For some inexplicable reason, I have been having crochet cravings which were solidified when I went to Thursday's BobaKnit group and two of the other gals were working on some beautiful crochet. I ogled. I looked at pictures. I was sucked right in, let me tell you. So what did I do? I made the hubby go to Border's with me to check out some crochet books. Alas, Borders has a crappy ass selection of crochet books. I wanted motifs! Old school blankets and doilies. But most especially some info on Irish crochet. Alas, nothing. I left empty-handed.
After perusing Amazon, I found that crochet books can be pretty damn cheap. I came across these four books that were dirt cheap ($4.95-$5.95 each):
1. Quick and Easy Crochet - 36 Motifs for Tablecloths, Bedspreads, Doilies, Placemats and Other Projects. As a lot of the reviewers said, this book isn't exactly easy. These bedspreads would take forever! I spent a good chunk of last night and this morning making my first motif ever.
2. Traditional edgings to Crochet. I'm hoping to get some ideas for crocheting edgings for knit goods from this book.
3. Favorite Irish Crochet Designs. This books has some neat motifs, edgings, doilies, and other patterns that are pretty darn cool, but they're not what I was expecting from an Irish crochet book. It's got some of the 3-dimensional floral stuff, but not the really cool stuff I was looking for.
4. Masterpieces of Irish Crochet Lace: Techniques, Patterns, Instructions. This is what I'm talking about. Irish Crochet is so cool! This book has info on techniques, some patterns, and enough information to get you going making your own designs. Did you know that Irish crochet uses three sizes of crochet thread? The biggest one is called a cord, and it's used purely for foundational purposes, meaning you crochet around it to get some thicker looking crochet. This book is AWESOME. Now I just gotta find a decent supplier of mercerized cotton.
And before you think I've gone completely over to the dark side, here's a picture the hubby took of me knitting with his new camera lens. Shhh, don't tell him that the picture is blurry.
Darn it, would you stop that already. I don't need to pick up another hobby, although those are amazing. I've always loved crocheted doilies, as much as knitted.
Posted by: Rebekah at June 8, 2006 1:46 PMOooh! Nice choice in books! I love irish doilys. I can't wait to see some of your FOs, you do such amazing work!
Posted by: Pink Dandelion at June 8, 2006 3:23 PMI have the last three books you listed, and I agree, they are the coolest. Sometimes I too want to crochet, and I make a little purse or something out of size 60 thread, and then I remember why I like knitting.
Posted by: frances goodman at June 8, 2006 4:59 PMThe crochet bug has bit me too - but not filet crochet! Holy tiny!
I just started a capelet for my flower girl last night from here - http://www.interweave.com/knit/books/Wrap_Style/chanson_crochet.asp and I'm already to the fancy motifs at the bottom. Of course it's on a size 10 hook (I don't remember how the letters go). I get the appeal of crochet but can't do it while watching TV. Damn TiVo!
See you some night at Boba - work + wedding means very little public knitting.
Posted by: Amy at June 8, 2006 5:40 PMI want the edging book! I avoid bedspreads, doilies, and tablecloths, but an elegant crochet border on a knitted top is a fine thing.
Posted by: Gryphon at June 9, 2006 9:06 AMI recommend the Knitting Room in San Jose for fine crochet thread/yarn. Size 10,20,30 etc.. Ed is the nicest guy and loves to show you his crocheted stuff. He knows his stuff, and will try to find whatever you're looking for. JoAnns also actually has a pretty good selection of size 10 crochet thread. Here's my link to the daily doily. (May be abit easier to see than on a phone;).
Posted by: linda at June 15, 2006 1:34 PM