Crochet Master Class

December 1, 2010

Plenty of books feature crochet basics, but this rare volume goes beyond to advanced crochet techniques and styles. Leinhauser (editor, Crochet! magazine) and Weiss (former president, Crochet Guild of America) work with 18 talented artists, exploring techniques such as hairpin lace, Tunisian crochet, filet crochet, and overlay crochet. Interviews, how-tos, and a sample project are included for each technique. Experienced crocheters will find the techniques and projects in this collection inspiring, and beginners will see them as something to aspire to.

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2010
With todays ever-rising cry for do-it-yourself how-to books, many manuals simply repeat the tried-and-true. But the authors who demonstrate true originality and a spirit of innovation deserve attention. Two well-known designers have done avid stitchers a favor by presenting 18 different crochet techniques. Many imitate their knitted brethren; Aran crochet resembles the best of its cousin through post stitches and intricate cables. Others work from once moribund techniques; hairpin lace and Tunisian crochet, for example, are back in fashion. And still others focus on innovation, like free-form and entrelac crochet. Each lesson first profiles the craft master in a few paragraphs and showcases a few of his or her finished pieces. One pattern follows, ranging from a filet crochet table runner to the Princess of Wales memorial tartan blanket. The all black-and-white photographs, unfortunately, dont live up to the creativity. Expect challenges and some difficult maneuvers. Appendixes provide refresher courses in crochet abbreviations, symbols, and terminology.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)