Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet by Brenda Bourg

Stackpole Books, $21.95

I want to sincerely congratulate my fellow crochet designer Brenda Bourg on her excellent new book, Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet! I love the beautiful photography of her new designs on many levels. First of all, the photos were shot in Clear Creek History Park in Golden, Colorado. Secondly, the lovely model looks very normal (i.e. not a size “2” or malnourished!). I like “normal,” realistic models because they best represent who we are, and what the crocheted garment might look like on us! Thirdly, the close up photos give us all the details we need to know to check our work as we crochet these designs.

Adanna Boot Cuffs, pg. 26

Reena Headband, pg. 42

The designs in this book are oh so very lovely and practical. They include boot cuffs, headbands, cowls, mitts, sweaters and afghans! Most of these are beginner level projects and can be worked up in a weekend or less. The sweaters are definitely a bit more advanced, but not at all intimidating with the clear instructions. And if you have never used this technique before, don’t worry - there is a stitch guide at the beginning of the book with very clear step-by-step photos to help you.

Jelena Cowl, pg. 62

Ivana Mitts, p. 66

Since Tunisian crochet is a lot more like knitting, Brenda included detailed instructions on how to block your work. This type of fabric does tend to curl a lot, so blocking is very much a necessity. You will want to pay attention to the method for the type of fiber you are using so as not to hurt or damage your work. Here is my “Emily Headband” while it was being blocked…

This was my first attempt at Tunisian crochet, and I was happy with my success! I did learn a few things in the process, and I will pass this along to you now. I started with a 14” metal Tunisian crochet hook, mostly because I had inherited it from a friend and it was available.

14" Tunisian metal crochet hook...

I did complete my first piece using this, but I can’t recommend it to you. I found it heavy and difficult to use. My stitches could easily fall off the end, and balancing all the yarn and weight of the hook even hurt my hand and felt very different from my smaller, shorter hooks. This caused me to follow Brenda’s advice and purchase smaller hooks with cables attached to them (see photo below).

Tunisian crochet hook with attached cable (hook made of bamboo)...

These shorter hooks with a cable attached are so much lighter and easier to use! If you are considering Tunisian crochet, it is worth investing in these, and there are many options for purchasing them on-line.

Emma Afghan, pg. 90

Annabel Bag, pg. 38

You can purchase Brenda’s book from Amazon here. You can also check out her website at http://brendabourg.blogspot.com. You can also check out her Ravelry page here.

Today, March 10, 2016, I will be giving away a copy of Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet! To enter, simply send me an e-mail to bonniebay@me.com and say "ENTER ME!" I will announce the winner on my Bonnie Bay Crochet Facebook page tomorrow. I will contact you directly if you are the winner. Also, all entries will be automatically signed up for my newsletter that will be starting next month. (If you don't want to receive this free publication, just let me know in your entry e-mail.)

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