I love all kinds of needlework and am constantly purchasing pattern books looking for new and interesting projects. "Positively Crochet" is a 127 page book with a variety of 50 lovely crochet projects. The cover photo has a beautiful ivory color off-the-shoulder sweater, but don't be misled by the picture on the cover thinking there will be a lot of patterns for garments.
Although there are patterns for 50 projects, only a small number of them are for garments. The patterns include crochet projects for scarves, bracelets, bags, necklaces, caps, belts, capelets & chokers, with a few garment patterns consisting of: shrugs (2), boleros (2), sweaters/tops (5), tunic (1), vest (1), toddler capri outfit and a skirt overlay.
I am happy I purchased this book. I really wanted the pattern for that beautiful off-the-shoulder sweater, but the other patterns are really great too. The variety of patterns gives many projects that are quick to make with few that would take a little longer. There are no afghan patterns. They are mostly garments and fashion accessories. I am going to enjoy making many of the items for myself, but many of the projects would also be great for making quick unique gifts.
I have decided my favorite patterns are the off-the-shoulder sweater, the capri toddler outfit, a coffee lovers scarf (has a crocheted steaming coffee cup applique), a felted I-Pod cozy, a daisy hat & scarf and a purse key chain.
Each pattern has a materials list including the yarn that was used for the model and in many cases a suggested substitute, the standard weight symbol for the yarn used, gauge, and a helpful hint or tip. If a special stitch is used, the directions for making that stitch is right there with the pattern so there is no need to look it up. For the garments, directions are included for several sizes. As an example of the yarns used in a pattern, the Ivory Shells Sweater indicates that the picture of the model used Berroco Softwist but that Caron Simply Soft or Red Heart Soft Yarns could be substituted.
The patterns do not look difficult. Each pattern has a skill level rated for beginner, advanced beginner or intermediate. Some of the patterns use novelty yarns like fun fur and ribbon. There is a section at the beginning of the book with basic information.
Stitches used in this book include: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet, triple crochet, double treble crochet, cluster stitch, puff stitch, popcorn stitch, clover stitch, shell stitch, bobble stitch, single crochet V-stitch, double crochet V-stitch, picot stitch and circle stitch.
This 127 page book was published in 2007. I have the soft cover version which retails for $22.99 in the USA and $27.99 in Canada. This is a large format book measuring 8 1/4 inches wide and 11 inches tall with pages in heavy weight paper and all the projects shown in color.
I purchased this book for $4.99 from my book club using my bonus points plus a new years special deal. Check out E-Bay for good buys on this book.
List of Projects: Circular Shrug.....Fun Circles Bag.....Striped Bracelet.....Felted iPod Cozy.....Easy Shrug.....Button Bracelet.....Delicate Charm Necklace.....One-Skein Felted Scarf.....Sari Silk Purse.....Sari Silk Hip Belt.....Bracelet Watch.....Ivory Shells Sweater.....Lacy Choker.....Framed Flower Scarf.....Chocolate Felted tote.....Oversized Hat.....Patchwork Purse.....Cloverleaf Scarf.....Double-Breasted Jacket Purse.....Purse Lover's Scarf.....Cloverleaf Top.....Skirt Overlay.....Lace Bangle Bracelet.....Tie-Front Sweater.....Darling Daisy Hat/Scarf.....Angel Hair Bolero.....Coffee Lover's Scarf.....Long Lacy Tunic.....Candy-Colored Bracelet.....Spiral Scarf.....Popcorn Scarf.....Ribbon Scarf.....Swarovski Crystals Ring.....Multicolored Beaded Ring.....Confetti Scarf.....Tangerine top.....Purse Keychain.....Newsboy Cap.....Lace Belt.....Sari Silk Bolero.....Wood and Metal Necklace.....Granny Squares Braided Cap.....Ruffled Wrist Warmers.....Mother-Daughter Snowball Scarves.....Fishnet Sweater.....Toddler Capri Outfit.....Chain of Flowers Scarf.....Airy Vest.....Soft Capelets (mother/daughter).....Mary Jane Slippers ~
Recommended:
Yes