I hate to say it but I was greeted by an email in my inbox earlier this week telling me how many days it was until Christmas and my first response was horror. We haven’t even reached Halloween yet. Anyway it got me thinking about books, gifts etc and what type of items to design crochet patterns for in the coming weeks.
I always have a wish list longer than my arm and encourage everyone I know to create one. There’s nothing worse than giving a gift that isn’t appreciated. So I’ve decided to put together a list of recommended crochet books that I rate and may be of interest to you or your loved one’s. I’m including books to teach and instruct people new to the art of crochet – children and adults alike. I’m also covering inspirational books for those seeking new ideas. As well as source books and stitch bibles.
I have mentioned this book before in a previous post and still recommend it for both beginners and advanced crocheters. The projects are varied and the illustrations are beautiful.
Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet
This book seems to have taken the crochet world by storm. The very nature and cuteness of Amigurumi makes it instantly attractive to children of all ages. A good book to encourage youngsters to start on the craft of crochet.
Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More
Another brilliant book for kids – and an absolute treasure for crochet gift ideas for the little people.
50 Sensational Crochet Afghans & Throws
Giving a crocheted blanket is truly an act of love, especially if it has to fit a king size bed. A blanket should be timeless and last for years to come a true piece of history. This book provides inspiration and ideas as well as practical guidance and advice.
Crocheting for Dummies (For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback))
I am not recommending this for dummies but for everyone. The dummies range of books are excellent sources of reference for everyone. Ether that or I’m a dummy as I have so many of them.
Rag Rug Inspirations [Illustrated] (Paperback)
This is a book that I am currently reading and it’s superb. The photos are amazing, the colours vibrant and lots of fabulous projects and instruction. I particularly like the Hausa-shaped Chain Stitch Hanging.
Rag Rug Making: Contemporary Projects, Techniques and Inspiration for a Traditional Craft (Paperback)
Although not strictly a crochet book their is much here that would lend itself to the craft of crochet. There are patterns, shapes, styles and so much information. Again this book is currently on my bookshelf.
Vintage Crochet: 30 Gorgeous Designs for Home, Garden, Fashion, Gifts (Paperback)
Homemade: Gorgeous things to make with love (Hardcover)
A contemporary take on gorgeous things to make Making it yourself rather than buying it off the shelf has never been trendier. Whether driven by eco considerations and anti-consumerism or by the desire to own or give something personal rather than uniform, many more of us are getting out the knitting needles and sewing kit, and taking pleasure in lavishing some TLC on our homes, our friends, our children and ourselves. Homemade is packed full of ideas for things to make that make life that little bit better. From crocheted coat-hangers to cordials and cupcakes, from cushion covers made from vintage blankets, old shirts cut up to make summer bunting or beautifully simple decorating ideas for an old-fashioned Christmas tree, here are over a hundred ways of adding individuality to your home and to the things you give. You'll save some money along the way - and using materials you have to hand not only saves the cash, it also means building a little bit of your history, whether from a favourite worn-out skirt or pebbles you've collected on holiday, into the things that surround you.While the book is practical and project-based, covering everything from knitting gloves to making natural moth repellents and devising the most gorgeous hand-made gift wrapping, it is also aspirational and chic - a key requirement is that the finished result has to look better and more desirable than a shop-bought version. Many of the ideas are incredibly simple and can be done in minutes; some are more of a labour of love; all have clear instructions and gorgeous accompanying photographs that cannot fail to inspire you to get going and add some homemade glamour to your home and your life.
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