Learn to crochet with this beginner's primer and make yourself some simple but useful items with your new skills. The subtitle for this book is learn to crochet in quick and easy steps and this is a good description. Start off with a brief introduction to hooks, yarn and other basics and then learn the stitches. Each stitch is shown in a series of captioned photographs, which could do with being a bit more close up. Drawn diagrams would have been easier to follow and a sharp pair of eyes is essential; the captions certainly help a lot. The photographs do give the book a colorful, modern appearance and sensibly this section does not overburden the tyro crocheter with too much information. Chain, the most basic stitches, slip stitch, adding new yarn, increasing, decreasing, working a ring etc are covered and this is all you need to get started. The rest of the book contains the projects and you can choose from accessories such as a scarf, cowl and wrist warmers to household items like a bolster, pillow and throw. These projects usefully are not written in the usual abbreviated code but ease you in by being written out in longhand, a good touch. Finished size and gauge is also given along with more than one large photograph of the completed item, none of which is too basic and will give your new skills a workout. All use Rowan yarns and the book is slanted towards the US market having these terms given first with UK terms as a bracketed choice. There is a lot in here for the beginner in a compact book.
Learn to crochet with this beginner's primer and make yourself some simple but useful items with your new skills. The subtitle for this book is learn to crochet in quick and easy steps and this is a good description. Start off with a brief introduction to hooks, yarn and other basics and then learn the stitches. Each stitch is shown in a series of captioned photographs, which could do with being a bit more close up. Drawn diagrams would have been easier to follow and a sharp pair of eyes is essential; the captions certainly help a lot. The photographs do give the book a colorful, modern appearance and sensibly this section does not overburden the tyro crocheter with too much information. Chain, the most basic stitches, slip stitch, adding new yarn, increasing, decreasing, working a ring etc are covered and this is all you need to get started. The rest of the book contains the projects and you can choose from accessories such as a scarf, cowl and wrist warmers to household items like a bolster, pillow and throw. These projects usefully are not written in the usual abbreviated code but ease you in by being written out in longhand, a good touch. Finished size and gauge is also given along with more than one large photograph of the completed item, none of which is too basic and will give your new skills a workout. All use Rowan yarns and the book is slanted towards the US market having these terms given first with UK terms as a bracketed choice. There is a lot in here for the beginner in a compact book.
* Rachel Hyde - Myshelf.com *
If you don't know how to crochet or you know someone who wants to learn then this is a brilliant book. The book takes you through easy to follow steps to help you to learn how to crochet. Emma is a mobile consultant for Rowan Yarns and uses he vast knowledge to create
an amazing book that not only teaches you to crochet she has also designed simplistic designs that are perfect for the modern lifestyle. The projects are designed to show off the skills you are learning and give you the wow factor for what you can make. Everything you need to know about is in the book. You start of learning about the basic equipment that you will need. The brilliant thing about crochet is you don't need much to get you started. You are then taken through a short description of understanding yarn. Once you've read the section of things you need to know, abbreviations etc it's then time to start your crocheting journey. Everything you need to know to crochet is taken in easy to understand steps. Each step includes a clear photo to help you along your way. You will learn how to create a slip knot, crocheting a foundation chain and then it's onto the exciting part of learning the stitches. Not only do you learn the basic stitches you also learn how to join in a new colour, increasing, decreasing stitches, how to join two pieces together, working in the round. You may think that this is a huge amount to learn in one book but you are taken through a journey and you'll be shocked how quickly you will pick up each lesson and complete it.Once you have learnt all the stitches etc. you then get the fun part of making projects to practice everything you have learnt. The patterns are in written format in US terms but UK terms
are also included so which ever terms you are learning you will be able to understand the patterns easily. I love the projects as family and friends won't realise that you have made them being a beginner. The projects are stylish and easy to produce but with a big impact. If you know someone who wants to learn to crochet then this would be a brilliant gift for them. Why not buy the book with a hook and the yarn for one of the projects. Crochet is a beautiful craft and is one that is easily picked up. I know I'll be making some of the projects from the book. They really are beautiful and practical.
* Crochet Addict UK *
Crocheting is increasing in popularity among all age groups. It provides a creative outlet as well as a form of accomplishment and is a great stress reducer. So if you have been waiting for just the right book to come along to inspire you, The Crochet Workshop by Emma Osmond is here. You will learn to crochet in quick, easy steps. The book is a picture book of tutorials covering 18 basic stitches plus six projects.
The step by step photographs that fill the pages are clear and easy to follow. Written instructions accompany the pictures. There is a section to introduce you to the basic equipment, yarn, abbreviations and a stitch comparison guide for following along with both British and American crochet patterns. Emma even shows you how to hold the hook.
Once you have understood how the stitches are created and worked, it is on to the projects. There are pillows, scarf, cowl, throw and wrist warmers. Each project has a notes section to tell you what stitches are used before you start. Now the fun part of choosing colours and deciding on what type of fibre to use is next.
* Examiner.com *
