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.