Hooked on Crochet: 20 Sassy Projects [Paperback]

Candi Jensen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004

Trend alert! Crocheting has become a fashion and crafting phenomenon. Flip through the pages of the hip mail-order outlets such as the Sundance Catalog, or check out the shelves of such cool stores as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters and you'll find a wide array of crocheted clothing and accessories.

Now Hooked on Crochet capitalizes on this hot, new trend by offering novice and veteran crocheters 20 projects, including hats, bags, clothing, and even accessories for the home. If you love the look but have never crocheted, this is the book for you. First-time crocheters will learn the basic techniques, all fully illustrated, step by step, as they complete beautiful and useful projects to wear and give as gifts.

Start with something simple--a long, wrapable scarf made from novelty yarns. Then, move on to a throw pillow in jewel tones inspired by the fabrics of India. Make a fashion statement with a lacey tank top, a cloche-style hat, or a short cardigan in delicious shades of apricot and raspberry. Add some pizzazz to your home with a beaded crocheted fringe for a small lamp shade, crocheted trim for a hammock, even elegant Old World crocheted edging for pillows, sheets, and napkins.

Whether you're new to crocheting or just need a refresher course, Hooked on Crochet makes it a snap to learn the basics and then move on to more challenging patterns. The easy-to-follow instructions virtually guarantee that every project will be a fashion masterpiece.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Eschewing the afghan and doily patterns often found in crocheting books, this colorful guide offers an assortment of trendier alternatives handpicked to appeal to women in their 20s and 30s. Those new to crocheting should have no trouble mastering the first pattern (a cell phone case made with a luxurious yet hard-to-find suede yarn), and the Striped Skinny Scarf and Basic Scarf with fringe will be a breeze for beginners. The Bamboo Handle Purse and Posh Frock, on the other hand, require some sewing savvy, and the directions on how to create decorative posies and flower pins look easier than they really are. Jensen, a veteran craft and needlepoint designer, describes the basics of yarn weight, hook size and gauge in an easy-to-follow manner, and the accompanying illustrations elucidate details that are difficult to explain (such as hand and hook positioning). While her prose is not as exuberant or as playful as one would expect from a guide touting its projects as "sassy," "bold" and "hip," the book’s creative patterns and vibrant photographs more than compensate. Color photos throughout.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Back Cover

Hip hats, bold bags, swinging scarves, chic tops, and fabulous home accessories.
With Hooked on Crochet, even novice crocheters can create a masterpiece. Follow fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions to learn the basics, then move on to more challenging techniques. You'll find 20 unique projects to choose from.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580175473
• ISBN-13: 978-1580175470
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 9 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #269,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Several nice scarves...., January 30, 2005

By 

Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Hooked on Crochet: 20 Sassy Projects (Paperback)

HOOKED ON CROCHET includes many nifty projects, including a beautiful striped scarf and a granny square scarf both of which I have made or am in the process of making. I made the striped scarf in shades of purple, mauve, and lavender for my 12-year old granddaughter and she loved it. Now I'm making another one for me.

Another scarf featured in this book is constructed of a single color (lime cotton) with detail provided by the contrasting pattern created by alternating rows of single, half-double and double crochet stitches.

The book also includes the ususal impractical items like a crocheted skirt (even if you line them they sag) and a teeney-weeney bikini (the bottom will also sag and may come off in the pool if you aren't careful).

Jensen's book includes a nice discussion on hooks and yarn types the crocheter will find useful, as well as some basic stitch instructions and a brief digression in an appendix on 'instructions for lefties'.

46 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Overall well done, January 28, 2005

By 

Kristie Haynes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hooked on Crochet: 20 Sassy Projects (Paperback)

When I first wrote a review for this book I was kind of skeptical. Now that i have owned it for a while and completed a couple of the projects I am editing my review because I like it more than I thought! I made the skirt from page 114 and it is my favorite thing I've ever crocheted. Candi is great at giving precise instructions, and the designs can be easily modified.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice projects, January 4, 2005

By 

Bonnie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hooked on Crochet: 20 Sassy Projects (Paperback)

I like the book immediately after browsing through Hip to Crochet & this one. "Hip" is also good but has more patterns on garments which I think look bulky but they have a very nice circular shawl pattern. Like this book better as the step by step drawings are clear and patterns interesting, esp the sweet top in the book. But the last 2 projects are not that interesting, it imitates macrame - cover for a lamp, edgings for hammock. But I hope the author will come out with more books & patterns.