I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE crochet and all that it encompasses. I especially love reviewing new crochet books that come out on our market. I am lucky to have a wonderful library full of fun, interesting and informative knit and crochet books. One of my favorite kind of books are technique books that teach me new things about crochet and other needlework art forms. When I received Dora's new book "The New Tunisian Crochet" Contemporary Designs from Time Honored Traditions, by Dora Ohrenstein, “Interweave/F+W Media; $24.95.”, I knew that I had hit the jackpot! Dora and Interweave have put together an incredibly beautiful and informative book!
"Wow", is all I kept saying as I flipped through it's pages. To say that Dora's new book is beautiful is an understatement. It is not only a lovely book that I will always cherish, it has and is teaching me wonderful things about the art of Tunisian crochet!
Before I show you some of the actual designs in the book, I would like to discuss the overall text of the book itself.
Dora begins the book with a chapter entitled, "What is Tunisian Crochet". It includes beautiful photographs, a brief history of Tunisian crochet and how it has been brought into the modern world. Another chapter discusses all you need to know to work Tunisian crochet including techniques, basic stitches, decreasing and increasing, working tall and textured stitches, changing colors and so much more! You learn how to make a swatch and there are many tips and tricks along the way. There is a chapter for special techniques and effects including working circles, combining Tunisian with regular crochet, Tunisian colorwork and even Tunisian entrelac. In a separate chapter on stitch patterns, there are 28 pages and 33 beautiful stitch patterns, all in beautiful color. The book concludes with projects for 11 stunning Tunisian crochet projects, from sweaters to easy smaller projects, as well as some home decor, designed by "some of crochet's masters". This book has everything you will ever need to get started and go way beyond learning about the art of Tunisian crochet. I will always treasure this beautiful book in my library!
Below is a small sampling of some of the projects in the book.
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| Marisol Cardigan designed by Andrea Graciarena |
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| Shantay Skirt designed by Doris Chan |
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| Ariadue Sampler Throw designed by Lisa Daehlin |
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| Natalia Scarf designed by Dora Ohrenstein |
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| Sierra Bag designed by Margaret Hubert |
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| Najmee Rug designed by Dora Ohrenstein |
Would you like a chance to win a copy of The New Tunisian Crochet? First make sure that you are a follower of this blog, then comment below which design above is your favorite. Please, PLEASE do not forget to leave me your email address. I cannot contact the winner without it!
One lucky winner will be drawn at random on April 10, 2013.You can also purchase a copy at a reduced rate at Amazon.
DISCLAIMER: Interweave/F&W Media provided the review copy and also the giveaway copy for this blog.
