The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet: Learn to Crochet with more than 30 Cool, Easy Patterns [Paperback]

Nancy Queen (Author), Mary Ellen O'Connell (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 15, 2008 | Series: Chicks with Sticks

Join the clique of the Chicks with Sticks!


Anyone can do it. Anyone. Stop thinking. Stop being afraid. Stop sweating, you’ll get the hook all damp. Yes, with the help of the Chicks with Sticks, anyone can learn to crochet in just a weekend—and by Sunday night, beginners will know what they’re doing and have the confidence to do it. Advanced beginners (the ones who have already made an afghan square) will have fresh, fashion-forward projects to wear around town. First up is an introductory section on tools and materials. Then the Chicks present a series of lessons that each introduce a new skill and patterns that help readers learn and master it before moving on. The more than 30 projects range from cool belts to stunning scarves, from felted bags to stylish wraps and sweaters. Throughout, the Chicks with Sticks are standing by with quips and anecdotes, support and sisterhood. Learning to crochet has never been so entertaining . . . and so empowering!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nancy Queen is one of the Chicks with Sticks, the creators of a popular line of knitting and crochet patterns sold in yarn shops. A popular designer and instructor, she is the author of Crochet for Tots.

Mary Ellen O’Connell, the other Chick, is a lifelong knitter who creates knitting patterns for her own line, Meo Designs, as well as for the Chicks with Sticks.

Both Chicks live near Philadelphia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft; 1ST edition (April 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082300676X
• ISBN-13: 978-0823006762
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nancy Queen is a fashion merchandiser turned garment designer whose work has been featured in national magazines including Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits. She is the owner of NobleKnits, a company with patterns available across the U.S. Nancy also sells her kits on QVC.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 63 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love It! May 1, 2008

By Laura C. O'Neal VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I saw this book on Amazon, and thought it looked interesting, but I prefer to check crochet books out of the library first, to preview them before I buy them. I got this book from the library today, and after looking through it, I must say that I love it! So many crochet books claim to have trendy or up to date patterns, but don't actually deliver. This book does. The patterns are cute, fresh and fun, but not so overly trendy as to look ridiculous.

I consider myself an advanced beginner crocheter (I've been crocheting for a year), and have been wanting to branch out into garments, but have had such a hard time finding easy, but still stylish crochet garment patterns. 99% of the patterns in this book are rated for beginner or advanced beginner crocheters, and I was pleased to see that there quite a few garment patterns. There are 31 patterns in all, listed below:

Chicks' Slit Top Felted Bag
Laguna Felted Crochet Hook Case
Purple Haze Fingerless Gloves
Girls' Night Out Triangle Wrap
Sunrise Shawl
Curly Scarf
Leftovers Diagonal Scarf
Zigzag Silk Bag
Retro Chevron Stripe Throw
Alex's T-Shirt Vest
MP3 Player Sock
Regatta Rolled-Brim Hat
Smellin' Like a Rose Washcloth
Laguna Felted Bag
Large Felted Christmas Stocking
Our Esprit Pullover
Artisan Belt
The No-Sweat Hoodie
Big N' Rich Pullover
Holey Cowl Pullover
Pet Sheep
Surfer Chick Quick Cap
Sensational Angora Wrap
The Boyfriend Basket Weave Scarf
Bad to the Bone Dog Jacket
Diva Dog Tutu
Chicks' Felted Zebra Slippers
Game Day Tee
Posh Ballet Wrap
Pocket Full of Posies Felted Purse
Heather's Cafe Cardigan

I can't vouch for the quality of the learn to crochet instruction, as I already know how to crochet and won't be using that part, but from what I read, the instructions seem to be pretty straightforward.

Really the only complaint I have about the book is that the patterns all use expensive, yarn-shop type yarns - beautiful, yes, but out of the price range of many new crocheters. It would be helpful if authors listed the numbered yarn weights used for each project, instead of just labeling the yarns as, for example "light worsted weight wool". They do give the yarn brands, so you could look up the yarn online, and find appropriate and less expensive substitutions though.

Overall though, I think this is a fantastic book, and I definitely plan on buying my own copy!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a crochet book with lots of nice sweaters and unique projects November 26, 2008

By Luvtostitch

Format:Paperback

I was interested in buying this book for the hoodie pattern but when I saw the felted wool Christmas stocking I was sold. When I received the book I was really pleased to find many more really nice sweater designs to make plus some nice additional projects for items I had never seen before (felted wool stylish house slippers,a fluffy pet sheep) The book begins with the easiest project and builds on the skills as you progress. Many various beautiful wools are used with an emphasis on the yarn type rather than the brand so that you can easily substitute for a yarn you can find. The projects lean toward the young and hip but the authors are clearly my age (over 35) and model some of the projects too - I feel I can make any of these to suit my age/style very happily. A nice touch is a felted wool crochet case lined in fabric to help organize your growing collection of crochet hooks.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a good book for beginners January 29, 2012

By reedwar

Format:Paperback

I am an experianced knitter, and was looking to start picking up crochet. I saw this book, and figured that I would give it a try. This was a horrible mistake. This book would be good for someone who already has the basics down, but it is close to useless for a beginner. The directions are very unclear, and the diagrhams are close to useless. Also, they jump from basic techniques to more advanced very fast. I would suggest using a book that has a really good foundation on basic techniques first. For me this book was frusting and defeating.