she’ll hook you up

Posted on annePosted in book reviews/events

since i’m rather busy every day this weekend, i thought it would be a good time to do another book review, and since i’m in austin, i thought it would be appropriate to do one that’s really different—a little crochet anyone??

you might think that crochet isn’t for you, but have you actually tried it??
it’s crazy fun, really, it is.

i have to be honest that knitting has solidly outrun it as my craft of choice, but there was a time in my 20s, yessirree, that i was very deep into crochet—very deep indeed. and i think of that time fondly.

problem was, that i hit a wall with it—at the time, there was very little innovation in the craft and very few modern designers doing anything creative or cutting edge with it. the crochet revolution of the 70s had passed (and believe me, it was fab in its own right), and if one wanted to explore the deeper depths of this fine needle art, one was pretty much limited to complex lace items for the home. which were interesting enough to execute, but mostly lacking in purpose for my everyday life. that being the case, i eventually abandoned the hook in favor of spending more time with the needle.

while i have been aware that much has changed to revolutionize crochet along with knitting, i’ve been lazy about reopening my exploration of the hooker’s art. why, i don’t know—maybe lack of time or the need to limit my horizons for a while.

then this beautiful book, crochet inspiration by sasha kagan landed on my doorstep from sixth&spring books and i had to say—WOW.

now available in paperback, this award-winning book is exactly as it claims in its title—inspirational. if you haven’t thought about picking up a crochet hook lately (or ever), now might be a good time to give it a go.

before opening the book, i thought i’d find what you find in most crochet manuals—lots of this

and it’s true that ms. kagan starts off with the basics. but only has a prelude to showing us what you can do, once you have those down. for instance, single crochet can, indeed, be lines across the fabric, but it can also be fun circles of all types

which morph into slightly more complex arrangements

and wait—what’s that, a flower? let’s explore that a little further in some filet crochet

or maybe free it up completely from the constraints of a linear background

or, while we’re at it, let’s just go whole hog and ditch that background completely

not exactly what you fancy? how about flowers another way?

or maybe you don’t like flowers . . . let’s take single crochet and really put it through it’s paces

i just love that maple leaf piece; i may have to make a set of coasters form that pattern. even if those are the only items i ever construct with crochet for the rest of my life, i’ll be happy; they will see a lot more airtime around my house than my old doilies ever have (they’re just too nice; i can’t part with them and i can’t use them either!).

the book features much, much more than single crochet technique—too many ways to do crochet than i have room to talk about here, but trust me—this would be a nice addition to any knitter’s library because of its depth and breadth.

as is so often the case, sixth&spring has generously offered to send one lucky reader of today’s review a gift copy of crochet inspiration. if you would like to be in the running to win it, please leave a comment at the end of this post by 9pm EST on tuesday, april 19th. we will announce the winner on wednesday, when we’re back in our home office.

i have one more teaching day here in austin and a travel day on monday. i’m hoping to write a post before i leave, to wrap up my wonderful tour of texas, because if not, i won’t be able to get back to you til after tuesday. if it doesn’t happen though (you know stuff happens, right??), be assured that i will be back in a few days . . . see you then!

250 thoughts on “she’ll hook you up”

  1. I’d love a copy of the book! I also haven’t crocheted much since my 20s. I framed my doilies (since they also didn’t fit anywhere else), but there are only so many framed doilies one needs. 😉 I’d love to try more adventurous things.

  2. I don’t think I’ve crocheted a thing since I learned to knit, but this book *is* inspirational!

  3. I was recently looking for a good book to reintroduce me to crochet and this looks like the perfect one. Win or lose I’ll be picking up a copy of this one. Thanks for the great review.

  5. Hi Anne, I’ll be picking up a copy of this either way as your review has inspired me to invest more time in crochet. I am in Milan this week and picked up some gorgeous yarns for the summer – I think they would be perfect with some crochet.

  6. The book really inspires one to pick up a hook and go for it!Thanks for giving all of us a chance to own this book!

  7. The photography in that book looks amazing. I was lucky enough to see some of Sasha’s crochet samples ‘in the flesh’ when I went to IKnit in London a couple of years ago. I think crochet charts are even scarier than knitting charts!

  8. Oh my gosh, I’d *love* to win a copy of this book! It’s inspiring me to try more crochet and I haven’t even seen it in person!

  9. I was going to suggest framing your doilies – but someone has already. I have a very hip friend who has done that with her grandmother’s doilies and some beaded bags – looks great. That yellow doiley is definitely too beautiful to leave in a box somewhere…

    The book looks interesting!

  11. I’d love a copy! I just completed my first (very small) project in crochet thread for my soon to be sister-in-law’s wedding, and I’d love to have some more patterns.

  12. That is so exciting – I love the flowers! I was taught to crochet pretty recently by a friend who learned last year – neither of us is particularly adventurous yet but it’s something I’m really excited to try further.

  13. Fun to make but otherwise useless? Oh, I know what you are talking about.. Not even my grandparents have use for so many and complex doilies I want to corchet. Fortunately my one-day-to-be-mother-in-law likes filet crochet and she asked me to crochet her some new curtains. Perfect deal: I don’t have to pay for anything (yarn, hooks), get to do the fun work and I don’t have to keep the finished thing for which I would have no use. On the other hand, she only has to pay for the materials and gets shiny new curtains in return.

    And wow! The maple leaf is great! I guess there is no chance you could write the pattern down in the blog, since it is in a book..? Or maybe just some hints how it is done..? Please? 😀

  14. Thanks for your book review! I feel exactly the same about crochet as you do. I like to do it, but I don’t have much use for it. This book looks very inspirational; I would love a copy!

  15. What an interesting book! My last big foray into crochet was the 70s also-cloche caps and shawls.

  16. I’ve only dabbled in crochet but this book might make me serious about it. I have just the right instructor in mind…

  17. That’s beautiful! I saw a picture of a throw made of crochet flowers that I have been trying to find a pattern to replicate, and one of the flowers in those pictures looks like exactly what I was after. Could I have it, pleeeeese….? Photo of the finished throw guaranteed!

  18. I would be thrilled to own this book! I knit some, and I crochet some, but my passion for the past four years has been tatting. Perhaps a new book would lead me in a new direction!

  19. I would love this book! I would like to be able to add more crochet skills to my aresenal.

  20. my crochet history is exactly like yours — in deep, hit a wall, nothing interesting coming out, shift to the needles. what a great-looking book, it just might do the trick for me. thanks for the giveaway!

  21. My grandmother taught me to crochet, but there was so much more going on with knitting… She did a king-size bedspread in crochet thread, made up of many smaller doilies sewn together; it’s really a work of art.

    The book is gorgeous – I’d love to be the lucky winner!

  22. brings back memories of the crocheting days.my mom taught me how to crochet several years after I learned to knit ( I was in elementary school). Now in my 60s I only knit but I think it might be time to haul out the old hooks. Thanks for sharing this book-and that maple leaf is fabulous.

  24. I have dabbled in crochet, and actually made a few useful things, but I always feel like I’m faking it, like I don’t have the same sound knowledge of the skill that I have for knitting. I’d love to have this book for inspiration and guidance as I explore crochet further. My grandmother was a crocheter back in the days, and I have several of her afghans here. I’d love to be better at it, sort of in her honor.

  25. I knit much, much more than I crochet … but your review has persuaded me that I ought to pick up a hook more often. It looks like a book that could really help a person get more creative with crochet. I would love to add it to my fiber art library!

  26. Super cool book. I learned how to knit first, but picked up a hook a year ago or so and now consider myself to be bi-craftual.

  27. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was 5 (almost 28 years ago!) Knitting is my go-to craft now, but it is always comforting to pick up a hook a few times a year. I would love a book like this….i might be inspired to design!

  30. My last crochet project was a queen-sized blanket for my then future in-laws 35 years ago. I haven’t done any crocheting since but am fascinated with the photos in Sasha’s book. I would love to have a copy of her book.

  31. My grandma taught me how to crochet when I was a little girl (a long time ago). She would be awed by the beautiful and innovative designs in this book. I would love to expand my basic crochet knowledge by learning how to make some of the projects in this book especially the cherries, filet pieces, and the gorgeous shawl. My fingers are itching to pick up a crochet hook and create something beautiful.

  32. Wow, crochet has changed a lot since the last time I have picked it up. Looks like it could be worth a second try!

  33. After two months in Ethiopia of doing nothing BUT crochet, I had decided that I would be sticking to my needles from now on, but I’m liking the looks of that book. As someone who has never even attempted to read a crochet pattern, do you think I could handle it?

  34. What a lovely book! I do a little crochet now and then, mostly dishclothes which I use every day. I would enjoy trying something a tad more complex!

  35. Glad you are having fun in Texas, Anne!

    I’d love to have a copy of that beautiful crochet book, to take my skills beyond the very basic level.

  37. I too love the maple leaf! Plus some of the alternative crochet pieces, you are right that crochet has changed much in the intervening years!

  38. Wow…..as a extreme leftie, i was hugely into crochet in my twenties until I finally learned to knit…..you re correct Anne, crocheting certanly has changed!

  42. Who knew that there is so much more to crocheting than granny squares?? Please add me to the draw – thanks, Anne! Have a safe trip home.

  44. That maple leaf is wonderful! I need this book to make some…. Crochet is nice in that it is different hand movements, and one can see the results faster, all good for those periods of time when the knitting isn’t doing what it is supposed to.

  46. Just like you I put crochet down and only picked it back up when I saw the Infinity Wrap on the cover of Interweave Crochet Winter 2007 – I just had to make it. The color, the design – awesome. Then I put crocheting back down again when I learned how to knit a year later. Today, I have as many crochet projects on the hook as I have knitting projects on the needles. I love being ambidextorous – knit – crochet!

  47. My mother taught me to crochet when I was very young. I wore granny square vests back in the 70s that I made myself and loved them. For Christmas one year, everyone in my family got an afghan that I started making early in the summer. I chose each pattern carefully for each person. I made doilies for my new house when I got married more than 38 years ago, lace tablecloths and pillowcase edgings. Three years ago, I taught myself to knit and love it so much that I haven’t picked up a crochet hook since, but I still buy pattern books and am enjoying the new needlework revolution that is going on right now. I also made quilts and was addicted to fabric for a while, but now I am addicted to yarn. I won’t comment on my ever-growing stash.

  48. Taught by my grandmother when I was around seven, I used to crochet when I was younger. Then knitting took hold and the rest is history. 🙂 The only things I’ve crocheted recently are dishcloths. Love them–much better than store-bought ones.

    Include me in the running for this lovely book. Thanks!

  49. I use crochet for borders and trim. I like it for a quick afghan project. This book looks like a huge source for inspiration. I would love to win a copy.

  50. Page 173 is so me 🙂 What a fun way to get back into crochet. Thanks for the excellent review Anne.

  54. Your review of this inspiring book makes me want to pick up a hook again. Thank you, Sasha, for re-awakening the interest in so many of us. Would love to win.

  56. Like you Anne, I crocheted for many years..before I took up knitting again..I still incorporate crochet into many of my projects..This book would be a joy..I’d love it..Havea good, safe trip…Ruth G.

  58. A lovely book. I am crocheting more than knitting now so this book seems to have good new ideas.

  59. I confess your review has peaked my interest in crochet. I’ve checked out books at the library and watched many YouTube videos on crocheting. Alas my brain and my hands dont ‘get’ it. 🙂 I will eventually figure it out I’m sure – my crochet aspirations are to make snowflakes for our Christmas tree- but it may be awhile. Having taken a peak at my Ravelry queue (cough) that will easily keep my fingers occupied till 2014!

  60. It’s a beautiful book. I’ve enjoyed all of your pictures of your trip. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Texas.

  61. As a child I tried to teach myself to crochet, but just couldn’t get the hang of it. Soooo, I turned to knitting and taught myself to knit instead! The look and feel is very different from the crochet I remember from the 60’s and 70′ and that is exciting! Please toss my name in the virtual pick bowl.

  64. Oh, this is awesome! I saw this book awhile ago and I couldn’t remember the title! Thanks for the giveaway and reminding me of this book!

  66. What a great looking book and a wonderful addition to anyones library. I would love to win it.

  69. Wow. Amazing book. I’m an obsessive knitter who’s new to crochet and I’m in awe of some of the possibilities for it.

  71. I was looking at this book in my local store, it is beautiful. I would love to win it. New to your blog, reading through all the past posts, very enjoyable reading! I both knit and crochet so this would be a lovely addition to my collection.

  73. Just like you, I used to crochet a lot back in the day (in my case, it was more like the latter part of the 70s) and I abandoned it because it was very limiting. A couple of grannie blankets, an adorable crochet beach dress for my sister who was eight years younger, and yes, lots of doilies, which I think I still have tucked away somewhere. This book looks amazing — it would even make me want to learn crochet in English! All my crochet learning (as well as knitting), I did in French. The knitting terms took me a little while to adapt to in English, but 18 years later, I am very comfortable with them. Nothing like a beautiful book with the genius of Sasha Kagan to make one overcome this language hurdle…

  74. I haven’t been much of a crochet person either, but that mohair flower was lovely! I’d enjoy expanding my horizons with this book. Thanks,

  78. It would take a lot to drag me all thw way from weaving, spinning and kntting, back to crochet. This book could do it, it looks like a breath of fresh and inspirational crochet air!

  80. Lovely book and super review, Anne! I’m glad crochet is gaining attention these days. The pink angora (?) flower really got my attention!

  81. I would love to win a copy of Crochet Inspiration. From your review, it looks like it lives up to it’s name!

  82. I’ll throw my hat in the ring. I keep thinking I need to buy a basic crochet book just to have on file as a reference.

  83. I haven’t crocheted in years (since I was in middle school!), but this book looks like it has some really neat information. I could see myself both making instant-gratification projects (window doilies, coasters…) or maybe combining crochet with knitting for lace-backed sweaters or something! Very neat!

  84. I read my library’s copy of this book and loved it – now a chance to win it! Yes, please! In my teens and twenties I crocheted lots of worsted-weight afghans and rugs for my mother, grandmother, aunts and myself, but when I saturated my afghan market I dropped crocheting (home dec) for knitting clothing (so hard to crochet clothing that doesn’t have that seventies hippie look). But crochet is still amazing fun, and Kagan’s book is calling to me. . .

  85. Very exciting, that the innovation fiber design trend of current times is including crochet in airing out and revamping of fiber traditions! I’m leaving this window open to show to my son’s GF. She is a crochet devotee, and she will be fascinated.

  86. I’m inspired just by the pictures here! Looks like a nice book.

    Crochet was my first love as well, and I still crochet *and* knit.

  87. I’m an enthusiastic knitter who is also starting to get back into crocheting. I’m so glad to see that there are starting to be more great books and patterns for crocheters, and I’d love to have a copy of this one.

  92. I have never crocheted, but I would definitely love to learn!! This book would be a terrific inspiration, and I’d love to give it a happy home among my well-loved knitting books… 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to be in the drawing…

  93. What a beautiful book. I am so ready to be inspired with all she offers. I would love a copy.

  94. Would love to have a copy of the book!! Enjoyed your presentation & trunk show fri evening and the adv lace knitting class sat morning. I especially liked seeing the swatch tour!!! Thanks. Please come back soon!!

  95. What a beautiful book! And I’ve been thinking a lot lately about crochet and how I miss it. It would be wonderful to win this book.

  96. That seems like such a great manual. If I don’t win it, I definitely want to look for a copy!

  98. Wow, that looks amazing! It’s true that crochet designers are doing some lovely things these days… I would love to get a copy of this book.

  100. This looks like a really beautiful book. I crocheted in the late 70’s after my Mom took a class then taught my sister and me. Lots of granny squares followed! This looks much nicer an anything we managed to produce…
    Thanks Anne,
    Betsy

  101. I really like that crocheted leaf. Looks just like a real leaf.
    It’s very nice book.

  102. I have been teaching myself crochet and have been looking for a book like this. I hope I win!

  103. While I prefer to knit, I think I’m a better crocheter. I loved your line “(they’re just too nice; i can’t part with them and i can’t use them either!)”. That’s exactly how I feel about my doilies too! I’m glad to see an innovative book on crochet. I may just have to go buy it! Thanks for showcasing it!

  104. I originally started knitting in the 70s as a pre-teen because I wanted my finished projects to look store-bought and not like my mom’s crochet clothing. But I still turn to crochet once in a while to finish edges and make buttons and slippers. And now I want to do more since that book is such an inspiration! Thanks for showing us that crochet is a lot more than what we saw in the 70s!

  106. Wow! That’s inspiring! I’ve never been much of a hooker but those projects make me want to brush up on my crochet! Beautiful!

  109. I also love the maple leaf. This book has many nice designs and techniques in it. Would love to add it to my library!

  110. I too crocheted in the 70s, and then abandoned it for knitting. A friend of mine, though, crochets lace — and fillet crochet — and I see a lot of it in my work with historic clothing. This book looks like tempting candy! I’ll have to be on the lookout for it. Thanks!

  111. I have actually had the immense pleasure of meeting, Ms. Kagan and she is so incredibly talented and her designs are a true inspiration. Her work is so ‘one of a kind’ and a book authored by her is a true treasure, indeed! I would love to add this to my craft library! Thanks for the wonderful chance!

  112. My first love was crocheting and then knitting. Now I like both of them.
    I would like to win this beautiful book.

  113. Very interesting. It may be time to dust off my hooks and take a journey beyond the granny square.

  116. If I win, and can then part with the book, it would make a fabulous gift for my sister-in-law… then again, if I keep quiet about winning it would make someone else very happy as well… I’m not saying who (me) but someone.

  117. Like you, I stopped crochet and turned almost exclusively to knitting. This lovely book could definitely I spire me to try crochet again. Thanks for entering me in the drawing.

  118. Please enter me in the drawing for this book… I actually learned to crochet before I learned to knit… this book makes me want to pick up the old crochet hook again!

  119. I would so love to have this book! I am a dedicated knitter who got back into crochet a few years ago. I still find it hard to find “interesting” books on crochet- but this looks like one. Please enter me for the drawing.

  120. Sasha’s book looks lovely! While I primarily knit, I learned crochet first and go back to it from time to time when I see inspiring projects. Thank you for hosting this drawing Anne 😉

  121. I would like to be entered in the drawing. I have done a little crochet over the years, but would like to expand the possiblities.

  122. My grandma used to crochet quite a bit. She once told me when I was a kid that since she had learned how to crochet from English books and patterns, she simply couldn’t do it in French, and at the time I thought that was kind of weird/funny. Now, I have a feeling that if I ever pick up her crochet hooks (which I’ve inherited), the same thing might well happen to me too. Especially if I get started with this lovely-looking book! Thank you, Anne, for offering a chance at winning it.

  123. I have always preferred crocheting to knitting but like the look of the final product when it is knitted instead of crocheted. I would definitely like to win this book and see what can be done with crocheting these days.

  124. I love to knit AND crochet and this new book looks fabulous! Please enter me into your drawing. And thank you, Anne and Publisher for the lovely review!

  125. that looks like such a great book. I don’t know much more than single crochet, but i want to learn more. i would love to win this book, it would expand my skill set and provide a bunch of inspiration as well 🙂

  126. I used to crochet a lot! But, like you, I abandoned the hook for needles. This book looks like just the inspiration needed to try my hand at some crochet again. I’m right there with you on that maple leaf!

  130. I’d love to have some inspiration to get back to crocheting; my grandmother and great-aunt taught me how to when I was eight years old, years before I learned how to knit, but now I hardly use those skills anymore.

  131. Wow – some of those motifs are really amazing! I know how to crochet, but I’m mainly a knitting. My mom, on the other hand, is a great crocheter – I’d love to share this book with her!

  133. While surrounded by crocheters I have never accomplished more than a chain for invisible cast-on. This book makes me want to give it a try.

  135. Ah, that does indeed look like an excellent book. I have rarely crocheted since I rediscovered knitting many years ago. In the “old”days I sort of ran out of things to crochet after I discovered that I preferred knitted garments rather than crochet.

  137. Gorgeous crocheting! The only “Big” crochet project I did was a Christening gown set for my youngest daughter. I’ve not picked up a hook in years, but this is giving me the bug something fierce!

  138. Thanks so much for showcasing this book. Sasha Kagan does such fantastic knitting, and she has brought her special talents to crocheting. I too went through the crochet frenzy of the 60’s and 70’s, and I have piles of afghans and shawls folded up in closets. The gorgeous ideas in this book may get me back into crocheting again!

  139. That book looks lovely. I do a little bit of crochet and would love to explore it more!

  140. I have recently bought a set of crochet hooks with the hope that I will take time to learn this craft, having been a knitter all my life. I hope this book would give me the boost to get going on learning something new.

  142. I’ve done quite a bit of crochet until I found knitting. I’d love to win the book and have some fun patterns to work on. I’d love to win this book, it looks fabulous

  143. That leaf is nice. I do very basic crochet right now, usually around necklines and sleeves but that is it. Someday I will learn more.

  144. I love crochet and intersperse it with my knitting and weaving to give my hands yet one more break! My current crochet project is blanket squares made from my large supply of leftover sock yarns!

  145. Wow — not at all our 70’s crochet! Inspirational! Another thing that would be very nice would be a lace panel for a small window (knitted, too, would be lovely).

  146. i have this book and it’s so.seriously.awesome. as a total newbie at crochet, the book makes it all seem approachable and fun – i especially love learning to read the crochet charts (is that weird?)

  147. Like many knitters, I am mutlicraftual. At one time, my carry around projects were crochet. This book looks like one I would love to add to my collection and maybe I will start crocheting again., and this time include charts, (which I love with knitting).

  148. I knit and crochet, and like you, I have embraced knitting almost exclusively in recent years. This book, however, looks to be full of crochet inspiration and just plain fun!

  149. I teach crochet and am always trying to promote modern, nice patterns. They are sometimes hard to find, but there are a few good designers out there that have a lot of cute, practical, and functional pieces. Thank you for putting in a good word for crochet – we don’t try to compete with knitting – I love to do that too – we just want to have nice patterns to work with!
    Putting the two needle arts together is fun too!

  150. What a cool crochet book, Anne. I did the 70s crochet too. Beautiful doilies to remember that decade by. Now my crocheting is confined to afghans.

    Hope you and David are enjoying your trip.

  151. I just rediscovered the love of crochet, but find the application to be limited. This book sounds just the ticket to revamp a great craft into a versatile art form.
    Cheers and thanks for the give away!

  152. I only have a few crochet books vs my knitting collection, I would love to add another crochet book and this looks like a lovely one!

  154. That book looks amazing. I am a very newbie crocheter… I can do a chain, and (after I remind myself how) a single crochet — to edge my knitting, pretty much! But I keep thinking that someday I will do more, because I would love to…and what you show from the book looks inspirational! Wouldn’t it be lovely if the random number generator picked me?

  155. Wow! I know some crochet basics and made a few doll-garments in my youth, but my recent uses have been more of the amigurumi sort.

    And I agree with you that the maple leaf looks awesome!

  156. This book has been on my wishlist. It’s great. Enjoyed several of your classes this weekend.

  157. I love to crochet and knit, and I think they both have a place in my life. I would LOVE to win this book. Who knows? Maybe I’ll get lucky!

  161. Oooh, what a pretty book! How do I bribe the random number generator? Thanks, Anne, for making this possible.

  162. I love both crocheting and knitting. It is amazing and what a person can all do with both crafts. I love the flowers on the cover of the book.
    Thanks for the neat give-away. Safe travels.

  163. A great review of what looks like a great book! I *have* been on a crochet kick this past year. Please sign me up!

    Sorry to not have stopped by sooner, but I just wanted to say again how fantabulous it was to meet you and how much I enjoyed class and dinner! Do hope to see you again sometime when the day is shorter and the hour is earlier. 🙂

  164. I have never read blogs and after the classes I took at DFW Fiber Fest I decided to start reading yours…I use crochet for embelishing my knitting and this book looks like I may have to rethink that…Thanks!

  166. Wow – I was very keen on crochet back in the 70’s – but like you I didn’t have a lot of use for the Irish crochet doilies that seemed to be the only way forward at the time. Might just have to give it another go!

  167. Looks like a gorgeous book. Been thinking about getting it. Re-discovered crochet last year and I enjoy it but don’t have much time to do it. May pick up a hook later today when my secret knitting is finished and posted.

  169. What an awesome give away book.

    I have been trying to teach myself to crochet for years and could do a chain and the basic stitches, but for some reason I couldn’t get the concept of how to count crochets into my head.

    Just last week it finally clicked for me and I have been using crochet to whip up quick around the house projects so that my more long term knitting projects don’t overwhelm me.

    Happy crocheting!

  172. I, too, started out as a crocheter when my grandmother taught me in grade school. All through high school I crocheted hats, scarves, vests, I loved it. Then eventually I tired of it and picked up my knitting needles. I love the new crochet books out now and often feel the urge to pick up my hooks for a while. Debbie

  174. I have a big old box of those lovely crocheted doilies that I loved to make but had no use for. This book looks like a lot of fun, and I, too, love the maple leaf.

  175. I learned to crochet before I learned to knit, so crochet will always have a place in my heart. I’m happy to see the review on this book. Keep up the good work with your beautiful knitting patterns and blog!

  177. I learned to crochet at a young age and then taught my grandmother. We started out making afghans. I moved on to knitting. However grandma loved it so much she continued on with crochet for the next 40 years until she passed away. Over the last year I’ve been thinking of crocheting again. This looks like the perfect book. Thanks for the opportunity to win it. 🙂

  178. Oh, Thanks for sharing this book it is a must have to add to my much loved libary books of Knitting and crochet both.

  181. Yes, I’d love to win a copy of this book! I’ve been a crocheter since I was a little girl. It was my first craft: my (Italian) grandmother had me and all of my like-aged girl cousins over for a sleep-over and taught us all how to crochet, starting with lace edged hankies! It would be really nice to see a fresh perspective on crochet!

  182. Wow! That looks amazing! I visited a high school friend in CA last year and she had a shawl that I had crocheted for her out of ivory perle cotton. I had completely forgotten about it, but dang! it was pretty nice. Went studio touring over the weekend and one of the vendors makes beautiful nuno felted pieces – I could really see some of this crochet blending beautifully with the felting.

  183. Hiya, It’s very awesome of you to do this giveaway and speak about crochet in such a respectful tone ’cause as a whole I think crochet “gets no respect” in this mainly knitting world!

    I admit that I’m not trying to enter the giveaway (just wanted to comment) after I took a look at the old post you referenced and saw the delicate pieces you made in the past. They are absolutely beautiful and are the types of intricate designs I envision making . Dover seems to produce reprints of old patterns but do you remember what books/patterns you used to create these items because I’ve been having quite a time sourcing books with “old” designs?

  184. Another who learned to crochet first (back in the granny square days!). I’ve not crocheted anything since, but this looks like a great book!

  186. The blue white and black shawl was absolutely awesome! I’d love to add this book to my collection!

  187. Oh what a lovely book! I’ve been crocheting for over 40 years and only recently took up knitting in that last couple of years. What nice new and fresh ideas! Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  188. What a fabulous book! I crocheted for many decades before picking up needles and still love both. Crocheting is a great break mentally and physically from the strain knitting puts on my arthritis and I have been enjoying using larger hooks in lace and fingering weight yarns to make floppy berets and wonderfully drapey shawls, lately.

  189. In response to Ely, if you go to gutenberg.org and other public domain sites and search using the word crochet there are tons of victorian books available with very traditional patterns. Some are easier to decipher than others, but well worth the time spent.

  193. Since I’ve mostly stuck to blankets and ami’s with the hook, this could be interesting!

  194. I, too, was a massive crocheter in my early 20s, and got bored making doilies, as challenging as some of them were. I also managed to give myself carpal tunnel in my hand due to my bad hooking technique. Now that I’ve been knitting, I’ve toyed with the idea of also picking up my hooks again – this book looks like a great stepping stone back in!

  195. I love seeing all the new/other things one can do with crochet. I did crochet before I learned to knit, but at some point I had just gotten sick of making afghans, and the designs were not what I wanted for clothes. But I’m starting to see all kinds of great stuff now.

  196. I crocheted long before I knitted, but I never progressed beyond crocheted coasters and afgans. This book looks fabulous! Please enter me in the drawing.

  197. WOW! This book is a definite winner. I also started crochet many years ago and decided to take up knitting-then spinning, dying and weaving:) All these fiber crafts have a place in my heart but crochet was my first love…

  200. Ooh! Crochet. Outside my comfort zone but fab results, tempted to get a hook out now!

  202. This looks interesting. I started out with crochet, but changed to kntting. This looks like it might renew my interest in crocheting.

  203. Haven’t crocheted in years but this book would definitely tempt me to unearth my crochet hooks :>) Safe travels.

  204. Omg. This book looks divine! I have been looking for a crochet book that offers more and this looks like the one.

  205. Anne–I remember my crocheted string bikini days too! sigh…
    now only my 3 year old granddaughter could wear one, but i do love the multicolored shawl in the first photo above, and it would look lovely with my black miraclesuit! thanks for the offer and i love your blog.
    evelyn

  206. I learned to crochet in the 70’s when my babysitter crocheted me a purple poncho with fringe! I tried again in the 90’s, but like you couldn’t find a lot of uses for my doilies, and picked up knitting instead. I’m glad to see some fresh ideas for crochet that don’t involve acrylic!

  208. Like you, I loved to crochet years ago until I found knitting. I did some unique things back then and this book looks very inspiring.
    My grandmother crocheted some lace with the background and I still have some of those pieces.

  209. Looks like a great book! I, too, started out as a crocheter (granny squares in the 70s) but switched to knitting in the 80s and have pretty much been a knitter ever since!

  210. I learned to crochet during a year in Italy (1966), and never really followed up by learning to read patterns in English. This book gives me a reason! Those coasters…wow.

  212. I am a new crocheter (just finished a beginning class) and am totally taken by this book. Would love to have it.

  213. I’ve been wanting to learn and this looks like the perfect tool. Thanks for the opportunity!

  214. I crocheted first before knitting. I, too, got to too many doileys adn no place to show them before turing to knitting. This books looks like a great addition to my bookshelf!

  215. I too started crocheting first before learning to knit, then once I found knitting I never looked back. I’d love the book though; like you all that was available when I started was ripple afghans. Seems like there’s a lot of “new” in the crocheting world to get back into.

  216. Very nice book review! Knitting is my first love, but I do like crochet and every now and then find a pattern that begs to be made up.

  217. It’s been a long time since I had a hook in my hand for anything other than fixing a way-ward knit stitch. 🙂 Looks like I might need to try again.

  218. I want to win this for my daughter, who loves crochet. She and this book might just encourage me to take up crochet!

  219. I always poo pooed my sister’s crochet, but that book is giving me second thoughts. Gorgeous!

  220. Sounds like a must have book. Like you, I used to crochet, but only things like doileys for the house, and after a while, there are only so many pineapples you want in the house! I’ll admit, my doileys were beautiful, but too beautiful to use everyday. This book may be just the inspiration to get back into crochet, although knitting will come first.

  222. Like you I had a spell of crochet in my twenties, but haven’t done much since.

    This book has some very interesting ideas, might be worth taking it up again. The coloured yarns she uses modernizes some of the work for me.

  224. I have also been known to dabble in crochet in the past. That book might tempt me to try picking up a hook again!

  225. Would love a chance to reconnect with my old crochet days! Looks like a wonderful book!

  226. Looks like a book worth checking out! I’ve crocheted for almost as long as I’ve knitted; while knitting’s my primary craft, I like to switch between techniques and keep different hand muscles active.

  227. One of the lovliest crochet books I’ve seen in a long time…might just have to buy this one. mary in Cincinnati

  228. This is definitely not ’70s crochet. Wonderful pictures. I would love to try some of these patterns.

  229. Wow! That is some beautiful crochet! I actually started knitting before crocheting, ditched the knitting when I could never get gauge on anything…and only crocheted for a long time. But…went back to knitting and haven’t crocheted much at all lately! Confusing? Anyhow…I love them both! Would love an opportunity to own this book.

  230. One photo of your review really got my creative energy going….this book sounds fabulous. I would love to make the flowers and the leaves…all of them.

  232. This book looks so fabulous! I don’t know too much about crochet–but this looks inspiring! I’d love to check it out!

    P.S. I’ve been enjoying reading about your Texas tour! I’m a UT Arlington graduate and currently live in Houston (with many, many visits to Austin). 🙂 I don’t comment very often, but have been reading for years and appreciate your posts a lot.

  233. Oh man, exactly what I don’t need, another hobby to spend my oodles of free time on. What a fun burden this book what be to bear.

  234. What a fabulous looking book! My mom taught me to crochet when I was 7, & it is still my “go to” skill when I need something quick. This would be a great addition to the library. I may just have to pick one up. Thanks for the great review Anne

  235. I learned crochet before learning knitting and love them both! Thanks for this review!

  236. I’ve been wanting to learn how to crochet. Maybe this book will give me a little push.

  238. I’ve always wished I knew crochet as well as I do knitting — I’ve managed a few projects over the years (instead of doilies, I went through a crocheted “trim” phase while living in Scotland – things I never did get around to sewing on my towels), but now feel like I have to re-learn crochet when I need to do anything as simple as a crochet edging on a sweater. This book looks luscious and inspiring!!

  240. Most of my crochet these days is limited to edgings on knitted items, but I do occasionally crochet a baby blanket. I remember back in the 70’s when I learned to crochet in jr. high, I got a kit to make a granny square blanket-classic 70’s colors of yellows, oranges and brown (I had a yellow bedroom). I never did finish it. I still love the look of granny squares. 🙂 My clever daugther often freeform crochets adorable flowers for her knitted baby hats. I’ll bet between the two of us, this book would be much enjoyed.

    Thanks and safe travels Anne!

  241. My big crochet period was in the 70’s, self-taught, loved it then, still think it is beautiful for some items. Love that maple leaf!

  243. Wow! That book is amazing. Very inspirational, maybe enough to shift back from knitting to crochet. I never did much with crochet beyond afghans and granny squares. I did not like the look for garments like sweaters, but maybe I just never found the right book.

  244. I think you really nailed it with your comment on crochet items often tending towards the impractical. I started with crochet (that was what my grandmothers did) but once I learned to knit, I sort of put all my fiber eggs in that basket. But maybe I should reconsider, especially with lovely stuff like this out there!

  245. I confess that I haven’t picked up a crochet hook since the 70’s, precisely because of the ‘granny square’ thought……but this is inspirational and I can’t wait to begin again. wonderful pics, patterns and presentation!

  250. I so want to see this book but the first person I thought of was my friend I grew up with. Her mum taught us to crochet when we were children and my friend has stuck with it, all these years later!
    She would love it.

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