Knitch Magazine

Title: Crochet Now! 29 Projects for Baby, Home, Gifts and More

Author: Candi Jensen

Date Published: July 2010

Review Date: August 23, 2010

Who is this book for?

Candi Jensen brought crochet to public television with Knit and Crochet Now, and now 29 crochet projects from this popular series are available at your fingertips. Published in tandem with Knit Now! the crochet volume mirrors the format and project selection of its knitting cousin. The concept behind this teaching series was to present crochet techniques through demonstration and model patterns that used the featured technique. These techniques are now available in a new book, Crochet Now! Designed for novices or those who want to improve skills, Crochet Now! will give you all the know-how you need to take on more advanced projects. The projects in the book range in experience level from easy to intermediate. As the title suggests, there’s a nice variety of ideas for gifts, baby, home décor and “wearables” for everyone in the family. Most are quick to finish projects, and all will help you develop confidence in your crochet skills. The enclosed DVD enables you to study the techniques at your own pace. Crochet along with each of the six segments as you complete the Baby Afghan Square of the Week with a tutor at your command.

What Yarn Does it Feature?

The projects in Crochet Now! are geared toward beginners, so the gauge and yarns used are primarily medium weight or heavier. All the featured materials are readily available from nationally distributed and companies. If you want to make an exact replica of any of the patterns in the book, you will be able to easily find the materials, but if you’re a bit more adventurous or want to make a home décor item to suit your personal tastes, substitutions will be just as easy.

What's Inside

Any but the most doubtful crafter will be tempted to take up a ball of yarn and crochet hook when presented with this inspiring new book. Crochet Now! presents fashionable, fun and colorful projects that will lure readers to this resurgent art form. Inside Crochet Now! you will find a collection of best of show projects plus a few extras. They were selected to teach readers all the basic skills of crochet. Samplers have always been great teaching tools, and Crochet Now! includes two, with a total of 18 different “squares of the week.” Whether you crochet a 12-block or 18-block afghan, or just one to use as a dishcloth, you’ll learn valuable techniques that you can apply to other projects. Once you start hooking and finish a quick project, you’ll be ready for more fun with yarn, and this book is filled with ideas to stoke that interest.

Using It

Crochet Now! is organized according to the type of project rather than techniques presented. All the baby, accessory, home decor, wearables and quick gift ideas are grouped together in separate chapters. The format for patterns is a little inconsistent as you might imagine when they come from so many different designers. The patterns are also identified by the episode in which they appeared. Visit the website for links to other program information on the projects and crochet tips. The glossary in the back of the book covers basic stitch maneuvers with clear drawings and a summary of all the abbreviations and terms you will encounter.

Best Pattern (or Best Advice)

The television series Knit and Crochet Now! features the same projects in knitting or crochet. A single program might feature toys or afghan squares or a lacy shawl using both crochet and knitting techniques. The series doesn’t attempt to settle the rivalry between knitting and crochet, but it provides a nice contrast into what can effects can best be achieved with crochet and what can best be done with knitting needles. It proves that you really should learn both. If you want to make granny squares, Amigurumi animals or pineapple lace, you have to learn crochet. The granny square afghans featured in Crochet Now! are a feast of color. There’s a traditional dark background version or a glowing shaded version, and both are works of art. The whimsical Amigurumi toys and felted giraffe toy are beyond cute and are sure to hook you into toy making. If your interest is fashion, then make a splash in the thoroughly chic pineapple lace top. This may be the garment that inspires you to learn to crochet.

Recommendation

For beginners and anyone learning a new stitch, educators rely on multiple instructional methods. Crochet Now! is a tool that provides written instruction, video clips, drawings and diagrams, and attractive projects all coupled with back up resources on the series website. This book is a lot like reading a Jane Austen novel along the television series – it will expand your understanding and make you want more.

Overall Recommendation

Beginners and those who want to improve their skills will find what they are looking for in Crochet Now! I rate this thoroughly documented and well produced book #7.