BOOK REVIEW: Round and Round the Crochet Hook
A review of Round and Round the Crochet Hook, a beautiful new book by Emily Littlefair (aka The Loopy Stitch).
My crojo has gone missing. Do you know what crojo is? It stands for "crochet mojo" and, as with so many things, I didn't know it was "a thing" until I saw someone mention it on instagram. It's that feeling when you're so into a project you dont want to put it down at all, when you're full of inspiration for what to make, when you're generally just so crochet-y. Usually, that's me. Since baby 2, not so much.
It's okay, I know exactly why it's happened to me at this time. Crochet is my Creative Thing, but it's hard to be innovative and original when you're so sleep-deprived you can barely string a sentence together. It all goes in phases, doesn't it, and in the meantime I'm thankful I have knitting as my Making Thing.
I do miss it though. The weight of the hook in my hand, zipping through rows (god, knitting is slow), my favourite familiar textures...
So when Emily Littlefair (who you may know as The Loopy Stitch) asked whether I'd like to take part in a virtual tour for her new book, I jumped at the chance. Emily's IG page is full of gorgeous crochet, and I thought, what better way to try to tease my crojo back but with one of her patterns?
The new book is called "Round and Round the Crochet Hook", and contains 19 patterns that are all worked in the round. Most of them are small, reasonably quick projects, but there is one stunner of a blanket as well. Each pattern comes with detailed written instructions, complete stitch charts, and clear project photos. At the back of the book there's a handy "Crochet Basics and Techniques" section as well.
When I received the book, the first thing that struck me was how pretty it is. As you'd expect from Emily, the colour palettes are very, very beautiful, with just the right balance between bright and sophisticated. We're in the depths of gallingly-grey November days here, and even just flipping through the pages is a enough for a bit of a visual pick-me-up.
The other thing I really like is how clever the whole thing is. I've always admired crochet mandalas, both for how they look and for their meditative round-and-round-and-round construction - but I don't often make them because, well, what do you do with them all? Emily has anwsered that question for me: you make cushions, coasters, table runners, wall hangings... And you end up with truly beautiful as well as usable pieces for the home.
It was such fun flicking through this pretty book in a quiet, baby-is-finally-napping moment. I made tea, my favourite crochet notebook came out...
In the end, I chose the Spotty and Dotty garland as my first project. I'm using bits of leftover Vinnis Colours cotton and bamboo because I just love the colours. We're doing up the boys' room at the moment, so that's where it will go, assuming I can bear to part with it! I'm pleased to say I'm really enjoying making it, to the point where I'm already toying with the idea of making them a rug from the book in matching colours.
Well hello there crojo, my old friend...
Round and Round the Crochet Hook by Emily Littlefair is published by Tuva Publishing and available to buy now. Thank you to Emily and Tuva Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this lovely book and take part in the virtual book tour (for a full list of participants, click here).
BOOK REVIEW: 35 Crocheted Bags by Emma Friedlander-Collins
My instabuddy and crochet cohort Emma Friedlander-Collins has just published a new book, 35 Crocheted Bags. Read on to find out more about it!
There is something so hands-up-in-the-air, so YAY about your instabuddies and crochet cohorts achieving great things, like getting a local shop to sell their wares or publishing an entire book. Emma Friedlander-Collins, who you might also know from Steel & Stitch or Crochet Girl Gang fame, has just gone and done the latter (for the third time, no less!): 35 Crocheted Bags is out. I love Emma's work so when the opportunity came up to review a copy, I jumped at it.
35 Crocheted Bags is divided into 3 chapters:
chapter 1 - totes and holdalls
chapter 2 - bags and handbags
chapter 3 - in your bag (small items like purses, phone sleeves and so on)
Each design includes all the essentials you would expect: beautiful, clear photographs, pattern information, detailed written instructions, graphs where required. In addition, Emma has included a sweet little introduction to each item, explaining what inspired it and how she might use it herself.
The book covers an impressive range of styles and colour palettes. Emma's signature look - bright colours and fun, retro designs (I think the girl has a thing for skulls!) - is unmistakably there, but you'll also find more muted colours and minimalist styles.
The same goes for the range of "bag types". There are frivolous clutches, sensible shoppers, and ultra-practical little purses and wallets. Below are some of my favourite patterns from each chapter.
the spring shopper
the mini satchel
the foxy crochet carry case
...and my absolute favourite, the apple shoulder bag!
The book also includes a "techniques" section. It covers everything from basic crochet stitches, tapestry crochet, and blocking your pieces, to sewing a fabric lining and attaching buttons. As a result, 35 Crocheted Bags really is suitable for any level of crochet (or sewing!) skill; Even a complete beginner should find a few patterns to get stuck into straight away.
All in all, it's a fabulous book full of patterns that look like they'd be great fun to make, but also to wear and use. Now I'm off to make that apple bag!
35 Crocheted Bags by Emma Friedlander-Collins is published by CICO Books, and is available now for £12.99.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of 35 Crocheted Bags for the purpose of this review, but all words, photos and opinions are my own.