Reviews (25)

Pretty book
This is a great little book of knitting ideas.The photos are beautiful and the instructions are understandable.It is a great price for a gift for your favorite knitter!

Beautiful one skein interesting projects
I love this book of small one-skein knitted projects.I've knit the adorable baby hat, the felted clutch purse, the cable footies, and I have my eyes on making the felted bowls, the baby petal bib, and the spiral rib bag.The instructions are clear and easy to follow.This has become one of my favorite knitting books ever, since I love small projects that are beautiful and don't bore me before they are done and become abandoned to closet corners.I also love the pictures in this beautiful book; I'm inspired just looking at the lovely yarns.By the way, the baby hat is lovely done in Rowan wool cotton.
Great small projects!
I never take on blankets or anything overly large because I need instant gratification.This book is it.The projects are small and even though the yarn is expensive, you can find substitutions.The projects are cute and fun and you can see pictures of most of them on other people's blogs!This is a popular one.If you have enough interest to read the reviews, it is definately worth buying. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    10. Crochet   

Reviews (74)

dare i say it...even better than S&B Nation!!!!
oh lord, WHY did i have to JUST start knitting right before this book arrived?as addicted as i am to my new hobby, i am a long-term crocheter who has been very, VERY tempted to drop the needles and grab a hook again because of this book (well, that and "The New Granny Square" - tho i already own it, it is not available on Amazon for some reason so i cannot review it).
Excellent, stylish and easy to follow patterns!
I purchased this book after first checking it out from my local library.I am used to being disappointed by crochet books - most are either outdated, unstylish, or contain the proverbial overabundance of hat and scarf patterns (haven't we all made too many of those already?).I was in search of hip patterns that were like expensive boutique items but with easy to follow instructions and I was not disappointed by this book in any way!Usually I only find one or two patterns in any crochet book that I really want to make but I can honestly say that I will end up working nearly every one in this book, either for myself or for gifts.The instructions are very easy to follow and I have now made about 4 of the designs:a purse, 2 hats & a baby blanket.It is perfect for the novice or experienced crocheter and if you forget how to work a particular stitch, there is an excellent reference guide in the front.I love this book so much I am giving it to several of my friends for Christmas!My only complaint, like another reviewer, is that it should be spiral-bound because I will probably wear it out from using it so much.

Great for beginners!

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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Crochet   

Reviews (11)

Superb stitch almanac. Awesome photos. What more do you need?
I did a bit of crocheting as a pre-teen, but I never had a formal lesson, and my woebegone efforts sure demonstrated the lack. After a distance of 30 years, I decided to learn a bit more about the subject, and perhaps learn how it ought to be done. (Though I was surprised at how much I'd remembered!)
Great guide for those with limited patience!
I'd tried new things in crocheting before this book, but really didn't have the patience for the kinds of patterns that read: dsc. *yo 3dc in 1st sc* 2dc [3dc]. Huh??? I'm from Missouri - you've got to show me. Those black and white diagrams of individual stitches like double and triple were ok, but as far as advancing beyond potholders, I wanted to crochet to relax, not decipher some ancient text so I could crochet. This book is great for those of us who want to see a picture of what it's supposed to look like each step of the way. It also shows you some really interesting effects you can create, though there aren't any real patterns per se in the book. However, once you see how the stitches are worked, deciphering those patterns that drove you nuts is a lot easier. Wish I'd found this book before I made all those potholders!

Excellent Book for beginners & experienced crocheters alike
All I can say is:
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. BG-HISTORY - BG-AMERICAN HISTORY    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Crochet   

Reviews (6)

Beautiful designs, delightful photos!
This book has been a staple in my crochet library for a couple of years, since its publication.I think it is a wonderful book, chock full of novel ideas.I have always been happy to select a pattern from it to make for other people's children, but now that I have my own 4-month old daughter, I am thrilled to make these things for her!

Extremely disappointing
I found most of the patterns offered to be blatant retreads of early 1970's fare.The granny sqaures and heavy yarns look cheap and dated to me, not cute.The eyelash yarn bolero and fur trimmed coat are worthy inclusions, but not worth the price of the book.Also I was quite surprised at the lack of finishing information.Correct seaming and finishing can make the difference between a beautiful, handmade heirloom garment and a "tacky homemade" item; surely some time spent explaining the best techniques would be worthwhile?
Bulky designs
I pre-ordered this book hoping it would provide lots of ideas and inspiration.The designs are bulky and blocky, and I have two boys and I would not put them in any of these designs.I own the Lesley Stanfield and Betty Barnden books and love them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crocheting    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Infants' clothing    7. Needlework - Crocheting    8. Patterns    9. BG-SPORTS&RECREATION - BG-SPORTS    10. Child care & upbringing    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    12. Crochet   

Reviews (13)

Great Crochet Reference!
This is the best beginner book on the subject of crochet that I own.Stitch-n-Bitch is great, but doesn't go into as much detail on some aspects.The explanations in CFD are clear, with good visual aids, and the projects are realistic for beginners.(I learned to crochet as a child in the 70s but am now returning to it and actually finishing some items now that it's back in style).You can't go wrong with this book--I refer to it again and again.

Very Good!
I have been crocheting for almost a year, but I never felt Ilearned how to do it right, and after reading this book I found out I wasn't! But, I was able to figure out what I was doing wrong, and was able to fix it! They give straightforward instructions and illustrations to help! I will definatley recomend this to friends.

Crocheting for Dummies/Anyone can learn
Excellent book.Anyone wanting to learn to crochet will truly enjoy this book.It has every stitch you would want to learn and it does the description in a way that you can't help but learn it.Good luck to anyone that is just starting to crochet or even those that have been crocheting and want to learn a new stitch.This is a must for your stitching library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games   

Reviews (8)

awesome little book
When I am in need of the clarifing on some things I go here and this book explains it well.

You need this!!! Finally the answers too endless ques.
I got this book a whilstback forgot to review ':\..This book list prob in a easy to read and find fashion..from how to count stiches, read schematics. to why does my end looking lumpy and not straight, shaping [ugh] to how to do a FPDC to different tech on how to finish a pattern, read a pattern, weave in end during your work rather that after..I can go on..Small compact book with all the necessary ingredients to make your life easier, that is crocheting of course :)) A MUST IN YOUR CROCHET LIBRARY!!!`~cheers

BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEST BOOK I EVER BOUGHT,IT REALLY DOES ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTITIONS. I HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NEVER BE SORRY.IT IS THE PERFECT SIZE TO TAKE WITH YOU . AND THE PICTURES ARE VERY CLEAR.SANDY ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Miscellanea    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Crochet    9. Reference works   

Reviews (7)

great for beginners, just wish there was a little more
I bought this book without looking inside, and while I really like the technical information in the book, I have a little bit of a hesitation about recommending it wholeheartedly.I think for an absolute beginner, this would be a fabulous book.It goes over everything from color design to translating that to garments.There's a short tutorial on stitches, and a gallery of basic patterns that you can customize.
VERY COOL book for anyone who knits or crochets!
I was a little skeptical about how good this book would be, but boy was I pleasantly surprised!As someone who is more of a "left-brained" knitter and crocheter, I didn't know if I would ever want to do any of the projects in this book.However, even a left-brainer such as myself can get creative with the patterns and ideas in this book.Just like "Hip to Crochet," this is a book that inspires me to pick up my often-ignored crochet hook, in addition to my well-used knitting needles.I like this book so much that I just bought one for my sister who is even more left-brained than I am!

Great book to get started with freeform crochet
I read through most of this book the day I got it because it was that good.There is a section on color theory that helps you choose your yarns, and there are clear instructions on how to put together your "scrumbles" - which are the building blocks for freeform crochet.It is more step-by-step than other books on freeform, which is good for those who need it.The pictures are beautiful and inspiring, too.I'm a long-time crocheter, but I'm new to freeform.This book inspired me to work on my first freeform project - a vest.Crocheters with a desire for more creative expression will love this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. BG-HUMOR/GAMES - BG-HUMOR    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    7. Crochet   

Reviews (7)

If you only could have one crochet book...
This probably would be the one to get--it has the most comprehensive and easy to understand instructions of any guide I've seen. As a crochet teacher, I've watched students struggle with trying to reproduce what they see in the line drawings that are used in most instruction books. TYVC uses photographs which are well done and easy to follow and understand. Pretty much every aspect of crochet is discussed and cool patterns highlight the techniques your teaching yourself--I especially like the spiderwoman belt and the tunisian crochet tie.

One of the Good Ones!
In relearning the craft taught to me by my mom when I was nine, I have been through a lot of "instructional" materials, old and new, good and terrible. This book is one of the good ones - it has great photos of not only how the stitch is done and how it should look, but very clearly pictured swatches so you can get a better understanding of what you are doing as a beginner. Well designed and easy to understand - it's very easy to teach yourself by building on the basic techniques, and the included patterns are fun and modern. A must have reference for any crafters shelf!

This is the book I wish I had when I was learning.
I learned to crochet as a child and was perfectly content to make blobby pieces of fabric to wrap around my dolls as avant-garde fashion.Later, as a teen, I wanted to learn more, and went through every book I could find in the public library and in the used bookstores.From multiple sources, I managed to learn what I wanted to learn.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    7. Crochet   

Reviews (17)

Fabulous and Flirty Crochet
I found this book to be great. The directions are clear and very easy to read. Photos are wonderful! The designs are in style for today.
Very sexy patterns
I ordered another used book off of amazon, and the seller accidentally shipped me this book instead. So I decided to make the most of my time with my misplaced book and write a review of it, especially since because I'm a guy, and it's not the kind of book I'd ever buy on my own.
Fabulous, Flirty - just what you need
This book finally is a step in the right direction..right from the cover with the plunging neckline..i had made with black yarn pink trim using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, and WOW the neckline, [ladies this is turning heads] the other flirty top with the flower in the middle Im currently working on yum! This is a book for those who have skills, The stitches at a glance might seem complicated but as you are working on it you realise that you know just a matter of following the directions CAREFULLY!..soft and femme the way I like it and a nice book to have in you crochet library ~happy crochet ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Needlework - General    7. Patterns    8. Sweaters    9. Crafts & Hobbies / General    10. Crochet   

Reviews (2)

Candi stole my book idea
Not really.... but....
A recipe book for fiber artists!
I am a knitter first and foremost, but have found myself being drawn to crochet recently , for good reasons.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. CRAFTS & HOBBIES / Needlework / Crocheting    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (18)

Excellent Reference Book
The Crochet Stitch Bible is an essential little handbook for anyone who crochets and is looking to learn new stitches.The "How To's" in this book are fabulous!I've wanted this book for a long time and now that I have it, I wouldn't part with it for anything.I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to crochet.

The Crochet Stitch Bible
It's the most wonderful little book.I love everything about it. First and foremost, I love it's size, I can pop it into my bag and easily carry it with me, I love the clear directions of every stitch, the colored pictures showing what the stitch should look like, and the quality of the book and paper itself. I've crocheted for years, but sometimes when life gets too busy, I'll go for long periods of time when I can't do it and I'll forget certain things. With this book I can always browse through it and find exactly what I'm looking for, and I'm back on track in no time.My daughter-in-law showed me her book and when I saw it I just had to have one for myself.I would most definitely recommend this great little book to anyone who loves to crochet.

A Great Little Book
This is a book which lives up to all the reviews I've read about it. It is well organized, covers a broad range of topics and is compact enough to find a space in your tote bag. I like the Stitch Selector feature which shows small colored swatches of the stitch patterns covered in the book with the pages number, where a larger picture of the swatch and instructions for completing it can be found. You only have look through to eight pages to locate the pattern of your choice.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting   

Reviews (11)

EXCELLENT BOOK FOR KNITTERS AND CROCHETER'S!!!
This book has it all, I was Pleasantly surprised when I purchased this book, at the Ease in Instructions, for both Knitting and Crochet Patterns, especially the crochet Lace, cables, and intricate patterns that only existed for knitters once. Here they are shown side-by-side, one column in the knitted instructions and one column in crochet. It is a verywell put together book, with MANY GREAT PATTERNS!! WELL WORTH THE PRICE!!! GREAT BOOK!!!

No, it isn't
This is just a book of crochet patterns that mimic knit stitches and there are plenty of other more interesting crochet pattern books than this one on which to spend your money.

Misleading Title
I bought this book because I believed the title. I thought the book would explain how to convert a knit pattern into a crochet pattern so you'd have the same size/gauge and a similar weight fabric. Instead, I was given a lot of crochet patterns that imitated the look of knit stitches but were of very different fabric weight. If you want a lot of new crochet patterns (albeit not very exciting ones), this is a good book for you. But if you're truly looking for a method by which you can crochet something using a knit pattern, this book is not helpful at all. On the other hand, the book does include some helpful hints on yarn substitutions and correlations between crochet hook and knitting needle sizes. After buying this book I realized that if I want a fabric that looks and drapes like knitted fabric, I'd have to learn to knit--something I had not been successful at, because I am so used to crocheting. So I decided I'd teach myself to knit my OWN way, carrying the yarn in my left hand and weilding the right knitting needle as if it were a hook, rather than manipulating the yarn around the needle, the way most "how-to" books instruct (after I taught myself this "new" method, I found out it is Continental Style knitting--as opposed to the more common British or American style). Now that I can knit and am very familiar with the construction of knit vs crochet stitches, I understand that you can't really duplicate the drape and weight of knitted fabric using a crochet hook, and this book is a waste of money if that's what you're hoping to do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Crocheting    5. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (6)

Don't be too hard on Lion Yarn
This is a very well put together book with clear instructions and good illustrations. It outlines the Prayer Shawl Ministry and builds on the basic patterns available on websites. To their credit, some of the patterns are available free from the Lion Yarn website.
Save Your Money - You Don't Need It
Everything you need is at the Prayer Shawl Ministry web site. I bought the book and visited the website by shawlministry.com amazingly similar but the book is by Lion Brand Yarn and Leisure Arts Publishing - the web site is by two women freely spreading God's love.

Knitter's Delight
The book is what I hoped it would be - it has provided different and very nice patterns for the shawls. I'm glad I have it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (17)

Will use again!
I recently knit the Swallowtail Shawl, and found the pattern to be clear, simple, and easy to memorize.I will definitely go back to this book again.
Nice ideas -- bad editing
As a newcomer to knitting, I found several starter-level pieces in this book -- all very unusual and well designed.Or so it appeared....I ended up having to carry the book into my local yarn shop for help deciphering a pattern -- only to find that the pattern really was incomplete.Several steps and notations had been left out, making it confusing for the experienced knitters in the shop that day, and damn near impossible for a newbie to figure out.
More than a scarf
so many ways to knit and wear something other than a scarf ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Shawls    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (4)

Great book and worth the money!
This book is inspiring for the depth and innovation of the projects shown.I expect the projects of professional artist to be pushing the limits of what can be done in the medium.I would not be interested in buying a "how to" book that showed me how to make ordinary things -- go to Michael's craft stores for such "make and take" classes.This type of book, with such a variety of projects, is meant to be used as a basis to make your own, unique pieces (not to make copies of other's designs).

Not What I Expected
I was very disappointed in this long awaited book.I teach wire crochet at a local craft store and had this book on my wish list for months.While the book had good clear instructions on the various techniques involved in crocheting wire, I found the projects to be way too bizarre to have any use for the average person.As a teacher of this technique, I feel that the person new to wire crochet will be overwhelmed with the oddness of the "over the top" designs featured here while the experienced wire crocheter, will feel let down by the perhaps one or two new techniques they may find as well as the designs being virtually non-usable in the average person's wardrobe.I am definitely feeling as though I wasted my money on this book, and as a previous reviewer stated, it is definitely headed for eBay VERY soon...

Disappointed
I was very disappointed in this book.The instructions were very detailed in explaining the basic stitches -- however, the projects were not what I was expecting.The projects were all above and beyond what the average person would attempt, or wear if achieved.I will be selling this on ebay soon! Sorry! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    7. Jewelry making    8. Metal Work    9. Needlework - Crocheting    10. Wire craft    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Metal Work    12. JUVY-TODDLERS - JUVY-BATH / SOFT   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Lace and lace making    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting   

Reviews (1)

Lovely, vintage-inspired projects
Rowan fans will recognize from the cover, that, yes, this book does contain some repeat projects from past issues of Rowan. Not to worry - there are plenty of new projects in here as well, plenty to make owning the book worthwhile, in my opinion. All the styles are soft and feminine with a vintage mood. The three chapters, "Out and About," "Home Comforts," and "Little Extras" include a variety of blouses, sweaters, wraps, and accessories as well as a few home decor items. The garments are sized up to a 38-40" bust measurement. Atkinson offers some lovely and unique items, such as a lacy hooded shrug with a beaded edging and jewelry crocheted in metallic yarn with beads crocheted in. Many of the items are beautifully accented with knit-in beads, ribbons, buttons, lace edgings, and crocheted flowers.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Crocheting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Crochet    7. Knitting   

Reviews (12)

Not for beginners
This book has some crochet information you won't find any where else.It is a great book for intermediate and experienced crocheters, but there are tons of better ones for beginning crocheters.The projects and photographs are enticing but don't buy it unless you already understand all the crochet terms, stitches and symbols.

Good beginner and reference book!!
I disagree with the reviewers who say this isn't good for beginners. It has very clear instructions. It isn't exhaustive but it is good to teach you how to read patterns and do buttons, braids, tunisian, broomstick lace, flowers, filet, etc. Teaches the puff stitch and the cluster stitch nicely! Lots of various stitches and some good patterns. Tells you the weight of yarn used in the pattern so you can easily substitute from your stash. Patterns: large shopping bag, padded coat hangers, book covers, rug, pillow cover, mittens (child & adult), camisole, child & adult Aran sweater, blanket, a round & a square pillow, throw, small & large bags, hairband, slippers, shade/window edging and a stole.

Thank goodness for the internet
As a complete beginner, I have finally taught myself how to CORRECTLY sc, but only after looking at a couple of other books and a few websites.I understand that there is a lot of variation in crochet, but Pauline Turner gives several misleading (or just plain incorrect?) instructions.First, for sc, she says to insert the hook in the third chain from the hook for the foundation - everywhere else I've looked says to insert it in the SECOND chain from the hook.Also, she says that for sc, the turning chain counts as a stitch, but every other source (plus common sense) says that the turning chain in sc does NOT count as a stitch.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. BG-FICTION OVER $5 - BG-LITERARY $5+    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Crochet   

Reviews (6)

Yes, get out your hooks and your light weight yarn. It's hookin'time!
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.
A BEGINNER BOOK
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.

this book makes me WANT to crochet
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!
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Crochet   

Reviews (5)

old fashioned
This is so old fashioned! it looks like the jewles of a grandma, that the grandaughter will love to play with, but, well, nothing I really want to make.
Designer Beadwork: Beaded Crochet Designs
A terrific collection of crochet/beaded jewelry designed for young girls.With a little creativity the designs can be expanded to fit an adult.Directions are easy to follow.

Atasteful, well-organized & inspiring book
This is one of the loveliest books on bead crochet that I have encountered -- and I've gone through the gamut! Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Crocheting    6. General    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Jewelry    9. Needlework - Crocheting    10. Crafts & Hobbies / General    11. Crochet    12. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB