My Little Crocheted Christmas by Doerthe Eisterlehner

source: review copy via NetGalley / Dover
title: My Little Crocheted Christmas: Festive Projects to Make the Season Bright
genre: crochet patterns
published: Dover Publications; Translation Edition (September 18, 2019)
rated: 4 out of 5

blurb:
Add a little handmade warmth to Christmas with these charming crocheted decorations, toys, and charms. The projects include tree ornaments, a cuddly fox and animal Santas, a mouse quartet, a tabletop nativity set, finger puppets, gingerbread “hearts,” and many other delightful ornaments. These projects are suitable for crocheters at every level of experience — a How-To section explains the basic techniques, so even beginners can whip up many of these items. Each features detailed instructions and full-color photos of the completed piece. The handmade items will be lovely gifts with a personal touch for friends and family as well as keepsake additions to your own holiday decorations.

my thoughts:
Yay for Christmas crochet! This review is literally one year overdue so shame on me but I like to crochet something from the pattern books I receive for review so I didn’t want to share this one until I made something from the book.
My Little Crocheted Christmas: Festive Projects to Make the Season Bright is a lovely pattern book to add to any crocheter’s collection. The festive patterns inside are whimsical and fun.

“At the coldest time of year, it’s especially fun to cozy up on the sofa, light a fire, and grab your crocheting. This book is full of patterns for a colorful and vibrant Christmas season and a festive,sparkling Christmas celebration.- “My Little Crocheted Christmas by Doerthe Eisterlehner

The crochet patterns within these pages include cookies and sweets, an Advent Calendar, a cuddly fox, festive pencil toppers, small Nativity set, thermos cozy and several other gift ideas that would make for cute stocking stuffers and presents.
The well written patterns all come with clear photos. I love the presentation throughout the book it’s very festive. I’d say this is for the beginner crocheter through the advanced one as well because these are fun projects and most are not too time consuming so you can spend an afternoon whipping something up for yourself or a loved one without too much time commitment. This is a nice pattern book to bring out for crocheting while watching Christmas movies.

These wrist warmers look very cozy.

I whipped up the snowman jar cozy. The pattern was very simple and I tweaked mine a little to fit the smaller candle.

I think my snowman looks more like a penguin though lol.


Overall, this is a terrific crochet pattern book to add to your shelves. I recommend it! Special thanks to NetGalley / Dover for my copy.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I received my free review copy of My Little Crocheted Christmas: Festive Projects to Make the Season Bright via NetGalley / Dover in exchange for my honest thoughts. Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission. The photos in this post are mine and not to be removed from here.

Dishcloths to Crochet Fun Designs to Brighten Your Kitchen! by Pat Olski

source: free review copy courtesy of NetGalley / Dover
title: Dishcloths to Crochet: Fun Designs to Brighten Your Kitchen!
author: Pat Olski
published: April 18th 2018 by Dover Publications
pages: 64
genre: crochet patterns/crafting
rated: 4 out of 5

blurb:
Crocheters of all skill levels will delight in these playful patterns for crocheted dishcloths—they’re as fun to make as they are to use! Animals, flowers, and fruits are among the themes of the 25 patterns, which include Sweet Strawberry, Perky Pig, Dandy Daffodil, and other designs.
Full-color photos accompany the easy-to-follow instructions. The directions also show how to convert any of the dishcloths into a potholder with the simple addition of a ring. Great to stitch during warm-weather months, the dishcloths make cheerful displays, and the textured stitches are ideal for efficient dish-washing. They’re great gifts, too!

my thoughts:

Dishcloths to Crochet: Fun Designs to Brighten Your Kitchen! is a collection of 25 whimsical and kitschy dishcloth patterns. Included here are Cheeky Chicken, Proper Penguin and Perky Pig among others. These are previously published vintage patterns from 1982 that have been updated and revised for this collection.

Dumpling Cats Crochet and Collect Them All! by Sarah Sloyer

source: free review copy via NetGalley/Dover Crafts
title: Dumpling Cats: Crochet and Collect Them All!
author: Sarah Sloyer
published: Pub Date 21 Jun 2017
pages: 112
genre: crafting/crochet pattern book
rated: 5 out of 5!

blurb:
Waffles is a relaxed feline who loves to read, and Cheeks just can’t get enough to eat. These fun-loving characters are just two of the 25 dumpling-shaped crochet cats in this whimsical collection. The cuddly crochet critters were inspired by the Pokémon™-like craze Neko Atsume, a game that enables you to attract cats to your backyard and “collect” them. Each little dumpling has a name and personality points that add up to big fun!
You don’t have to be an expert to crochet and collect these adorable kitties — the patterns are suitable for crocheters of all skill levels. Easy-to-follow instructions are accompanied by full-color photos and simple drawings. The directions explain every stage, from ears to tail, and some of the patterns include accessories and costume items. Plus, there are bonus patterns for a cat bed, food bowls, and more!

my thoughts:
Dumpling Cats: Crochet and Collect Them All! by Sarah Sloyer is so cute. It has become an instant favorite!
The patterns are well written, the photos are clear and helpful and I think fans of crocheting amigurumi would love having this book in their pattern collection. Each cat comes with its own name and little storyline. I crocheted “Chuck”. I made two of these and the pattern was easy to follow. I modified mine a little and omitted the legs making the tail a little longer to wrap around the body.

Kissy kissy!

24-Hour Crochet Projects by Rita Weiss

source: free copy via NetGalley
title: 24-Hour Crochet Projects by Rita Weiss
genre: crafting/crochet
pages: 128
published: Sterling (February 1, 2005)

Blurb:
Quick and easy doesn’t mean boring, as this vibrant crochet guide attests. Twenty-four simple patterns, each of which can be finished in 24 hours or less, include garments, bags, and home accessories. They’re easy to pick up whenever you have a few moments to spare — but they’re hard to put down! You’ll be amazed at what you can create in such a short time.
Patterns include stylish hats, scarves, sweaters, and purses as well as afghans, doilies, and baby clothes. Full-color photos illustrate the easy-to-follow instructions, and a helpful “Refresher Course” offers diagrams of stitches and describes gauge. From a cute little sweater to a trendy scarf and a little black bag for a night on the town, these 24 patterns offer a terrific variety of projects that make great gifts and treasured keepsakes.

My thoughts:
I have to start off by saying that I didn’t realize this crochet pattern book was published in 2005 when I requested it from NetGalley. On browsing this one some of the patterns do look outdated.

Crochet Stories: E. T. A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker by Lindsay Smith

source: free review copy via NetGalley
title: Crochet Stories: E. T. A. Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker by Lindsay Smith
published: Dover Publications (November 18, 2015)
pages: 96
genre: crochet/crafting
rated: 4 out of 5

Description
Experience the enduring charms of the holiday classic in an entirely different way! This version of the beloved tale is illustrated with full-color images of crocheted characters. Each chapter of the adventure ― from the Christmas Eve party to the fierce battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King to the visit to Toyland and beyond ― features complete instructions for crocheting charming representations of the story’s personalities and props.

Twelve easy-to-follow patterns depict Marie and her Nutcracker, the Mouse King, the enchanted clock, a Christmas tree surrounded by wrapped gifts, and other festive figures. Well-illustrated instructions specify yarn colors, materials, gauge, and abbreviations for stitches; a Techniques section offers guidance to crocheters. All patterns specify yarns that are readily available in craft stores. The ideal gifts for all Nutcracker enthusiasts, these amigurumi figures are keepsake treasures that will brighten every holiday season.

My thoughts:
First off, Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and I hope you are all enjoying the holidays with your loved ones. I thought today was a good day to post my thoughts on this crochet pattern book.

Lindsay Smith has created twelve patterns inspired by the beloved classic story, The Nutcracker.
What I like here is that the patterns are easy to follow and the presentation is very well done. How cute are these little holiday themed creations? The characters are introduced before each crochet pattern with snippets from the book, which I thought was a nice touch. There is a Technique section at the end of the book to help guide you as well.