The book is called, Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today’s Top Crocheters. It came in the mail last night from the publisher, and I was immediately drawn in. It’s a book you can sit down and read and enjoy, not just flip through looking at pattern pictures. When I went to find the link . . . → Read More: A new book that got my fingers itching for a hook: Crochet Master Class]]>

The book is called, Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today’s Top Crocheters. It came in the mail last night from the publisher, and I was immediately drawn in. It’s a book you can sit down and read and enjoy, not just flip through looking at pattern pictures. When I went to find the link on Amazon, I was surprised to find unfavorable reviews. Reading reviews by other readers, I decided that they might have been thrown by the title of this book. Crochet Master Class may give the idea that the authors are presenting very difficult patterns, or a course of study in advanced crochet. Instead I think the book might have been better titled, “Crochet by the Masters.”

This book is a fascinating for many reasons. It presents 18 crochet techniques. Many of them are unusual or underrepresented among crocheters and designers. In all my years crocheting I’d never seen Crocheted Bruges Lace, for instance. The fact that it is relatively easy to create does not degrade from it’s beauty or intricacy. In fact, I think it’s the technique I’d like to try first from the book.

The construction of the book is great. Each technique is presented by a “master.” The designer is profiled in a detailed biography. Then the technique is discussed in general terms, and pictures of items made using that technique are shown in a gallery. Finally, a pattern is presented for the reader using the technique. The patters are more of introductions to the techniques than the highest example of a particular technique. This makes perfect sense. If you’re showing something new, you want to make it accessible to everyone.

I enjoyed reading about little-known techniques, and I also enjoyed hearing about and from crochet designers from around the world. Irish Crochet is presented by an Irish crocheter. There are designers from Germany, Russia, Trinidad, Australia, and of course, The United States.

Oh, and I just discovered there’s a free pattern from the book for a double-ended crochet baby afghan on the Potter Craft web site.

Last week on Twitter, author Neil Gaiman mused that there should be more holidays for giving away books. And because of the way things work on Twitter and the Interwebs, now there is. It’s called All Hallow’s Read, and the idea is–you give a scary book to someone you know to spread the . . . → Read More: All Hallow’s Read – Creepy Craft Book Giveaway]]>
photo credit: mkhall

Last week on Twitter, author Neil Gaiman mused that there should be more holidays for giving away books. And because of the way things work on Twitter and the Interwebs, now there is. It’s called All Hallow’s Read, and the idea is–you give a scary book to someone you know to spread the love and the spine-tingling.

So, it turns out there are a number of spooky crafty books out there and I’ve got two of them to give away: The new Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller and the classic, and truly weird, AntiCraft (Knitting Beading and Stitching for the Slightly Sinister) by Renée Rigdon and Zabet Stewart.

To get one of the books, all you have to do is leave me a comment telling me one or more of your favorite scary books and who you’ll be giving a scary book to this Halloween.

I will pick two winners at random on Halloween night. Good luck!

I’m writing this in my text editor because a Russian satellite has apparently drifted from its proper orbit and it’s messing with our Internet access here in the cloudy, rainy North. Sound like a conspiracy? Maybe. But usually this time of year there’s something interfering with our communications. Sun spots. Storms. Brown outs. . . . → Read More: Drifting Satellites and Books in the Mail]]>
photo credit: indi.ca

I’m writing this in my text editor because a Russian satellite has apparently drifted from its proper orbit and it’s messing with our Internet access here in the cloudy, rainy North. Sound like a conspiracy? Maybe. But usually this time of year there’s something interfering with our communications. Sun spots. Storms. Brown outs. This time, a wayward satellite. Nothing surprises me anymore.

Two books came in the mail yesterday, and I wanted to share them with you.

The first is Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet, by Mags Kandis. Mags is co-owner and former creative director of Mission Falls yarns. Although the subtitle of says “lovely little things to knit and crochet,” the book also has small felting and sewing projects. In fact, half the projects involve some kind of felting or fulling. The designs are small—intended to be made quickly for gift giving. There are even a pair of upcycled arm warmers made from a thrifted sweater. The sleeves are felted, then trimmed and embroidered for a pretty chill-stopping gift. I love the “Weekend Socks,” They’re Norwegian sweater-inspired footwear in a light blue grey and white with bright contrasting red toes and heels.

Mags doesn’t shy away from bright colors, and her choices shine in projects like “Baby’s First Felted Feet,” tiny felted slippers with needle-felted polkadot embellishments. I was surprised to discover that there are recipes like “Ginger Syrup,” “Tomato Jam,” and Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix sprinkled throughout the book as well. If Gifted is a nice collection for the versitile crafter who loves little felting projects. I were simply a crocheter who did not knit, I would pass on this book because there are only 6 crochet projects—one is a show stopper: a lovely patchwork felted granny bag. Instead I would buy Kim Werker’s Crocheted Gifts, also from Interweave which is a beautiful collection of crochet accessories and home projects to make and give.

Perhaps this is the time of year to be releasing “gifty” books.The other craft book in my mail box today is from Potter Craft, titled, Simply Sublime Gifts: High-Style, Low-Sew Projects to Make in a Snap, by Jodi Kahn. One of the practical fun things about this book is the “Supply Closet.” A list at the beginning of the book that tells you the basics you’ll need for completing projects. Of course, there are specific materials for some projects not listed here, but it’s a great way to make sure you’ve got the essentials.

These are “low-sew” and “no-sew” projects using iron on transfers glue and other fun crafty materials to embellish things you buy at the store. The first project is a set of pretty linen towels made by using ink-jet iron on transfers and a repeating design you create with wrapping paper. There are some tricky substitutes for sewing like a little pouch made with washcloths, duct tape and staples.

Jodi loves unusual materials, like the shammies she used to make baby jammies, and the notebooks made out of cereal boxes. Some of them verge on the ridiculous, like the “fabric cans” with screen printed Campbell’s soup labels. My favorite project might just be the shopping bag upcycled from a pillow case. Not only does Simply Sublime Gifts have some fun-to-make project ideas, it also provides some creative inspiration—once you’ve learned how to transfer images from your computer onto fabric, and “sew” with duct tape and staples, you could go on to invent your own gift ideas.

I looked forward to getting Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns because I’m a big fan of Lynne Barr’s book Knitting New Scarves. Lynne’s innovative and clever approach to knitting continues in this book. The book begins with a section on “faux crochet,” where Lynne was inspired by crochet’s ability to go in different directions. . . . → Read More: Book Review: Reversible Knitting by Lynne Barr]]>

I looked forward to getting Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns because I’m a big fan of Lynne Barr’s book Knitting New Scarves. Lynne’s innovative and clever approach to knitting continues in this book. The book begins with a section on “faux crochet,” where Lynne was inspired by crochet’s ability to go in different directions. But she didn’t try and copy crochet stitches, she used the concepts of crocheted lace as inspiration to come up with innovative new knitting techniques. I especially like the stitch “tilted,” which is a bit like a lacy open entrelac in that you’re creating discrete little sections of knitting. There are nice step-by-step photos in all sections to get you through any tricky bits.

In this book, reversible doesn’t mean that the fabric is the same on both sides. It means that Lynne has considered both sides of the fabric when creating the 50 new stitches featured and both sides are interesting–there is no “wrong side” or “right side.”

The patterns in Reversible Knitting aren’t reversible in the traditional sense either. They are all interesting, some fascinating and created by some of the most exciting minds in knitting including Norah Gaughn, who not surpisingly has a sweater that can be worn upside down or right side up, wenlan chia who has the sweater I’d most like to wear a bulky cowl necked sweater called “Winding Path,” Debbie New, Lily Chin, Cat Bordhi and Veronik Avery.

Normally, when you here the words “vintage” and “crochet” in the same sentence, your mind is drawn to the crochet kitsch of the 1970s. I have nothing against 70s crochet, but this new book, Vintage Crochet by Susan Cropper is something entirely different. She took the concept of “vintage” and asked several designers to apply it . . . → Read More: Book Review: Vintage Crochet]]>

Normally, when you here the words “vintage” and “crochet” in the same sentence, your mind is drawn to the crochet kitsch of the 1970s. I have nothing against 70s crochet, but this new book, Vintage Crochet by Susan Cropper is something entirely different. She took the concept of “vintage” and asked several designers to apply it to crochet designs “for home, garden, fashion and gifts.” The book is beautifully presented and the photography is well styled adding to the vintage feel.

There are a total of 30 patterns, beginning with Fashion. There’s a classic filet tunic, and a Rickrack Kerchief that I just love. It’s crocheted in a simple shell pattern, but simple color changes give a rick rack feel, then it’s finished with an eyelet row and ribbons. At once vintage and very current. Some of the garments seem boxy or like they were done in too heavy a yarn like the “Millie Cardigan.” But others have a sweet old fashioned feel like the “Nico” dress with it’s Irish crocheted skirt.

In the gifts section, there’s “Syd” a sweet looking stuffed rabbit, and beautiful pattern for crocheted hanger with flowers (I have a soft spot for crocheted hangers since my grandmother used to make them, and there’s nothing better for hanging slippery clothes).

There are no schematics or stitch charts for the patterns–a definite detractor in my opinion, but the book has such style and whimsy that it may be worth reading for the photos alone.