Book Review: Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Sarah Hazell
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If you get the chance, you’ve got to take a look at this Interweave book! Whether you are a beginning crocheter or a seasoned designer, I believe this book will serve you in numerous ways. It didn’t take me long to get out my little sticky note markers to preserve the pages and stitches that I plan on putting into action. This way I can turn right to the page I need instead of searching through 190+ pages looking for that special stitch. This “Crochet Stitch Dictionary” definitely lives up to its name with 200 stitches!
This book is very clearly laid out to be user friendly. The table of contents not only lists all the stitches and page numbers, but also includes a small photo to give you an idea of what the stitch will look like, even before turning to the page! This is a huge time-saver. I also like the way these are all crocheted in different colors, which helps me to remember the stitch and differentiates it from the others. It also makes for a very pleasing, colorful book.
For each stitch in this book, Sarah Hazell has provided a beautiful photo of how the stitch should look; a paragraph describing the characteristics of the stitch and some of its possible uses; clear step-by-step photos of how to crochet the stitch; written directions; and lastly, a stitch diagram at the bottom of the page.
The 200 stitches include many basic forms of crochet stitches; fans & shells; clusters, puffs & bobbles; spikes, relief stitches; mesh, filet & trellis; crossed and interlocking stitches; waves & chevrons; and decorative, which covers adding sequences, beads and stitching using a needle. I enjoyed studying some new possibilities of making a crochet “fabric” that isn’t simply all one stitch. Some of the combining of different stitches (as in the Wattle, Spider, and Crunch stitches) makes for a lovely background to help make the cables that I love to really “pop!”
Crochet Stitch Dictionary is just that, a comprehensive, beautiful dictionary, and not a pattern book. That does not diminish the value in any way! I believe this is an excellent addition to anyone’s crochet library, even if you own another stitch guide. This is one of 4 (or more??) that I now own, and each one is different, yet I refer to all of them throughout the designing process. There is always more to learn, and Sarah Hazell’s book is a wonderful way to do just that! Here is the link: http://www.interweavestore.com/crochet-stitch-dictionary
Crochet Stitch Dictionary: 200 Essential Stitches with Step-by-Step Photos
By Sarah Hazell
Interweave/F+W; $22.95