Not Your Mama's Crochet: The Cool and Creative Way to Join the Chain Gang 
asked by benzdrives on November 2, 2006 3:57 AM
Forget ugly afghans and dainty doilies and think luxurious throws and sumptuous sweaters. You can crochet cool stuff that will make everyone envious—things to spice up your wardrobe and your pad, or gifts to amaze your "I could never do that" friends. Choose from nearly thirty projects ranging from elegant to earthy—from a chic shrug to a recycled denim rug and from fun plush toys to sweaters too good for boys.
In hip style, this guide covers: All kinds of yarns and materials, and the tools of the trade The basic stitches, shaping, finishing techniques, blocking, and more Simple projects that give you close-to-instant gratification and more complex ones that take some commitment Suggestions for customizing every design and personalizing every project
Intone your creative mantra and get your hooks into a terrific project. With Not Your Mama's Crochet, you won't just make unique, chic items—you'll make a statement.
Reviews
This book has is all wonderful easy to follow instructions and great projects. This book is great for beginners and a must have for any crocheter!
reviewed by librarian on November 23, 2006 12:32 PM
I really enjoy the patterns. I like that they use classy yarns yet list less pricey ones for each project. One of the best innovations in the pattern instructions is that the knitting gauge of the yarn is included so you can go into your stash and make substitutions for the yarns. So far what I've tried out has been accurate. I appreciate the careful editing that equals less frustration and potentially unfinished projects.And since I hardly ever follow a pattern as written, I really like the sections on "Variations". They inspire me to invent even more alternatives.
Having been a hardcore knitter for years I was glad to get the refresher on crochet techniques. Also Chapter 12, on how to hook up (sorry for the pun) with the crochet community on-line was helpful.
This is a great book for learning, patterns and inspiration.
Having been a hardcore knitter for years I was glad to get the refresher on crochet techniques. Also Chapter 12, on how to hook up (sorry for the pun) with the crochet community on-line was helpful.
This is a great book for learning, patterns and inspiration.
reviewed by ivan on November 26, 2006 10:07 PM
I was expecting some new ideas and projects I would want to make. Instead this is a good book to give to a teen who wants to learn to crochet. Half the book is a "how to crochet" explanation of stitches and the projects are rather basic, even the ones that are sort of new in style.
reviewed by theriver on November 27, 2006 2:07 AM
I am a knitter and spinner and will soon be adding crochet to the list. sure I know how to do a basic chain stitch but that is about it. I have tried to learn crochet from other books and failed. However, this book lays it all out in plain English. I can actually keep my sides even!
The book itself is well written and laid out. First off is the Market Bag. I live about 4 blocks from the local farmers market. Buying Local, Buying Organic but using plastic bags that I'm just going to throw out? Heck no!! Now I will have a bag to take to the market with me!!
Living in a city where it gets cold at night but is warm during the day makes the Weekend Vest perfect. Once I master that its going to be the Pseudo-Kimono. Having seen this sweater in person let me tell you that it looks fabulous in the picture in the book but in person ... It is to die for!! I can't wait to crochet it up. I have to admit I never thought I would catch myself saying this.
Get this book. Especially you knitters who have stayed away from crochet! This book will change your mind and get you hooked! Literally.
The book itself is well written and laid out. First off is the Market Bag. I live about 4 blocks from the local farmers market. Buying Local, Buying Organic but using plastic bags that I'm just going to throw out? Heck no!! Now I will have a bag to take to the market with me!!
Living in a city where it gets cold at night but is warm during the day makes the Weekend Vest perfect. Once I master that its going to be the Pseudo-Kimono. Having seen this sweater in person let me tell you that it looks fabulous in the picture in the book but in person ... It is to die for!! I can't wait to crochet it up. I have to admit I never thought I would catch myself saying this.
Get this book. Especially you knitters who have stayed away from crochet! This book will change your mind and get you hooked! Literally.
reviewed by sumbuddy on November 29, 2006 3:01 AM
