Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies: 101 Projects for Infants & Toddlers
Edited by: Judith Durant and Edie Eckman
Rating: 5 of 5
I recently purchased the One-Skein Wonders book for baby knit projects and so enjoyed it, I wanted to get the crochet book as well. At heart, I am definitely more of a crocheter. I taught myself to crochet many years ago and it is a hobby that I have kept with throughout my life. I have a new baby granddaughter and want to be able to make her cute and quick crochet projects as she is growing so fast. I love the variety of hats, booties, tops and more that are in this book.
The patterns are gathered from many designers (who are noted and acknowledged at the end of the book.) The patterns include type, color and size of yarn used to make the photo sample as well as a gauge guide and size hook used. The designs all include written instructions and most also have visual diagrams as well. Each project has a photo sample. I found the instructions to be generally well written but because of the wide group of designers, there were some differences in style of pattern. The type of yarn also varied greatly but should not be difficult to obtain via online shopping.
Most of the projects are fairly simple and would not be tremendously difficult for a beginner with some experience to master. A few are more challenging but that is the fun of crochet: start with something simple and you can fairly quickly build your skills to more and more advanced projects.
There are eight chapters in this book: Hats and Caps, Socks and Booties, Tops and Dresses, Bottoms, Bibs and Washcloths, Toys, Blankets and Sacks, and Bags and Accessories. There are projects for girls and for boys as well as a great many gender neutral ones, too. Many of the projects are for fairly young children but a good number can be used for older toddlers as well. I have earmarked a few of the toys to make for each of my grandchildren in different colors to match their rooms.
I own books by both editors, Judith Durant (mostly knitting books) and Edie Eckman (whose crochet books stay on my crafts room table for easy access at all times.) I was so pleased to see both of these ladies involved as I know the high quality of their own books.
At the end of the book, there is a glossary with written instructions on many stitches. A few also have a visual diagram of the stitch. Other techniques are also explained as well as yarn weights and recommended hook sizes for each weight. There are both an abbreviation key and a visual symbol key. I’m very used to written patterns, so seeing the extensive symbol key was marvelous for me to use to learn how to use visual diagrams to better purpose.
The hooks and stitches are all based on US crochet terms. There isn’t a conversion chart for European measures. The actual measurements of the finished projects are in both inches and metric measurements.
I was provided a temporary digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher, Storey Publishing, LLC, via Netgalley. After seeing the great projects, I immediately pre-ordered the paperback version of this book.
I recently purchased the One-Skein Wonders book for baby knit projects and so enjoyed it, I wanted to get the crochet book as well. At heart, I am definitely more of a crocheter. I taught myself to crochet many years ago and it is a hobby that I have kept with throughout my life. I have a new baby granddaughter and want to be able to make her cute and quick crochet projects as she is growing so fast. I love the variety of hats, booties, tops and more that are in this book.