January 2023 MBR The Needlecraft Shelf

The Needlecraft Shelf

Retro Crochet
Ashlee Elle
Rocky Nook
1010 B Street, Ste 350, San Rafael, CA 94901
https://rockynook.com
9781681987989, $22.95, PB, 112pp

https://www.amazon.com/Retro-Crochet-Vibrant-Vintage-Inspired-Looks/dp/1681987988

Synopsis: "Retro Crochet" by Ashlee Elle showcases colorful, fun outfits inspired by the best looks from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s!

Styles from the 1970s through the late '90s are hot, and crocheting vintage-inspired designs. That's why designer, model, and photographer Ashlee Elle has built up a passionate fan base through her Dream Crochet shop and Instagram where she shares her colorful, one-of-a-kind throwback outfits.

Now, with the publication of "Retro Crochet" Ashlee deftly guides the reader in learning how to create their own fun pieces. A comprehensive instructional guide and 'how to' manual, "Retro Crochet" features designs that will even the most novice of crochet enthusiasts on a crafty journey from 1970s to the '90s. Bringing original and timeless crochet designs forward with a fashionable modern twist, this thoroughly 'user friendly' guide will show how to create handmade accessories and clothing that'll make you stand out in the crowd.

Critique: Profusely illustrated throughout, "Retro Crochet: Vibrant Vintage-Inspired Looks from the 70s, 80s, and 90s" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections. It should be note for personal use that "Retro Crochet" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).

Editorial Note: Ashlee Elle is a crochet designer and creator, model, and photographer. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including, Simply Crochet Magazine, WeCrochet, and CrochetNow. Her creative work strives to push the boundaries within the fiber art world by introducing whimsical photos to feature the designs as well as celebrating experimental one-of-kind creations. Her unique and original crochet patterns that can be found in her Etsy Shoppe: The Dream Crochet Shoppe. Ashlee Elle can be followed on Instagram @thedreamcrochet

No-Sew Knitting
Christine Boggis
GMC Publications
c/o The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946340, $27.99, PB, 152pp

https://www.amazon.com/No-Sew-Knitting-stylish-designs-seam-free/dp/1784946346

Synopsis: With the publication of "No-Sew Knitting: 20 stylish designs for seam-free knits", needlecrafter Christine Boggis showcases 20 DIY projects for clothing, accessories and homeware for both adults and children -- each of which do not require any sewing up.

Each individual project is difficulty rated, making it easy to select based on time and/or ability and there are a wide range of yarns and sizing options to choose from. Each technique is clearly explained with easy-to-follow illustrations. Alongside the patterns there are useful measurement diagrams and tips to help the reader. It is also packed with beautiful and helpful photographs.

Critique: A thoroughly 'user friendly' combination of instruction guide and 'how to' manual, "No-Sew Knitting: 20 stylish designs for seam-free knits" is an ideal and popular addition to personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft collections.

Editorial Note: Christine Boggis is the editor of Knitting magazine and author of JOMO Knits: 21 Projects to Celebrate the Joy of Missing Out. She worked as a journalist in Sussex, Vienna and London before joining Knitting, where she writes about knitting all day long then rushes home to spend the evening -- knitting!

10,000 Knitted Hats
Jo Allport
GMC Publications
c/o The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946319, $29.99, Spiral Bound, 80pp

https://www.amazon.com/10-000-Knitted-Hats-combinations/dp/1784946311

Synopsis: "10,000 Knitted Hats: Discover your own unique design combinations" by knitting expert Jo Allport is an interactive knitting book that contains photographs of different hat brims, bodies and crowns that can be combined in a total of 10,626 ways to create unique hat patterns.

Once you've chosen your design, turn over the pages of this hardcover/spiral bound book for the correct written pattern for that combination of parts. You can then use the handy embellishments section to add any extra features to the basic design.

The hat brims, bodies and crowns use many stitches, some familiar and others new. Find color work, both easy and more challenging, along with slipped-stitch patterns, cables, lace and texture, all explained clearly in the handy techniques section. Aimed at all ability levels, there is something for everyone.

Critique: Impressively organized and presented for maximum 'user friendliness' in a special 'mix & match' format, it is no exaggeration for knitting expert Jo Allport to claim that when you have "10,000 Knitted Hats: Discover your own unique design combinations" you will never need another knitted hat design book! As much fun to explore hat styles and fabrics as it inspiring to planning knitting projects with, "10,000 Knitted Hats: Discover your own unique design combinations" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections.

Editorial Note: From UK knitting magazines to big international yarn brands, you can find knitwear designs by Jo Allport (http://www.joallportdesigns.com) in many places. She also teaches knitting face to face, online and via tutorials. A lover of all crafts and a prolific writer on the subject, she is a regular contributor to Knitting magazine and Let's Knit. Jo has been designing knitwear for over 12 years, but this has not been her only career. Starting in the oil industry and then moving into IT after that, she brings many other disciplines to her work. Her love of working with people, attention to detail and, most of all, her creativity, have all led her to her current passion, knitting. She can be followed on Instagram and find her designs on Ravelry.

Crocheted Houseplants
Emma Varnam
GMC Publications
c/o The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946418, $27.99, PB, 144pp

https://www.amazon.com/Crocheted-Houseplants-Beautiful-flora-make/dp/1784946419

Synopsis: With the publication of "Crocheted Houseplants" by needlecraft expert Emma Varnam is comprised of 25 stylish crocheting projects to revive your home or office decor and create a lush indoor garden. Flip through the gallery pages, pick your favourite plants and then just get started. Everything you will need to know is included in "Crocheted Houseplants", from tools and materials to explanations of the basic crochet stitches. You will also find out how to pot up and display your fabulous, crocheted creations!

Critique: Profusely and beautifully illustrated throughout with full color photography, "Crocheted Houseplants" is an impressively 'user friendly' instructional DIY guide that will enable even the most novice of crochet enthusiasts to create unique and memorial 'house plant' themed creations. Exceptional, unusual, and fun, "Crocheted Houseplants" is especially recommended as a prized addition to personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft collections.

Editorial Note: Emma Varnam (https://emmavarnam.co.uk) likes to make items that bring a smile. She has written a number of popular crochet books -- including Granny Squares Home, Crocheted Keyrings & Charms, Cute Crocheted Animals and How to Crochet, all published by GMC Publications.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review