Hip to Crochet

August 1, 2004
Swartz (Hip To Knit) here covers the basics of crochet and, after starting with simple but gratifying projects like striped hats, scarves, and mittens, works up to more complex but accessible projects. She also covers techniques such as tapestry and free-form crochet, often left out of books for novices. Highlights include a gorgeous lace cardigan with asymmetrical closing and a colorful coat sweater featuring Tunisian crochet and cross-stitched motifs. By far the best book on crochet for novices, this combines solid instruction with 23 illustrative projects that will appeal to a whole new generation of crocheters; for all public libraries. One caveat in teaching basic crochet stitches, Swartz ignores an estimated 13 percent of the population who are left-handed. Libraries will want to make sure they have Gloria Tracy and Susan Levin's Crochet Your Way available for instruction that covers both right- and left-handed crochet.

Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.