Customer Reviews

Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet (Leisure Arts #15906) (Donna Kooler's Series)

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been crocheting for over 30 years and have tons of books and patterns, but this book is one of the best I've seen. It is useful for someone who has never picked up a hook to an advanced crocheter who wants to pick up a new technique, project, or pattern.

Fist of all, it covers the basics--the history of crochet, how to crochet, stitches, yarns, threads, and needles. It also covers different techniques--filet crochet, Tunisian crochet, changing colors, wire crochet, bead crochet...etc.

The instructions are clear. I like that there are international symbols too. Also, the instructions of basic stitches and techniques are shown for left and right-handed crocheters.

There are lots of neat projects from baby blankets, to a challenging "Philosopher's Coat". Also, there is a pattern directory. I love the pineapple and strawberry patterns!

Also, it is a gorgeous book. It has a clean design and is a nice size and length--makes a nice coffee table book. The projects are modern and beautiful, and the photography is lovely.

I plan to make a pineapple afghan and try my hand at some bead crochet. Maybe one day, I'll try my hand at that "Philosopher's Coat".

There is so much information and instruction for just about anyone to improve their skills as a crocheter or to get started. It is a guide that I know I'll refer to often.

Once you open this book you won't want to put it down. There are so many hints and beautiful patterns. The author includes very useful illustrations and instructions for the beginner, and many useful stitch patterns (insertions, edgings, textured stitches, filet crochet, etc) so that the more seasoned crocheter can add a few new tricks to her/his bag!

This is a really good crochet book with very clear instructions for both LEFT AND RIGHT hand crocheters. It has an inspiring number of old and new pattern stitches and some interesting projects (cute little fine yarn anklets & a multi, multi-stitch philosopher's coat). Love it.

This book is a must have for beginners, and those interested in doing more on their own. I recommend this book to anyone who has just picked up crocheting. The directions are easy to understand and THOROUGHLY illustrated (a huge plus). The book also has a nice array of projects, but is more oriented as a reference, not a book of projects.

The section on different patterns is what I use most...again, thoroughly illustrated and photographed. Thanks to this book, I am making my own designs now instead of buying patterns from the store. There is also a great selection of trim/edging patterns, so you can add something special to an existing item, or add on to a current project.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I only wish there were more Donna Kooler projects for crochet available in stores (they all seem to focus on her needlepoint projects). I can't wait for her Knitting Encyclopedia to come out -- it's already on my wish list!

I'm a beginning-to-intermediate crocheter (been at it about a year). This book has loads of basic information and several complete projects (graded by difficulty level). It's also lavishly photographed and illustrated! Several features of this book stand out in my mind: the excellent "history of crochet" chapter, the gorgeous Philosopher's Coat pattern, the chapters on beaded crochet and wire crochet, the step by step instructions for basic crochet skills with diagrams for right and left handed people (I wish I'd had these when I was struggling to learn the basic stitches!). Like other crochet references I've seen, it includes information about types of yarn and tools, a full collection of basic patterns, and comprehensive chapters on lace, Tunisian crochet, and Irish crochet.

The beaded crochet section seemed a bit difficult to understand at times, and I wish that the key to abbreviations appeared at the front or back of the book rather than somewhere in the middle (where it was harder to find when needed). I also wish the text instructions used fewer abbreviations (the abbreviations are for saving space, but you don't really need to save that much space in a full length book) and/or included a key to the abbreviations on the pattern page.

(Edited 09/11/03)
Donna Kooler was kind enough to write to me and point out that there IS a key to abbreviations on the inside front and back covers of the book. How silly of me not to notice!

I have been waiting for a crochet book that deals with colors and this is certainly it. I found this book easy to understand and did I mention the COLORS, hehehehe. Instructions for the right and left handed. Bravo Ms Donna Kooler on a job well done. Thank You.

I wasn't too impressed by the projects, but the Pattern(aka stitch)gallery is well worth the price of the book. I have several crochet stitch books, you know like "300 crochet stitches". But this one had patterns that I'd never seen before and frankly were much more intriguing and beautiful than any I've seen elsewhere. Get this book for the stitch gallery, and make your own one-of-a-kind afghans!

better for reviewing and learning crocheting techniques and stitches, etc. and referring to the many basic patterns included for general crocheting and lacework than for being a source for many projects. (by basic patterns i mean the few rows or stitches that provide the repeating pattern for a full piece.) it's great that there are so many basic patterns, but there are only about 25 actual full patterns. it would've been nice if they had put together some sort of template for making, say a sweater or a hat, w/ some of the basic patterns, instead of just providing a few examples of a hat or sweater and expecting you to be able to come up w/ the correct way to adapt the basic pattern for the piece you want to make. still it's a very informative book, w/ loads of extra info like the history of crocheting, diff. types of yarns, crocheting w/ wire, and a veritable cornucopia of pictures and diagrams.

I have made ponchos and shawls and scarfs only using this book as a reference and I'm not a crochet expert...I began to crochet about 2 months ago nd this book has been a perfect support.
It also brings diagrams of the stitches which I found very helpful in the beginning when written instructions look like chinese for me

I love this book! I have been looking for something like this for some time and finally found it. It goes into so much detail. Pictured instruction for the left hand and right hand on stitches in the basic crotchet section. The history of crotcheting in the book is awesome. All sections of the book are very helpful and very understanding. Color is everywhere, there is no black and white. The gallery with the patterns are close up to see detail in the stitch. It has patterns and projects. You just have to get this book. It is for newbies, up to advanced. The pages in the book are thick and sturdy. This book will stay with you for a while.