Knitting Loves Crochet Review

Pattern Preview

The book came in today, and I'm very pleased.  There are lots of nice combination patterns in it.  Here are a few patterns that really caught my eye.

A colorful knitted scarf adorned with crocheted flowers...

What a nice way to brighten up a gray winter day.

A knitted bolero with crocheted edging and flowers...

I may lose a few of the flowers, but I love the bolero.

Many of the patterns are mostly knit with crocheted embellishments, but this V-Neck Cardi is a true combination project with lots of knitting and crochet.

This looks like a first project. The pattern calls for Cascade 220 wool, but I'm going for my old favorite, Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece.

I'm not a huge granny square person, but this granny square afghan with a knitted edging grabbed my attention...

and it does call for BSCF! Sweet!

I like these pillows too.

These pillow tops are knitted, and they are crocheted to Ultrasuede backs, but you can knit or crochet the back too.

My Assessment

I picked this book up last week because the title warmed my heart, but I brought it because of the projects--22 in all.  As I mentioned before, many are knitted with crocheted trims, flowers, and edges, a few are mostly crochet, and a few are dual. 

Since I haven't tried any of the patterns yet, I can't vouch for the accuracy of the pattern writing except to say that I've been pleased with the other Candi Jensen books I have.

I think that someone who knits more than crochets would be more comfortable with the book that the other way around, but I would recommend it to both to take a dip into the "other side."

Of course, I highly recommend it to those of us who are equally at home with needles and hooks.

Ten Crafty Things (that I think you don't know) About Me

I can't remember where I first saw this meme, but I saw it again on Margene's blog this morning.  I decided to expand it to include other crafts.

1. I don't hate acrylic. I still use it for baby things.  One brand like is Bernat Satin.
2. I cross stitch, but haven't since I got married six years ago, but I still buy charts, fabric, and floss.
3. My favorite knitted item is my Market Squares Bag.  It still gets compliments after two years.
4. I hate knitting and crocheting for money.  It stresses me out.
5. People think that because I can knit and crochet, I can design.  I can't and I'm very happy interpreting other people's patterns.
6. I still have my first pair of knitting needles that I brought from SS Kresge on White Plains Road in the Bronx over 30 years ago. I also brought my first crochet hooks, books and yarn from there.
7. I have well over 100 crochet hooks as a result of buying a new hook when I can't find the size I need right away.
8. I don't mind novelty yarns in small doses.  The industry went overboard.
9. I went on a scrapbooking binge a couple of years ago, and brought lots of supplies and have yet to scrap anything.
10. I still haven't finished the second sleeve on my first knitted sweater.

Feel the Love Update

I've sent out invitations to author on the CAL/KAL blog to everyone that has expressed interest.  If I haven't sent you an invitation yet or if you are interested in joining, please e-mail me ot comment.

Comments

[Beth]

Over 100 crochet hooks???? :)

[Deneen]

I thought my 50 some hooks were a lot!

I hate crocheting for money also, I do it, but rarely and it stresses me out terribly.

I used to do lots of cross stitch and stopped because I was doing so much, I developed carpal tunnel from it and I completed the project I was working on and never did it again.

[Karen Carter]

Thanks for commenting about this book and posting some of the projects. If these projects are any indication of the entire book, then I must have it, NOW! I love the bolero.

[Dana]

I did the same thing with scrapbooking. What's with us needlecrafters? I also really want to try the market sq bag. Love the designs in the book!

[Brenda]

Thanks for the book review Vera.
I enjoyed reading your answers to the meme, should work on mine. I'm going to do it like yours, crafting not just knitting. We have some similarities, one in particular will show up on mine. Stay tuned to see which one!

[Jessica]

Thanks for the book review. Definitely looks like there are some cute patterns there. :)

[Manda]

Oh, my brain read that as 100 crochet BOOKS! Heheh.

I'd like a KAL/CAL invitation. :)

[Lisa]

very nice book review :) I do like the patterns, but think I'm going to wait until I can crochet more than a dish rag. I love the meme and might have to use it on my site. :) Hope you're having a great Monday!

[Lorette]

I love that red bolero. I don't in general think boleros work for someone like me who is close to 6 feet tall, but I like the look of it.

And here's another meme for you:

Ten favorite songs, tag ten more bloggers. Go to my post today for mine.

[Julie]

I'm so very very tempted to join the KAL/CAL but darned if I know where I'd find the time to make something for it with everything else I'd like to do. It's a great idea though and I am looking forward to getting my hands on that book someday. :o)

[Hilari]

I just looked at that book yesterday and was nicely surprised. Years ago I would buy all these crochet sweater patterns only to find out they had knit ribbing. And WP Rd took me back! I was born in the Bronx and grew up in White Plains! Although most of my crafty shopping in those days was relegated to the local Woolworth's!