May 20, 2013
Tunisian Crochet Encore: New Stitches, New Techniques, New Patterns
by Sheryl Thies.
I had a very positive experience over ten years ago with
Martingale publishers when I participated as one of the designers in Crochet Today, a book they published to
celebrate the Crochet Guild of America. Today, Martingale and Sheryl Thies do
not disappoint!
She had me at page one! The word “encore” in the title gives
a hint to the creative metaphor that Sheryl uses throughout the book. She muses
that once the basic Tunisian skills are achieved, crocheters will develop a
rhythm with their hook and not be able to put it down, much like when a line or
rhythm from a song is “stuck in your head” all day long!
Not only is Thies a lovely and gracious needle worker, she
is also an expert at Tunisian crochet. She wields her Tunisian hook to create
drapy, flowing, fashionable designs. Her goal is to increase her reader’s
confidence in this age-old tradition in crochet. Again, using musical terms
that easily segue to crochet, Sheryl provides the basics of the technique in
the first section, Prelude. Here she
starts the crocheter on a journey into Tunisian crochet, along which she thoroughly
explains the use of short rows and miters to shape and curve rows
Make it Sing, the
middle section, builds on the fundamentals with new techniques and concepts
that lead the crocheter to create some amazing fashions including patterns for
using bulkier yarns and large hooks for projects that work up quickly. I love
the continuation of the metaphor in the catchy project titles like, Ruffled Interlude, Beaded Trill and Hummingbird Rhapsody!
Finally, you’ll find useful information required for
finishing a project along with helpful resources information in the Coda section at the end of the book.
The publisher provides excellent photo illustrations of all
the stitch techniques and Sheryl’s 16 lovely designs are a bargain at the
book’s retail price of $24.99.
April 17, 2013: We have a new magazine,
Fiber Art Now, http://fiberartnow.net/ which follows in the footsteps of Fiberarts magazine. It started in 2009 as a blog called Valley Fiber Life by Marcia Young. Life goes on and I am glad that once again we have a beautiful magazine that strives to inspire and connect the fiber art and textile community like Fiberarts magazine once did!.
I have been receiving my Fiber Art Now news on line for a while and have just received my first hard copy with my subscription. I am happy to be in the fiber art loop again and am really enjoying it. Since my upcoming book, The Fine Art of Crochet (June 2013), fits into the genres of fine art and fiber art, I want to be on top of the most current information as to where to share the news.
Whether a single issue features crochet or not is not important to me. There is much to inspire crocheters: just the pure color that abounds is sure to inspire along with news of exhibits, shows and manufacturers who may feature crochet, as well as books that belong on any needle worker's shelf. There is conference news and calls for entry as well. The more we as crocheters who appreciate art educate ourselves about fiber art and the more we get out there to show our work, the more we will be represented in this field.
I review this magazine with no bias, but it didn't hurt that I spied my "free form scarf" included in the ad that was placed by the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair! www.fiberandfolk.com It was included in a montage of fashions from last year's fashion show! <grin>
The term "fiberart" came into being around 1975. At about the same time Fiberarts magazine was started by Rob Pulleyn. Imagine my excitement when I discovered this marvelous magazine and found that it included crochet! This magazine had a great influence on my education about crochet art. It was a rich resource for me to get to know and to write about artists who choose crochet as their medium
April 8, 2013
Feeding Alice - A Love Story by Shelly Schachter
My
blog has always been about family, life and how crochet is intermingled as a
part of my everyday functioning. For my brother-in-law, Shelly, life is about
food; and more importantly, life is about showing his love for his wife with
creativity in the kitchen.
This
full-color, self-published book is a feast for the eyes and a smorgasbord of
taste-tempting recipes. The life Shelly and Alice have created in picturesque
Carmel Valley, California has evolved over many years. The fantasy-like setting
and the colorful, seemingly perfect meals that are pictured did not happen
magically. Much dirt under the fingernails, sweat on the brow, and
experimentation in the kitchen brought this book to fruition.
Shelly
is a house-husband who stays at home while Alice assumes her high-pressure
executive duties. He works the soil caressed by the California sun; he prunes
and harvests; he plays in the kitchen. Bolstered by the anticipation of
arriving home to not only a beautifully presented but also a deliciously
nutritious meal, Alice is grateful and honored by the out-pouring of love she
receives daily from Shelly.
Honoring
Alice further, Shelly has dedicated some space in the book to highlight her
creative niche: quilt-making. Together, they have forged an idyllic life in the
enchanted setting which they built to nurture and nourish each other.
Filled
with simply unique recipes, you will find this book not only useful, but also
inspirational. You’ll be motivated to reach out of your comfort zone when it
comes to cooking, and you’ll want to reach for someone to love in your own way. I know I'll be trying more tofu inspired by these awesome recipes!
Copyright
2013
$30.00
Available
only at www.shellyskitchenpress.com
Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted
with Noro Yarns by Jenny King
Annie’s Publishing has taken monumental
strides to achieve what yarn manufacturers have been missing for years --- <Read more> If pattern support for upscale
yarn in the form of fashion forward designs, like those designed by Jenny King
in this book, is provided, crocheters will flock to buy the yarn to make the
lovely fashions! Fashions to Flaunt Crocheted with Noro Yarns not only provides
crocheters with seventeen fashionable and unique designs, it also gives
crocheters a great reason to try their hand at using the exquisite Noro yarn
which can’t be beat for color play.
To know Jenny King is to love her. This vibrant
designer from Australia is positive in every way and has a flair for fashion
that has been nurtured over her long career as a designer.
We often think that fantastic yarn needs only
simple stitches because the “yarn does the work.” This talented designer has
found a way to combine fabulous yarn and interesting stitches along with her
flair for fashion. You will find much more than just samo-same in this book and
more than likely, you’ll want to make everything in it. No matter what your crochet
interest, there is a pattern for you, ranging from slippers and wrist warmers
to shawls and the more challenging Natalie Jacket and Stripy Skirt.
Available for $14.95 at AnniesCatalog.com,
this hot off the press publication will have you crocheting with glorious results
all winter long.
When Grandma Isn't Crocheting She's Hunting Big Game by Kathryn Vercillo
You know if you read my blog that I am a bit quirky, so I'm delighted to review a quirky little book for you,
When Grandma Isn't Crocheting, She's Hunting Big Game by my writing colleague, Kathryn Vercillo. Only 44 pages, it is a quick but very rewarding read.
Kathryn has found a unique niche to write about and she has a knack of bringing out the best in everyone especially when it comes to crochet. In these stories she honors elderly women who crochet and covers the stories of nine centenarians who still have something interesting to share. From there she goes on to cover thirty-three women in total and her chapter titles tell it best: Award Winners and Honorees, Givers, Adventurers and the Love Story which includes a husband and wife team of crocheters.
No, there are no crochet patterns in this book, but the heartwarming stories of these wonderful elderly women who all made the news in 2011 shows us that our beloved crochet knows no boundaries of age. It has a way of staying with us as an important fixture in our lives until the very end!
Available at
Createspace.com/3739455 the book is moderately priced at $5.99.
Crochet Saved My Life by Kathryn Vercillo
Don’t be put off by the textbook-like appearance of this book. It is an admirable work of monumental proportions on a topic that has not been addressed in such great depth before. Crochet Saved My Life is a must-have for the bookshelves of any and all crochet enthusiasts, and Kathryn’s easy-to-read writing style will carry you through this tome as though you are reading a novel.
You may not have mental health issues, but the breadth of topics covered will surely address a theme that resonates with you. A family member, friend or co-worker who could benefit by reading this book will come to mind. Each of us will most likely become a caregiver at some point in our lives and there is a job for crochet to do in assisting with the stress and strain of a calling such as this!
Over 285 pages, a wide range of afflictions are covered such as stress/anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder/addiction, Alzheimer’s Disease and age-related memory loss, pain management to name a few! More importantly, easing particular forms of suffering in these conditions with crochet is backed up by a rich collection of resources. Kathryn’s in-depth personal story of depression and healing reveals how her crochet hook literally saved her life. Along the way she tells the stories of two dozen other women who have used the hook to heal.
The only flaw I see in this book is that it will most likely reverberate with only those who already know how to crochet even though she includes many online resources for crochet communities and classes. If only there was a way to convey all the information and wise advice that Kathryn has amassed to the public at large! Crocheters, I urge you to find a volunteer opportunity in your community to introduce and teach crochet. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching in a clinical or formal classroom setting, teach a friend, teach a child! There’s power in numbers and who knows, by the time Crochet Saved My Life is ready for the second printing, Kathryn could rename it, Crochet Saved the World!
No matter what your needs, now or in the future, Crochet Saved My Life is a complete study of how crochet is an vital tool in our mind/body journey through life.
September 2012: Self-published by Kathryn Vercillo
Available at https://www.createspace.com/3928868
Also available on Amazon US, UK, EU
$17.95 print version; $9.99 Kindle version
2011
Austentatious Crochet by Melissa Horozewski published by Running Press, 2011
You know they say, "Give and you will receive." I was the "buddy" of Melissa Horozewski at the Chain Link Crochet Conference in 2011 in Manchester, NH. She was a delightful person to get to know and to accompany to some of the activities throughout the crochet-filled weekend. At the time she was working on her book, which was untitled. Last week I was quite surprised and excited when her autographed book, Austentatious Crochet,arrived in my mailbox. In her accompanying note, Melissa expressed her gratitude for my helpfulness as her buddy. The buddy program has been a resounding success for CGOA, and I was happy to be a part of it. It is not tough work and crocheters are the easiest people befriend! Now on to the the review... During our brief weekend together, Melissa and I didn't get a chance discuss topics beyond our common passions for crochet. WOW! I didn't know how literary she is! In her bio Melissa says that if a hook is not in her hand then a book is; and the fact that she is well-read comes shining through in this book. It includes thirty-six original crochet projects inspired by all six classic Jane Austen novels. Traditional Regency fashion is fabulously brought up to date and made wearable for today. Introductions to each chapter set the scene by including vignettes from the novels that inspired the pattern. With a barrage of new crochet books coming out almost monthly, the extraordinary juxtaposition between "then and now" sets this book apart from all the others. It is refreshing to find extra surprises within the pages of Austentatious Crochet that are not found anywhere else: the stories, a recipe for tea, trivia quizzes and fashion-related quotes from Austen's letters. Exquisite photography and lovely art throughout the book, literally transport you to Jane Austen's era. There is a wide variety of original crochet patterns, ranging from quick and easy to more advanced, and including a nice range of ages as well. This time I feel like I am getting a super bargain for the reasonable price of $16.00 for this book which is packed full of crochet and so much more. Congratulations on your first book, Melissa, you outdid yourself. I am already looking forward to your next book!
2010
Contemplative Crochet: A Hands-On Guide for Interlocking Faith and Craft by Cindy Crandall-Frazier
Woodstock, VT: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2008. Soft cover, 187 pages; $16.99
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_21?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=contemplative+crochet&sprefix=contemplative+crochet
Contemplative Crochet is a good read. I’m a “soft-sell” for any theme that puts the spotlight on crochet as an important influence on those who are seeking positivity while here on earth. My intense passion for crochet is intertwined into my daily life and I have written about how it is connected to my outlook on the world. Cindy’s book, however, amazed me and I was moved in many ways. It called to me as I read it cover-to-cover in two days!
Cindy Crandall-Frazier is a talented writer who has done a fantastic job of combining her passion for crochet and her passion for striving to live a faith based life. Passionate and seasoned crocheters will be amazed and proud at the same time by the vast number of examples that elevate their beloved craft to new heights. Newcomers to the craft will be educated and convinced that they have chosen a valuable way to spend their time.
She has divided the book into ten thoughtful chapters that guide the reader through each topic. Cindy’s consistent and logical manner makes reading this book a joy and a resource for realizing the potential that the rhythm of the crochet hook has for broadening our spiritual dimension.
Each chapter is chock-full of well-researched historic and philosophical references that illuminate Cindy’s premise. Anecdotes from her life and faith as a Quaker are thought-provoking and in no way “preachy.” A crochet project in each chapter incorporates its message or invites contemplation through the stitches. I hesitate to even mention the black and white photos because in the scheme of things they are minor, but want you to know that I noiticed-they could be much sharper. Finally, a set of questions at the end of each chapter encourages “deeper thinking and listening for the Spirit.”
As founding “mother” of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) looking over a flock of highly capable crocheters, I am always thrilled when I see contributions from the talented members. Cindy has definitely tapped into the resources of CGOA and the experiences of many familiar members as she highlights Noreen Crone Findlay, Karen Klemp (Past President), Melody MacDuffee and Carol Ventura to name a few.
Contemplative Crochet is a gift from Cindy to us all. I highly recommend that you own a copy and buy this superb gift for a stitching friend! My only regret is that I didn’t read this book sooner!
2011
Learn to Free-form Crochet by Margaret Hubert
Published by AnniesAttic.com
By renowned free-form crochet teacher and designer Margaret Hubert, this book opens with a tutorial on free-form crochet, offering information on using the template method, the lining method and the mesh method. The next section illustrates the creation of more than 30 motifs and shapes.
With row-by-row instructions, color photos and individualized illustrations, the book includes seven different patterns that incorporate the free-form technique, all written in the easy through intermediate skill ranges.
Although it seems counterintuitive to follow row-by-row instructions for "free-form" crochet,, crocheters receive a lot of guidance on how to get started creating in the free-form method. Margaret says, "Free-form is like a painting. The hook is the brush, and the yarn is the palette." The book is available in select specialty stores and from the Annie’s Attic catalog at AnniesAttic.com
June 2011
Everything Crochet Edited by Carol Alexander & Connie Ellison. Published by Annies Attic
In this comprehensive, one-of-a-kind guidebook, you’ll find the answers to these and
many more questions or problems that every crocheter encounters at one time or
another. For the beginner, basic stitch techniques are covered with easy-to-follow lessons and diagrams to get you started. From there, you’ll find invaluable information on a host of subjects, including how to: read patterns, master seaming, evaluate gauge, convert measurements, fix crochet mishaps, work with color, block projects and add professional touches to your crochet.
I am proud to say that I have two designs featured in the chapter entitled, "Not Your Ordinary Crochet."
You’ll also learn how to do a variety of techniques that go beyond the basics, such as
mosaic crochet, Swedish embroidery, tambour crochet, fair isle, felting, crocheting with
thrums and locks, flatwork bead crochet, crocheting with unspun fiber, doing cross-stitch
on crochet, crocheting on fabric, and even how to process and crochet with pet hair. The
book also includes a wide variety of fun, creative projects incorporating many of the
techniques presented.
Everything Crochet is available from AnniesAttic.com. Be sure to get your copy before it’s sold
out!
May 2011
Crochet Compendium Edited by Connie Ellison. Published by House of White Birches
For crocheters who want to experience it all or for new crocheters who need a comprehensive reference book,
Crochet Compendium is an excellent choice. From the popular publisher House of White Birches, this compilation offers 16 techniques, each demonstrated with full-color illustrations, step-by-step instructions and practice patterns.
In this book, expert crocheters with names you know offer up their best techniques and provide interesting projects to help anyone get inspired about improving their skills! As always with House of White Birches, the stitch illustrations, an important visual aid to the crocheter who is learning stitches for the first time, are excellent.
I was particularly impressed by the wide range of crochet techniques in this one handy reference as well as the nice collection of projects that put the newly learned skills to practical use! Crochet Compendium has 136 pages, retails for $19.95 and is well worth the investment as crocheters will refer to it for years to come!
