A NEW ADDITION TO MY LIBRARY

Yesterday, I went out to a craft store to find a replacement for my favourite 5 mm hook, and I browsed through their book section while I was there. (And yes, I picked up a few balls of yarn, too.)

I have to say that, with all the resources offered for free online these days, I seldom buy any crochet or craft books. I also find that they tend to be repetitive and, since I already own a few reference books, don't offer anything new, not enough anyway to justify their purchase.

But yesterday was different. I came across this book, the four-colour crochet spiral on the cover initially catching my attention. The book is The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet, 2nd edition, by Margaret Hubert. I could not put in down, neither at the store nor at home.

Not only does it cover the basic techniques and stitches, it includes many stitches that I had never seen or heard of before. All the stitches and techniques are very well illustrated, with both a large colour photo and a chart, along with easy to follow instructions. A few patterns are also featured in the book.

My new favourite go-to book for stitches and inspiration!

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

After a long, very long, and cold winter, I was looking forward to working with bright coloured yarn and making some fun spring items. I really enjoy making hats because you can experiment with stitches to create different textures. I thought some shells, alternating with v-stitches, would create a lovely airy texture for spring hats, and the DK weight yarn gives them an even more delicate look. Of course, spring hats must have some fun flowers and leaves, too! Here is my first spring hat in coral, just listed on Etsy. Available in size newborn to 10 years. More to come in different colours!

INFINITY SCARF WITH GOBLET STITCH

I love learning new stitches - and a scarf is the perfect item to practice them! This Goblet stitch consists of one row of single crochets, one row of double crochets and an extended treble over two rows of chain spaces. It works up fast and is an interesting way of mixing colours. Here it is on a double wrapped infinity scarf. The buttons add the versatility of being able to wear it as a regular scarf too.