Avant garde crochet from the 1970s
587963
I very much enjoyed this book, and go back from it time to time just in wonder. A great predecessor to the innovations taking place in crochet today. Although dated, the designs are unique and thought-provoking. Would love to know what the author has done since!

Service from the bookseller was great--the book was as described, delivery was rapid. Very pleased.
2325247
I am a long-time fan of Shannon's patterns and design style.  This book was the first knit or crochet pattern book that I purchased on pre-order without knowing what any of the designs looked like beforehand, and I definitely do not regret that decision.  Once again, Shannon has created a collection of crochet garments and accessories (mainly garments, although there are a couple of accessory collections at the very end of the book) that challenge the notion that you can't make tasteful, contemporary-yet-classic clothing using crochet.

The designs in the book vary in difficulty from basic to advanced, with the majority falling into the intermediate range.  The book also features a variety of models with different body types, and most of the garments would be great for the full-figured woman.  The patterns also make use of several different yarns in various weights, fibers, and price points, so if you are interested in crocheting from your stash there is bound to be something in here you could make with what you already have.

As a side note, for those who are new to crochet cable construction (which is used a few of the designs in this book), I also highly recommend Shannon's Craftsy class, "Quick and Easy Crochet Cables".  He's a great instructor, plus he's just fun to listen to.
3203317
Love this pattern.  Since I have crocheted for over 50 years, I can make it in a flash.  Thanks for offering it for purchase
3839254
I loved the designs and the variety. Among the Jackets, sweaters, cardigans, tops and scarves, I saw a granny square purse that I fell in love with. I did not like the loop-stitch set. The pictures are clear and the charts are next to the pattern. At the back of the book there are knitting techniques, abbreviations and yarn information including mail/web addresses. Very useful book.
2492247
Crochet at Home: 25 Clever Projects for Colorful Living is a collection of contemporary home decor projects edited by Brett Bara.  If you were a fan of Crochet Today! when Brett was the editor-in-chief, you will find the types of projects and colors you might have seen in the magazine in this book.

The book is organized into three chapters, Bright and Modern Living Room, Tranquil Bedroom, and Colorful Kitschy Kitchen.  The names accurately describe the types of projects you can find in each chapter.

In the back, you can find pattern abbreviations, a techniques section using the standard line illustrated instructions you may be familiar with from other Interweave publications, a resources section with yarn company contact information, and an index.

The book includes a range of pattern types:

4 blankets,
3 potholders/pan handle covers,
a set of 3 nesting dolls,
3 bowls,
3 cozies (for a tissue box, a teapot, and a cake plate),
2 pillow covers,
2 wreaths,
2 buntings,
and an ottoman, a doorstop, a rug, a trivet, a scrubbie for pots, a dishcloth, coasters, a table runner, and a seat cushion.

(You may notice that I list 31 patterns, though the books subtitle mentions 25.  Some of the patterns include multiple variations, which is why the counts are different.)

All of the patterns are written with US pattern abbreviations, and most also include international stitch symbol charts.  The patterns don't include difficulty levels, but most can be accomplished by an advanced beginner with a little patience.  Each pattern includes multiple, well-lit photos showing the projects in use in a residential setting and is made with yarn in contemporary colors.

My favorite patterns are the Stitchy Nesting Dolls by Amy Gaines, the Sleepy Kitty Doorstop by Brenda K.B. Anderson, the Overstuffed Seat Cushions by Ellen Gormley, the Flowering Trivets by Regina Rioux, and Berry Pie, a cake plate cozy by Ana Paula Rimoli.

If you enjoy crocheting for the home and are able to crochet beyond the basics, this book could be a great addition to your collection. Like all pattern books, the decision about whether or not to buy this book will be largely dependent on personal taste.  You can try out the nesting dolls patterns for free here on the Petals to Picots blog, and Ravelry members can see all of the books patterns on its source page.  If you have an extensive crochet pattern collection, you may already own similar, classic designs, but the contemporary colors and the styling suggestions may be worth the retail price of $22.95 for the softcover (or $17.95 for the ebook).

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet at Home was provided by Interweave. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
3164312
This book is not technically a pattern book; it's more of a history of Dutch samplers. There is one project (the sampler shown on the cover) with a chart and thread colors given in the back of the book. This is a historical resource that explains some of the meaning behind the motifs and why particular subjects were used. Most of the book is in black and white, with a few color plates of historical samplers given. What I found most interesting is that many of the motifs (given on black-and-white charts throughout the book) currently appear in "new" primitive samplers today--so trees, houses, primitive figures, birds, etc. I would imagine many of the new designers in primitive cross-stitch use some of these old sampler books for inspiration. If you're an experienced cross-stitcher or needleworker, you'll have no problem pulling motifs out of the book to use for small projects. But if you're a beginner, I'd look elsewhere for motifs (such as the "Sampler Motif Book" offered by Amazon).
201852
New ways to use this pattern than just square plan to make a rectangle afghan by adapting the shawl pattern
4734393
This is a beautiful and unusual book. It offers about 127 different block patterns, some worked in rows, others worked in rounds, plus a wealth of suggestions about how to combine these block patterns into larger pieces (afghans, shawls, etc.) with a very modern, "non-granny" style. It has heightened my sense of what Eaton calls "color ways," combinations of colors within a block and combos of blocks in a larger piece. She offers 12 complete afghan patterns, but the real value of the book lies in its usefulness to a crocheter who wants to imagine and create unique and personal pieces of work. A different and wonderful addition to my crochet library! (I subtracted one star because of the various errors in the instructions, pointed out by other reviewers, which need to be corrected by looking up the publishers website.)
1514213
The late, great Erica Wilson (she died in December 2011) will be sorely missed in the needlework world.  She was a prolific author and such an expert in so many techniques that she had her own embroidery show on PBS, a rare feat.  This book seems a bit dated for our tastes now but it is excellently written and illustrated, if only in b&w.  You can't go wrong if you get this book.  Try it...maybe you'll find a new technique for stitching.
3262997
This beautiful book harks back to early American times, when everyday items were made from whatever materials were available. The author has made a really big deal about using your creativity to make stunning but distressed looking quilts, dolls and table toppers. She also suggests that we look back into our lives and use our favourite colors and things to  be more visual and create one of pieces that are simple but useful. I should imagine that all of the projects can be made using modern fabrics and notions but the overall effect would be lost. I love the simplicity of this book and I am on the look out for old flour sacks and such like so I can make own unique items. I particularly love the stump doll and have neve heard of such a thing before. This book along with several craft projects and pattern sheets, comes with a history of how these items were inspired. As well as being a fabulous craft book it is rather a good read, and whats more, the items you make do not have to perfect. Their uniqueness lies within your own style and ability.
1623325
"Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders" is another gorgeous book by Judith Durant.  This book is pure eye candy with its focus on small yardage projects to show off fabulous & sometimes pricey luxury yarns.

Overall I think this is a great book but had a few things I didn't like.  The book is broken in sections by yarn weight. I love this, you have a ball of yarn and just go to that section to find a pattern to use it! Of course you don't have to spend a fortune on cashmere or some other high-priced yarn, these patterns will look beautiful in wool, cotton or blends as well.  There are a lot of scarf and hat patterns as you would imagine, but also baby clothes & booties, a few jewelry pieces and even some guy stuff which is great.

The majority of the patterns in this book are for knits, which is great if you are a knitter.  I really wish there had been a few more crochet patterns in it. I am a crappy knitter, and will chose to crochet over knitting anytime I can. That being said, this book is full of gorgeous lace patterns that look fairly simple enough to do that I will give them a try. If I were a better knitter, I'd have a ball making the majority of the patterns in here.

The pics are in the first half of the book and the patterns in the second. I like seeing all the projects at once but personally, I like to have the pic with the pattern when I am making something. It helps me to look at as I am working to make sure I'm doing it right. I also found the green & blue pattern text hard to read, and would have preferred it being normal black.  Also I agree with the one reviewer who would like it to be spiral bound. It would make knitting/crocheting a lot easier.

In review, if you are a knitter this is a fantastic book. If you are a crocheter, get another book for small yardages like&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Get-Your-Crochet-On-Hip-Hats-Cool-Caps/dp/1561588504/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats & Cool Caps</a>&nbsp;by Afya Ibomu or&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Hooked-on-Crochet-20-Sassy-Projects/dp/1580175473/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Hooked on Crochet: 20 Sassy Projects</a>&nbsp;by Candi Jensen .

Reviewed by Barbe Saint John
2107214
Way back in the 70's my mother and I loved to haunt local tag sales looking for the gorgeous hand-embroidered and hand-crocheted linens of her mother's and grandmother's day, then out of fashion but to us much too beautiful to discard.  This&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Hand-cut-work-white-hand-crochet-tablecloth/dp/B00XQLXXHM/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Hand-cut work white hand crochet tablecloth</a>&nbsp;is a gorgeous new rendition of those classically beautiful tablecloths, one to be cherished for years to come.

The tablecloth features individual panels of white waffle-weave fabric hand embroidered in the palest shades of yellow, pink, lavender and mauve ribbon embroidery flowers accented with French knots and olive green ferns.  Each panel is lined, then joined together and bordered with white crochet lace.  The cloth is machine washable (I would use the gentle cycle) and may be either line or tumble dried (again, use the gentle cycle if you tumble dry.)

 TIP:  When not in use, store your fine linens wrapped in tissue (pale blue is best but white will do) inside zipper bags out of the light to keep them from yellowing.

Grandma's $0.02 - This gorgeous cloth is perfect for an afternoon tea or a bridal or baby shower - or use the smaller toppers on round tables at a wedding reception. Ever so pretty with a longer lining cloth of a pastel color that matches one in the embroidery!  It makes me happy just to look at it - and how I wish that the lilacs had not gone by.  Bouquets of lilacs would be perfect with this!  By the way, the larger rectangular versions of this cloth can be the perfect spread for a twin or full-sized bed in a very feminine bedroom, something I loved to do with the crocheted tablecloths that Mama and I collected!  (Again, use a longer pastel plain spread underneath.)

Highly Recommended

*Sample provided
4235640
"Knitting Little Luxuries" definitely appeals to the new, young hip knitter. So the book is full of berets, bags, wraps and scarves, mostly in trendy colorways (muted gold-beige, pale blue) and with thicker, though not bulky yarns.

The book has four sections:

1. Electic and Quirky: textured stitches, mixed yarns, button trims, ribbon embroidery. Of the projects, there is a rug-textured bag and a button trimmed beanie that I liked. Of the quirkier side, the Alice beret is colorful, yet muted and has a floppy, individualistic shape. A button-trimmed, colorful wrap (the Dottie Wrap) goes well with this and is sort of 21st Century Hippy-Flapper (hard to qualify.)

2. Pretty And Feminine: Here, a beautiful short cardigan with a mixed texture yarn and fine merino trim caught my eye. There are angora mittens, a soft lace scarf.

3. Textured and Modern: cabled items abound

4. Traditional and Folk: features the use of fair-isle or two color knitting to make berets, scarves and pillows.

While this is not classic knitting in the style I prefer, I can see that trendy knitters would find many small and interesting projects here to work on, or to use as ideas for more ambitious projects. I would deem the knitting skill required to be intermediate, due to the use of texture stitches and colorwork. There is a handsomely drawn glossary of techniques, including the embroidery, at the back.
4729065
I received the book promptly and in excellent condition. It is very helpful with the stitches I don't use often.  The diagrams are not as though as the crochet book by Donna Kooler.
935469
The Best of Knitscene is dedicated to the best patterns in the last five years of this knitting magazine.  There is a short section on trends, one on fair isle and one on yarn weights.  The rest of the book is primarily dedicated to patterns.  The patterns appear to be carefully selected and are lovely.  The instructions appear easy to follow and I can't wait to dig in and start knitting some of these patterns right away.

My favorites abound.  The Central Park Hoodie is a cardigan in a nice rose color with, of course, a hood, knit with a worsted weight yarn.  To assist the knitter with this pattern, there is an article on cables with drawings and directions that are very helpful.  I love the Geodesic Design Sweater, knit in a loden green in lace weight yarn.  "This light-as-air jacket, with its military-inspired bodice tucks, was worked up in the yarn du jour at the time - Malabrigo Lace.  It does require some advanced skills, but it's so appealing that knitters of every stripe have taken a go at it, with fine results."  The Ocsilloscope Shawl is actually a shawlette.  It is knit in a worsted weight in a rich blue.  The Freshman Cable Socks are a twist on the basic ribbed sock.  It 'features an inventive cable design that spirals around the leg and foot.  The visually spare design allows for use of handpainted and variegated yarns."  The Kenobi Jacket is utilitarian and lovely.  'Varying texture patterns, asymmetry, and clean edges make a great casual jacket.'  This is one of the patterns I'd like to get started on first.  The Phiaro Scarf is a delight to the eyes.  'A wide scarf earns its luxurious drape- and wrapability - from columns of dropped stitches.  The openwork ladders lend fluidity and interest to an otherwise simple stockinette project.  Braided fringe finishes the luxe look.'  I was drawn right away to the Emily Shawl.  'This sideways-knit shawlette is inlaid with a sweet leaf motif.  Pointed edges and hand-painted yarn make for delicate appeal, while the knitting itself is not so intricate.'

Throughout the book are articles about different designers, skills, and spotlighted items.  I find this book intriguing with its varied patterns and wonderful selection.  I know I'll be knitting from it and referring to it as a resource.
799214
The designs in this book are beautifully photographed and even if you don't crochet you will appreciate the charming decor that was used to showcase the refreshingly current projects.
I must agree with the first reviewer that the title is misleading as more than 2 thirds of the patterns in this book are for afghans, and the remaining third is for wearables with the exception of only 3 projects.  I must also agree that the slipper project left me unimpressed but it is only one pattern amongst many impressive ones.  I personally love the look of Lion Brand yarns but substituting should be easy for the price-conscious crocheter as every pattern lists the specific yarn weight used.  Those who are looking for fashionable and figure flattering garments will be pleased while those who are looking for that gorgeous oversized sweater will find themselves out-of-luck though may find some consolation upon discovering the Chenille Pea Coat pattern.  As for the children and men in your life you will only get a small taste of childrens patterns and you will be hard pressed to find a mens pattern.
986601
This dazzling display of some of the very best in international embroidery demonstrates convincingly that this form of needlework is capable of taking its place among the fine arts. Depicting the work of 38 artists from Britain, the European continent, North America, and Australia, the photographs in this book will open minds to the creative possibilities of embroidery and provide endless inspiration for all enthusiasts. The range of work covers abstract, realistic and geometric modes of expression. Accompanied by statements by each of the artists about their influences, personal approaches and techniques, the vivid illustrations reflect a broad and colourful diversity in their international flavour and in the individual motivations and personal strengths that lie behind these glorious creations. The works display a variety of techniques, from hand stitching to machine embroidery, quilting, appliqu, canvas work (needlepoint), assemblage, dye and paint techniques and printing, in the service of an equally wide range of decorative and expressive purposes. For example, in the abstract linear structures of Emilia Bohdziewicz or the illustrative hand-stitched pieces of Helen Daniel, in Tom Lundberg's use of symbolism and dream imagery as well as Tilleke Schwarz's affinity for simple, strong folk art, the embroidery works shown here represent, collectively, the most exciting and innovative ideas in the field today - seasoned by a willingness to incorporate in new ways some of the methods and media of other crafts and disciplines. This exquisite volume will delight and absorb all lovers of form and colour and those who revel in the possibilities of stitch and fabric manipulation, and will serve as a guide to some of the newest and freshest embroidery art from around the world. Anne Morrell is a Professor of Textiles and former Head of Embroidery at the Manchester Metropolitan University. In addition to her research interests in historic and ethnic textiles, particularly of the Indian sub-continent, she has taught for more than thirty years and has published extensively in the field of embroidery and craft textiles. Her own embroidery work has been exhibited in various museums and in touring shows on four continents.