Looking for crochet books

[shortylam]

Hello my fellow c'villagers,

I finally decided to spend some of my hard-earned money on crochet books. I am into wearables and maybe some purses or bags. My preference is a book that has a lot of practical wearables (stuff that I can wear everyday) but not ugly or grandma kind of fashion.

I looked around and saw a lot of you guys use SnB so that is one book in my list. Somewhere or someone also mentioned "Sweater Babes" book but I don't know how good that one is.

So if you already have (a) crochet book(s) that you really enjoy, please refer it (them) to me. Thanks a ton!

[CLLinda]

One of my new favorites is "100 Crochet Projects" by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. In it is many sweaters, tops, shrugs, along with afghans, hats, purses, etc. There is even a Round Ripple in there that I have used the pattern for and it turned out great.

Very upbeat kind of book. It retails for $24.95, but it is worth it. A way to save money is to use JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, or Michael's 40% off coupons that come in the mail or in the Sunday paper. 40% is about 9 bucks off, so then it isn't quite so bad on the pocketbook.

Check this one out.

One other tip is to try to see if your local library has crochet books. They may be in a system that is in agreement with other libraries and you can order the books from your library computer and they will be sent over when they come in. It's a great way to preview what you are thinking about. And if you like it, then order it online, or buy it at the store.

Linda:manyheart

[ZingyZoid]

One I really like is Cool Crochet (http://www.amazon.com/Cool-Crochet-30-Hot-Fun/dp/0823011240/sr=8-1/qid=1156881491/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-4446152-9679963?ie=UTF8). On Amazon.com you can look inside some of their books to see what projects are inside.

I also have 100 Crochet Projects but wasn't as impressed as Linda. I think checking them out through the library first is great advice. When I started buying I just bought everything. Now I have a ton of books and my favorite source for patterns, inspiration and tips is the internet and my message board groups.

[mercy7]

HOOKED ON CROCHET BY CANDI JENSEN OR SIMPLE CROCHET BY ERIKA KNIGHT :hook :yay

[just me]

2 books I would recommend are 24-hour Crochet Projects by Rita Weiss (http://www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=1402713770&mode=direct) and Family Circle Easy Crochet: 50 Fashion and Home Projects (http://www.bestwebbuys.com/books/compare/isbn/1931543356)
If you click on the links to Amazon, they each have some very nice comments from reviewers.
I have both of these books and have already made several items from each, with more planned. Very nice wearables and accessories, and patterns are intricate enough looking (though I haven't had any problems following them).
I would also urge you to see what you can find through your library system. I've found a few books that I did go and get after having borrowed them from my library, and a few more that I was glad to have been able to preview because I knew immediately that they weren't for me.

[christinascrochethaven]

One other tip is to try to see if your local library has crochet books. They may be in a system that is in agreement with other libraries and you can order the books from your library computer and they will be sent over when they come in. It's a great way to preview what you are thinking about. And if you like it, then order it online, or buy it at the store.

Linda:manyheart

I totally agree with the library idea. Sometimes they surprise you and have the newer ones. Then you can go to amazon or ebay and look for it and a discount price if you like it.
If you have anyone that crochets nearby, you might look at their stash of books and see which one you like enough to buy.

[supafreak]

crafters choice book club had a really cool crochet book with lots of trendy wearable clothing and accessories.....if i can find my catalogue, i'll post the title

[pampsmom]

I was browsing thru the knitting forum yesterday, really I was sneaking! lol! I found a link to a place called Unicorn Books & Crafts, Inc. that has 384 crochet books for sale. You can find anything you want there! lol!:lol

[AmyS]

Here's one that hasn't been published yet, that I anxiously awaiting for its release date. (It's been pushed further into the future time and time again.)

Couture Crochet Workshop by Lily Chin
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596680083/ref=wl_it_dp/104-9356632-9607123?ie=UTF8&coliid=IXIS80XRILPLH&colid=3MVLPEY4L4VPY)
Looks like now the expected publication date is 1/1/07. :( Phooey. I was hoping to get it in time for Christmas.

[MOBOGAL]

I have Sweaterbabe.com's book...it is called "Fabulous and Flirty crochet". I think the book is great! I haven't made anything from it yet (although I have the yarn for several projects :) . But the patterns are gorgeous and well written, plus, the big bonus is that it is spiral bound, so it lays flat when you are using it! I'd highly recommend it.

[SusanAnnette]

I just got 100 crochet projects (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402723091/ref=pd_po_rvi_2/002-3557970-9988039?ie=UTF8) and I love it! I mean there are definitely some that I would never make, but alot that I can't wait to make. I've already marked everything I plan on making. And I mean, 100 projects, that's alot to choose from! And like someone else already said, it has sweaters, ponchos, purses, afghans, halters, skirts...everything (well, just about).

[shortylam]

My warm big fuzzy thanks to everyone who suggested me books so far. I should have posted earlier but I could not log in the forum for some couples of days and I was out of town for Labor day also.

I saw somebody's blog that mentioned about a book that answers every concerns about crochet (sorry I cannot remember who... information overload :D) If anybody knows what I am talking about please give me the title. I guess I am in the age of creating/ pondering on things on my own (or refuse to read the patterns), a little bit more of knowledge would go a long way for me. For example, I can read a whole pattern and make a sweater but if you tell me to make an arm of a sweater I have no clue. The same goes to edging, increasing, decreasing, etc etc.

Right now I am saving money to buy two or three books. I will go to the library to look around, maybe the senior center also (?) I don't know any crocheters in the area although I suspect some (but they maybe kintters)

So wish me luck and again thanks a whole lot!