Book Shelf
Last updated October 25, 2007
The crochet section of the library, as well as Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com have come to know me quite well. I’m always skimming the aisles–or web pages!–for a crochet or craft book that isn’t sitting on my shelf just yet. Here’s a list of some that I may or may not own and my thoughts on them as a whole.
See more of what’s on my book shelf here: 
Some of my recommendations:
To see more: Tracie’s Recommendations
Enjoy!
Buttons
The Button Lover’s Book
- A fun, must have book for any button lover/collector, which has a section on the history of buttons, as well as information about collecting, caring for, storing, and crafting with them. It also has various ways to make them.Crochet
The Crochet Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You’ll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You’ll Ever Ask (Answer Book)
Crochet from the Heart: Quick Projects for Generous Giving
Crochet Wishes & Wonders is a great book full of over 70 colorful crochet patterns. I’d recommend it for anyone who likes more traditional patterns, like doilies and afghans, but there’s probably something in it for just about every crocheter. (See my post here for a little more info.)
Donna Kooler’s Encyclopedia of Crochet - When I began crocheting, this was the first book I bought. I was hoping it would give me some insight into this new craft I had found, which it eventually did. However, I found it really difficult to learn from. (In truth, I got the slip stitch and single crochet stitch confused because of this book.) Now that I know what I know in the world of crochet, I love this book and am proud to have it on my bookshelf. It has some great ideas, and it’s full of stitch patterns. It also has 21 projects, including the grand “Philosopher’s Coat”, which is gorgeous. It’s on my list of “things to crochet in this lifetime”.
Felted Crochet - If you’ve ever wanted to get into felting (fulling), this book has some great patterns in it, as well as information about the felting process.
Funky Chunky - This is a fun book that features a basic crochet pattern for a hat, bag, scarf, mittens, and slippers, then takes those patterns and customizes them in 60+ different ways. Lots of variations with ideas to make that one-of-a-kind look that suits you best.
Heirloom Crochet Treasures - If you don’t like thread crochet, then you won’t like this book. If you like thread crochet, then you’ll love this book, expecially if you like the more traditional look of crochet. It’s full of items from wearables to doilies to an heirloom baby dress and layette set. It is your grandmother’s crochet, which isn’t a bad thing if you like timeless beauty.
So Simple Crochet - I really like this book. A lot. It has so many great patterns in it, I don’t even know which one to start with. I do have one complaint, however. Some of the yarns needed to make the patterns as they are in the book are not easily found. Seems some of them are sold only in the UK, which isn’t a bad thing, until you do the math and realize that a couple of skeins/hanks/balls could cost as much as 100 American dollars. Still, if you are skilled in the art of substituting, this book is worth a look.
Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Happy Hooker - If you crochet, chances are this book is already in your ownership, and if it isn’t, you’ve at least seen it. This book came out just shortly after I learned to crochet; if I hadn’t already learned the basics, I think this book would have been a good one to learn from. I’ve referenced it a few times, and it does have a lot of good information in it. The patterns are modern and what many would call “hip”. Lots of fun for all levels of crochet, especially if you’re looking for something beyond the traditional.
Crafts
The Craftster’s Guide to Nifty, Thrifty, and Kitschy Crafts - If you like kitschy & fun, then this is the book for you. It has some fun ideas in it that the older group of us may remember from days gone by. There’s even a Crocheted Powder Room Poodle and Crocheted Doll Face Fridgies. Can’t crochet? Never fear–there’s also a couple of knitting ideas, as well as decoupage, sewing, recycling. There’s even a popsicle purse. Click here to see mine: Butterfly Popsicle Purse.
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