Customer Reviews

Crochet for Today (Leisure Arts #102678) (Crochet Collection Series)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"This is a comprehensive book featuring very nice patterns for just about everything! Afghans, pillows, coasters, placemats, coverlets, doilies, baskets, gifts, suncatchers, rugs, layettes, nursery set, tissue box covers, gloves, purses, sweaters and a section on holidays. They are all practical and beautiful. One of the best books I have seen."

I am finishing my first project from this book: The cover sweater...Child's sunflower sweater in the medium size. It has gone very smoothly with exceptional results. I have followed some patterns that just don't work out right, but this one has been perfect.

My other small daughter wants one too, so I will be starting my second one in a soft fuzzy three ply yarn in pastels. I am not an expert crocheter. I think I'm more of an advanced beginner. but if you are a beginner, do not hesitate to try one of these patterns.

As for what else is inside this book, here are the different chapter headings:
Wrapped up in afghans 9 patterns
All through the house 8 patterns
***patterns for living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom
Gifts for all 8 patterns
***included is an exquisite pattern for pink tipped carnations and a great crocheted basket that you can fill with what-nots for the holidays.
Just for fun 7 patterns
***tiny teddies, 3 wonderful old-fashioned round dishcloths
Rock-a-bye collection 9 patterns
***baby afghans, layette, wrap, sandals, cover-up
Fashion corner 6 patterns
***SUNFLOWER SWEATER, EVENING BAGS, CARDIGANS, A RIBBED GLOVE PATTERN WHICH I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING, TEXTURED CARDIGAN AND A HANDSOME MEN'S CARDIGAN--WHICH REALLY SURPRISED ME!
Hooked on holidays 10 patterns
***7 different main holidays included here, I'm looking forward to trying the sachets and the Thanksgiving cornicopia fruit.

There is also a Basic Instruction guide to the stitches used in these patterns. So far I haven't seen any difficult stitches used in any of the patterns. I think the most difficult is the triple treble front post...but there is a clear pictoral explanation of that in the back.

I hope you enjoy your crochet experiences as much as I am from this book. The patterns must have been extensively tested before publication...and each one has a color picture of the finished product, which really helps! This book is a keeper!

I consider myself an advanced beginner and found many of the projects in this book daunting. Case in point: There is an afghan featured that is made of thread crochet. It looks absolutely gorgeous, but it seems like it would take twelve crocheters eons to make the thing. Many of the projects are beautiful but impossible to make, or simple and totally ridiculous. For example, there are patterns to make stuffed fruit. You know, the kind that you put in a bowl. For me, having *plastic* fruit in a bowl is ridiculous enough, but crocheted fruit takes the cake. But then, that is just my humble opinion. Perhaps there are people out there who love to display fake fruit in wonderous bowls to entice their guests.

I gave this book four stars because there are many redeeming features: This book does have many patterns to choose from, and I grudgingly admit that several of them are extrodinarily cute. Like the sunflower sweaters.

Also, this book has many afghan patterns. There's an entire section on afghans with nine patterns, however, afghans are also sprinkled throughout the rest of the book as well. In all the sections combined, I counted 18 afghans/throws. (The rainbow swirls afghan is another ridiculous afghan. They gear it towards kids with the rainbows and bright colors, and they put a picture of the aghan in a child's room, but there are so many free hanging loops on the swirls that any kid would get their fingers, hands, or toes caught in those things.) To me, one of the afghans especially stood out. I am making the Popcorn Ripple right now and it is turning out gorgeous. I tend to dislike ripple patterns but this one turned out wonderfully. I think that pattern alone counterbalanced all the ridiculous patterns in the book.

So in summary, I think this book is worth having because the good patterns are spectacular. You just have to overlook the garishly bad patterns and fear that one day, the crocheted fruit might look tempting.

This book has lots of great ideas! Some of the patterns are simple and quick; some, as one reviewer mentioned, look as though they would take forever to do! [On the other hand, one of my most prized possessions is a thread-crochet tablecloth that my grandmother made when she was young -- so it is "doable" and might just be worth the long-term effort!] Some of the patterns are timeless and modern, and some are a little bit dated (the book was, after all, published in 1996). But if you're looking for cute things for your house or kids, especially, I think you will like the designs this book. If you're looking for original, modern fashions for adults -- maybe not so much.

I have bought this book many years back. and bought it again for my friend for the sake of the projects. the patterns are good. understandable.

I strongly recommend it.

Item arrived in timely matter. Condition of item was as described by seller. Will purchase more items from this seller.

B. Jones

There are projects for the home and wearables. You will find projects for beginners and more advanced crocheters. I made the sweatshirt with crochet inserts and it came out great! I ended up making 2 more for my sisters.
You will find quite a few fun projects in this book.

I like crochet books with patterns that gives the skill levels,which is helpful for beginners like me and I didn't see one.

I am new to crocheting, but I love this book. I haven't tried any of the projects yet, but I found several that I definitely want to make soon! These projects do not look anything like the typical crochet of the 1970's. They are updated and beautiful! It has some gorgeous afghans; very cute kitchen projects (rugs/potholders); gift ideas ; a pretty baby layette set, lamp shade cover, tissue box cover, baby sandals, and blankets; sweaters; even projects for several different holidays!