Publishers Weekly 12/23/22
British designers Howorth and Curran debut with an arresting take on how to incorporate colorwork into crochet. The authors showcase 40 stitch patterns that provide a great starting place for beginners, with highlights including a net-like pattern punctuated by flowers and a wavy blue, green, and pink design. Upping the complexity, Howorth and Curran outline four crochet techniques that are more intricate with their colorwork: Fair Isle, intarsia, mosaic, and tapestry. The bulkiness of Fair Isle, they write, makes it well suited for cold weather while intarsia is ideal for creating images or words. Ten projects show the stitch patterns and techniques at work, as in the standout “trinity basket,” which uses the tapestry technique to create triangular patterns, and the Fair Isle “Zahra hat” and mittens, which feature a design inspired by “flowers blooming in a well-planted garden.” Howorth and Curran offer useful tips on how to pick colors and work with multiple strands of yarn (“alternate the turn direction” at the end of a row), but novices might find some of the techniques difficult to follow, especially the chart for mosaic, which operates differently than the standard charts. Intermediate to advanced crocheters will enjoy the vibrant patterns. (Feb.)
Library Journal
Knitting and crochet designers Howorth and Curran provide an introduction to complicated stitch patterns, such as mosaic, Fair Isle, and tapestry, along with sample swatches for fun patterns such as cluster and fan stitches. Crocheters looking to experiment with color will find a wealth of guidance on choosing shades, color theory, and schemes. There are 10 cute patterns to incorporate that newfound knowledge. This book is written in British crochet terms and for a UK audience. While there is a UK-to-U.S. conversion chart for some of the crochet terminology used, it is not comprehensive, and American crocheters will find themselves googling or turning to other crochet books for explanations of some of the common stitches used. Instead of a conventional stitch chart, which most find helpful, the authors use their own “intuitive” charting method.
VERDICT Overall, a fair introduction to colorwork for the experienced crocheter up for a challenge. Given the intended audience (UK and experienced crocheters), this book is best for larger libraries’ crochet collections.
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