Crochet Scarves: Fabulous Fashions - Various Techniques [Paperback]

Sharon Hernes Silverman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2012

"It is a good thing that you can never have too many scarves because you will want to make every single pattern in this book! ... An absolute pleasure!" --Tammy Hildebrand, Crochet Guild of America

"Sharon makes inventive use of classic crochet techniques to create striking modern designs." --Crochet Insider

21 original patterns in a variety of styles, colors, yarns, stitch patterns, and techniques--including traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet, and broomstick lace crochet--for beginning through experienced crocheters

Easy-to-follow patterns supplemented with hundreds of detailed technique photos

Symbol charts give readers a visual guide to every pattern

Includes a visual index and list of resources

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A perfect addition to Sharon's growing collection of "go-to" books for a crocheter of any skill level . . . ANYONE can learn something from Crochet Scarves, ending up with a lovely scarf in the bargain!" (Annie Modesitt Modeknit.com 20120727)

"Brilliant . . . the lowly scarf becomes the canvas for the exploration of various crochet techniques . . . No matter what sort of learner you are, Sharon's got you covered." (Doris Chan www.DorisChanCrochet.com 20120720)

About the Author

Sharon Hernes Silverman is a writer, crocheter, and designer based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She is the author of several other books and a member of the Crochet Guild of America. She has appeared several times on HGTV's fiber arts show Uncommon Threads. She blogs at blog.sharonsilverman.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (July 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081170081X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811700818
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.4 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sharon Hernes Silverman writes crochet books and travel guides from her home base in Pennsylvania. A lifelong crafter, Sharon is known for her fashionable crochet designs and crystal clear instructions, from Tunisian crochet garments to "regular crochet" home decor items. A professional member of the Crochet Guild of America and a design member of The National NeedleArts Association, Sharon has been a featured guest on HGTV's "Uncommon Threads" and has been interviewed on numerous radio podcasts. She is an active instructor whose classes invariably get rave reviews. Sharon's crochet titles are "Basic Crocheting;" "Beyond Basic Crocheting;" "Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting;" "Crochet Pillows with Tunisian and Traditional Techniques;" and "Crochet Scarves: Fabulous Fashions, Various Techniques."

To learn more about Sharon, her patterns, and her books, visit SharonSilverman.com. You can also find her on Facebook at Sharon Silverman Crochet, and on Ravelry under the name CrochetSharon.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Tutorials and progress pictures help you learn new techniques July 11, 2012

By Underground Crafter

Format:Paperback

(Full disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book from Stackpole Books.)

Although I generally prefer "technique books" to "pattern books," I was eager to check out my review copy of Crochet Scarves: Fabulous Fashions - Various Techniques from Stackpole Books. On the surface, this seems like it would be a straightforward book of scarf patterns. Instead, it is chock full of step-by-step tutorials and lessons for different crochet techniques.

The book includes 21 scarf patterns. The patterns use Tunisian crochet, broomstick lace, filet crochet, and "standard" crochet techniques like increasing and decreasing, bobbles, and post stitches. The patterns includes a range of skill levels (4 easy, 11 intermediate, and 6 experienced). Each pattern is introduced briefly, shown in a photograph (usually on a mannequin), and then presented as a pattern. Even the simpler patterns include several photographs of the stitches being worked, and the more complicated patterns include several pages of step-by-step photos. The progress pictures are presented before the pattern instructions, which are shown using both U.S. crochet terminology and international stitch symbols.

Although all of the patterns are for scarves, Sharon manages to keep the styles diverse enough to hold your attention. My favorite patterns are Accordian Arrows, Changing Tides, Diamond Loop, Grecian Ladders, Premium Cable (which includes a great tutorial on Tunisian cables), Monet's Village, and Sea Splash. This is a book that you can definitely grow with, as there are plenty of techniques and stitches to learn. There is even a Techniques section in the back which includes step-by-step photos of all the basic crochet and Tunisian crochet stitches, as well as tips on pattern reading. At the end of the book, there is a small photo of each pattern with the corresponding page number, so it is easy to find your favorites.

There are a few things that could be improved. The book is a paperback, and, like most paperbacks, doesn't lay flat when open. This makes it challenging to read along or look at the step-by-step photos while crocheting. The projects are shown on mannequins and against neutral backgrounds, but it would be helpful (and more attractive) to see the scarves on people. Finally, I don't agree that the Cactus Lace broomstick lace pattern is at the experienced skill level. I think that designation may scare off a relative newbie to crochet, when broomstick lace is actually quite simple (especially with Sharon's step-by-step photos).

Overall, I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for beginner and intermediate crocheters who want to make relatively simple projects while also learning new skills. An adventurous newbie who learns well from photographs could use this book to learn to crochet. And, of course, if you like making scarves, this is definitely the book for you.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars lots of choices July 2, 2012

By M. Poller VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a very user friendly book as there are good photos throughout which show the actual crochet steps of the 21 scarves. My favorite of them is Marabou using woven yarn. I have seen this done in knitting but not in crochet so I definitely want to make it. Scarf is top one on back cover. The cover scarf in Tunisian is also on my list. I also want to do the broomstick lace scarf. There are lots of different crochet techniques and each is thoroughly explained. All the patterns are written out a nd charted. Each scarf is introduced with some information about the yarn used. Each pattern is rated for difficulty and gives the weight of the yarn. Most of the scarves can be done in one or two balls unless there are some in colors. Quite a few of the scarves use lace weight or other thin yarn but also there are some in worsted wt or even bulky. The author says right at the beginning that the book is not for absolute beginners even though the basic stitches are also photographed and explained. Also very good for more experienced crocheters as several patterns are for them. Compared to other crochet scarf books this would rank very high f or me. I own the Vogue crochet books which are excellent and Hubert on scarves also very good. But with crochet scarf books one is really not enough.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! July 2, 2012

By nnt

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I recently purchased this pattern book and was very pleased! I am an advanced crocheter and have quite a bit of experience with many techniques, but this book has patterns that are brand-new to me. The patterns use a variety of techniques, including tunisian, to create beautiful scarves. Patterns also use a variety of yarns, including sport, fingering, and lace, but the patterns are easily transferrable to other weights as well. Some scarves are lacy, some are solid, some are great for cold weather, and some are perfect with that little dress for an evening out. I have a hard time imagining a crocheter who would be disappointed with these patterns. Each pattern has detailed step-by-step color pictures and stitch diagrams, in addition to written instructions. I would highly recommend this book to any crocheter, from beginner to expert. Great book!!