Friday, April 03, 2015

Review: The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop

Disclosure:  Storey Publishing LLC sent a copy of The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop to Lapdog Creations for review.  I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop

Essential Techniques for Becoming a More Versatile, Adventurous Crocheter

by Dora Ohrenstein

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Storey Publishing LLC (November 18, 2014)


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When a copy of The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop arrived on my doorstep, I quickly found myself blurting out that familiar phrase: I should learn to crochet.  My Mom would be happy to teach me, but every time I say that out loud, I look at my piles of knitting WIP and the endless patterns lingering in my Ravelry queue.  Not to mention my, ah-hum, Cricket loom that's been sitting in a corner of my living room for a couple years now.  When would I have time to add another yarny-skill? 

But for those of you who do crochet, like my Mom who will gladly inherit my copy, The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is the perfect addition to your bookshelf!  As a knitter, I know I always enjoying building my skills and techniques, and I'm sure you do as well. 

At first glance, The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is a beautiful book.  Project and step-by-step photos are clear and colorful.  Text and charts are easy to read.  And, finding what you're looking for is a breeze thanks to the author organizing everything by technique.  After she discusses how to choose yarns, arm your toolbox and control your tension, things start to get interesting...  Fundamental Techniques.  Shaping and Construction.  Crochet in the Round.  Advanced Shaping.  Texture.  Crochet in Color.  Finishing Techniques. 

The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop features patterns for 75 swatches, giving readers the opportunity to learn by doing, without committing to a big project (genius!)..  But don't worry, the author has included 5 patterns to put your skills to good use as well: Slouchy Hat, Marguerite Cowl, Colorwork Bag, Lace Capelet and Cabled Lace Scarf. 

Again, I'm no crocheter, but I'd have to say, it looks like the author has covered some great bases here.  In fact, my Mom, who's crocheted since I can remember, took a look at the book and said there was plenty in there for her to explore.  Which means The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop is appropriate for all skill levels.  Whether you've just begun, or have been at it for 40 years, you'll enjoy learning new techniques or revisiting those you never quite got the hang of before.

Grab a copy of The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop, some yarn, your favorite hook, and a beverage, then sit down and get ready to take your craft to the next level!

About the Author: Dora Ohrenstein is a crochet designer, author, teacher, and publisher. She is the founder and editor of the online magazine Crochet Insider and the author of 4 books: The New Tunisian Crochet, Custom Crocheted Sweaters, Creating Crochet Fabric, and The Crochet Insider’s Passion for Fashion. Her chic and innovative designs appear regularly in Interweave Crochet and Crochet Today and have been published in several European magazines.

3 comments:

Marjie said...

Your mother saying it's a valuable book is high praise, indeed! And if you ever do decide that you need yet another skill from which to amass a pile of UFOs, it sounds like this is a great book!

Ginx Craft said...

I do the same as you, I keep saying I must learn to crochet, but then the knitting is so hard to put down.

SissySees said...

I do crochet, but prefer knitting. Lately though, I've been admiring - and jealous of - the quick, pretty baby items crochet friends have been cranking out.

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