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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
Title: 50 Ripple Stitches
Author: Darla Simms Date Published: April 2011 Review Date: July 13, 2011
Who is this book for? 50 Ripple Stitches is an intriguing pattern dictionary of 50 unique ripple stitch patterns for crocheters. The level of difficulty ranges from easy to advanced, making this a resource that will challenge and teach at the same time. This encyclopedic collection of ripple stitches from Darla Sims, noted freelance designer and author, is bound to spark creativity in anyone who reads it.
What Yarn Does it Feature? Users have complete freedom of choice in selecting yarn for color, weight and fiber. 50 Ripple Stitches presents directions for all featured stitches, leaving crocheters free to make all the design choices. The luscious color photographs serve as a springboard from which the crocheter can dive into the many possibilities of color and fiber.
What's Inside Intrepid crocheters who want to create their own designs rely heavily on pattern dictionaries. These reference guides display dozens of stitches, presenting a wealth of open ended suggestions that can be turned into afghans, baby blankets, shawls, trims, and garments. Beginners to advanced crocheters also find dictionaries useful as a source for extra guidance on stitch patterns. Darla Sims offers a myriad of variations on the ripple stitch. Some feature two or three colors. Others use cluster stitches, puff stitches, popcorns, corkscrews, or loop stitches to create unique effects.
Using It The book is not intended to be a project book and is limited to the collection of 50 different pattern stitches with complete instructions for each stitch. The collection of stitches is not presented in any special order, rather the dictionary is arranged in mini groupings based on the color of yarn used for the sample. There are patterns in shades of green, blue, pink, red, white that flow beautifully from one to the other, leading readers on a pleasant journey through the book. Gauge is not discussed, leaving the choice of yarn and fiber up to the user. Each entry is named, but that doesn’t always help describe the stitch, and the stitches are not arranged alphabetically. It seems simply another way to add detail. Names like “Unexpected” , “Bodacious” and “Suspension” don’t describe the stitch pattern, but make the book fun to read. Other stitch names like “Little Hearts”, “Wee Ripples”, and “Embossed Cheverons” give a fairly clear idea of what the stitch will look like.
Best Patterns The stitch patterns in 50 Ripple Stitches are amplified by the attractive color choices. Monochromatic and two-color stitches are easily visualized in different colors. It’s a simple matter to consider changing lemon yellow “Puff Peaks” to a color that perfectly suits one’s décor. Most can visualize changing the pink and white “Sweet Dreams” to blue and white. The three-color samples in this book illustrate the power of color in creating sensational ripple stitches. The “Standout Chevron” really stands out in shades of blue, lilac and white. “Northern Lights”, shown in the same colors on the facing page might look as fabulous in bolder colors like green, red and white. This book invites users to experiment on their own to create totally individual designs. Some patterns are so compelling that readers will think and think until they come up with a use for them. For example, the knock-out “Violets” pattern would make a charming baby blanket or lace insert.
Recommendation 50 Ripple Stitches is a must-have reference book for any crochet library. It is comprehensive, detailed and filled with fresh ideas for the ever-popular ripple stitch.
Overall Recommendation
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