Book Review: Poetic Crochet ~ 20 Shawls Inspired by Classic Poems by Sara Kay Hartmann

Poetic Crochet

I often say about crochet, “There is nothing new under the sun,” because I’ve been at it for over forty years! 

Theme books like this book's title intrigue me because again, it is difficult for me to find books that offer truly new and creative twists to all the crocheting I’ve done over these many years. 

Spring Dream

Excited by the concept of poetic inspiration, I must say I was looking for more focus on poetry. I found only 4 poetry references scattered through the 20 shawl patterns. Other than stating that she finds crochet poetic: beautiful, creative and soulful, Sara has offered very little when it comes to the connection between poetry and how it inspired her pattern sdesign. At times, it seems like she is more inspired by flowers and birds.

That’s not to say that the book isn't lovely. In Poetic Crochet, Sara Hartmann has found a way to use classic and simple crochet stitches to almost magically explore construction technique and shawl shapes to create beautiful drape and simple sophistication.  She has used a great selection of yarns in her designs, some from traditional big box manufacturers and many from independent spinners and dyers. Paired with her great design ideas, she achieves some astonishing results from simple everyday stitches.

Sea Song

Large full-color photos of the shawls set the tone.Their style is from a softer era, and I think crocheters will be excited to find that simple stitches can result in  inspired results!

Tyger
"Winter slumbering in the open air, wears on his smiling face a dream of Spring!" Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Available from Interweave/F+W, Poetic Crochet retails for $24.99.

Interweave/F+W; $24.99

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