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. 

Early Book Review: Every Which Way Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman

Every Which Way Crochet Borders: 100 Patterns for Customized Edgings by Edie Eckman is currently scheduled for release on January 24 2017. Step-by-step instructions and symbol charts put these new border designs within reach for beginning and advanced crocheters alike. If you’re ready to chart your own crocheted course, Edie Eckman offers plenty of helpful design advice, including how to choose an appropriate border for each project and how to incorporate an element from the main stitch pattern into a new border design. She then explains, with the help of close-up photos, how the same pattern can have dramatically different results depending on the weight of the yarn. With each pattern diagrammed to approach in both rounds and rows, Every Which Way Crochet Borders is an inventive and invaluable resource. 

Every Which Way Crochet Borders is a solid resource for crafters of all skill levels. The advice and instructions are well written, understandable, and practical. Some of the information might be old hat to experienced crocheters, however even the most experienced crafter sometimes need reminders. I think everyone can find a new boarder to use or a technique that will add some extra flare or perfect finish for the projects. While I already own several books of stitches and borders, I just might have to add another. 

Early Book Review: Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies by Judith Durant, Edie Eckman

Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies: 101 Projects for Infants & Toddlers is a nonfiction book that is currently scheduled for release on May 3 2016. This book collects one hundred and one patterns that use one skein of yarn or less. Projects include Hats and caps, bootees and socks, mitts, dresses, tops and bottoms as well as blankets, bibs, soft toys, bottle cozies, diaper bags, and more. Most of the patterns are accessible to crocheters of all skill levels, although there are some stitches and patterns that will keep more experienced crafters thinking as they work as well. A nice collection for crocheters that are looking for small projects and cute gifts to make.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies is a nicely organized and varied collection of crochet patterns for young recipients. Single skein projects are great for keeping in the car, working on while traveling, or for stash busting. I will admit to using these projects for all three. The patterns are interesting enough for all crocheters, with plenty that can be done by all skill levels. These are all original patterns were contributed by 54 designers from around the world. Each project comes with complete instructions, charts, schematics, and beautiful photographs so that no matter how you like to work (I like following a pattern while the charts only confuse my many times) you can complete a perfect project. Particular favorite patterns of mine from the book are the April Showers Cape, Dad and Me Necktie, and the Kitty Kat Lovey.

I would recommend Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies for crocheters that love crafting for the little ones, and will get much use from these patterns.  

Book Review: Crochet Mandalas by Marinke Slump, Anita Mundt

Crochet Mandalas by Marinke Slump and Anita Mundt is a collection of 20 original patterns based on a mandala motif. The projects include homewares; like a table cover, coasters, rug, and cushion, along with a vest, shrug, and other wearable art. Each pattern is charted and accompanied by full color photographs of the finished product. Instructions include lists of supplies and abbreviations, plus explanations of special stitches and gauge. Skill levels range from simple to advanced, providing an exciting array of possibilities for novices as well as experienced crocheters.

Crochet Mandalas is a well organized collection of projects with clear instructions, patterns, and vibrant photographs. There were a number of helpful explanations and charts that would help less experienced crafters master the skills and have successful finished projects. While retro is in, again, I have to say that I found that some of the projects felt dated and there were only three that I would want to actually try. Sadly those three are ones that I have seen similar finished products and instructions for previously. I think the book is a good option for those that want to make this particular style or set of projects, but it is not one that I would recommend to every crochet fan out there. 

Book Review: Baby Crochet Design: Hats and Boots by Graziana Materassi

Baby Crochet Design: Hats and Boots by Graziana Materassi that offers patterns matching caps and booties range in style from cute little animal motifs to fruit and flower-adorned costumes. Sixteen unique crochet patterns feature complete instructions for hats and booties, accompanied by full-color illustrations. A pretty pink piglet, wide-eyed owl, busy bee, sweet strawberry, and a tropical pineapple are but a few of the playful designs. The hat patterns can be adapted to accommodate the heads of older children as well.

Baby Crochet Design is a useful resource for those looking to make a variety of fun hats and matching booties for babies and young children. The owl and fruit hats were very cute, but I have to say that there were new designs that seemed fresh and new to me. They are ll worth making and learning the patterns for, but I did not find them overly special. Unfortunately there were also some minor formatting issues with the digital galley I received, which I havre to assume were fixed before the final version was released. There was nothing lacking or wrong with the patterns, my only problem was that I frequent several craft stores and craft communities and have seen similar patterns over the years.

Baby Crochet Design is a good resource for those looking to make a variety of baby hats and matching booties. I did not find the designs included to be anything new or previously unavailable, but they were cute.

Book Review: Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers by Judith Copeland

Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers by Judith Copeland is a reprint of a crochet book from 1978. This book shows basic crachet technigues with plenty of detailed photographs to demonstrate how to crochet clothing using modular crochet techniques. The garments are worked in the same basic shape, which consists of eight modules, or rectangles. Yarn, color, size, and stitches used can turn the basic format into a variety of finished projects.

Modular Crochet is a technique that I have never really used, having taught myself to crochet via internet instructions and a few fantastic books while I was pregnant with my oldest child (who is just shy of 9). The idea is sound, and has been around for awhile, since this is a republication. I have to admit that I am intrigued and might be testing out the method when I finish up my current project. The technique is described well, and the photographs used do a good job of illustrating the technique. However, I will admit that I found the book to be dated, which is not completely unexpected. I think anyone that has the basic crochet stitches mastered, but is still intimidated by patterns and clothing could use this book to help master freeform or improvisational crochet. Not a bad guide, but definitely dated, although I guess we could just call it retro?

Modular Crochet is a well done guide, and would be useful to those wanting to try making clothing without using a prewritten pattern. The diagrams, instructions, and photographs work together to explain everything very well. My only complaint is that the book does not seem to be updated from the 1978 version in this publication.

Early Book Review: The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein is a crochet resource that is currently scheduled for release on December 2 2014 in digital and paper formats. This book is a guide that covers all of the basic crochet techniques, from choosing yarns to finishing! It deals with the basic questions that each and every crocheter faces, as well as those that have been hooking for years might never have seen dressed elsewhere. Included are more than 70 stitch-along swatches that each teach and reinforce the skills of a particular technique, along with five projects (a hat, shawl, neck warmer, bag, and scarf) that put those techniques to use. The swatches offer not just a variety of stitch patterns but also a variety of shapes and can serve as the building blocks for sophisticated and creative projects of your own design.

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is a wonderful resource for crocheters of all skill levels, from beginners through those that consider themselves experts. As someone that supplements her income selling crochet items, I found a few explanations and bits of advice to be invaluable and in some cases answering questions that I have had for years and never found the answer to before. Crochet fans will find some great tools in calculating yarn, including after having made modifications to hook sizes and/or yarn weight. The explanations, detailed pictures, and labeled diagrams do a great job of illustrating the techniques and at no point does the tone come off as conceding, which does sometimes happen with books or videos detailing basic stitches and information.

I highly recommend The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop to anyone that enjoys crochet, particularly those of us that are always looking to improve our skills and understanding. I have already preordered my paper copy for myself, because my digital e-galley is wonderful but not quite as useful to me as an actual paper copy with post-it notes and the ability to leave hand written notes and ideas in the margins.

Book Review: Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree by Edie Eckman

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree  by Edie Eckman is a helpful pattern collect for Christmas crochet projects. The projects include Christmas stockings, ornaments, and more. Beginners and experienced crocheters will get a lot out of the useful technique tutorials and will want to jump right in and start one of these twenty projects. 

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree is a collection of projects that would be great for decorating you home for the holiday, or for giving away as gifts. Projects include a variety of stockings, ornaments and garland for trees, small tabletop trees, and embellishments for pillows and walls. I found the patterns to be easily understood and includes both the written pattern and a symbol chart. Each is also labeled with the recommended skill level, so crafters can decide what they want to complete. I was also very happy to see a variety pf stick techniques used, some of which add a special texture or look than the more ordinary crafts. 

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree is a well organized book, with very detailed patterns to help even the less experienced crafters successfully complete the projects. This is a solid resource for crocheters looking for holiday craft ideas.