Crochet World's Best Animal, Toys, & Dolls

I was between appointments last week and stopped into my local bookstore to cool off and relax between stops. I love checking out new books and magazines and always check out what might be new in crochet. I was pleasantly surprised to see a new special Crochet World had been issued, Crochet World Presents Best Crochet Animals, Toys & Dolls. While I understand the specials are not included in my regular subscription, I've always found it frustrating that as a subscriber I don't get notices about these, I either find them in a store, or catch them at Annie's. While I don't buy every special issue, I do buy them when I can find them before they go to digital issues. I even have a collection of older doll and toy ones that date back to the ones with black and white pictures. I'll be blogging about some doll clothes I made from one in the not too distant future.

The issue covers a variety of projects from doll clothes, amis, and toys to items for kids to wear and use. There are three 18 inch doll outfits, which I am always thrilled to find new patterns to make for my donation project. In the doll section, there were also 2 patterns for 5-inch dolls and one for the chubby 10-inch dolls. I've already worked my way through most of one of the 18-inch patterns. There are two dolls with outfits and accessories you can make. I am thinking about using some of the clothing and accessories for my projects. While I admire the doll making process, I'm not sure that is on my agenda at the moment.

As for the rest, I love the dragon and the farm puppets with the farm bag. Those are adorable and might have tempted me into a purchase. The Twister game is cute; though I'm not sure I'd have the patience to put it all together. I already am looking at yarn to make the fox hat and scarf set. I was a bit disappointed in some of the choices. There are many free options for bowling sets, balls, ring toss and some of the other ami items selected. I would have preferred to see some new ideas. I suspect that original costs more than the magazine could bring in under budget. While they don't show you the doll's clothes, Annie's does highlight many of the ami's if you click on see more images in their add here.

Everything the Internet Didn't Teach You About Crochet Review

I borrowed Everything the Internet Didn't Teach You About Crochet from the library because the titled intrigued me. I was wondering what the author thought the Internet didn't cover.

The author was a bit pretentious in the idea that the Internet didn't cover the concepts she covered. I have seen all these issues addressed in various formats on the Internet. As a fairly experienced crocheter, I was wondering if she'd have some hints about more advanced concepts that aren't always well explained on the Internet. There I was disappointed.

This is a book designed for beginners and it does achieve that goal. I will say it is a very clear guide and the photographs and illustrations are some of the best I have seen. For instance, the explanation of where to place your stitch after making the turning chain was one of the best I’ve seen. I remember being frustrated at the illustrations in some of the books I purchased. This book has a clear illustration that leaves you no doubts about where the next stitch should be placed. Another explanation I found particularly strong was the explanation of how to make and measure a gauge swatch. This gave me a tip I hadn't considered trying before.

For the price, this is a nice guide for new crocheters. It is small enough to slip in a bag and provide basic references for new learners. The instructions for reading a pattern and getting started are worth reading. I suspect as the beginner moves on a more advanced reference will likely be wanted.

Crochet Bags

I have been gifted or picked up several books from this series, so I decided to preview Crochet Bags!: 15 Hip Projects for Carrying Your Stuff when I realized it was available at the library. I have been participating in more swaps lately and bags seem to be a standard project.

I liked the introductions. I have been working with free patterns that assume some level of experience with bag making. Mine is all trial and mostly error. This book fills in some of the huge holes that exist for me. It introduces linings and some tips on adding details. It would have been nice to have a tutorial on working with handles since they did do such a detailed introduction to all the crochet stitches.

What I liked about the patterns were the boxed instructions. I found them easy to read and follow. I like this formatting style for patterns.

What I did not find were the bags I was seeking. While there were a couple of cute patterns, they would not work for the projects I needed. I still need to find a good tote bag book.

Blue Ribbon Afghans from America's State Fairs

I found Blue Ribbon Afghans from America's State Fairs: 40 Prize-Winning Crocheted Designs in one of my recent afghan pattern hunts.

This book combines 40 prize winning afghan patterns with stories of state fairs that awarded the prizes and biographies of the winners.

I am working on Washington's Bright Waves and so far have found the directions clear and easy to follow. I hope to have it finished for a Christmas present. When it is finished, I will post pictures. There are several other state afghans I am interested in trying.

Ami Ami Dogs

I borrowed the library's copy of Ami Ami Dogs: Seriously Cute Crochet to review the book prior to purchasing.

This book uses traditional Japanese chart methods for recording amigurumi patterns rather than the way American books tend to use words to record crochet toy patterns. This can be confusing if you have not used charts. However, it is a chance to learn the method, which is common in amigurumi's that originate in Japan. Those not familiar with Japanese amigurumi may be confused with some of the language. The author uses the word knitting for crochet and some of the sewing terms are not used in ways familiar to Americans. If have previous experience with ami's the language should not be an issue.

The pictures that illustrate creating the basic dog are detailed. Considering the language differences, they provide great explanations for constructing the toys. The instructions for assembling the toys are very descriptive. With the added illustrations, it is easy to work through the differences in language. I have never read an ami pattern with the level of detail for assembly that this author has included for each of the dogs.

I have a hard time reading charts while working on crocheting. I know others who prefer the charts. While I like the dogs, I have to consider if I want to work through writing out the patterns so my brain can handle the process of reading and crocheting at the same time. Since I have a long list of patterns that are written in a format that is easy for me to read, I am not sure this is going to be on my list for now.

How to Sew a Button

I saw How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew on Amazon and decided to put it on my reserve list at the library. I have become much more frugal about purchasing books. I like to preview if possible prior to purchasing. My younger self donated many impulse book purchases. My new library habit has saved me lots of money.

The range of advice in this book made it difficult to appreciate in one library loan period. However, it did convince me to put it on my buy list. The price is reasonable. It is a book I will go back to for reference purposes.

Specifically I liked the cooking and cleaning tips. The topics do literally range from any topic you could expect to sit down and have a conversation with a grandparent who had lived through the Great Depression. The author references her panel of grandparents who helped her with advice on these topics. In the opening of the book, she discusses her own quest to discover the lost arts after failing to recognize rhubarb and making a horrible tasting pie.

Our library system has the grandfather book that I also want to preview. The book reviews seem to indicate the skills are less specific and more general "life advice." The value in purchasing the Grandma book is that I will return because I will not remember if it was baking soda and vinegar for the dog pee removal or something else. I will want to be able to pull up the information. My own grandparents never had dogs so while they passed on many useful life lessons that is not one I suspect they had much of a need to learn.

This is also going to be part of a few gifts this year. I am not the only one I know who can benefit from some wise advice. This is a great book for young people starting out.

Christmas in Crochet

I rarely buy on impulse, but I got a good deal buying this book online before it was released. That being the case I had a limited chance to preview before purchasing the book.

If you like thread crochet there are lots of projects. When I master the art of thread there are some decorations and ornaments I would like to crochet for holiday projects.

I was pleased to find a tree skirt pattern crocheted in worsted weight yarn, that actually meets my skill level. I have not seen many tree skirt crochet patterns yet that I think I could complete. I also liked the reindeer.

As for non-holiday projects I can see making the football caddy for our next Super Bowl party. That was a cute idea that might work for more than one person on my gift list who would find it amusing.

I would like to have seen more Christmas decorations and ornaments done in worsted weight and sports yarn. While I realize thread is popular to work with, for those of us who use mostly traditional yarn, this book does not provide as many options for holiday projects.