Book Review: Tunisian Crochet Baby Blankets

Book Review: Tunisian Crochet Baby Blankets

I have been woefully behind on updating this blog on some great books that have come out since my little man has joined our family. It seems like I go down a rabbit hole each week and am amazed how it becomes the next month so fast. Speaking of, like this great book.  Sharon emailed me at Thanksgiving about her new book and I am just getting to it now.  Terrible!  But I can speak as a mom and a crocheter, this book has great projects for babies.  Both of my kids favorite blankets are Tunisian crochet.  It must be something in the stitches, but it's just their go to ones.







This book has 8 baby blankets.  Each one has written directions with video instructions on how to do the stitches.  Really!  I love it. Take a look.  Here's the stitches in the book.  How great is that?  The book has written instructions as well for the stitches if you like reading instead of watching.  I like seeing it all pictures, words, and visual; so I love that feature in this book.  Another great feature is the price.  8$ for the ebook.  That's 1$ a pattern, now that's a steal!  Its 9$ for the paperback version on Amazon which is an awesome price too!

Two of my favorites are Bright Strands and Purple Garden besides the fantastic wave blanket on the front.  Bright Strands is a next step type of project.  If you have done a Tunisian project in the simple stitch, then you are ready for this one.  All it does is add a bit of colorwork to your stitches.  And talk about results!  Purple Garden is worked in Tunisian full stitch, check out the video.  This one is easy once you learn the stitch as it is repeated throughout.  It would be a great project to use that variegated yarn that is waiting in your yarn stash. I love projects like these that you can learn one new technique and make a great project too.  You can see all the projects over at ravelry.


Sharon was kind enough to include a copy of her ebook to one of you.  All you need to do to enter to win the ebook is leave me a comment (or send me an email) by Feb 14th and I will have CJ pick a winner.  Hope you enjoy the book!

Book Review: The New Tunisian Crochet

Lorelei Pullover by Dora Ohrenstein

Book Review:

The New Tunisian Crochet: Contemporary Designs from Time-Honored Traditions by Dora Ohrenstein

I have quite the soft spot for Tunisian Crochet.  I often find myself musing with a Tunisian hook when I am not working.  There is just something so rhythmic and calming in the technique.

When Dora told me about her new book, I got very excited.  So far there has been a number of books with simple projects or stitch dictionaries, but nothing really that has modern projects of the next level.  Meaning something more then just Tunisian Simple or Knit Stitch in a sweater.  Her new book goes beyond all that.  Now don't get me wrong, I love stitch dictionaries- but I have been dying to see a publisher take a chance on really going beyond that.

Najmee Rug by Dora Ohrenstein

Dora walks crocheters through Tunisian's history and basic stitches and tools.  Then she moves you into more challenging stitches of lace and cables.  Once you have those ideas down there is a mini stitch dictionary you can test out on swatches.  Then finally 11 projects that use the more advanced techniques the book describes in modern projects.  You can see all the projects over at Ravelry.

What I really love about the book is of course the charts.  Every project or stitch has a chart with it that can guide you through where to stitch your hook.  Since Tunisian can be very linear, the charts are really helpful because they literally point to where you insert your hook.  This comes really in handy with lace, cables, and shaping.

This book is smart and really something you will want on your bookshelf.  I can totally see myself going back to it and checking to see how Dora conquered a shaping or lace stitch.  I highly recommend you check it out.

Now if books are not quite your thing, you need to check out Dora's new DVD workshop, Tunisian Crochet with Dora Ohrenstein.  She takes all the many many lessons from her book and teaches them to you.  What is not to love about seeing the stitches made and explained right in front of you?  I know first hand from teaching my own Tunisian classes, that you can't get through all the information she includes in your normal class.  But through the DVD workshop, she can move you through so much more in a shorter time.  Bonus is you can stop and review as often as you need to really see and understand each technique.  Dora is a vocal coach and teacher, and you can tell on her teaching style.  Her delivery and teaching style will draw you in and really make the more advanced ideas seem easy.  (Which they are once you see them)  I really encourage you to check it out!

Book Review: Curvy Girl Crochet

Curvy Girl Crochet: 25 Patterns that Fit and Flatter by Mary Beth Temple came across my desk quite a while ago, and I feel very remiss that I did not get to review it here earlier.  Mary Beth, besides a designer, is a great crochet teacher.  I love books from teachers since they approach material differently and actually think about how a crocheter will make the pieces.  Now, from a curvy girl perspective myself I really appreciate her collection that all will work well on my body.  The very first rule I tell all my students is you need to know what flatters your shape.  Once you know that you have just cut your work in half.  You will know after you put in all that work if a new sweater will fit or hang strangely on you.  And who has time for the latter?  I don't.  I know that when I design garments, I rarely get a chance to design for girls like me.  Mostly I only get the opportunity for proportional measurements, meaning I rarely get to design for me.  Having an entire book that would flatter is a nice addition to the library.

Skirt the Issue, Andee Graves

The Essential Pullover, Mary Beth Temple

The projects are sized from a Large to 5X.  Every project has clear directions and a stitch diagram for the gauge swatch. You will find tips in the beginning of the book on how to adjust and customize the projects to your shape.  My favorites in the book you can see to the side.  Each are ones I could easily see myself wear.  Keep your eye out for the drape on the projects.  The right drape makes all the difference in a beautiful flattering sweater and you can see that here.  There are 25 projects in the book, 17 are garments, 5 are scarves/ cowls, the rest is a mix of bags/ ponchos.

Orange Marmalade, Marly Bird

You can enter to win a copy of the book by leaving a comment (or email or twitter) on what type of sweater best flatters your shape (like a empire waist tunic or cropped cardigan or oversized pullover). I will pick a winner on Saturday and contact them (don't forget to leave a way I can contact you! Again, email, facebook, ravelry, or twitter all are fine)


 

Book Review: Best of Interweave Crochet

The Best of Interweave Crochet: A Collection of Our Favorite Designs is exactly what you think the book contains.  There are a selection of projects from sweaters to blankets from the past issues of Interweave Crochet.  But more then that there are a bevy of articles on crochet techniques   They are a selection of the "beyond the basics" that are published in the magazine.  I am not usually a fan of "best of" books, but this one is worth it.  The crochet technique articles are truly fantastic and even if you have every issue of the magazine you probably do not have all the articles in one place.  Take a look at the list below and you will see what I mean.

Rosemary Sweater,
Best of Interweave Crochet

Beyond the Basics:
Foundation Stitches

Kathryn Dress,
Best of Interweave Crochet

Linked Crochet
Laceweight Crochet
Crochet Symbols
Weaving in Ends
Tunisian Crochet
Closures
Post Stitches
Changing Colors
Adjustable Ring
Sewing
Seaming
Shell Crochet

Project Breakdown:
10 Womens Garments
3 Kid/ Baby Projects
5 Scarves/ Hats/ Bags
2 Shawls

Moorish Mosaic Afghan,
Best of Interweave Crochet

3 Blankets

They were sweet enough to include one of my first designs, Rosemary Sweater, with linked treble crochets.  My two favorites in the book are the Kathryn Baby Dress and Moorish Mosaic Afghan.

You can enter to win a copy of the book by leaving a comment here (or on twitter or email) on your all time favorite project from any Interweave Crochet Issue.  I will pick a winner by Friday and contact them (don't forget to leave me a way to reach you: email, twitter id, facebook, ravelry id).

Book Review: Custom Crocheted Sweaters

Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments that Really Fit is one book that has been laying on my table for so long it felt like it lives there.  I received Dora Orhenstein's book right when I was in the middle of writing my book.  I was so freaked out that by the title alone they were too similar to me, I buried it under yarn and did not crack it open until now.  I am so easily influenced by things I read I was so worried I would somehow use some idea of hers in my book that I literally hid it out of sight.  Then I told Dora, I am a nut and did just that.  We got a laugh out of my crazy.  Of course, then I forgot all about it!  Doh!  Now that my book is nearly ready to be ready for the galley edit, I thought it was safe to open and dive in.

Floating Tee

Eleganza Raglan

Dora approached the subject of garment crocheting from a technical point of view.  Inside you will find a primer on garment crochet with then 10 projects to test your skills.  She spends the front part of the book explaining all the basics of garment construction from style to drape to yarn choice.  She goes into how to use your gauge and math to get the fit you want.  The projects all have clear instructions and a stitch diagram for the gauge swatch and any confusing bits on the project (very helpful!) The best part of the book in my opinion is the lessons after the projects.  Each project has an in depth lesson on how you might add length to the body or sleeves for example or substituting yarns.  It is as helpful as crocheting the project!  A few of my favorites you can see here.  I love the texture on the floating tee (so much that I just realized I designed a sweater recently in a really similar stitch pattern- too funny! That's what happens when you hide your books!)  Honestly, Dora did a great job with this book.  It is extremely in depth on how to do garment crochet for your body.  If you have been looking for a reference this is a book for you.

To enter to win a copy of the book, leave me a comment (or email/ twitter) on what you find the most challenging part of crocheting sweaters.  I will pick a winner on Thursday and get in contact with the winner (so be sure to have a way to contact you: facebook, email, twitter, or ravelry id are all fine with me!)

Book Review: Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs

 Edie Eckman has done it again.  In her new book, Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs, she brings new techniques from connecting crochet motifs and new creative shapes.

Connecting Motifs, Connect the Shapes

I will let you in on a little secret.  I got to preview her book a few weeks ago, because she asked if I would give a quote for the book.  I was so touched that she thought of me, and readily agreed.  What I found in the PDF (and in the book) honestly blew me away.  Yes, yes, we all know you can join motifs by sewing them together, crocheting them together, crocheting them as you go, crocheting them seamlessly; but Edie moves beyond that.  Don't worry she goes through all those techniques and in detail with photo tutorials and crochet diagrams.  But she moves into chapters of sculptural joining that a flat piece turns artistic in a simple join.  Or a seemingly easy filet pieces gets interwoven for a layered graph.  My favorites in the book are the inner connectivity motifs and wheels and shells motifs (you can see two on the side).  Both are textural and colorful for stunning results.

There is really something for every kind of crocheter, whether you are a beginner or advanced.  This is one to add to your bookshelves for sure!

Shell Octagon, Connect the Shapes

Inner Connectivity, Connect the Shapes

I am going to be really greedy and keep my copy.  Instead, enter to win some colorful yarn by leaving a comment (or email or tweet me) about a new crochet technique you recently discovered and are in love.  I will pick a winner by Thursday, and email them (so be sure there is a way I can contact you (Ravelry id or twitter or facebook are fine ways too!))

Book Review: Crochet Boutique

Crochet Boutique: 30 Simple, Stylish Hats, Bags, and Accessories is a collection from Rachael Oglesby.  As true to the title it is a collection of simple projects.  What I love about the book is that even though these are simple projects they are completely on trend.  There is nothing worse then a quick project that you can't do anything with.  These are all fashionable wearable projects that you can complete quickly.  A few of my favorites are on the side.  These are ones that I could easily see myself wearing.  The projects are written with clear directions, there are no diagrams or illustrations, but I think everything you can accomplish with out those.

Cuddle Cowl, Crochet Boutique

Small Bow Pin, Crochet Boutique

Bubble Beret, Crochet Boutique

Leave a comment on the blog (or email or tweet me) about your favorite simple useful project.  I will pick a winner out of the entries by Tuesday and send you the book as a prize.

Book Review: Clever Crocheted Accessories

Clever Crocheted Accessories is a great collection of crocheted gems from the fabulous Brett Bara.  If you have been missing her crochet inspiration, this collection will fill that void.  Brett is the former editor of Crochet Today, and the host on our PBS show, Knit and Crochet Now.  Besides that she has a great eye for color and textures, and combined with her vast knowledge of needlework (crochet, knitting, embroidery, sewing, and more!); this book just oozes will beautiful projects.

There are 25 projects inside that Brett culled from her crochet designer favorites.  For my projects in the book, we worked together very closely to create her vision.  I personally adore working that way!  I love collaborating to create a project that has a bit of everyone in it.  We actually hashed out the clutch on the set of Knit and Crochet Now, Season 4.  I was demo'ing how to needle felt motifs to a project I made for the show, and she loved the idea.  And the clutch was born from that moment!  The mittens were taken from an inspiration photo she sent me and my recent obsession with post stitches.  Combined with her colors and stripes, the mittens were created.   Totally a collaboration, I love it!  You can see my pictures of the projects before I sent them in over at Flickr (esp if you want to see the size the clutch was before I felted it).

Mixed Motif Clutch

Stripey Mitts

Diamonds and Lace Socks

Inside, I found a number of other projects I love.  Two are the Fine Feathered Cloche by Linda Cyr and Diamond Lace Socks by Kim Kotary.  The hat has a great textured with the double crochet in the back middle bar.  The diamond lace socks are a projects that would move fast for you with all the lace. The book has crochet diagrams, crochet illustrations, and clear patterns.  I don't think you could go wrong with asking for this book for Christmas or Hanukkah.  There are a ton of projects that will keep you crocheting all year!

Fine Feathered Cloche

You can enter to win yarn to make your favorite project from the book by leaving a comment on the blog about your favorite yarn to crochet (or  send me a tweet or email).  I will pick a winner on Wednesday and email them (so leave a way to get in touch with you!)

Book Review: Sugar and Spice: Six Bakery-Inspired Crochet Fashions

Linda Permann has done it again with this great collection of crochet projects using Malabrigo yarn.  Malabrigo yarn is amazingly pretty.  You just want to eat it up!  Adding Linda's style, the projects are just fantastic!





This book is an eBook that you can download over at Ravelry.  I love paper books, but I have found that when I really want to crochet, I want it in e-form.  I can never remember to grab that book or mag, but I always have my phone (which I can open PDFs on).  So for me, having this book as a PDF download is great.

Pizzelle Beret, Linda Permann

 


And this collection, is definitely a book.  Everything is professionally edited, photographed, and laid out.  Anything you might need explained is described in detail as you would expect with Linda's patterns.  The only thing missing is crochet diagrams, which is a bummer still it is worth it for the lovely projects.

Piped Petals Cardigan, Linda Permann

Speaking of projects, there are 6 of them in all.  2 hats, 1 shawl, 2 cardigans, and 1 cowl.  My favorites are the Piped Petals Cardigan, which I got to see in person this summer.  It is a brilliant top down design.  I love the use of post stitches she employs while you are increasing the yoke.  It is a cardigan that I would love to wear all fall and winter long.  I also am in love with her Pizzelle Beret.  Is that design on the top not brilliant.  I saw it and thought there is no way that is crochet, but of course it is.  Amazing work!

You can download the collection over at Ravelry.  You can also enter to win a copy of the collection by leaving a comment here on the blog (or sending me a tweet or email), about what is your favorite project from the collection.  I will pick a winner on Monday and send you an email (so make sure there is a way I can contact you!)

Cherry Cobbler Beanie, Linda Permann

Tart Shrug, Linda Permann

Sugar Sparkles Shawl, Linda Permann

Cocoa Wafer Cowl, Linda Permann