| Crochet! Techniques, Stitches, Patterns |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: Crochet! Techniques, Stitches, Patterns
Author: Marie-Noёlle Bayard Date Published: April 2011 Review Date: April 4, 2011
Who is this book for? Crochet! is a learn-how book designed to teach beginners all the skills needed to complete any of the 20 inspiring projects in the book. Those with basic or even advanced crochet can experiment with the 80 stitch patterns and motifs that range from simple to complex. This appealing book is filled with ideas, beautiful pictures and enthusiasm for crochet. Author Marie-Noёlle Bayard adores crochet for the fantastic and endless variety it offers. She sees crochet as the ultimate hand craft — one that can’t be duplicated by machine. The intricate and beautiful stitches presented in this book can only be created by hand, and she takes readers through each step starting with basic stitches. Like any artist, Bayard takes readers to unexpected heights as she leads the way through simple variations to complex and exotic stitches. She encourages experimentation with shape, stitch and materials. Bayard gives readers the tools and leads the way to a serious love affair with crochet.
What Yarn Does it Feature? Sample swatches are worked in light to medium neutral shades of cotton to reveal maximum clarity in the stitch detail. Twenty practice projects supplement the techniques, illustrating the wide variety of yarn weights, fibers and finishes available for stylish crochet applications. Bayard includes a concise directory of yarns, including a brief description of the many fibers available for crochet and some of the fiber properties. Beginners will find this information very helpful in learning to read yarn labels and make yarn choices and everyone is encouraged to experiment with the dazzling array of fibers available to the modern hand crafter.
What's Inside Like most learn-how books, Crochet! follows a building-blocks formula. Basic information about tools, materials, abbreviations and using the book lays the foundation for the rest of the book. These introductory notes are followed by basic instruction for simple stitches, combination stitches and pattern-reading. The rest of the book focuses on more complicated stitches, sub-divided for clarity into chapters on textured, lace, and composite stitches. This simple formula is rounded out with instructions for sample projects, twenty total in the book. Every chapter includes techniques, exquisite photographs and tempting project ideas. The handy index at the end of the book illustrates all 80 stitches and 20 projects, cross-referencing them to the instructions page.
Using It From the bright cover straight through to the last page, this book is simply beautiful to look at. Color, precise photography and attractively staged fashion shots of finished projects attract immediate attention. The soft cover opens flat and stays open without stressing binding. This may sound minor, but the binding allows users to look between their work and the tutorials without wrestling with the book. Study the book a little more and you will find it is filled with helpful information that is presented in a simple outline format supplemented by excellent pictures of key maneuvers. The very first pages show how to hold the yarn and hook and work the first stitch. Subsequent pages take learners through well-documented tutorials on all the basic stitches before moving on to pattern stitches like single crochet and its variations, double crochet and variations, then treble crochet with its variations. Readers comfortable with the basics can practice using one of the inspiring projects at the end of the chapter. Each project is accompanied by a detailed photograph, schematic drawing showing construction method and dimensions, plus detailed instructions. Experienced crocheters may choose to use the book as a stitch dictionary and pattern book.
Best Pattern Bayard conveys great fondness for her craft and presents an artist’s vision of how to utilize crochet to decorate your life. Her project ideas for classic bags, sweaters, wraps, and home décor are worthy of the time and effort needed to create them. The loden carry-all, heirloom baby booties, chevron scarf and classic afghan require only basic skills. Other projects like the lacy crib blanket and feminine tank top require only slightly more experience. What sets all these projects apart from many others is the choice of materials and designer details. If you take note of the choice of fiber, color, and detailing, you will learn from this talented author the lessons of fine fashion as well as basic technique.
Recommendation Marie-Noёlle Bayard is a haute couture designer whose designs have been featured in several design houses and women’s magazines. Her craft books on embroidery and sewing earned rave reviews for detailed pictures, precise instructions, and thorough reference material. Crochet! is sure to win similar favor from its audience. Anyone new to crochet or who wants to improve their skill will use this book as a helpful resource. Beginners can keep this book at hand for guidance and aid through every step from start to finish. More experienced hookers will value the stitch dictionary and finishing hints. Crochet! is an all-around useful book. Overall Recommendation Crochet! earns a strong buy recommendation of #9.
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