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!