AllCrafts.net Arts & Crafts Review The Happy Hooker Crochet Book


The Happy Hooker
by Debbie Stoller

Humble crochet is due for a resurgence. I know, I’ve said it before, but
this book of modern crochet certainly shows it. The patterns in this
book are fresh and different. If you’re an experienced crocheting, you
will be happy buying this book for the shapely sweaters, cool hats,
unique baby items, and other interesting patterns.

If you haven’t crocheted, or have just crocheted a little, this book is
a comprehensive primer on exactly how to do it, how it differs from
knitting, and what you need to get started. Not much is necessary, and
there’s a great explanation of different yarns and hooks.

Though I grew up with crochet, I enjoyed reading about the history of
crochet and what types of item crochet makes best – lacy items and
sturdy items, but not stretchy ones.

Crochet, through the years, has been taught from person to person. It’s
probably easiest to learn from someone else. But, if you can learn from
a book, this book may be the one. The instructions are conversational
and full of little tips. Different methods of holding the yarn and
creating the basic stitches are also explained.

The instructions chapters start with a chain stitch, move into single
crochet, then into types of double and triple crochet. Adding yarn,
increasing and decreasing are also demonstrated. Fancy stitches like
shell, popcorn, ribbing, spike stitch, and even granny squares are
explained. Tapestry and filet crochet are shown, along with the afghan
stitch. The instructions finish with all the info you need to finish a
project – joining pieces, seaming, buttonholes, blocking, and more. It
is very comprehensive!

Let’s talk patterns. The designs are from a variety of the new breed of
pattern designers, and they vary a bit in their styles. There are more
than 40 patterns, sorted by category. Each pattern lists the weight of
the yarn used, which is nice to see.

The scarves and shawls patterns are nice, and the hats are cool enough
for teenagers and boys. The bags and totes are unique and mostly
retro-modern.

I really liked the clothing in the Spring & Summer and Fall & Winter
sections. The summer tops, halters, tanks and t-shirts, are very cute,
and similar to what I’ve seen in stores. The often-requested crochet
bikini is vintage style, and includes a carrying bag. The Fall and
Winter sweaters are not boxy, and do not look homemade. Your favorite
guy might even wear the jolly roger sweater. The "Unseamly Sweater" is
shaped through changing stitch patterns. The only seams are at the
underarms and armholes.

Patterns for accessories include a wide corset belt, fluffy bunny
slippers, wire jewelry and more. Home, gifts and baby items are rather
miscellaneous. The sock monkey baby set is a nice change from
traditional baby layettes, while still being very cute.

Crocheters of all levels can find something to enjoy in this book. The
instructions and reference are valuable to have on your shelf, and there
are probably a few patterns for everyone. I even enjoyed reading it.

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