more cautious about color combinations and color order comfortable until they are ready to strike out and try something more unexpected or unique.  I really liked the projects that were included toward the end, and I just might give the Mod Flower Shawl or Zinnia Table Runner a go, since they can be join as you go projects, and could also work as a stash or scrap buster- both of which I really need to do. The stitch key and glossary at the end of the book is also helpful for explaining stitches or terms that readers might not be fully comfortable or familiar with. The measurement conversion chart and the additional resources ware also helpful.

Book Review: Snuggle and Play Crochet: 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Lovey Security Blankets and Matching Toys by Carolina Guzman Benitez

Snuggle and Play Crochet: 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Lovey Security Blankets and Matching Toys by Carolina Guzman Benitez is a nice collect of crochet projects. Snuggle up with a crochet comforter or play with a colourful character--this unique collection of 40 amigurumi patterns are simple to stitch and super cute! Featuring crochet toy patterns including boy and girl dolls, dogs and cats, bears and bunnies and many more, this amazing collection will give you over 40 different crochet toys to create.

Snuggle and Play Crochet: 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Lovey Security Blankets and Matching Toys is full of cute projects that have me itching to try them, but knowing that amigurumi is just not my thing. I mainly crochet while reading or watching television, so projects that require that much attention and detail are ones I tend to bypass. However, this huge collection just might get me to working making a small menagerie. I know I will be making one or more of the loveys in my near future.  There was a good amount of instruction and explanation for those that need it, and that he patterns and charts were accurate and clearly written. 

While there are many toy and blanket patterns out there, and in my collection to be honest, I liked this particular selection and the sheer number of options that this collection can take crocheters. I thought the zebra, rhino, and bunny were particularly nice, and know that I will be making the cat (possibly the hippo, fox, and frog) lovey in short order. I really loved all the little details included, the clothes and accessories for the toys. I only wish I had this book when my animal loving daughter was younger, and less likely to pay attention to what I am working on. The only thing I did not like about the patterns, is something I can easily customize on my own finished projects- the angle of the eyebrows. I thought all of the animals and people looked very concerned, and I would change that.