| Crochet in Color Techniques and Designs for Playing with Color |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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Title: Crochet in Color Techniques and Designs for Playing with Color
Designer of the enormously popular crocheted “Babette Blanket”, Kathy Merrick has published a book filled with colorful designs and advice on how to achieve craftsmanly results. Kathy refers to herself as a “color junkie and a magpie.” As someone who loves color and collects yarn for its possibilities, Kathy Merrick has made herself known for designs that feature playful color combinations. Her new book is intended to help crocheters lose their fear of combining colors. She sets out her objectives quite directly: My extensive experience with crochet patterns has revealed that there is a niche that needs to be filled. I have seen many projects that are fascinating and take much technical skill, but even those of us who consier ourselves “arty” or fashionable may be hard-ressed to wear the finished pieces outside the house. There are also many projects that are practical and usable but not very challenging or exciting to make. My hope is that you will find this book a helpful resource that merges with the best of both worlds.
What Yarns does it Feature? Kathy Merrick encourages exploration and experimentation. To push the reader along to develop their own color sense, the yarns are described first in terms of their weight and color. The patterns also list the materials used in the models, but readers are expected to substitute freely with the general descriptions provided. The garments and projects in the book are noteworthy for their style, flair and fit, achieved by using finer yarns worked at a relaxed gauge on larger needles. Crocheters will find innovative uses for the sock yarn, Noro yarns, and variegates so beloved by knitters.
What’s Inside? Inside are 17 patterns that explore a variety of ways to play with color and build your crochet color confidence. This versatile book includes projects for every skill level and patterns for 2 hats, 4 garments, 6 scarves/shawls, 2 blankets, and 3 home décor items. Regardless of skill level, the designs stand out for their color and the fine finishing details.
Each chapter progresses from using one or two colors, then stripes and blocks, ending with color adventures. By the end of the lessons, you will feel that you have mastered color and you’ll be able to express yourself with a planned sequence or random color choices.
Like any good teaching too, each of the four chapters in Crochet in Color opens with a description of the objectives. Kathy Merrick’s personal style is engaging and encouraging. She describes her thoughts on each project described in terms of objectives, how to change, what to learn.
Using It As we have come to rely on Interweave Press publications, Crochet in Color is filled with precise drawings and accurate technical information for all the stitches and maneuvers used in the book. The chapter on colorwork techniques includes how-to’s on changing colors, working in tails, stranding and working in the round. The information on finishing techniques will help you achieve a professional-looking garment. Features like borders and bands, seams and blocking are covered in detail.
Each project is accompanied by several views, photographed from all angles. The detailed instructions include charts and schematics, including color placement diagrams so that you can plan the placement of colors.
Best Pattern (or Best Advice) Kathy Merrick arranged her book to “ease you gently into using color and then carry you along as you become more confident in your colorwork abilities.” All the while, she advocates exploration and having fun. In the introductory chapter, “exploring color”, Kathy suggests ways to experiment with color by using embroidery floss crewel yarn. To develop your own sense of color, she recommends lots of experimentation, starting with a few colors, and even using a color you don’t like. Gradually add color in stripes and blocks, juxtaposing unexpected colors or variegates for effect. All the garments and projects in this collection are exceptional. The color block cardigan is sure to be a hit, with endless variation possible in this stylish jacket.
Recommendation Color seems to flummox even the most assertive knitters and crocheters. Take advice from a respected expert, and learn to use color by making the smart-looking projects in this book. Don’t just follow the models. You will need to experiment and take risks to develop your personal sense of color. Kathy Merrick is a reliable guide who can help you learn the mysteries of color. Knitters who have not been tempted by crochet may have to rethink their position after studying the designs and information Crochet in Color provides. Overall Recommendation For crocheters, this book rates #10 – it is filled with useful information and fashionable projects that will increase your skill and color sense.
Where to buy Crochet in Color Techniques and Designs for Playing with Color: Yarnmarket.com
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