Book Review/Give-Away: Crochet Wraps Every Which Way by Tammy Hildebrand

Tuesday, January 21, 2014
As Founder of the Crochet Guild of America, I have been privileged over the last twenty years to meet talented and inspiring crocheters and designers like Tammy Hildebrand. I am honored to be a part of her blog tour and I heartily recommend her new book! Please enjoy exploring around my blog and at the many books I've reviewed. While you're at it take a look at my new book, The Fine Art of Crochet..
Crochet Wraps Every Which Way by Tammy Hildebrand

Tammy’s new addition to her long list of design accomplishments is so much more that the eighteen shawl patterns within this book. She encourages every crocheter to be the best they can be in a supportive way that gives us all courage to try anything, even the scariest of techniques we thought we could never master! When reading the introduction, one feels that Tammy is sitting nearby, cheering us on to success! Her down-to-earth approach in the Tips and Hints section is like having a crochet friend next door to get us over the stumps and humps we crocheters inevitably encounter.

Well-written text offers insight to the history of crochet up to the current renaissance that has opened a wide, wide world of internet resources. Six techniques: traditional, motifs, hairpin lace, broomstick lace, Tunisian, and double-ended crochet comprise the basis for the 18 projects in the book.  Valuable information about each technique is offered such as history, alternate names for the technique, tools to use, and insight that is only gained from years of experience.  Fashion forward tips on how to wear the finished shawls are even woven in among the instructions! Tammy’s vast knowledge from her forty years of crocheting is a gift to all of us! This book is a compendium of good information without being overwhelming.

As we have come to expect from Stackpole publications, there are ample and clear photographs of the pattern stitches and this book features one beautiful model showing several views of the finished garments. Each and every wrap in this book is truly unique, and definitely fashion-forward. The yarns chosen by Tammy are readily available; and using the suggested yarns is a great learning experience about the twists and turns of yarn and crochet. (That is if the crocheter were to make every project in the book. … and that’s not such a bad idea!) You can get an over-view of the projects with Stackpole’s Look-Book.  

The Visual Index at the back of the book is a very helpful view-at-a-glance that may help you prioritize which wrap you want to make first! Because I tend to have “asymmetric taste,” my two favorite wraps are Clementine Shells  and Midnight Azaleas. 

Clementine Shells

Clementine Shells, which is on the cover, lays so beautifully in an interesting configuration around the model’s neck. I like that look!

Midnight Azaleas

Midnight Azaleas combines the best of two classic crochet methods, granny squares and ripple pattern, with fresh results in stunning colors!

In addition to all her fabulous designing, Tammy has generously volunteered for the Crochet Guild of America for years. The board of directors certainly appreciates it when members step up to help carry the load of this volunteer organization. She is currently the national Vice President, and CGOA members are looking forward to great things from Tammy in 2014 as she helps to lead our organization forward into its third decade!

Enter to win a copy of Crochet Wraps Every Which Way: click "follow by email" on this blog and submit your email address OR comment on this blog. A winner will be chosen randomly on January 23, 2014. Good luck! To continue on  blog tour to see how her book is stacking up with other bloggers, check Tammy's  Facebook page daily.