Customer Reviews

New Ideas for Crochet

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

 

 

There are a few simple design ideas but nothing above a beginner level. The designs are charted using a rather strange system but really if it is 10 rows of sc in red, and then ten in yellow you don't need a chart. <G> This might be a book you would want to look at in the library but I don't think you need to buy it.

The only thing New in this book is the photos, which are detailed and excellent for learning the basic major crochet stitches. It's really a learner's book, not an "idea" book. It has basic patterns after the learning section to practice on, and would make a good first crocheter's book because of the photographs. But there's nothing new or interesting otherwise, and it's a total waste of money if you already know how to crochet.

Is a solid-color placemat done all in single crochet really a new idea? How about striped cushion covers done all in the same stitch, or bedspreads made with traditional squares? There are a few creative ideas in this book (such as the teddy bear rug and the Aztec table runner), but most could easily be dreamed up by a person with a modicum of crochet experience and creativity.

That said, the how-to information in the first half of the book is very good, although all of the instructions and terminology are British. This would be a good book for a beginner if it had an explanation of the differences in American and British terminology and techniques.

The photos were very attractive. The projects are easy to follow and complete. The products are classy and not too "folksy" or "grandmotherly". They really are quite modern. HOwever, the yarns that she recommends are mostly sold in England and are nearly impossible to purchase in the U.S. You'll have to be a little creative on substitutions. The yarns she chose were very specific. It would have been nice to include something in the begining describing the differences in yarns in more detail. The ideas are also very practical. I especially like the simple, single color afghan that folds into it's own case as a pillow.