Customer Reviews

Cozy Crochet: Learn to Make 26 Fun Projects From Fashion to Home Decor

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

i have been trying to grasp the concept of crochet for decades... my mother is a crocheter, my aunt is a crocheter, but for years i have tried and failed MISERABLY. on my last vacation, i picked up this book and was able to do the first 4 projects without problem.

maybe not for beginners as the other review states, but definitely worth a try for more seasoned crocheters or knitters that would like to learn.

I've made scarves, afghans, table mats, lace and doilies, as well as many other small crocheted items. I like COZY CROCHET because it includes some smaller items one can use as gifts, such as lace edging for pants and flowers for applique as well as the so-called `hippie' belt. I made the latter for my 16-year old granddaughter and she thought it was "cool". The flowers can be sewn on denim jackets and hats or the seat of your jeans. CC also includes lacy shawls and stoles, pillow covers, and a crochted skirt. I am not too fond of crocheted items that hang-like skirts and purses-as they tend to grow longer and longer over time (stretch and sag), so I would advise not making them.

The book also includes household items such as a fruit bowl made from fabric strips, a crocheted rug and dish rags. In every case one must ask, when this item becomes dirty, how will I get it clean--but the authors don't provide any info on that aspect. I think all these things could be thrown in the washer, though it would depend on what you use as your basic fiber. Also, a good wash might make it unravel. Too often these books tell you how to make something but don't tell you how to care for it after you make it-this book does not explain how you would keep a item from stretching or unraveling in the washer--a painful experience after you spent hours making it.

I got this book for my little sister, who is learning how to crochet. The projects were a little too simple for me (I've been crocheting for 18 years), but I really liked it and wanted to give it to someone who could learn crochet from it (I would like to have had a book like that when I was learning). A lot of the projects are things I would like to make or have someone make for me.

Cozy Crochet opens with the typical tutorial, and while this is clear and serviceable (but probably done better elsewhere), the patterns are where this book disappoints. It starts off with a single crochet dishcloth and never really graduates to much more; afghans, a skirt, a kerchief, a belt, a sweater, and others failed to grab my interest. Beginners may appreciate the simplicity of the designs, but they're simply not exciting or attractive enough to inspire starting them.

Though most of them are based on single crochet, the patterns themselves are surprisingly beginner-UN-friendly. The format is unnecessarily complicated, and the design wastes a lot of empty space, which forces you to flip a lot of pages. Instructions are minimal to the point of occasionally being unclear for those who aren't experienced. I did appreciate that each pattern was rated with a level of difficulty - this is a feature that more crochet books should utilize.

Ultimately, I found little to like in this book. Patterns were, frankly, on the boring side - projects like the skirt, the bag, or the shawl were done better elsewhere. Experienced crocheters will find these patterns too simple, and beginners will find little to inspire them. This title lacks the freshness, innovation, and creativity that many other books out there offer.

If you want to know your basic crochet try this book. The projects are sweet. Just making the simple round coaster looks pleasantly swell. I rather enjoyed the pattern for the "flower" accessory that can make any plain jacket adorable. Then there is the "cozy"kerchief that you chain and double crochet that will please not just the little girl in the house, but perhaps your best friend, too.

But this book is full of challenges too, with halter tops and granny square clutches. Easy to follow instructions that can make the most extra-ordinary gifts.

If you want to learn basic crochet or need a pattern to make someone the perfect gift...this is the book you'll want.

I bought this book at a local half-price bookstore. Unlike most of the other reviewers, I really liked it. I've been crocheting for almost a year, and consider myself an advanced beginner crocheter. Yes, most of the patterns are appropriate for new to advanced beginner crocheters, but I also feel there are some that more experienced crocheters would enjoy making, like the lacy shawl and the hugs and kisses baby blanket. I liked nearly all of the patterns in the book with the exception of the girl's summertime hat (I don't like the raffia) and the vintage necklace (I don't like crocheted jewelry), and the granny halter top (too skimpy!). I also thought the photography in the book is beautiful, and I don't feel that the pattern layout has too much wasted space - it's certainly better than books like "Big Hook Crochet", where a pattern will start on page 50, for example, then you have to flip over to page 70 to see the rest of the pattern. Overall I really liked this book, and don't understand what all the complaints are about.

I was attracted to this book mainly for the Cozy Kerchief pattern-and I can't create it!! Sorry to say but so far I'm left to assume that the pattern is not only flawed but incomplete. I feel positive about the other patterns.

I love all the great projects in this book and the shipping was super fast. The book arrived in perfect condition.
Thanks for the great service and great book.

I would consider myself a beginner to intermediate crocheter so I took the advise of someone to get this book. I was disappointed to see how simplistic this book is. It is a pretty book on the outside, but it really should be labeled in some way that it is for the very beginning beginners.

This book is NOT for beginners. I was ready to throw this book across the room within 30 minutes! Contrary to what the book says, it is not for beginners. Very pretty illustrations, but the author assumes you know what she's talking about a lot of the time - in the first few pages! Those who, like myself, know very, very little about crocheting will be confused and frustrated. I'm returning this book today for Crocheting for Dummies. COMPLETE WASTE of money.