Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet

February 13, 2006
Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch and Stitch 'N Bitch Nation have become icons of the knitting craze: every hip young needleworker has at least one of them next to the yarn stash. Now, she uses the same approach that made her knitting books so successful in this entree to sexed-up hookwork that takes pains to show crocheting isn't for grandma anymore. Stoller provides everything short of the hook and yarn a crafter will need to learn how to crochet. From a history of the craft to mind-bogglingly complete instructions and dozens of charted and explained patterns (the majority of which are for women's clothing and accessories-there are no afghans here), it's all presented in Stoller's bright, witty style and accompanied by cheery color photographs. Beginners will like the easy construction of the "Stripes (and Stripes) Forever Scarf," and intermediate crocheters will enjoy whipping up a "Cupcake," a purple sweater confection. Experienced crocheters have patterns here too, such as the astonishing lace "Go For Baroque" sweater. This latest entry into the Stitch 'N Bitch canon is sure to be another bestseller.

August 15, 2006
Stoller, the author of the popular knitting booksStitch N Bitch: The Knitters Handbook andStitch N Birth Nation, turns her attention to crocheting, presenting patterns that will mostly appeal to the twentysomething demographic. The new crocheter who wants to read about the community of crocheters, the crochet vs. knitting rivalry, and the joy of crocheting will not only learn how to crochet but also come to understand crochet lingo like UFO (unfinished object, i.e., unfinished crochet project) and SEX (Stash Enrichment Expedition, i.e., visiting your local yarn store). Beginners wanting a brief introduction may prefer Judith L. Swartzs Getting Started Crochet. Still, this is a solid purchase for public libraries, especially given the popularity of Stollers previous works.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.