A New Hobby for the New Year!

    Thinking of taking up a new hobby for 2016? Why not try an oldie, but a goodie--Crochet! We have two new crochet books that may interest you.

     First, is the "Beginner's Guide to Crochet: 20 Crochet Projects for Beginners" by Sarah Shrimpton. This book is a comprehensive guide that contains all the basic crochet stitches and techniques to get you started. Each stitch is explained in clear detail with easy-to-follow diagrams and projects that utilize the skill you are trying to master. Later patterns in the book combine several techniques and stitches to help you develop skill and accomplish more complicated designs. You'll learn to make everything from a simple dishcloth to the granny blanket, from an amigurumi teddy bear to other 'extreme' crochet creations. The twenty projects in this book are designed to step you up gradually and help you be more confident in crafting your crochet creation.

     The second book that is available is "Great New Ways with Granny Squares" from Search Press and written by Rosa P. This book is divided into the four seasons with each season encompassing several projects under each heading. The beginning of the book provides a basic course in crochet, as well as many beautiful color photos of the author's designs. Each project is starred as quick and easy, easy, average, requires some practice, and more challenging/requires more time. The twenty projects include a bracelet, pencil case, and phone case, as well as the traditional shawl, throw, and tablecloth. All of these designs begin with...you guessed it, the granny squares!

     Try one of these or any of the other crochet, knitting, and other fibercraft books that we have available here at the library. Even if you don't stick with it, you can at least say you gave it a shot! Happy Crafting!

New Knit and Crochet Projects

We have recently received some very nice knitting and crocheting books here at the library. They involve projects such as hats, socks, cowls, shawls, and pillows. Now, I'm no knitter, but I do like to crochet a little bit and these books provide easy projects that are small enough not to be daunting and large enough to give you all the practice you want.

The first book is One + One Wraps, Cowls & Capelets by Iris Schreier. This book features twenty-nine knitting projects that use just two skeins of yarn. These versatile wardrobe staples range in yarns and techniques. The fifteen selected designers showcase projects for warm and cold weather, classic and trendy styles. The patterns included here range from the feminine 'Lacy Cape' which is worked in the round to make it completely seamless; to the 'Textured Reversible Cowl' that is sure to keep you toasty in winter. Each project lists the materials, tools, gauge and finished measurements, as well as, the skill level needed to complete it. So, if you are a beginner, you may want to try the 'Triangle Lace Shawl' or the 'Star Stitch Shoulder Wrap.'

The next book is entitled, happyfeet: unique knits to knock your socks off by Cathy Carron. The author offers her own twists on socks, slippers, legwarmers, knee-highs, and much more in this collection of more than forty designs. There are socks with pom poms; socks with pockets; petite slipper socks; and creative holiday-themed socks. Want a retro look? Try one of several styles of leg warmers. There is even a pattern for fuzzy slippers that uses flip flop soles to add structure. You may even want to tackle the snuggly sack to keep your feet and legs cozy while you're lounging around on a cold day. Cathy Carron includes supply lists and detailed instructions for each of her projects as well as rating how difficult each one may be. She also illustrates the stitches used in this book in a section in the back.

Crocheted animal hats is by Vanessa Mooncie and it is subtitled "15 Patterns to Hook and Show Off." These fifteen projects are the leopard, frog, raccoon, deer, sheep, parrot, zebra, duck, tiger, husky, bear, pig, giraffe, owl, and rabbit. My personal favorites are the husky, giraffe, and the owl. These are cute projects for you to crochet for yourself or perhaps a child--the author gives instructions for both sizes. Each cozy hat has the same basic shape, including ear flaps to keep you nice and toasty on a cold day. The author gives detailed stitching instructions for each hat as well as explaining how to line each one with fabric. She also goes over the basic crocheting techniques you will need to complete your projects.

The final book I'll cover here is Crocheted Pillows by Susie Johns. This books covers projects that the beginning crocheter will probably find a bit less daunting than the more intricate hats of the

above book. To begin, this book describes the materials you will need, demonstrates the techniques that will be used, and how to add seams, fastenings, and buttons. The author covers round pillows, square pillows, bolsters, chair cushions, a pincushion, and even a pillow shaped like a chicken! Each pattern is detailed and includes a vibrant photograph to show the finished project. Also included in this slim book is a reference page with hook and yarn conversions along with a key for the abbreviations used in the book. There is also a template for the Ball-shaped pillow found on pages 30-33.
These four lovely books are just what you need to improve your skills in yarn-craft and to create unique gifts for family and friends. Check out these, and other fiber craft books, here at the library. They can all be found in the non-fiction section under the Dewey Decimal number 746.

Get Hooked on Crochet!

Crafting is a perennially popular topic; however, crafting for men tends to lean towards the woodworking and building books. I ran across a new title recently that may open new worlds for some men. “The Crochet Dude’s Designs for Guys” by Drew Emborsky has 30 projects men will love. The introduction explains about the different yarns and sizing of stitches. The last section offers line drawings showing how the stitches are done. The projects are pretty cool themselves and range from the fairly simple to the more complex. The simple end has a music sock for an mp3 player, autoshams, golf club covers, and fingerless mittens. The more complex patterns are for sweaters, vests, and even a hoodie. I have crocheted for many years and find it to be relaxing. In the pressure cooker world we live in, perhaps this would be a way to relax and have something to show for that relaxation.
We often add new craft books to our collection, so don’t forget to check the New Non-Fiction for titles new to us. If you are not sure where that is located, just ask any staff member and we will be glad to steer you in the right direction.