The Big Book of Granny Squares by Tracey Lord has squares for everyone! There is a huge variety in styles and skill levels, making it useful for the newbie to the most experienced crocheter. The designs are beautiful and range from traditional to trendy. Tracey certainly has her finger on the pulse of what is current in crochet.
It Girl Crochet is full of my kind of patterns!! Sharon Zientara has compiled a collection of wonderfully unique patterns that are both modern and vintage at the same time. As a designer, there are times that I look at a pattern and think “Man! I wish I came up with that design myself!!” While looking through this book, I found myself thinking that multiple times.
The book is divided into 3 sections: Crochet Nouveau, It’s a Mod, Mod World, and A Brave New Boho. Seen on the cover, the Psychedelia Mitts, designed by Brenda K. B. Anderson are part of the It’s a Mod, Mod World section. Not only is the look of these mitts unique, but so is the construction. They are worked as a flat oval, which is worked in the round, and then stitched together to become mitts. If you know my designs, you know I love different ways of constructing items, so I am quite taken with this pattern!
The Crochet Nouveau section is full of patterns inspired by the art nouveau period.
A few weeks ago, I received a copy of Laurinda Reddig’s new book: Reversible Color Crochet. I was quite excited, as I had been wanting the book since Laurinda first told me about it at the Knit and Crochet Show last October. Then I took a make and take with her at the Knit and Crochet Show this past July where we made a mini (coaster size) version of the first square in the book.
I was not disappointed! The book starts off with a section explaining how to use the book, and some wonderful tips. Laurinda explains the special stitches and reversible color changes in a very clear way, and with lots of helpful pictures. It is nice to start off feeling like she is right there, holding your hand along the way!
