Customer Reviews

Simple Crochet

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although the word "Simple" is used in the title of this book, it is also quite inspiring. I am quite a hoarder of books and patterns and sometimes (okay often) buy books to drool over other crocheter's art.
I've actually been inspired to try different mediums by this book. I"ve made two projects because of the use of different materials, textures, and modern colors. The items are also very decorative and useful.
Beginning crocheter's will find a project in this book that they can actually complete and more advanced crocheters will find that the materials used and colors will be worth adding this book to your collection..loved it!!

This book checks all the boxes when it comes to doing something different in crocheting. I'm not a fan of dust-catchers, or anything twee. And I'm shipping to Australia so its got to be worth it.
You can get squares a dime-a-dozen, but interesting, tasteful and useful items for age-old activities can be hard to come by. This book's range of projects would fit into most shabby-chic, country or Ikea decorated homes and are fairly straightforward to undertake.
The only annoyance I have with the book, which is shared with many other publications, is that the images of the finished products are often photographed 'artistically' at the expense of giving a clear idea of what you're supposed to end up with. :|
Otherwise, I'm going to be using this as my source book for a few more projects yet - if I could afford all the materials, and had the time, I'd be making at least 11 of the 20 projects (and have made the slippers, yum), which is a good ratio for the cost.

As an art director, I appreciate (and was drawn to) the cover, which accurately represents an entire book of beautiful, simple projects. The author obviously has an eye for color and cleverly showcases her finished pieces using an appealing palette of neutrals, offset by brighter pinks, oranges and greens. It's lovely eye candy and an inspiration for those seeking help breaking out of the 1970s color box.

There are also many patterns that use not just yarn, but raffia, material, leather, etc., something I hadn't considered before and have used as inspiration.

I was a little disappointed, though, that the aesthetic photos of finished projects aren't supplemented with a more functional picture that shows the piece in its entirety, especially the four throws.

There are 10 pages devoted to learning all the stitches used in the book. While the accompanying photos are helpful and clear, I don't think it's comprehensive enough for the complete beginner, especially the instructions for crocheting in rounds. I've found much better instruction in Leisure Arts' 10-20-30 Minutes To Learn To Crochet ($8.95).

One reviewer had mentioned she was looking for more beautiful projects like the ones featured in Simple Crochet. Candi Jensen has a few books that also help to bring crochet into the 21st century...check out Candy Blankies and Hip to Crochet.

A wonderful display of color and simplicity. I ordered this book even though I have been crocheting for years and still was inspired and learned something (especially about crocheting with leather cord).
I only hope she continues to write more of these books. The color combinations and photography are enough to inspire anyone.

I'm not a fan of the slippers pictured on the cover, but as soon as I looked inside, I knew I had to have this book! It's chock full of hip projects using non-traditional materials like kitchen twine, raffia, and leather. This is not your grandmother's crochet book! I encourage anyone who is sick of wading through out-dated, cheesy patterns to check out this book. Most of the projects are made from simple stitches like single and double crochet, and they are very adaptable. Most of them don't even require a gauge swatch. I won't be running out of projects or ideas for quite a while.

I didn't give it 5 stars because the instructions could've been a little better. First-timers may need some supplemental explanation from other sources.

This book has been wonderful for me. I had no experience with crocheting but was very interested in learning how to make things like my grandmother had. The learning section at the beginning is full of full color pictures and wonderful explanations. It is very well rounded and I am sure I will complete at least one each of many of the projects within the book.

Wanna crochet things that don't belong in the 70's? Get this book. Usable,classic styles,no brady bunch stuff!! The projects are: round pillow(made with string),chevron pillow,floor pillow (made with leather string),textured pillow,filet pillow. A pieced,a textured and a stripy throw. Modern afghan and a rag rug. Boxes and bottle covers (made with string). Bag made with plastic string. Basket made with leather string. Turkish slippers as seen on cover (very easy). Cafe cover,tea cozy. Towel edgings. Raffia table mats. A table runner made with string. I would not say this book is for very beginners but after getting a couple of pot holders and a scarf under your belt,go for it!! Don't let the leather and string stuff scare you off, it's the same old crochet stitchs. Yarn could be used insted. Hooked on Crochet by Candi Jensen has some modern projects with clothing.

I gave this book a rating of four stars becuase I "simply wanted more". It is a book of great inspiration and leads the reader to imaginative ideas and projects of their own to create. It is a breath of fresh air to the sometimes dull world of crochet that catapults ones's inividuallity into the new millenium. This book brings life to an old craft that is easy and creative to both young and old. I highly recommend "Simple Crochet" as an avenue for growth and stimulation in the field of textiles and home decor.

I bought Simple Crochet today, inspired by it's lovely "Modern Afghan" pattern that I saw finished and displayed on a website. The basic design of the book is very trendy, very pleasing to the eye and I wouldn't be embarassed to have this lying on my coffee table. The photographs of project patterns are beautiful. The instructions are very easy to follow, in my opinion and the photographs showing how to do simple stitches are extremely clear. It also has helpful information on yarn types (weights and colors), gauges, and crochet hooks.

Overall, I think this is a lovely book. However, Simple Crochet is just that: simple. It only shows a small handful how-to-do stitch sections, so if you are looking for something more comprehensive, choose another book.

I am a self taught beginner. I only know one stitch - the single crochet. This book allowed to me make wonderful things with this one stitch. The projects were quick and were kept exciting by using various materials other than plain old yarn. The directions were very easy to follow. It's the only book I'm using now. Fabulous ideas! I not only was not interested in making blankets - but I didn't want to have to learn a bunch of new stitches and didn't want to follow complex directions. This book is the only and best beginning crochet book out there! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!