Crocheting For Dummies
by Karen Manthey, Susan Brittain
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Book Summary Information
Author: Karen Manthey, Susan BrittainEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-07-30
ISBN: 076454151X
Number of pages: 368
Publisher: For Dummies
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Book Reviews of Crocheting For Dummies
Book Review: Review of this book in absolute terms
Summary: 4 Stars
After my spectacular experience with "Knitting for Dummies", I bought this book, "Crocheting for Dummies", without any hesitation and without any shopping around, thinking it would be exactly the same format. Therefore, I can only write a review in absolute terms, without much comparison to other beginner crocheting books. Here's what I thought:
1. Just like the "Knitting" counterpart, this book has meticulous instructions and great diagrams. Surprisingly, it's not the instructional books with the glossy pages and photographs that are the best for learning crocheting. This book is mainly black-and-white and has drawings rather than photos. Nonetheless, "Crocheting for Dummies" has excellent instructions on what to do with your hook and yarn in an easy-to-follow format.
2. The information is presented in a somewhat awkward order. Rather than getting down to business, this book starts out with a chapter devoted to different crochet hooks and yarns. Then it goes into gauge, a concept COMPLETELY alien until you've actually crocheted some stitches. Only in chapter 4 you're finally told how to hold the hook and the yarn and make some stitches. Unfortunately, this is the order most knitting/crocheting books are arranged (except "Knitting for Dummies"). It would obviously make more sense to explain gauge AFTER learning how to crochet.
3. Unfortunately, this book teaches crochet in the context of projects. To me it seems that a new crocheter should first make some swatches with cheap yarn, thus practicing fancy stitches, getting good at reading charts, and learning how to crochet evenly. Only after getting moderately good, should the new crocheter undertake a project which requires the purchase of expensive yarn. But in this book the two steps are combined. Rather than present many practice patterns to swatch, the book suggests real projects, with real (expensive) yarn, to learn crocheting techniques. However, if you're impatient and want to make something real while learning, then you might like this book.
4. On the plus side, this book is comprehensive. It covers everything from basic stitches to crocheting with color, finishing items, picking up stitches for collars, afghan and filet crocheting, etc. It is also full of helpful tips for even a more experienced crocheter, such as nifty ways to join yarn and weave in ends while crocheting. The beginning of the book has a chart of international crochet symbols and abbreviations, which is very handy.
The projects presented here are ... okay. There are some very basic coasters and placemats, a potholder, a table runner, flowers to use as package decorations, scarves, bandanas, a hat, a vest, two sweaters, two pillow covers, and an Afghan throw. Remember, to lean/practice some/most of the techniques, you'll actually have to make these projects or parts of them!
Overall, I applaud this book on the clarity of instructions - the diagrams are really very clear. "Crocheting for Dummies" isn't as pretty as some of the other books, but trust me, pretty gets frustrating very quick if the instructions aren't clear. It doesn't have a spine that allows it to lie flat, but once again, if it lays flat but is full on nonsense, you don't want it anyway. This book, at least partially, teaches crocheting in the context of projects, which I do not like, but it must appeal to some people because this is the typical way to present information.
Summary of Crocheting For Dummies
Are you hooked on the art of crochet? Not only can you make beautiful pieces of art and work on it virtually anywhere, crocheting also provides stress relief and is a great way to pass time without wasting it. It?s a hobby that is highly addictive yet highly rewarding, though it may take a little bit more than a rainy afternoon and a ball of yarn to get started.Whether you?re a first-time crocheter or looking to expand your skills, Crocheting For Dummies shows you how to choose the right tools, create basic stitches, and finish off your work. This hands-on guide provides step-by-step instructions and full-color photos that make it fun and easy to master the basics as well as more advanced techniques. You?ll have the tools you need to:
- Create consistency with a gauge swatch
- Decode crochet patterns, symbols, and diagrams
- Stitch a double, a triple, a double triple, and a half double crochet
- Increase and decrease stitches
- Crochet in circles
- Work with different colors
- Stitch texture and advanced patterns
- Create an Afghan stitch
- Make new styles with filet crocheting
- Join seams, sow buttons, add trims, and make pockets
- Block and care for your work
Packed with instructions on different projects, as well as common mistakes and safety measures you should take to maximize your progress and fun, Crocheting For Dummies is the only guide you need to start creating beautiful designs in no time!
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