Personalized Gift Ideas

There are many personalized gifts that can be made by crocheting. If you have never crochet, you can learn fairly easily. There are many crochet patterns that are easy to follow and they make great gifts at the same time. This book called The Crochet Stitch Bible will teach you how to crochet from start to finish. By crocheting yourself, you can keep the cost of your gift low and yet make an amazing gift.

Author Betty Barnden shared her knowledge of needlecraft design with embroiderers in The Embroidery Stitch Bible--now she uses her expertise as a hand-knitter to bring readers The Crochet Stitch Bible. This is the book crochet enthusiasts have been waiting for. Hundreds of traditional and contemporary stitches are photographed and accompanied by detailed charts in this essential illustrated reference.

More than 200 crochet stitches are each clearly explained with a photographed sample, row-by-row instructions, easy-to-follow symbol charts, and comprehensive descriptions of all the associated techniques. Whether novice or expert, this book provides clear guidance for all skill levels with additional chapters on basic techniques and materials, a stitch identifier, and a how-to-use section.

* More than 200 photographed stitches accompanied by detailed instructions * Includes a stitch identifier for easy reference to all 200 stitches

About the Author

As a professional hand-knitter and needlecraft designer, Betty Barnden has produced patterns for numerous yarn companies. She studied at the London’s Royal College of Art. Her designs have appeared in magazines published in Britain. Betty is also author of The Embroidery Stitch Bible, published by Krause Publications in 2003. She lives in Shropshire, England.

Teach Yourself Visually Crocheting (Teach Yourself Visually)

Do you learn faster by seeing and doing than by wading through tedious instructions?

Then pick up some yarn and a hook and get crocheting! Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crocheting shows you the basics—photo by photo and stitch by stitch.

You begin with the basic tools and stitches and progress through variations, more complex stitches like Tunisian crochet, and techniques for reading patterns.

With designs ranging from a simple but practical baby rattle to a cozy, fluffy cardigan, you'll be creating masterpieces in no time.

Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review

• Each skill or techniques defined and described
• Detailed color photos demonstrate each step
• Step-by-step instructions accompany each photo
• Helpful tips provide additional guidance

About the Author
Kim P. Werker is the founder and editor of Crochet me Online Magazine, where she publishes hip and funky patterns and articles by recreational and professional crochet designers and enthusiasts. After a couple of earlier flings, Kim got addicted to crochet in her mid-20s. She is a professional member of the Crochet Guild of America and The National NeedleArts Association, and enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for the craft as a creative, stimulating, and relaxing medium of expression. Her next book will be published in the spring of 2006, and she’s looking forward to more crochet-related endeavors in the future. Originally from New York State, Kim now lives in Vancouver, BC, with her husband and their dog. When she sets down her hook and pen, she can be found skiing, reading, buying magazines, kicking back with friends, or knitting.

Cecily Keim documents her adventures in life, crocheting, and other creative endeavors at SuchSweetHands.com.
Throughout her life, regardless of the type of study or type of job, making things has always fascinated Cecily. Her great grandmother, Mama Mac, taught her to crochet at age 9. Cecily is mesmerized by the endless possibilities of crochet and loves passing on the enthusiasm as a writer, designer, and teacher. Cecily lives in Los Angeles, watches too much television and loves candy, her cats, and her boyfriend. She teaches crochet classes at Unwind. You can also find her demonstrating her designs on the DIY channel’s Knitty Gritty and Uncommon Threads.

200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix and Match

"A must have for your crochet library." -- Eva Owsian, BellaOnline

"An ideal reference for groups who are getting together to crochet squares... There are great photographs of all 200 blocks." -- Knitting News

"Get rid of ‘crocheter’s block’ with this brand new sampler of fast, fun and fabulous designs…this book is a must!" -- Country Afghans

"I’m a huge fan of this book. It’s simply brilliant…Get this book and put it on your shelf." -- Crochetme.com

"The inspiration in this book is overwhelming (in a good way!)…You won’t ever run out of ideas." -- Better Homes and Gardens Simply Creative Crochet

Description

From Art Deco–inspired geometric designs to traditional checkerboard stripes and elaborate motifs, this guide helps crafters rediscover crochet with more than 200 fabulous block patterns. Employing traditional styles and contemporary colors, crocheted blocks inspire crafters to create a dynamic palette of color, pattern, and texture by mixing, matching, and combining. Step-by-step instructions accompany each pattern, along with stunning photographs that encourage crocheters to explore a range of color combinations and coordinates. A directory of blocks is cross-referenced with symbols that describe the techniques used and the degree of difficulty, and each pattern is designed so that finished blocks are the same size when they are worked in yarn of the same weight. A useful refresher course of crochet stitches and techniques is included, as are patterns for edgings and instructions on making fringes to finish off afghans in style.