Book Review: "Crochet! - Techniques, Stitches, Patterns"

I was given this opportunity to review this book:

"Forget about outdated designs: Crochet! is all about cutting-edge needlework! These sophisticated handmade masterpieces-all in wools, silks, cottons, bamboo, and microfibers-range from dresses and cover-ups to accessories, home décor items, and toys. Eighty classic and fanciful stitches provide plenty of inspiration for crocheters of all levels, while 20 patterns-each with a photo of the finished project-round out this updated and comprehensive course."

* Click the image to view inside of the book *

Crochet! Techniques, Stitches, Patterns
By Marie-Noelle Bayard
Flexibound
ISBN13: 978-1-936096-14-5
8 1/8x 10 5/8 inches • 224 pages

Product page on Sixth & Spring Books
This 224 page book is for beginner - advanced level crocheters. The photo tutorials are very clear, and crochet symbols (I believe all crocheters need to learn symbols!) include unique and advanced symbols in addition to basics. I really like this books for the tutorial of basic garment construction with explanations of types of armholes, necklines, and button holes!

Also, the pattern stitches and motifs are my most favorite part of this book! - There are beautiful fans, shells, textured, and unique stitch patterns including "raised scales", which has become widely known among crocheters rather recently as "crocodile stitch". Crocheters - Don't be afraid of advanced pattern stitches! :) They are just different combinations and repeats of basic stitches. In my opinion, beautiful and advanced pattern stitches can be done a lot more easily in crochet than knitting!

Patterns included are: bags, baby items (toy, sweater, blanket, booties), adults' pullovers, jacket, accessories (belt, slippers, scarves, beret, brooches), and home decor items (pillows, lamp shade). - Contemporary and useful. :) I'd say the skill level of these patterns are ranging from easy to advanced intermediate. The constructions of each design seem traditional, and I believe oh-so-very-important basics and lots more can be learned by completing these projects.

Great work, Ms. Marie-Noelle!!!

Violet Doily

"Small and Large Violet Doily"
Free Pattern
Thread: Aunt Lydia's Class Crochet (Size 10)
Modification: I skipped the last round.
I should have done better on blocking, but look how many little violets there are on this doily! I was lazyyy... and I made one big mistake. :D

I have more flowery doilies I plan to crochet. Right now, I'm all into thread crochet, flowers, and colors! :)

Can't wait for spring!

It hits again. - Around this time every year, I start planting seeds in pots. This time, I decided on snow pea and cat grass for Tobi to eat. They are growing fine, and cat grass is already being invaded by him! :D Later this year, I'll plant spray millet outside for him too. :)

I envy people with green thumb since I never succeeded on growing beautiful flowering plants/keeping them alive. X( I want to try some flower bulbs instead of seeds, but it has to wait until it gets warmer outside. For right now, I can at least do this! :)

"Tulip Doily"
Free download for members of HassDesign
13.5" in diameter with #10 thread
Tulips... how I love them. :) On its diagram, the last row of the flowers shows 1-ch spaces instead of picots shown in the photo on the pattern so I did 3-chain picots.

Off to find another pretty flowerly pattern! :D

Violin Motif

Some weeks ago, I found Chisako's weblog - "Crochet a little". It includes tons of her designs of BEAUTIFL thread crochet motifs, doilies, accessories, etc. and their charts which for a moment, I wasn't sure if I wanted to share! Hehe. :P

I've made a few of her motifs, and here is one:

Violin Motif
Published on Crochet a little
Thread: Olympus Emmy Grande
Check out her pumpkin wagon & Cinderella! You can also combine her motifs to make beautiful scenes like this one!

This blog is originally in Japanese language, but scroll down and you will find "Translate to English" on the right column. Also, I recommend using the monthly post links to find the lists of her designs.

Now I'm pretty sure many threadies who visit this blog will be spending hours on Crochet a little like I did. :D

Have a good weekend! :)

Apple Doily

I know this is belated, but HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!!! :)

Again, I was hit by an urge to crochet a doily, and I found this free pattern on Ravelry. :D
*click photo to enlarge*

"Apple for the Teacher Doily"
designed by Denise Augostine
This doily can be worked up in just a few hours, and I'm sure it would make a nice gift for teachers. This year, I'm my son's teacher so this doily is for myself. Ha!

I also recently found many beautiful doilies some skilled crocheters made on Flickr, and I was off to my local craft store right away to buy some thread in pretty colors. :) Now I'm on the hunt for beautiful variegated thread!

I feel the joy of crochet the most from using #10 thread and little hooks. How about you? :) More doilies to follow... I think. :D