If you are a crocheter, (or knitter), I know you're most
likely busy at this time of year, crocheting (or knitting) presents for your
family and friends. That's what I'm doing. But there is one problem with this –
I have lots of little balls of yarn left over from each project – not enough to
do any big project with, but too much to just throw away! So I save my little
skeins and leftovers, thinking someday I'll do something with them. I've been
putting them in a basket, but now, the leftovers are taking up more than one basket. And
those baskets are BIG! Here's a picture of my latest basket holding some of my leftover yarns.
That's why I was happy to be asked to review the book
Crochet Home: 20 Crochet Projects for your Handmade Life, by Emma Lamb.
Many of the projects in this book use small amounts of different colored yarns. And if they call for a large amount of one color, you can most likely substitute your small amounts of many colors. And while some of the projects call for light-weight yarns, you can also substitute worsted or bulky yarns. You just have to realize that the drape of the project will most likely be different with the heavier yarns.
Many of the projects in this book use small amounts of different colored yarns. And if they call for a large amount of one color, you can most likely substitute your small amounts of many colors. And while some of the projects call for light-weight yarns, you can also substitute worsted or bulky yarns. You just have to realize that the drape of the project will most likely be different with the heavier yarns.
My leftover yarns are mostly worsted weight, so I tried some
of the small, individual patterns to see what would happen. I was really happy
with the results.
The above is a picture of the Geometry Garland. You can see the circles, stars, triangles, squares, and hexagons.
And here are my crocheted pieces for the garland, all made with little bits of worsted weight yarn.
In the directions for the geometry garland, Emma Lamb gives an interesting technique to make sure the points on the figures are sharp! (Notice my hexagon above!)
Here's another garland - a Flower Garland:
I made the leaves for this garland, and here they are. Cute!
Here is another garland I really liked - the Polka Dot Streamer:
And here is a picture of my Polka Dot:
There are a lot more patterns in the book - patterns that don't necessarily use scrap yarn (although some parts of them might). But they all will make your home look cozy! And creative!
Here are some of them.
The Granny Chic Pinwheel Blanket:
The Log Cabin Cushion:
The Oversized Wallflower Hanging:
The Scarborough Rock Floor Throw:
The Simple Folk Circle Pot Holder:
The Filet Daisy Potholder:
I hope your mouth is watering like mine is! I love the ideas in the book, and I love the floor throw and the pot holders!
These patterns are great if you have some empty space on your walls (the garlands and the Wallflower hanging), on the floors (the rug), in the kitchen (the potholders) or just about anywhere in your home. You'll find a pattern in this book that is perfect!
Another plus – the patterns are easy to follow, and are written in
easy-to-understand crochet language, with stitch diagrams provided for each
one, just in case you like to follow diagrams rather than try to figure out
where you are when you're reading a pattern.
One thing I did notice, though, and you should be aware of –
the crochet language that's used is British, so the stitches are called
something different than what they’re called in American crochet language.
That's one reason it's handy to have the stitch diagrams, because the diagram
for the stitch is the same, no matter if it's called one thing in one language
and another thing in another language. But, in case you're new to this
situation, the translation of each stitch and term is listed in the back.
Essentially, a double crochet stitch in British terms is a single crochet
stitch in American terms. A half treble stitch in British terms is a half
double crochet stitch in American terms. A treble stitch in British terms is a
double crochet stitch in American terms. It's not too hard to remember. And
again, all you have to do is look at the stitch diagrams, and you can figure
out what the stitch is. Or refer to the translation of terms in the back.
Here's the info on the book:
By Emma Lamb
David & Charles/F+W; $24.99
