Knitch Magazine

Title: Christmas in Crochet

Author: Connie Ellison, editor

Date Published: 2010

Review Date: May 31, 2010

Who is this book for?

From the editors of Annie’s Attic, Christmas in Crochet is a comprehensive volume dedicated to bringing Christmas cheer to crocheters of all skill levels.

What Yarns does it Feature?

All the projects use readily available yarn from well-known suppliers like Berroco, Red Heart and Lion Brand. The web sites are listed for every yarn company featured in the book. Use this handy reference if you have difficulty finding the suggested yarn or want to make a substitution.

What’s Inside?

There are 58 patterns packed into this book! There are thoughtful gift ideas, tree decorations that will become treasured keepsakes and home décor to fill your home with the holiday spirit. The “O’ Christmas Tree” chapter is filled with ornaments, tree skirt and garlands. You’ll find patterns for afghans and pillows to keep you warm as you celebrate the season. There are gift ideas for everyone on your list, especially the toys that could even bring a smile from Mr. Scrooge.

Christmas in Crochet features patterns for every skill level. Beginners will find easy projects to advance their skills and more advanced crocheters will find projects to challenge their skills or to relaxing with while creating quick and easy ideas. There’s not a lot of technical information in the single page stitch guide, but you can refer to the publisher’s web site for more detailed information. It is an extraordinarily comprehensive site that’s well designed and easy to use. The online instructions are well-written with clearly illustrated drawings of stitch techniques or video clip supplements showing the stitch maneuvers. If you want to try a new hobby like beading, quilting cross-stitch, knitting or plastic canvas embroidery, you’ll find equally well illustrated instructions there, too.

Using It

The patterns are organized into five chapters: tree trims, seasonal afghans, home décor, gift ideas and toys/games. Each pattern is presented using a standard pattern writing format that’s easy to follow. There are plenty of illustrations and full color photographs to help you visualize the finished product and check your progress. The finished items are attractively set up in displays that spark lots of ideas for decorating and gift giving. Several projects are pulled together in a bountiful gift basket. Start with a lace edged liner and trim it with ribbon and a perky crocheted poinsettia. Fill with goodies and candles. Trim a simple glass jar with a lovely crocheted lid cover, fill with bright starlight mints and tie with ribbon. Add a lacy dishcloth and you have a beautiful and heartwarming gift. There are other ideas for trimming gift bags, warming feet, and filling stockings.

Best Pattern

Beyond the dozens of patterns and decorating tips, the best advice in this book may be the lead to the publisher’s comprehensive online stitch guide. Everyone occasionally needs help, and this ready reference couldn’t be handier. Bookmark it and add the URL to your smartphone – you’ll never be without help again.

Polly and Wally, the pair of 15-inch rag dolls, would charm any child. She’s dressed in a pinafore with a ruffled underskirt and floppy flowered hat. He’s wearing overalls and a scally cap. If you want to create a lifelong loving memory for a child, get busy crocheting this cuddly pair now. Use natural sustainable fibers that are easy-care like cotton washable wool and you’ll please modern moms, too.

Recommendation

If you love to crochet and you love the Christmas season, this book is for you. You may not finish every project in the book, but you will probably have a long wish list of cute and clever projects that will keep you busy right up until the time that Santa drops down the chimney.

Overall Recommendation

I rate this book #6.