Blueprint Crochet [Paperback]

Robyn Chachula (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2008

Using graphic illustrations and clear guidelines, this straightforward crochet resource is essential for the visual crafter—anyone who understands maps better than verbal directions, and images better than basic step-by-step instructions. Covering a wide range of skill levels, it introduces the universal symbol language of crochet to newcomers, while also satisfying the need for intermediate level patterns. Each crochet design is broken down stitch-by-stitch in a diagram format so that visual learners can see, as well as read, each step. With contemporary designs from trendy to classic, each project offers a fresh take on crochet, providing modern patterns for purses, necklaces, belts, dresses, shawls, and more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Recommended for public libraries."  —Library Journal

"One of the most educational (and inspirational) crochet books I've read . . . [the] quick introduction on the basics of crochet symbols and charts completely blew me away."  —Classic Elite Web-Letter

"Chachula, a self-described visual crocheter, here marries her crafty innovation with her background as a structural engineer. . . . She's able to lay out her often intricate designs while avoiding the lengthy mess of abbreviations into which crochet directions often devolve."  —Yarn Market News

"Robyn's combined all of her technical expertise with an unleashed imagination, and one gorgeous garment is featured after the other. . . . This is a beautiful book."  —Crochet Insider

"Chachula brings her engineering background into the world of crochet, emphasizing things like shape, drape, and structural context to create eye-catching designs."  —CraftGossip.com

"An excellent resource for those wishing to pursue blueprint crochet."  —Suite101.com

"I am happy to see some new great fashion designs for crochet. This book has what many other crochet books do not have, Crochet Symbols."  —Knitting News

"Directions for the projects in the book are given in graphic, not written, mode—which makes sense since Chachula is a former structural engineer turned crochet designer. Once you grasp the idea of following the design 'blueprint,' it's easy to do and easier to follow than written directions."  —Bangor Daily News

About the Author

Robyn Chachula is the author of Baby Blueprint Crochet, and best-selling Blueprint Crochet, and a contributor to Crochet Me and Crocheted Gifts. She has been published in a number of magazines, including Interweave Crochet and Crochet Today! Robyn has been a guest on Knit and Crochet Today and on Knitting Daily TV. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680725
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680722
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,594 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robyn Chachula's winding path to a crochet career began as a structural engineer with a specialty in historic preservation and renovation, which uses her ability to take big projects and break them into little items anyone can understand.

You can watch Robyn in action on Knit and Crochet Now on PBS where she is a crochet expert. She can also be seen on Knitting Daily TV on PBS showing off some of her favorite designs. Her first crochet book, Blueprint Crochet: Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter, Interweave Press Fall 2008, uses her engineering background to bring crochet symbols to everyone. Her second book, Mission Falls Goes Crochet, uses Mission Falls 1824 Wool and Cotton for the whole family. Her latest book, Baby Blueprint Crochet, marries her love of crochet symbols with adorable baby projects. Her designs have been published in Interweave Crochet, Crochet Today!, and Knitscene; as well as in other books, including Not Your Mama's Crochet, Catwalk Crochet, Vogue on the Go: Crocheted Shawls, Crochet Me, Son of Stitch & Bitch, Sensual Crochet, Crocheted Gifts and more. You can see all of her architecturally inspired pieces at www.crochetbyfaye.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Opens up the world of symbol crochet through beautiful patterns!, October 15, 2008

By 

Cindy Gimbrone "Glass Beadmaker" (New York State) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blueprint Crochet (Paperback)

After reading the other reviews of Robin Chachula's book, I felt compelled to write a review because I don't think any of them address the purpose of her book - to teach the reader how to crochet from symbols. There are alot of Japanese patterns I've wanted to buy and make but didn't because I didn't really know how to read the symbols and I can't read Japanese. I wanted a book that taught me how to crochet from symbols and Chachula's book is it! Her engineering background shows in her meticulous explanations and her charming use of the word "equipment" for yarn and hooks. I enjoyed the stories that introduced each project. There are a wide range of projects, my favorite being the "Quick Stitch Patterns."

All in all, Chachula's book succeeds in it's goal, to teach the reader how to crochet using symbols through a variety of beautiful patterns. This is definitely a must for any crochet enthusiast - it will open up the world of symbol crochet and you won't have to read Japanese to make your favorite crochet pattern!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stylish, Informative and Fun!, October 8, 2008

By 

Megan Granholm (Corvallis, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blueprint Crochet (Paperback)

A fast-rising star in the crochet world, Robyn Chachula has offered up a great little book that easily gets crocheters excited about the projects and teaches 'em some new tricks to boot!

The first section of this book explains symbol crochet - graphical representations of crochet motifs and patterns. If you're a visual learner, this method makes it easy for you to follow around, and you can even follow along if the pattern isn't in a language you can read.

Section two outlines motifs in projects. Here you'll find the Julie Cuff pattern that's been circulating around the web, as well as a bag and jewelry set.

Section three offers some relatively simple patterns to help you learn symbols as you go. These projects range from a simple belt to a pretty tunic.

Section four glorifies the granny square. Granny squares seem to get such a bad rap because of their obvious connections to old-fashioned patterns, but these projects are anything but old-fashioned. In fact, in many cases you'd have to look at the lacy finished products pretty closely before you realize they're squares. For those crocheters who are wary about having to whip-stitch aaaaall those squares together, Robyn provides an easy way to join them as you go. There are some very pretty projects in this section, including a wrap bolero and lacy short-sleeved cardigan.

Section five continues what section two began, but with slightly more challenging techniques to produce a cute tennis-style eyelet vest and a swing jacket with an adjustable waist.

Robyn makes this book fun to read, with her easygoing, casual style; and as all of the patterns are named after women in her family, you come away feeling like she's a friend. Combine that - and the patterns - with extensive knowledge and obvious passion for the craft, and you've got a great debut book that you'll be sure to use for its patterns and refer to for its techniques. A great addition to my crochet-bookshelf!

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rediscover the granny! (And it's even cooler in symbol form!), September 23, 2008

By 

Lisa Walkup (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blueprint Crochet (Paperback)

I must admit that I am not a totally unbiased reviewer, as Robyn is one of my friends from college, but I absolutely love her book! The book contains 18 patterns, all of which look amazingly fun to crochet. There is a pattern for a purse, a belt, and a scarf that are great ways to enter into the world of symbol crochet. She has both written out and shown the symbols for the first group of patterns. By the time you get to the "Vogue Granny Motifs" you'll be a pro! And the granny motifs are where I think the symbol crochet really shines. The grannies are so much easier to work because you can always look at the diagram and see where you are. I have already made the "Katie Bolero" (a pre-version last year-not today!), and while I was initially worried that my squares would not match up or that somehow the whole thing would come out wonky, the pattern really allows for some variation because of the construction. Unless your gauge changes wildly from square to square, it really will come together well. And it is exciting watching the piece come together. Of course, as in making any sweater, there is always that point in the middle where it seems as if you will never finish, but we all know that's when you push on through and end up with a wonderful piece!

I especially love the Isabella Wrap, the Megan sweater, the Maggie Wrap, the Paige Sweetheart Top, the Rachel Swing Jacket, and the Christin Crop. (So like I said, I pretty much love them all!) But probably my favorite part of the book is the writing and the glimpse of Robyn's personality that shines through. Robyn's love of crocheting is infectious. (It got me! I used to be a primarily a knitter!) Plus, after her introduction to symbol crochet, you will be able to make a whole new world of patterns! Literally-you can make foreign patterns that also use symbols. So dive into the symbols. And to help, the back flap of the book has a little cheat sheet for reference until you get more familiar with the symbols. One last important note, the patterns do all have an introduction, diagrams, and finishing instructions, so it's not as if all you get is a picture of the pattern. The non-granny patterns have more of a combination of words and symbols.

So now I'm off to scrounge through my stash to see what yarns I could use on some of these projects!