Product Description
A best-selling guide that gets readers hooked!

Now with gorgeous color photos!

Updated and completely revised, this guide has been a bestseller ever since its first publication.Plus, it’s the only book to include knitting and crocheting, with both comprehensive instructions and exciting patterns. Readers will get:

• A 32-page, full-color section featuring finished projects
• Goof-proof instructions to get them knitting and crocheting in no time
• Expert advice on how to correct common knitting gaffes
• Terrific tips that will help them decipher knitting and crocheting patterns
• Easy ways to check their gauge—and what to do when it doesn’t match the pattern ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

For all future Knitwits
I purchased this book for my step daughter along with supplies. She loves it. The diagrams can help her if I am not there to show her the stitch and explain. I would recommend it to anyone that is starting to knit or crochet.

The comics are very cute too. Of course I elaborated on them for my Hannah:)

Excellent very handy book
I have been knitting and crotcheting for a lot of years now, I bought the book because I waan't working and I wanted to teach myself the correct way to do things. I have only had the book for a few weeks now but I've already learned how to do the contential knitting, it's been a very handy book,now I keep it by my chair where I do my knitting at all times.

Excellent knitting reference book, and very handy for knitting newbies.
This book would not be wasted on a knitting newbie. It has, for me, served as a very excellent reference when it comes to interpreting various pattern and technique instructions from other knitting books and publications. So, recommended!

Excelent Product
I AM A FIRST TIME PURCHASER AT AMAZON, I BOUGHT THIS ITEM USED HOWEVER I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT BUT AFTER MY ORDER ARRIVED I WAS AMAZED TO FIND IT WAS IN MINT CONDITION AND THE ARIVAL DATE WAS SOONER THAT I HAD INITIALY EXPECTED THANKS TO AMAZON FOR SUCH WONDERFUL SERVICE

Knitting book
Easy enough for beginners and also for experienced knitters. Would recommend it to anyone who's interested in knitting or crocheting. ... Read more

Product Description
Are you a visual learner?Do you prefer instructions that show you how to do something--and skip the long-winded explanations? The Visual Learning System in Teach Yourself VISUALLY Knitting and Crocheting breaks down the complexities of these crafts into graphical two-page lessons that simplify learning. Inside you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions covering all the basics of knitting and crocheting.Full-color photographs show you how to work with needles and yarns, fix common mistakes, and master finishing techniques. Plus, you get an impressive selection of patterns and shortcuts that will have you creating sweaters, scarves, pillows, and more.

• "Question & Answer" sidebars provide practical tips and tricks
• Large color photos demonstrate how to correctly perform each skill
• Step-by-step instructions explain beginner to more advanced techniques
• Two-page lessons offer skills you can practice immediately

Customer Reviews (9)

THE BEST beginning knitting book out there
This book is a fantastic book for a new knitter, or for a "lapsed" knitter who needs to review some basic skills.The book uses lots of excellent, close-up, high-contrast color photographs to illustrate every step of the knitting (and crocheting) process.

The book will show you how to cast-on, both a single cast-on method and two double cast-on methods.There are also photos of a wide variety of pattern stitches knitted using only the basic knit and purl stitches.Then the book moves onto more complicated techniques, such as increasing, decreasing, and knitting with double-pointed needles.Again, excellent photographs will guide you every step of the way.

Finally, the book includes clear, concise directions for a number of fun projects.And the projects are not all trivial, either. I especially recommend the design called "cozy knit socks", which yields an awesome pair of socks which any knitter would be proud to wear.

Whether you are a new or returning knitter, this is an essential reference book.

Simply the best
With its clear, color, step-by-step photographs and coverage of nearly every knitting technique a beginner or even an intermediate knitter might need, this book--which has now been reissued under a different title, Maran Illustrated Knitting and Crocheting--is simply the best knitting instruction book I have ever seen for those of us who learn how to do things by seeing rather than by reading.I've given multiple copies to fellow knitters, and I have two copies myself in case one actually falls apart from heavy use.It's an unassuming volume from a small family-run press that may well become the indispensable foundation of your knitting library.If you are a visual learner who wants to knit but haven't learned because you don't have someone to teach you in person, this book is the answer.Enjoy!

Excellent book
This is one of my favorite reference books.I'm a visual learner and the color photographs with contrasting yarn colors are wonderful!Lots of other books have ink illustrations and I find those difficult to translate sometimes.I also like the fact that it has crochet info in it too because some knitting patterns require basic crochet skills.

Great transaction
The book was as described and received in a timely manner. Thank you!

Just Wonderful
I purchased on the recommendation from one of the employees at my favorite yarn shop.She was right on the mark.I learned to knit back in the eighties, but hadn't kept up my skills.I really needed something that knows a beginner is just that; a beginner.The instructions and pictures really helped when my Vogue book left me clueless.I loved the book so much that I purchased a second one for my sister-in-law, mainly because of the pictures.Her second language is english and has difficulty with our written instructions.She's also thrilled with the book, since I can't pop overseas to help her with her knitting problems.If you want something that is clear and consise, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good resource, lots of ideas
I have not tried any patterns yet, but the ideas are good and I am glad I bought it.

I learned from this book.
My mom or I checked this book out from the local city library when I was in high school and we kept it for about 5 years, I think.I learned to knit during that time- and honed my crochet skills- with the help of this book.It is where I fell in love with lace knitting.It has one large lace tablecloth in it that I am pretty sure was designed by Herbert Niebling or the Burda design team, anyway.It is called 'Apple Blossom,' I believe.That pattern has written instructions (sadly- since the original German version would have been charted- but at the time- publishers thought they knew what American knitters needed).There are many other many wonderful items for the home.Many knitted and crocheted afghans, placemats, rugs, bedspreads, pillow and cushion covers, and doilies.There are crocheted bowls.The doily selection is not large- but one crocheted star pattern reminds me of a star quilt in it's color changes.It has a very Native American or Southwest look in the book- but you could make it in colors of your choosing.I recommend this book highly if you're looking for a place to learn the basics- or to find some really fun patterns to make for your home.

By the way- this entire book is also included in the larger book- Better Homes and Gardens Treasury of Needlecrafts.Crocheting and Knitting is one in a series.The Treasury book binds all those individual books into one volume.The Treasury includes other skills like applique, patchwork and quilting, rugmaking, embroidery, and needlepoint.

cool book
Yes, it is from 1977 and some of the patterns reflect this partucular decade. But knitting and crocheting have not changed that much from then to now - just the colors are different.
This book has over 50 projects, split between knitting and crocheting. As a crobeter, I particularly like the book as it has lots of crochet patterns. There are instructions for both knitting and crocheting, so the basics are covered. the first pattern in the book is the granny square sampler, showed on the cover of the book. By working these various squares, you learn a new appreciation of the varistions of the granny square. It's colorful and fun.
There are some lovely knitting patterns but I feel like I can't comment on the accuracy of the patterns as I don't knit. I will say the crochet patterns are clear and conscise.
If you are a knitter or a crocheter (or maybe both), this book has a lot to offer. I recommend it highly ... Read more

Product Description
Describes yarns, wools, fibers, needles, tools, and basic stitches for both crocheting and knitting. Includes patterns in both arts for several useful items. ... Read more

Product Description
Produced by the award-winning marganGraphics Group, Maran’s Illustrated Guide to Knitting and Crocheting is a valuable resource to a wide range of readers—from people new to the hobby to those who have dabbled in the occasional project to those more involved knitters and crocheters interested in mastering their craft. Instead of describing the myriad ways to perform each task, Maran’s Illustrated Guide to Knitting and Crocheting shows the reader the best way, while the full-color photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions walk the reader through each task from beginning to end. Thorough topic introductions and useful tips provide additional information and advice to help enhance the readers’ knitting and crocheting experience. Maran’s Illustrated Guide to Knitting and Crocheting is packed with essential information for readers who are picking up needles for the first time, and will provide more experienced knitters and crocheters with the opportunity to add more advanced techniques to their repertoire. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Clear and easy to follow
I taught myself to knit using this book. The illustrations are clear and easy to follow. I had been borrowing this book from the library for years and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was still available. Let me save you some leg-work......Amazon has the best price out there on this item.

Purchased for a friend
This particular book was requested by a friend as a Christmas present. No complaints so far.

Step-by-Step Photographs
Reading about how to do something is one thing, Seeing it done is another. Getting both is even better! Very well photographed and written. Even a section on how to knit socks.I agree with other reviewers that the Crochet section is lacking. A great addition to any yarn crafter's bookshelf despite.

Great Book
Awesome book for beginners and experienced knitters!I just love this book, I bought it for myself for Christmas and am very happy with it.Highly recommended!! Would make a great gift too.

Perfect addition to your library!
Maran Illustrated Knitting & Crocheting is a perfect addition to your library.This item is well written and approaches each task in a detailed step by step manner.The illustrations provide closeup views with arrows and color contrasts to help even those hopeless knitting & crocheting wannabe's among us! ... Read more

Product Description

An updated classic covering the latest techniques and trends in crocheting

Are you hooked on the art of crochet? Looking for a fun new hobby that you can take with you virtually anywhere? Crocheting For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you easy-to-understand instructions on how to choose the right tools, create basic stitches, and finish off your work to make beautiful pieces of art. From learning to create consistency with gauge swatch to decoding crochet patterns, symbols, and diagrams, this easy-to-follow guide is all you need to start creating beautiful designs in no time!

This revised edition contains completely new content, including fresh new patterns, stitches, and techniques reflecting crocheting styles from around the world. Plus, it's packed with new and refreshed photos and line art throughout, along with step-by-step instructions that will easily guide you from your first stitch to your first sweater.

• A new section covering common crocheting mistakes and how to correct them
• Crocheting with eco-awareness: using organic yarns, as well as free trade and sustainably sourced fibers
• The best resources for purchasing supplies, as well as choosing and buying patterns

Whether you're a first-time crocheter or looking to expand your skills, Crocheting For Dummies, 2nd Edition gives you the skills, techniques, and confidence to crochet like a pro. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

This book is great!
As a self taught beginner at crocheting, this book was a life saver. I had tried three other instructional books before this one and felt like I was trying to translate a foreign language. I am happy to report I have completed my first project, a beautiful baby blanket and am now on tho bigger and better things.

crocheting more simple
I have been crocheting a long time. I am not a beginner but not advanced by any means. This book helps the beginner as well as more advanced. It shows how to crochet from the very beginning with pictures that explain well. It also shows how to do many different types of stitch from very beginning to advanced. It also has several projects you can try. Beginning to advanced.

Great for "Dummies" Book
This was a book that my wife had wanted and was unable to find locally... It came to our home via USPS it was new and at a reasonable price... Whenever possible I purchase items from Amazon...

Beginning Crochet

I enjoy the entire Dummy series. The authors speak in clear illustrations for the novice.

Left handed beginners do not fear this book
As a beginning left hander in crochet, it is not easy to find a book that will give you that little bit of support to get you started.As much as any two dimensional pictures can teach crochet, this book is wonderful.Of course, I'm sure it is good for right handers, too!It's worth as a work to refer to for years to come is immeasurable.Buy it!Use it!Crochet! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (13)

Afghan Patterns
Lovely patterns in this book.Some very complex.Working on the Aran Afghan pattern now.It won't be done soon, but it will be heirloom worthy.

Disappointed
It's a nice book but it is nothing special in terms of designs. I regret buying it.

great gift
I got this book for my daughter and she loves it. There are bunches of afghans she wants to make in it, including one or two for her mommy!

Comfort Knitting and Crochet: Afghans
This book has some of the most unique and beautiful afghan patterns I have ever seen.I just received the book, so I haven't knitted any of them yet. The pictures are beautiful and it appears that the instructions are very clear. I have loved looking at this book over and over again. There are afghan patterns for all skill levels of knitting and crochet. Can't wait to get started on my first one!

Best Ever Afghans
I have tons of afghan patterns in my collection. These patterns are unique, fashionable, and up-to-date. I really needed another book on afghans like a hole in the head but I am SO glad I bought this one. ... Read more

Product Description
An essential guide for all knitters and crocheters-the most extensive, varied, and authoritative collection of stitches ever brought together. Comprehensive and uniquely organized by stitch texture, this hands-on guide features detailed step-by-step instructions and vivid photographs of over 900 individual stitches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

GREAT KNITTING AND CROCHET BOOK
THIS BOOK HAS SO MANY PATTERNS AND EASY TO DO STITCHES REALLY LOVE THIS BOOK

Excellent sourcebook, but be mindful of typos...
While attempting my first cabling project, I turned to the patterns in this book as well as some sample patterns from the internet.I found some of the stitch patterns online to be the same as my samples from the book and drafted accordingly.However, there are some major typos in the book, especially in the cabled "panel patterns" and the "Basic Abbreviations" sections.For example, their instructions for C4F and C4B both instruct you to cable to the back of your work; essentially the exact same stitch.

I love the variety and am overall happy with this book, but I'm now much more wary of trusting the patterns without trying them first.I'd also prefer to have some more border options and a guide to working mitered corners when working a border.

The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches
The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches is an excellent reference for anyone who does crochet or knitting.the instruction on stitches is clear, easy to understand and use.

The Ultimate Sourcebook...is great!
This is my favorite stitch pattern book. There are 546 Knitting patterns and the rest are crochet. You would think that if there is a book with both knitting and crocheting patterns that there wouldn't be a lot...not true, there are, as I said, 546 knitting patterns. There are 320 pages total,and 180 pages are for the knitting section. In the front of the book there are knitting techniques including how to do a slip knot, how to hold the needle, basic stitches, casting on, cable explinations and instructions, how to fix mistakes. I have never seen this many pats in 1 book. Some people say that they have to have charts but I don't. There arn't any in this book but don't dismiss it.

THESE ARE THE CATEGORIES FOR KNITTING,and the amount of patterns in each. "Small knit and purl pats & large knit and purl pats" 88 of them, "Twisted Stitches and Cables" 23 of them, "Other Complex Pats" 6 of them, "Textured Pats", 27 of them, Single & MultiColor pats" 12 of them, "Aran style" (aka cables) 11 of them, "Cable and cross-stitch pats" 17 of them, "Slipstitch color pats" 41 of them, "Slipped and Elongated pats" 15 of them, There is a main category for Lace Pats and there are 5 categories in that section. 1st category is "Simple eyelet Pats" 7 of them. 2nd category is "Mesh Pats" 7 of them. 3rd category is "Small-scale lace pats" 21 of them. 4th category "Vertical and diagonal lace pats" 35 of them. 5th is "Large Lace Pats" 52 of them. Next, there is a category of "Panel Patterns" there are 3 categories under it. 1st is "cable patterns" 57 of them. 2nd is "Knit and Purl Panels" 7 of them. 3rd is "lace panels" and there are 61 of them. To end there is a category names "Ribs and Edgings" there 3 sections under that heading. 1st is "Rib patterns" 24 pats, 2nd is "edgings worked across" 11 of them. 3rd is "Edgings worked lengthways" there are 24 pats there. That's it for the pats

Heather
Wisconsin

Perfect gift for knitters of all ages and abilities
We bought this as a gift for my teen-aged daughter, who is a self-taught knitter.She loves it!The directions are simple and clear, the patterns are great.Perfect sourcebook for yourself or another knitting friend. ... Read more

Product Description
Offers trade tips to ambitious home knitters striving for a more professional fit to their own garments. Based on advice given in "Threads" magazine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

knitting bible
I received this book as a gift and I find it very useful. I often use it for reference. I recommend it to anyone that knits various items.

Not a lot to it.
I picked up a couple of tips (and I got the book used at a very low price, so I can't complain) but there's just not that much in here.The chapter on machine knitting has a couple of very basic obvious tips.There are some tidbits, but I sure wouldn't pay more than I did for it.

By far the most useful knitting book around...
Do you know how to tell the difference between synthetic and natural fibers?Burn the tip of the yarn, and watch how it melts.Do you know how to take the itch out of a wool sweater?Rinse it in the washer with hair conditioner (it works!).Do you know how to save a ton of money on yarn?Go to the local charity shop and unravel a few sweaters.All these tips and tricks I got from this one little book, which is worth it's weight in gold.Of all the knitting books I owned, this one saved me the most time and money.It also includes a pattern for no-slip baby socks, diagrams and drawings of unusual knitting equipment, and all sorts of techniques and methods for blocking, stretching, and mending.Buy it already, you knitting nut!

Easy Instructions
I'm a kinetic learner, so many books of instructions leave me more puzzled than informed. This one's an exception--the excellent line drawings illustrate techniques so that even I get it.

Lots of great ideas in here.

Very Useful Tip Book - Worth Having On Your Reference Shelf
I borrowed this book from the library to see if it was "worth" buying for myself.After I found myself referring to it constantly and renewing it for an additional 30 days, I realized it was a "keeper."Although I don't do machine knitting, the tips for handknitters are many and diverse.The illustrations are clear and relevant.Most importantly, i found tips here that i had never seen before in other sources.All in all, a valuable and worthwhile purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
This book has great projects for people who have no idea how to knit or crochet. With easy to read instructions, anyone can pick up knitting and crocheting, and make some fun projects, even as a beginner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Basics... Maybe???
When I purchased this book, I could already knit the very basics and my crocheting skills were excellent.I had hoped to move beyond the very minimal knitting skills I had.However this book hardly teaches even those.It even has some major disappointments, such as the scarf pattern. If anyone follows the pattern exactly their project will curl up just horrible.I reccomend instead Stitch N' Bitch, which won't leave you a "Dummy" after you read it.

The Basics...but Nothing Beyond
I bought this book as a person with some crocheting experience and no knitting experience who wanted to learn more of both.I liked that it included the essentials--needles, stitch markers, point protectors, little scissors, etc; and it showed the absolute basics of both.I found the illustrations and steps to follow very clear and easy, but whenever I wanted to do more than just those basics, I was lost and needed to purchase additional books.I think this book is good for people who want to try a little of knitting and crocheting and decide which they want to learn more about, but not to depend on as a tool to learn any techniques.

If it doesn't teach a beginner the basics, how good can it be?
We decided to take up knitting. (I spend entirely too much time watching baseball games; I should at least do something with my hands.) So we picked up Knitting & Crocheting for Dummies at a local craft store. I should have kept walking, instead.

The package includes two sets of needles and a crochet hook. Unfortunately, that's the only justification for this book.

The major criticism is that this book hasn't taught either of us to knit. I flipped through the pictures and the text, and somehow didn't feel inspired to try. My husband sat down with the full intention of learning the skill -- and he still couldn't figure it out. (This is a guy who has taught himself woodworking and software programming skills from books, so it sure isn't his weakness.) There are a few drawings, but not enough, and they aren't very clear. He did manage to knit 20 stitches before he gave up on the instructions, but the exercise was accompanied with lots of cussing.

I took two books out of the library on knitting basics, and both of them -- accompanied with plenty of photos -- are significantly better than this purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
A charming and easy-to-use instruction book in knitting and crocheting techniques, with over 55 projects! Originally written as a young girl’s instructional, adult doll collectors are now using this as a valuable reference book to learn knitting and crocheting fashions for their dolls. This book is full of projects, easy for the novice as well as the experienced enthusiast. 8 color photos and 100+ illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Mary Frances Knitting and Crocheting Book
This is an excellent book for teaching a young child to knit. The projects are small and quick to make so young people do not get bored with something that requires a lot of concentration. The illustrations are helpful and the format very charming.

Cute Book for Children...
This is a story book format for teaching children who show the inclination to pick up knitting or crocheting.It is a cute fantasical tale, with clear black and white photos throughout of how to hold needles/hook and of finished projects.If the child looses interest in knitting or crocheting, then they still have a cute little story to read and treasure. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (13)

Take Your Garment from Drab to Fabulous
A group of ladies that I meet with every Monday knit baby sweaters to donate to various charities.The top down baby sweater that I was working on had a rib bottom but it was drab!After purchasing "Crocheting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein," I turned this drab sweater into a fabulous baby sweater by turning a plain rib into a crocheted single layer scallop trim (p.154). The pictures and instructions are very clear so whether you are a beginner or advanced crocheter, you'll love the unlimited designs that will inspire the completion of your garment. Whether you are a knitter or a crocheter, this book belongs on your book shelf.

yay for crochet!
i love this book. it has the graphs and written instructions. both are awesome. i like the nifty little things in the book, like the buttefly and flowers. this book will inspire any crocheter to make beautiful items.

Crocheting on the Edge
This is a great book. It has nice pictures, directions and also symbol diagrams. Its everything I needed it to be.

Fantastic Book- I had ugly edges before!
I don't know how I crocheted for years without this book...well, I do...I had ugly edges to things like throws, blankets, and shawls! I just finished a shawl where the top edge now has a very beautiful scallop edge, that was absolutely a piece of cake to make and looks so very elegant! Since this is on the edge that ends up across the front, it makes a huge difference in the first impression of the shawl.

What is impressive about this book, besides the gorgeous layout and photos, the wonderful instructions, and the great binding, is the incredible array of borders. How Epstein dreamed up or found some of these totally amazes me. The level of complexity is great for any crocheter- the beginner can find easy but beautiful edges like my scallop, that was also quick to do. The intermediate and advanced crocheter will find edges that will delight, inspire, and amaze them and dress up their crochet to be works of art!

Thank you to Epstein, you have helped bring crochet up several notches in elegance and artistry!

Has anyone else found a boo-boo?
This is a great book.Right now I am finishing up an afghan for a friend's baby and I am attaching the galley rib to it.However, I think the photograph in the book might be of the wrong side.Has anyone else had an issue with this? ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Book!
This reprint is a great introduction to knitting and crochet for children.The patterns are suitable for children to make for their dolls, and teach skills easily applicable to larger, more complicated projects.

I enjoy reading old books, and this is a lovely one.I highly recommend it for kids who are interested in learning knitting and/or crochet, or who have expressed an interest in "olden times."

Great book!

Delightful book
I love the Mary Frances' books and this one is just as delightful as the other two (one on sewing and one on cooking).The books start out as a story about a little girl whose needles and yarn come alive (a note:I don't see a shred of racism in the book like another reviewer suggested - the yarn is dark-colored and is called mammy, is that a bad thing?She is an adorable ball of yarn, and very helpful to Mary Frances, who adores her).

The needles and yarn teach the young girl, Mary Frances, how to crochet first, then knit. Illustrated drawings and photographs are sprinkled throughout the book. The instructions and illustrations are so clear that I am able to use this book with my young eight-year-old daughter.

Knit with the help of your needles!
This charming book from the past is helpful to the young girl learning to knit and crochet, and historically interesting.Projects are small and quick, with easy-to-follow instructions.I wish the typeface had been updated, but I suppose it would have lost some of the old-fashioned feel of the time in which it was written.My 12 year old daughter, who has trouble following instructions, found the story format helpful.

Racist, and not so good on the knitting, either
While the concept of this book is charming- the wool, needles and hooks come alive to teach little Mary Frances to knit and crochet- the reality is less charming.The knitting and crocheting instruction is basic and there are many other books out there that are more useful.The book, written in the early part of the last century, is flawed by racist content.Instructions for making a yarn baby and a "Mammy" doll are fairly offensive.I would hesitate to use it in any setting that involved children, unless you need a jumping off point for a discussion about racisim.If it's knitting for children you are after, than I suggest one of the many other fine books that have been written to meet this need. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wonderful Book of Information
This book arrived in excellent condition considering how long ago it was published.The basic information and lovely photographs in it have been very helpful to me.....this was a great purchase.

Excellent book about Knitting.
Excellent book about knitting. I havn't seen any better, and the conditon of the book was in excellent shape too. Very pleased with my purchase. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (19)

Beautiful but difficult to follow
I was very excited about this book and even bought special yarn to create my first scarf, only to find out that it was impossible to follow the instructions, I tried numerous times to make sense of the number of chains to do to start the project so the pattern would work and finally gave up.I'm quite an experienced crhochetter when using patterns and can normally decipher even vintage patterns, but I couldn't work it out with these instructions.Really disappointed.

Beautiful scarves, requires some pattern experience
I just recently purchased this book, mostly based on the excellent reviews.I'm a longtime crocheter, with little experience in following patterns.The scarf on the front of the book is stunning, but I haven't gotten the nerve yet to tackle all the color changes.I did try one of the patterns (Mohair Ripple Scarf) and had to give up when I couldn't get the ripple pattern to work.I ended up with something I can't even call "freehand crochet."Not sure if it's my inexperience, or if there is a flaw in the pattern itself!My thoughts after that fiasco:this is not a book for beginners!The unusual yarns listed inside can be purchased on Ebay or at upscale yarn stores, however, and if you're good, you can swap out your own yarns for those listed with success.Bottom line: I intend to get better so I can make all these gorgeous patterns!

Catering to the inner-crochet-er
I had gotten "Vogue Knitting on the Go: Crocheted Scarves Two" previously, and had much success with a lot of the patterns, and many compliments on the end results.So much so, that I decided to track down Volume One, which was absent from the bookshelves at my local bookstore.And like it's predecessor it did not disappoint.

I often scout out crochet books, and haven't been that impressed with the selection of books offering scarf patterns.Most of them look like a retrofitted afghan for the neck - obviously homemade and a little dowdy, they didn't seem to be keeping up with the scarf market, where the scarf is not just a way to battle winter cold, but used as a whimsicial/dramatic accessory as well.

And these books caught it quite well.As someone who crochets, I recommend these books highly!

As far as skill level, some of the stiches are a little uncommon, but they by no means require any sort of crocheting virtuoso to attempt.

Also much thanks to the user "Denise cats" who painstakingly scanned in all the images for the patterns in this book.It proved very helpful!

Cute littel book... but not so inspiring...
A cute little book with 25 patterns - not all are wearable or would be new to crocheters, but some are worth the book.
I'll share some pics, so make up your own mind!

Good little book
Loved the size, as this book is portable.I purchased it simply for the pattern on the cover, but there are many patterns inside I intend to use.It's a good choice for those who want to make a variety of scarves for gifts. ... Read more

Product Description
19th Century book of needlework instructions

CONTENTS & LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Casting on with one needle
To cast on with two needles
Plain knitting
The German manner
Purling
To make a stitch
To take up stitches
To knit two pieces together
To form a round
To cast off
Infant's shoe in knitting
The tulip-wreath flower-vase mat
A woven parasol
Anti-macassar
Anti-macassar
Netted anti-macassar
Bound couverette for an easy chair or sofa
Floral anti-macassar
Ottoman cover
Music-stool couverette
Chair cushion
Toilet-cover in crochet
Star-pattern d'oyley
Crochet d'oyley
Rose d'oyley
Toilet cover
Tidy in square crochet
Arabesque toilet cover in square crochet
Cover for a Hadrot lamp
Lamp mat
Candle-lamp mat
Hand-screen
Crochet counterpane for a bassinet
Deep border for bassinet quilt
Crochet stripe for bed-quilt
Centre stripe for bed-quilt
Handkerchief case, for hanging to the head of a bed
Watchpocket
(More) ... Read more

Product Description
Knit and crochet clothes and accessories for antique dolls with reprints from old magazine articles and needlework boots. About 80 items in each volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

great book for knitters, crocheters, and doll lovers!
This is a fantastic pattern book!Lots of ideas, and things to work with.Adaptable to different sizes and types of dolls.The only caveat is that on a few of the patterns you have to improvise a little, and there is little or no gauge information.I've found that I start out with a pattern, and if it doesn't look like it will fit a doll, I'll rip it out and adjust accordingly.But it's a great reference--good for all-bisques, larger bisque headed dolls, compo, etc.The whole series (vols. 1 through 3) is well worth the money!

Great/useful for any crocheter or knitter who loves dolls!
This is a fantastic pattern book!Lots of ideas, and things to work with.Adaptable to different sizes and types of dolls.The only caveat is that on a few of the patterns you have to improvise a little, and there is little or no gauge information.I've found that I start out with a pattern, and if it doesn't look like it will fit a doll, I'll rip it out and adjust accordingly.But it's a great reference--good for all-bisques, larger bisque headed dolls, compo, etc. ... Read more