Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects by Salena Baca

source: Netgalley / Rowman & Littlefield
title: Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects
designers: by Salena Baca, Danyel Pink and Emily Truman
genre: crochet patterns / arts and crafts
published: Stackpole Books (April 1, 2019)
pages: 152 pages
rated: 4 out of 5

blurb:
Looking for a quick crochet fix? Crochet in a Day has 42 sure-to-please patterns that can all be started and finished in a day or less. From wearables like cowls, hats, slippers, and even a poncho, to home items like place mats, dish cloths, and baskets, every item will crochet up fast!

This is a book you will turn to again and again when looking for a fun, speedy project that doesn’t require a large time or yarn commitment. Perfect for using up stash yarn or to create something from that perfect skein you were saving, these patterns are creative, colorful, modern, and stylish. Get your hook ready, and crochet something today!

my thoughts:
Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects contains several crochet projects that are meant to be worked up in one day. I myself don’t really ever look for the time a crochet project will take but these types of projects are nice for when you are looking for something a little faster and easier. I would say the patterns here are for beginners and on and some of the patterns are a little bit more advanced using techniques like Tunisian crochet.

“My favorite types of crochet projects are the ones that look complicated by are actually quick to work up. The pieces I’ve created for this collection use yarns that are readily sourced or substituted and are easy to approach with stunning results.”-Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects 

Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More

source: free review copy courtesy of Netgalley/Rowman & Littlefield
title: Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More
author: Sharon Silverman
genre: crochet pattern book
published: December 2018
pages: 176
rated: 5 out of 5
e

blurb:
Light, airy pieces crocheted in fine yarns show off the beauty of your crochet stitches and are a dream to wear! The shawls, cardigans, tops, and other designs in this collection are light as a feather, super soft, and made to drape beautifully across your body. These lacy pieces are fun to crochet and very versatile. Change up the yarns to create looks for day or night, work or play, city or suburbs.

Pattern contributors include Kristin Omdahl, Robyn Chachula, Marty Miller, Amy Solovay, Vashti Braha, and others known for their innovative, gorgeous crochet designs. Each of the 23 patterns includes full written instructions and charts as needed. All special stitches are fully explained and skill levels range from easy to advanced.

my thoughts:

I was lucky to receive a copy of Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More. This pattern book is gorgeous. The creations are beautiful. There are 23 patterns here from 11 designers so there is a nice variety. The patterns range in skill levels from advanced beginner to the advanced crocheter. I’d say most of these patterns are more on the challenging side, but that is a good thing. The techniques and the yarns used give the pieces a delicate, sophisticated look. I love experimenting with stitches and yarn because the possibilities are endless.

One of my favorite patterns is the Yveline Wrap made with the Tunisian stitch. Frills are added on top of the Tunisian stitches for a finishing touch, I love that idea. Tunisian is one of my favorite techniques and I would love to make this one day.