Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia by Robyn Chachula

At Cute Crochet Chat, we LOVE any kind of giveaway! Today I am pleased to review (and give away) a wonderful new book by the incredibly popular crochet designer, Robyn Chachula. The book is entitled, Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia and is published by Wiley. It has been a while since I have seen a crochet book that is so visually appealing.

This book is beautiful. But Crochet Stitches, Visual Encyclopedia is so much more than that! This is a book that you will keep in your crochet library forever. This is a book that you will browse through when you want to be visually inspired. This is a book that you will pick up when you are looking for just-the-right-stitch-pattern for your latest design or project. This is a book that you will go to when you want to LEARN a new crochet stitch pattern or when you want to EXPERIMENT with new crochet stitch patterns. Not enough? There are stitch patterns in this book that I have not seen anywhere else!










Each crochet stitch pattern is accompanied by beautiful full color photographs and easy to read stitch diagrams. There are TIPS throughout the book, which will make learning and using the stitch patterns even more enjoyable!

There are a whopping 36 individual crochet stitch categories, encompassing nine chapters! Included are Simple Stitches, Textured Stitches, Lace Stitches, *Unique* Lace Stitches, Colorwork Stitches, Tunisian Stitches, Square and Hexagonal Motifs, Flower and Snowflake Joining Motifs, and Edging Stitches!

Some of my favorites are the Circular Motifs and the Partial Motif patterns.







Robyn was gracious enough to answer a few questions for our readers!

1. Do you have a favorite book that you have authored?

That is a hard question since I am in love or hate every book I have worked on.  It all depends.  Right now I am loving this encyclopedia.  I have one stationed upstairs in my office and downstairs in my living room.  I am coming back to it over and over while I am writing my new book.  And that is exactly what I wanted to do.  I really wrote this one for me, to catalog all my favorite patterns in one place. *  And so far I have been really using it.  But I am sure my mood will switch and I will get fall back in love with another soon.
* (Reviewer's Note) I love the fact that Robyn initially wanted to write the book so she could compile all her favorite stitches and motifs into one resource!


2. Which is your favorite crochet technique?

Again, it all depends on the way the wind is blowing.  I adore motifs when I am exploring a yarn for the first time.  I love simple stitch patterns to highlight more challenging garment construction.  I use Tunisian to relax after a stressful day; I just love the woven look some patterns can give. 


3. Do you ever crochet from other designer's crochet patterns and if so, do you prefer to follow the written instructions or a visual stitch diagram?

I rarely have time to do anything but my own work.  I think the last time was 18 months ago, when we were moving actually.  And even then, I made up my own pattern.  I do like reading patterns though.  I love to see how another designer's brain works.  For me, stitch diagrams are the key to reading.  I am dyslexic, and the abbreviations are incredibly difficult. That's why I love stitch diagrams.  I can follow those so much easier and really understand how a piece goes together.

Thank you, Robyn, for giving us a glimpse into your design world! If you would like to "meet" Robyn or learn more about her new book, she recently was interviewed on Getting Loopy podcast and Yarn Thing podcast and LB YarnCraft podcast.
Just for FUN, Wiley is giving away a copy of Crochet Stitches to ONE lucky reader of Cute Crochet Chat! In order to be eligible to win, comment on this blog and tell our readers how you have used crochet stitch dictionaries in the past to enhance your crocheting! If you have not done so before, HOW WOULD you use this crochet stitch encyclopedia? Please DON'T FORGET to leave a contact email address in your comment!
A thank you goes out to Wiley Publishing for providing the review copy to Cute Crochet Chat and also the giveaway copy of the book!
You may also purchase a copy of this book at Amazon.

Granny Square LOVE review and GIVEAWAY!

Today on Cute Crochet Chat, we are delighted to present a review of a new crochet book published by North Light Books, a division of F+W Media. The title is "Granny Square LOVE" A New TWIST on a Crochet Classic for your Home, written by Sarah London!

If you love granny squares like so many crocheters today, read on to find how you can win your very own copy from Cute Crochet Chat! There is also a LINK included at the end of this post which will enable you to obtain a copy of this book at the reduced rate of $12.99! That is $10.00 off the publisher's price! 

I am pleased to say that I was 'around' for the first wave of granny square mania. To be honest, I was never really happy with the avocado and harvest gold family of colors that were so popular in the seventies and many granny square designs reflected this muted color palette.
Now that the granny square has made a big comeback, I love all the color combinations and uses for it that are so popular today. Sarah London, known for her beautiful color combinations, has done a wonderful job of giving us a multitude of great projects! She has actually created uses for the granny square that I have not seen before.

At first glance, I was struck by all the colorful diagrams and great photographs included in "Granny Square LOVE". This lovely book is wonderful and FUN to browse through because of its colorful photographs and pretty color palette. Is it a perfect book for the beginner crocheter because so much information is included. There are well detailed, visually pleasing diagrams of all the crochet stitches used and

also well defined photos of how to create the perfect granny square.

Sarah gives us lots of details, tips to create the perfect granny square and an easy-to-read crochet diagram for every project, as well as written instructions. Each project even has its own "Color Commentary" from the author herself.

There are 25 crochet granny square projects included. Here are some of my favorites!

 Stool Cover

Bath Mat

Bold Bedroom Cushion

Grocery Tote  AND

Tablecloth

One copy of "Granny Square LOVE" is available for our giveaway. For a chance to win, post in the comments section and let us know the very FIRST or the LAST granny square project you crocheted. Was it for yourself or for someone else?
One winner will be drawn at random at the close of the contest, on or around October 12, 2011! Please don't forget to leave a contact email address in your comment, in case you are the winner!

If you can't wait to see if you've won and would like to purchase your own copy at a reduced rate, visit the Martha Pullen Company online store. Enter the promo code GRANNYTOUR and receive "Granny Square LOVE" for $12.99! That's $10.00 off the publisher's price! Promo Code expires on October 8, 2011.

Totally Simple Crochet Review and Giveaway!

Today on Cute Crochet Chat, I am pleased to present a recently published crochet book, "Totally Simple Crochet", Over 30 Easy Projects for the Home and to Wear, published by Trafalgar Books.
Most of us who crochet would agree with the book's author Tove Fevang, "When evening comes and I'm rather tired after a long workday, getting out the crochet hook and some yarn re-energizes me. Everything else melts away as I relax with my crocheting".
Aren't we all lucky to have something like crochet to feel so passionate about?
If you are new to the art of crochet or if you have been crocheting for years, you will find a project in this book that you want to make. From dishcloths to baby hats to scarves and afghans, there is something for everyone! Each project is well photographed and some of the beginner designs have step-by-step photographs that will help you breeze through the instructions. The crochet designs in this book are just what they say, "Totally Simple", but that does not mean beginner-only. Fevang uses a wide variety of interesting crochet stitches to create some very pretty designs that will be popular with every skill level. Even some of the beginning projects have interesting crochet textures!
The book begins with Abbreviations and General Crochet information. Each stitch used is outlined with a nice description and the photographs are very clear. The Materials section lists several tips and techniques by the author written in plain language to help you as you begin to crochet.
For the beginner, there are also several pretty colored dishcloths that will take you through learning all the basic stitches in crochet, each color a different stitch and edging! I love this idea for the novice crocheter, who will have something useful when practice time is over!
Some of my favorite projects include:





Hexagonal Block Afghan (I love the color patterns chosen for this design)

Net Bag (I love the stitch pattern used)

Blanket with Flower Border (love all the different colored flowers)

Potholders (done with dc post stitches)

Half Gloves (fingerless gloves)

Pink and White Scarf (it uses a very interesting stitch pattern)

 Totally Simple Crochet is available from:
Amazon
Crossings
WEBS Yarn Store
Trafalgar Books website

Trafalgar Books has donated the book for our giveaway! In order to be eligible to win, become a FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG in the left sidebar (if you have not already done so!) and leave a comment on this post.  Let us know the title of the last crochet book your purchased and why you bought it. It should be fun to see what responses we get!
PLEASE, PLEASE don't forget to leave your contact information and/or email address, so we can contact you if you are the winner!
One lucky winner will be drawn at random on Wednesday, June 29th!
Good luck!
OUR GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

Crochet Eye Candy

Let's face it; we're hooked on crochet and everything it has to do with, ie yarn, hooks, crochet patterns, etc. In this new, ongoing feature, I am going to share photos and links of some of the things I find interesting in crochet. I might just include some knitting, also!

 
I LOVE this pineapple crochet sarong, designed by Dora Ohrenstein, in the current issue of Crochet Today! The beautiful, lacy pineapple stitch is one of my all time favorites and it looks as though this could be stitched up quickly using Lustre Sheen instead of thread. The design is also shown as a scarf or wrap, which makes it very versatile.

 Crochet is such an incredible craft, in that it is so versatile! You can go from a very pretty and lacy shawl (as above) to a formed and stuffed item! This adorable crochet chair is an example of how crochet can become anything! I love all the dainty details of this design. The pattern can be purchased from AmiEggs Etsy shop!







Is this the cutest baby hat that you have ever seen? I ♥ it! Crochet baby photography props have become all the rage lately and designers are outdoing themselves to create some of the sweetest looking crochet yet. This adorable Lamb crochet pattern is available for purchase at RAKJ Patterns.

 

I flipped out when I saw this gorgeous Mega Doily crochet rug!  It is truly a work-of-art. The rug is crocheted with cotton rope and is 3 feet in diameter. It can also be made in custom sizes. I cannot imagine crocheting with any material this large, but I think Ladies and Gentlemen did a beautiful job! The rug carries a hefty price, but I would bet it is worth every penny!






 
I hope you have enjoyed our first Crochet Eye Candy post. If you crochet and would like to be included in future Eye Candy posts, email me at toocutecrochet AT gmail DOT com
Stay tuned for our next update, which will be another crochet book review and, of course, a GIVEAWAY!

I recently created a new Facebook business page for Too Cute Crochet! If you are on Facebook or would like to join, please stop by our NEW PAGE ! Thanks!

Naturally Caron Country

Several months ago, I designed and crocheted a hat using Naturally Caron Country yarn.  I thoroughly enjoyed crocheting with this yarn.






For this design,  I chose an
F (3.75 mm) crochet hook to work with and for the HAT that I was working on, it seemed to be the perfect size. The yarn was so very soft as I felt it slipping through my fingers. It actually felt almost like silk as I was crocheting it. The fabric that was created had beautiful stitch definition and unlike most other acrylics I have worked with, it had a wonderful drape as well. Perhaps the 25% merino wool makes all the difference in this gorgeous, yet very affordable yarn! I was first drawn to the vibrant, intense colors in the yarn bin at the store. All the colors in the Country line are lovely and yet dramatic at the same time. This yarn was a joy to crochet with and I look forward to making many more items with it!

Crochet Success

Sometimes when something doesn't work out, (see previous post) we don't realize that is because we are meant to do even better things. I completed the Easter purse to match the hat last night and I like it even better than the original one I intended to design! YAY! Here is a picture of the completed set. I hope to be able to post the pattern in my  Etsy Shoppe   later on today. Hooray for perseverance!!

Sometimes It Just Doesn't Quite Come Out Right

This past week, I have been working on a new Easter set for babies and little girls. Recently, I have definitely enjoyed designing all the frilly, cute little girl's accessories that I have placed for sale in my Etsy Shoppe. I guess it reminds me when my own daughters were young! It was so much fun in those days designing for them!
Usually when I am designing something, I am very lucky to have the actual crochet item come out pretty close to what I envisioned in my mind. But this week, I struggled trying to get the little girl's purse design for the Set just right. When I was finished with it, it DID look exactly like what I had been seeing in my vision and sketch, but unfortunately, when I began to sew the purse together, I realized it was not going to work! Rats! For some reason, the finished project turned out to be too awkward looking.

I am very fortunate that design mishaps don't happen to me very often. Perhaps this is because most of my designs are usually quick and easy to do, I don't know.
I was terribly discouraged yesterday. It is hard to abandon a project that you have put your energy into. But today, in the light of a new day,  I have decided to re-design a new purse to match the Easter Bonnet that is already completed. So, it is back to the drawing board! Hopefully, I will be able to complete my "Put On Your Easter Bonnet" set as planned!


Easter Bonnet worn by my beautiful niece, Jillian!

Wrapped in Crochet - A Review

I love Kristin Omdahl's Wrapped in Crochet book for many reasons, but especially because after reading her Introduction, I felt a special affinity with her. Kristin taught herself to crochet while overseas and expecting a baby. I, also, taught myself to crochet while stationed overseas and pregnant with my first child. Like Kristin, I was instantly hooked!
But that is where are similarities seem to stop. Kristin is apparently a math whiz and actually designed one of her first crochet accessories using the Pythagorean theorem! How cool!
Wrapped in Crochet is broken down into types of garments: Scarves, Wraps and Shawls. Scarves: each pattern uses a different or unusual pattern or technique, "including corkscrews, weaving, hairpin lace and more". Every scarf would make a quick and wonderful gift.                                                  The Wraps included are comprised of so many different shapes in several different techniques. Some are made in all-in-one designs and others are join as you go. Most of the lovely wraps go 'far beyond the simple rectangle."
The shawl chapter is my favorite. They are seven beautiful designs in a wide variety of styles and silhouettes. Most are triangular but there is also a semi-circle and two circular ones. Throughout the book you have the opportunity to learn and crochet hairpin lace, tunisian crochet, broomstick lace crochet, back post clusters and double crochet, and foundation single and double crochet, as well as several other stitches. Instructions for all are, of course, written very well and include many diagrams and schematics. I love the fact that with almost every design, you will be able to learn a new stitch or new technique. From the back cover: "Created for beginning to intermediate crocheters, these one-of a-kind pieces invite you to take your crochet to the next level."My favorite designs include: Starlet Boa Scarf, Tressa Scarf, Gali Infinity Wrap, Geisha Wrap, and Stella Shawl.
All in all there are 18 exquisite designs. Sheer loveliness!

Vanna's Choice Worsted Weight Yarn

Today I am working on a crochet project using Vanna's Choice worsted weight by Lion Brand, a yarn that I have not tried before now.

I had been told it was a nice, quality acrylic yarn and after crocheting with it for a couple of hours, I am inclined to agree. I am working on a home decor design for my column in Crochet World magazine in a specific stitch pattern. Vanna's choice is producing a very nice stitch definition; the stitches are crisp and clear, which is so important when working on multiple stitch patterns. Overall, the yarn is much softer than I thought it would be, making it nice to crochet with. The yarn, itself, is a bit fuzzier than most acrylic worsted weights that I have worked with before, but not enough for me to dislike 'the look'.



The crochet fabric has a nice stretch to it, and yet is full bodied at the same time. As with most acrylic yarn on the market today, it is machine washable and dryable, making it a good choice for a good quality afghan or other home decor items. Vanna's Choice comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors, making it even more appealing for your typical projects made with worsted weight acrylic yarn.