Reviews (5)

wearable crocheted sweaters
This book and Lily Chin's upcoming book are the only crochet books I've ever found that have sweaters I would actually wear.Instructions are clear.I'm mostly a knitter who dabbles in crochet and I had no problem with these directions.

Easy and fun!
I absolutely love this book!I wanted to take a brake from knitting and knew this book would be just the right thing to use of some yarn that didn't work out for a different project.The patterns are timeless and the possibilities are endless with the wide variety of yarns available.I've made the cover sweater and the crewneck cardigan and I couldn't be happier with the results.Crochet looks so neat and tidy and the stitches give such wonderful texture.The instructions are very clear and the stitch patterns are easy to remember so you don't have to do much flipping around.This is a definite must for anyone looking to crochet sweaters.

Behind the Scenes
I have a confession: I developed and edited this book for ME! Usually, in the book business, products are developed with a target reader in mind. Well, I broke the rules when I asked the designer, Jane Snedden Peever, to create the garments for Crocheted Aran Sweaters. I *love* every sweater in this book! In fact, I've already made half of them, and have yarn picked out to stitch the rest.
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Subjects:  1. Aran Islands    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crocheting    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Ireland    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Patterns    10. Sweaters    11. Knitting   

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

Reviews (7)

By far, the best crocheted baby blanket book out there
I came upon this book at a local yarn store, and immediately fell in love with it.It helped that the store had re-created one of the patterns from the book, an adorable 9-square teddy bear face blanket with blue trim and 3D ears.I bought all the yard I'd need to make a similar blanket (no doubt that's what the store had in mind!), and I'm just now finishing my own version (using fuzzy yarn for the faces).
Some cute ones in here
Okay, I'm a sucker for cute babies and cute crochet/knit projects....so sue me.
Great crocheting for all
This is a very nice book of crocheting "blankies" for kids. It is well done with good pictures and very understandable directions. Great variety of different types of afghans for babies. If you like this book, check out "Candy Babies" and "Candy Tots" also by Candi Jensen. She is a very creative crocheter and for someone like me who really is drawn to baby and tottlers' clothes and blankets, she is a great resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blankets    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Crochet    9. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB   

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

Reviews (7)

INFORMATIVE
I AM JUST LEARNING TO CREATE SOCKS AND WAS LOOKING FOR A BOOK THAT IS DETAILED AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND.EXCEPTIONAL DIRECTIONS AND PATTERNS.

Socks
Having taught myself to crochet I spent two months experimenting with making socks and landed up with a method that results in no seams or bumps and is reasonably soft. This book might have helped a little with the process but it is one of those books that lays out a pattern and off you go. Fancy patterns for sure and nice for the distaff side. I was hoping for something very plain with more attention given to custom fit and comfort. I stuck the book on the shelf perhaps I might give it a hook sometime in the future.

if you love crochet _and_socks
You will love this book. THe instructions are clear and precise, the patterns are fun to look at (socks with toes!) and easy to do. I have made several pairs of these socks as gifts and they have always been well received. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to keep a pair I crochet for myself;)
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Socks    8. Knitting   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. BG-COOKBKS - BG-CKBKS OVER $10    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (8)

Mixing and Matching Not Possible
This is a lovely book, but the size of the squares, among the different afghans, is not uniform.For instance, the "flower power" afghan squares are 6" x 6", and the "lithograph" afghan squares are 7 1/2" x 7 1/2".If I want to pick a few squares from each afghan and put them together in my own design, it is not possible unless I use a complicated mathematical formula to make the designs fit together, which strains my brain and takes all the fun out of the project.I wish all the squares were designed to be knit the same size, so that I could mix and match effortlessly.

Interesting patterns; heavy binding
Book is beautifully illustrated. I would have appreciated a lighter-weight front and back cover. I solved the problem for myself by carefully clipping the binding away from the spiral-bound inside instruction pages. This allowed me to take the instructions with me in my knitting bag. When I wanted to keep the book on a shelf, I could use the combined front and back covers as a folder to protect the spiral pages.

pattern error
I have just started knitting the Picnic afghan, starting on p. 87. I just discovered that the directions for the Basketweave square are incorrect. Row 13 -- the purl count in the parentheses should be 5, not 6.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Crocheting    5. Needlework - General    6. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    7. NEEDLEWORK   

Reviews (1)

Interesting, but not complete
This book is, in many ways, a wonderful book.It has beautiful illustrations of old patterns, and it has an interesting and extensive history section.Unfortunatly this history is not complete.It is focused almost entierly on Denmark, with some about the rest of Europe, but none about the spread of crochet in the US.The illustrations are lovely, but they are almost entierly from danish patterns and collections.If you are looking for general historical patterns (from about 1800 to the early 1900s), then you will love this book.If however, you are looking for somthing more general and less eurocentric, this book is not for you. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Something for Everyone
A nice selection of different types of projects and different skill levels all in one book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. HISTORY - AMER HIST TRD PB   

Reviews (6)

This is how to do a craft book! Great projects and directions.
I'm very pleased with this book. The pictures are clear as are the detailed instructions. I've made 2 of the designs and plan to make 2 or 3 more. The recommended yarns are easily obtained and also easily substituted.
Hooked Bags: 20 Easy Crochet Projects
Dissappointed in symplicity of patterns. Was hoping for something more challenging.

Must have for bag lovers
Fun and fresh designs are presented beautifully in this spiral bound book.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / General    8. Crochet    9. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (21)

Really nice designs
The cover pic is nice, sexy look that says alot without revealing the extra, there is also a angora sweater by Jolie which is soft and femme. some halters, bolero..and no afghans thank the good Lord, [which is really so tiresome, as if the only thing crocheters could do] the pattern is intermediate to advance, nothing straight on easy, more for some who looking to advance their skills and for those who already have the skills. some of the colours use for some designs are boring..with the use of improv could be really nice..have fun

a bit frustrating, but I love the patterns
I agree with others that some of the stiches are a bit uncreative (and miles of them) but I am willing to change bits here and there, I do love the look of most of the patterns.I really struggled with the stole pattern (the only one I've made) and instructions could be MUCH clearer with the use of charts, such as in the Happy Hooker.For instance, there's a lot of "skip next sc, skip next ch 1 sp, skip next dc, skip next ch 1 sp , sc in next dc" type instructions where something like "sc in middle of next shell" would be so much easier and you wouldn't have to count through the entire friggin row.I rewrote the instructions but there's been a lot of frogging.
30 fun fabulous patterns in one of the best crochet books in print!
I do not usually post reviews for books, but for "Cool Crochet" it was necessary to make an exception. As with Melissa Leapman's previous book, "Hot Knits," the reader will find a generous number of high quality patterns for a good price. Happily the vast number of these are garment patterns! Who needs another book marketed as a garment pattern book but full of ugly bags and uglier "hip" items?
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Subjects:  1. Clothing and dress    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crocheting    5. Dress accessories    6. Fashion    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Patterns    10. Crochet   

Reviews (7)

I can't believe the other ratings...
I had trouble swallowing the reviews that gave this book a one or two star rating.1st of all no need to spend $25 as it can be gotten for less and 2nd of all it is worth the money.The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because I expected more clothing.I would label this more towards the wearable accessories book.A couple of hats & bags, cute bracelet, belts, scarves, ponchos(of which I am not a big fan), shawls, key chain, cute ideas for purchased clothes, stunning skirt, string bikini, toppers, shrugs, boleros and a couple of halter tops.I personally like 28 out of 40 designs.There are a few snoozers as in any pattern book.I just felt this book was rated unfairly and had to put my 2 cents in. Remember though taste is a personal thing.

Disappointed- cover and 2 other outfits out of 40 are the only good ones
What made me buy the book was the cover for the sarong. I thought WOW, I already had ideas. Then when I received the book, went through the pics, [which they give closeups on the stitches] I was thinking, [Ive been had] The poncho they have only 1 though I dont like the pattern it gave me ideas and the yarn Richesse et Soie impossible to get,which I want for the high content of cashmere, from K1C2, and the silk ribbon form Artemis, you can't even find I dont think they do any more. I was truly disapppointed and have entertained the idea of sending the book back. There is more accessories [wristband, small pouch bag, alot of edging] than there are clothing. I was hoping for sweaters, better designs on hats/scarves. Save your money! :(

Crochet Book
The book has beautiful illustrations of some unusual designs. I haven't yet made any of the items so I can't speak to how good the directions are, but in general I'm pleased with the book and looking forward to many hours of crochet pleasure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Patterns    8. BG-JUVENILE PROP - BG-JUVY NON-FICTION    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting   

Reviews (24)

The title says it all!
If you've ever tried to learn to crochet from other books or "simple" patterns and just gave up in frustration, THIS is the book for you! Don't waste time with the other books if you haven't been able to grasp the fundamentals. Add other books to your collection later, if that's your pleasure, but definitely start with CROCHETING IN PLAIN ENGLISH. My own looooooooong experience tells me that it's a real time-saver. Happy crocheting!

Glad I got it at the library
I got four books at the library to try to learn to crochet.This one was the least helpful.The diagrams are almost useless, and the written descriptions will make a true beginner's head swim.I agree with what someone has said here--people learn differently, and if you are truly adept at turning words into actions, you might benefit from this book (although there are other books with more helpful written instructions, in my opinion).Most true beginners, however, will need more detailed diagrams (if only to check that what they are doing is correct).
The Best Reference Book
I just love this book. Maggie Righetti doesn't hold back from her years of experience. She includes so many wonderful tips that are just gold nuggets. She provides the basics, which a lot of books contain, but what they don't have and Ms. Righetti includes are those little tips that mean so much and help us to progress with the craft of crocheting. I have the pages tagged, sentences highlighted, and always keep it close. It doesn't have any fancy graphics but the wealth of information I've been getting just sitting and reading this book is amazing. Thank you, Maggie Righetti. I look forward to purchasing more of your books. ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

too simple
I would consider myself a beginner to intermediate crocheter so I took the advise of someone to get this book.I was disappointed to see how simplistic this book is.It is a pretty book on the outside, but it really should be labeled in some way that it is for the very beginning beginners.

Many household items.....
I've made scarves, afghans, table mats, lace and doilies, as well as many other small crocheted items.I like COZY CROCHET because it includes some smaller items one can use as gifts, such as lace edging for pants and flowers for applique as well as the so-called `hippie' belt.I made the latter for my 16-year old granddaughter and she thought it was "cool".The flowers can be sewn on denim jackets and hats or the seat of your jeans. CC also includes lacy shawls and stoles, pillow covers, and a crochted skirt.I am not too fond of crocheted items that hang-like skirts and purses-as they tend to grow longer and longer over time (stretch and sag), so I would advise not making them.
made a crocheter out of a veteran knitter!
i have been trying to grasp the concept of crochet for decades... my mother is a crocheter, my aunt is a crocheter, but for years i have tried and failed MISERABLY.on my last vacation, i picked up this book and was able to do the first 4 projects without problem.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Dress accessories    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Household linens    7. Needlework - Crocheting    8. Patterns    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Reference    10. Crochet   

Reviews (9)

A 'must' for avid knitters who want more than blanket designs
Ashley Paige has produced sexy knits for the stars, with designs which you may recognize from the pages of Seventeen, InStyle and other top magazines: now under one cover are not just photos but how-to instructions for knitted swimsuits, tops, and cover-ups for beach and bedroom alike. Paige's most popular designs are accompanied by patterns, construction tips, and models. A 'must' for avid knitters who want more than blanket designs.
handle with oven mitts...
...because it's THAT HOT!!! Not one for shrinking violets (or any other shrinkable flowers) or kids-this is one for the grown-ups. It's all clothes (and I use the term loosely) for women (of all sizes) and men who like to dress up in women's clothing (though it wouldn't look as good) especially in hot weather and those who live in Florida, California or Hawaii.
Cute but hard to interpret
The designs in this book are very very cute.I can't wear them (except the bathrobe, which I do plan to knit for myself) but I have a step-daughter who can, which is almost as good.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Crocheting    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (8)

Cool Vintage Styles
This book is exactly what I was looking for - vintage fashion for the entire family.There is beautifully feminine sweaters, shawls, and more for women, as well as stylish sweaters and accessories for men and children.There are varying levels of skills required for these patterns - some easy and some more advanced.There is also a wonderful "vintage" photograph of the original pattern for you to compare to your newer, more updated version.Lots to look at in this book!

Great job
I found this book very helpful because I love vintage clothes, I own the previous book published by Lion Brand featuring vintage garments, and I thought it was somewhat difficult to try to find yarn substitutions and to modify the designs slighty in order to make them wearable, but this book saved me the work and I think the authors did a great job adapting the patterns to be worn with contemporary clothing but still keeping a vintage look about them.
Pretty ordinary stuff
In the whole book there were only one or two items that attracted me. Most items are pretty ordinary; some are distinguished by frills or other design elements that I don't happen to like. Not a terrible book; and maybe in time I'll warm up to it. But if I'd seen it at a bookstore, I wouldn't have bought it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clothing Design    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crocheting    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Knitting    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Needlework - Knitting    10. Patterns    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (4)

This book is great for beginners and advanced crocheter's
This book is very interesting...I've made two projects from it already.The beginners will like this because you only need to learn a few basic stitches (chain, single crochet)and then follow the very complete directions to complete a project....some will take hours, some will take weeks. lots of detail and history too
More Tapesty Crochet is a step up from her first book "Tapestry Crochet"-- it delves in deeper into the history of this unique craft and explains its many different cultural applications. Don't miss out on this book
Words just about escape me when I try to explain this book but I will try.It is a work of art, packed full of very fascinating history of crochet, and the illustrated directions are so clear and easy to follow, including left and right hand directions.Oh the purses in here are just beautiful and yes it does have the full instructions for them!! It also shows a very, new to me anyway, crochet technique that I just can't wait to try.This book is a great addition to any crocheters library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Needlework - Crocheting    7. Patterns   

Reviews (4)

Projects vary greatly in difficulty level so as to appeal to all types of users
There are so many books covering crochet and knitting and that could be hard to see the need for yet another: a new book would have to incorporate a lot of appeal, from a zany cover to original patterns - and KNIT & CROCHET PONCHOS, WRAPS, CAPES & SHRUGS does just this. Projects vary greatly in difficulty level so as to appeal to all types of users, use the latest novelty yarns as well as classics, and provide a wide range of styles. A hardcover with odd-cut edges and bright cover grabs the eye, while lovely photos of completed projects accompanies clear step-by-step designs for added attraction. It not only 'shows' well: it holds curb appeal and an 'easy use' format which is most inviting.
maid Marian
How can I resist knitting a cape with my name on it? Buying this book sight unseen, I was really delighted when it came. However, I am not an enthusiast of the way the instructions are presented. It doesn't work when the patterns get harder. Some of the patterns as the aran poncho become extremely complicated and you have to look on several pages while doing it. The Upcountry poncho (knitted) is another lovely one. I also want to use my Kureyon yarn in the Rainbow poncho.
Variety is the spice of life
I am so impressed with the patterns packed into this book, there is certainly something for everyone no matter what your taste in here.You just have to see the "Maid Marian Cloak", and one of my favorites is the crocheted "Cinderella Cape".I love the layout of the book, the schematics are very clear, and I myself really like the way the different sizes are presented....very easy to follow.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Crocheting    8. Needlework - Knitting    9. Patterns    10. Shawls   

Reviews (11)

Too hard to find the yarn required
I love the pictures. My little girls look at it all the time. But it is very hard to find the suggested yarn. The clothes are very cute but I wouldn't buy it again. I am not good at finding substitute yarns nor do I have the patience for it. Her knitting Barbie book is the same.
Crochet versus knit.
I prefer this over the Knit edition. As stated for that rvw, Barbie bodies thru the years require slight fit-adjustments. Yarns stretch, threads not so much. The pattern errors, patterns spreading over multiple pages, paragraphed instead of row-by-row format all disrupt easy work-up. As Nicky is Barbie's authorized knit-cro artisan, both mfr + publr would earn better profits from handiwork tote-size editions, pre-testing pattern how-to's, offering a few visual and yarn/thread choices ... and how about some Design Names or Design Numbers for Nicky's future creations (as is done for classic Barbie styles, and the numerous other high-dollar "fashion doll" creations world-wide).Since no rvwrs mention perestroika.ca etc, knowing one's own stitch guage prevents a multitude of pattern errors and affords ample design variety (mine is .5"/k and .25"/sc for sport yarn and cotton no. 5 respectively).

Fabulous clothes
I bought this book to make some Barbie clothes for my granddaughter.The thread is a little high-end, but the clothes are fabulous.The instructions are easy to follow, and I could easily substitute yarns. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Crocheting    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    6. Crochet    7. LITERATURE - LIT CLASSICS TRD PB    8. Toys, teddy bears & dolls   

Reviews (7)

Reproduction worth having
A lovely way to decorate your home or you can just add one or two to any room in your house.This can also be used to make gifts and I can tell you from experience, everyone appreciates a gift made from an antique pattern.

A beautiful book
This is a wonderful boook, full or charming and beautiful patterns.The designs are all fine thread crochet.Around 35-40 of them are filet, and these are the nicest filet I've ever seen.The most beautiful are the edgings and the floral designs.Many of the patterns are for larger items, such as table cloths or bedspreads, but all of these (excepting the filet)are made up of a smaller motif repeated many times.This enables the crocheter to choose a design and make whatever they want from it;one could use a tablecloth design for a bedspread, or a bedspread for a runner.The directions are as clear as any I have found,and the results are just spectacular.Yes, the pictures are in black and white, but as it is all white crochet ona dark backround, it is not very important.A wonderful book, certainly well worth the price.

When Crocheting was an art
I learned to crochet about 30 years ago, but when I started again about 10 years ago it was hard to find the old patterns.I was happy when I found this book in 1997.The patterns in this book use threads in 30, 40 and sometimes 60 and 80.It's a fantastic resource for delicate and drop-dead gorgeous crochet projects like vanity sets, bedspreads, dinner sets, edging and insets.I prefer these older patterns because they really take the skill of crocheting to it's highest and most artistic level.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Crocheting    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Needlework - Crocheting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Needlework    8. Crochet