Category: crochet

New Knitting & Crochet Books Coming Fall 2023

New Knitting & Crochet Books Coming Fall 2023

Cynthia Coe

Hello Crafty Readers! I’m blogging for the first time in a while. I just finished the first draft of a new novel in The Prayer Shawl Chronicles series, so my head and heart have been preoccupied with that these past several months.

My new novel will probably come out some time in 2024, but in the meantime, there’s plenty of new knitting and crochet books to keep all of us occupied. 

I review books for NetGalley, and publishers kindly give me pre-publication peeks of their new books. Here’s what’s on tap for us crafty types (all available for pre-order; click the links for more info):

The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook by Kristina McGrath and Sarah Walworth (Storey Publishing). Highly recommended if you write your own knitting patterns or plan to in the future. This little book tells you all you need to know to put your own patterns out into the world. Concise, plain language. Invaluable if you sell patterns online; helpful if you just want to share patterns with friends or understand what all those abbreviations mean. 

A Year of Knitting Stitches by Tabetha Hedrick (Globe Pequot, Stackpole Books). This is an excellent collection of knitting stitch patterns. I’ve used a couple in the past and always found several stitches that became “keepers.” This will definitely sit on my desk next year; the perfect gift for a knitter.

A Year of Crochet Stitches by Jill Wright (Globe Pequot, Stackpole Books). This is an equally excellent collection of crochet stitches for those of us who enjoy making up our own patterns or just want something different and all our own. In this collection, stitches are nicely organized by type of stitch (e.g. all kinds of bobble stitches). Perfect for the intermediate and advanced crocheter and an excellent gift idea.

Oversize Fashion Crochet by Salena Baca (Globe Pequot, Stackpole Books). This is a collection of only 6 patterns of oversized sweaters, a poncho, and other bulky garments. While this is a limited group of patterns, I found them all do-able and attractive for the average crafter. The schematics and drawings of how to assemble the garments were particularly good. 

More blogging to come, now that my next novel is on the back burner for a bit!

Happy Crafting, Cindy

Cynthia Coe is the author of The Prayer Shawl Chronicles, interrelated short stories woven around those who make and receive handmade, prayerfully crafted gifts of prayer shawls. Click this link to order or for more information. 

A Knitter Learns to Crochet

A Knitter Learns to Crochet

Cynthia Coe

This past year, as I’ve upped my knitting skills, I’ve also developed an interest in crochet. Many yarn companies offer both knitting and crochet patterns, and at times, I’ve looked at a crochet pattern and said, “I wish I could make that.”

At the Vogue Knitting Live event recently, I took a three hour beginners’ crochet class, taught by the sassy author of Stitch ‘N Bitch fame, Debbie Stoller. I loved it! With a solid background in fiber arts and a terrific teacher, by the end of the class, I had made a mini-version of a crocheted scarf. I amazed myself with the lovely scallops I’d made and how quickly I picked it up.

Having “crossed the divide” between knitting and crochet, here’s my thoughts on knitting versus crochet:

  • Crochet is more forgiving if you make a mistake and easier to rip out and try again.
  • If you already know how to knit, you know a lot of the basics of crochet, even if you don’t think you do. You know the basics of manipulating yarn to do what you want. 
  • Crochet is more architectural than knitting; you can go in more directions with your stitches. Crochet stitches are like building blocks, and you can make several rows at one time.
  • Crochet seems faster than knitting; you use more yarn per stitch. 
  • Knitting makes a more finished-looking fabric; crochet looks a bit more chunky.
  • Needless to say, the one small needle of crochet is a little easier to keep up with, store, and use on-the-go than the two needles of knitting.

I’ve enjoyed crochet and plan to use it for quick gifts and household items. I’ll likely use small crochet projects for the “purse project” I always keep with me for waiting rooms and car pick-up lines. Looking ahead, I think crochet and cotton yarn will make a good summer beach project.

The common wisdom is that crochet is very “different” from knitting – a completely separate craft and technique. But from my experience, it’s just a different way of using yarn to relax, calm yourself down, and do something constructive. Is one better than the other? My own view is that whatever makes you happy is what’s best for you at the moment! I love knitting, and I’m loving crochet, too.

Blessings on your chosen craft, whatever it is!

Cindy

Here’s what I’m using to learn crochet, all books I’ve personally used and highly recommend:

Debbie Stoller, Stitch ‘N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker. 

Deborah Burger, Crochet 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily through Step-by-Step Instruction

Interweave Editors, Crochet to Calm: Stitch and De-Stress with 18 Simple Crochet Patterns

Cynthia Coe is an author, blogger, and avid knitter. Her books are available in paperback and e-reader edition on Amazon.com. Visit her Author page and follow this blog for more info and news.