Book Review: Modern Bohemian Crochet by Beth Nielsen

Modern Bohemian Crochet by Beth Nielsen

I'm a child of the 60s, so anything with "bohemian" in the title draws my attention right away!

Beth is a courageous young designer who is not afraid to take chances. It looks to me like the use of "accessorizing" her designs is her strong suit. By that I mean that by using sport weight organic linen on the cover piece, Radiant, she creates a "necklace piece" that attaches to the body piece done in the familiar V-stitch. This accessorizing adds a certain pizzazz to what would otherwise be an unremarkable stitch pattern.

You'll be intrigued by your first look at some of these patterns, but until you begin to stitch, you won't realize how unique the construction methods are.

Clover Beret

I will make this beret, not because I wear berets, but because I am intrigued by the "continuous lace design" which Beth says consists of deceptively simple construction!

Luna Headband

Again, I don't normally wear a headband, but I will make the "Luna: just to experience Beth's braiding technique which looks like fun.

I love Tunisian crochet and the Flora Belt showcases graphic colorwork in a way I have not seen before. Beth makes use of braids once again in this beautiful design that can be made in three colors, as shown or two colors for simplicity.

Nordica Cowl

If you've admired Fair Isle knitting in the past, you will appreciate the clever adaptation of this technique in crochet! Beth uses beautiful colorwork and extravagant crochet texture in this cowl that will provide warmth and body for a cozy accessory.

Beth is a young designer who will, hopefully, continue to churn out clever designs. She lives in Chicago; and I just wish I had met up with her at a CGOA meeting before I moved from Chicago to Indianapolis. If you would like to get to know Beth and her designs better, leave a comment here and you will be entered into a chance to win a free copy!

Modern Bohemian Crochet is available from Interweave and retails for $22.99

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