I recently received two different crochet books from St Martin’s Griffin to review and I wanted to share them with you right away because I think they would be great books to have on hand for handmade gifts this holiday season.
I know it’s kind of early to start thinking about Christmas and other winter holidays but if you hope to MAKE gifts it’s never too early! And if you are looking for quick, handmade goodness to crochet then I’ve got what you need!
The first one up is 100 Snowflakes to Crochet by Caitlin Sainio
Some basics to know about 100 Snowflakes to Crochet:
- Retails fro $21.99 USD but can be purchased from amazon.com for $14.06 USD
- 124 pages
- Soft cover
The snowflakes are all designed for size 10 thread and a size 5 hook. I appreciate that about this book as it will keep me from running out to the store for different kinds of yarns and hooks as I go. Also, the patterns are arranged by difficulty level – starting with beginner to intermediate and then on to advanced patterns. Each pattern includes a photo of the finished snowflake as well as a chart to help you complete each piece.
100 Snowflakes to Crochet includes a chapter THE BASICS which is intended to help you with tools, materials and patterns as well as finishing techniques.
There is a very helpful section that explains patterns and abbreviations used as well a crochet “refresher course”.
While I can think of several small gifts to make with individual snowflakes (gift tags) or a few snowflakes (book marks) I’m also MADLY in love with this Blizzard Scarf from the PROJECTS section. I’m thinking I may make one of those for myself AFTER the holidays. You know, just because I can.
The second book 75 Floral Blocks to Crochet by Betty Barnden is another book you might want for beautiful handmade gifts.
Some basics about 75 Floral Blocks to Crochet by Betty Barnden:
- Retails for $21.99 USD but can be purchased on amazon.com for $14.13 USD
- 144 pages
- soft cover
Both books are similar in layout and over all style.
This book starts out with materials and equipment, followed by abbreviations and symbols. Other chapters include information on techniques for using the various blocks.
Most of the patterns are labeled easy or intermediate with a few advanced patterns tossed in and all of the blocks are based on flowers. Which totally got MY attention! And while it uses different yarns and crochet hooks it looks like a great way to use up that stash of left over yarns I have on hand.
75 Floral Blocks to Crochet also includes a photo and a chart to help you create the blocks.
There are several adorable projects in the back but I just love these sweet, old fashioned purses. I think they are my favorite! Another quick handmade gift to make.
So there you have it, two books you’ll want to have on hand to crochet handmade gifts for the holiday season.
I hope that if you choose to purchase one of the books mentioned above that you will consider using my amazon affiliate links by either clicking on the links above, in the graphic below or the one in my right hand side bar. Monies earned from my affiliate links help defray the cost of web hosting so I can continue to bring you daily creative goodness. It’s kind of like leaving a tip for a waitress… only different! :)
Please and thank you! :)
Both books were sent to me for review free of charge. All opinions are my own.
 |
