Book Review: Continuous Crochet by Kristin Omdahl
/Continuous Crochet by Kristin Omdahl
As you would expect from a veteran crochet designer, this book by Kristin Omdahl delivers beautiful, stylish designs! The sub-title reads: “Create seamless sweaters, shrugs, shall, and more with MINIMAL FINISHING!” If you are a crocheter like me, you will totally appreciate the words “seamless” and “minimal finishing” in that last sentence. While my crochet hook and I are forever friends, the sewing needle and I are not.
Alfresco by the Lake Belted Cape, p. 46
Most of these designs are very approachable for any crocheter who knows the basic foundational stitches. As long as you are careful to check your gauge, you should have no trouble reading these patterns, especially with the lovely stitch diagrams provided for every project.
Heather Plum Chain Flower Hat, p. 10
Some designs incorporate new stitches, such as the Ramblin’ Rose Hairpin Lace Shawl (p. 76). The directions for working this stitch are not detailed, but finding a video on Youtube is only a few clicks away if you are like me and need the visual help for this stitch. You will need a hairpin lace loom set, but I think this shawl is worth the effort.
Ramblin' Rose Hairpin Lace Shawl, p. 76
I just love the beautiful photography that we have come to expect from Interweave publications. This book also provides numerous views of each design, which is always a plus.
Enchanted Diamonds Textured & Picot Mesh Scarf, p. 30
As with any published work, I am drawn to many of the designs, but not all, and I think this is normal for any crochet book that I have ever purchased. Even if I am drawn to only a few designs (although I enjoy most in this book), I still see this as an excellent investment considering the cost of buying single patterns.
Sorrento Sunset Starburst Shawl, p. 62
Some of my favorites include the Enchanted Diamonds Textured & Picot Mesh Scarf (p. 31), African Violets Raglan Capelet (p. 52), Sausalito Sparkle Offset Lace Shawl (p. 58), and Geisha Fan Petal Stitch Shrug (p. 108). I especially like Kristin's new take on a the traditional ripple design in her Sorrento Sunset Starburst Shawl (p. 62).
African Violets Raglan Capelet (p. 52)
Sausalito Sparkle Offset Lace Shawl, p. 58
My favorite design in this book is the Isle of Capri Motif Pullover (p. 94)! I love everything about this summer sweater: the modest, feminine design, the choice of a natural, breathable fiber, the crochet motif, and of course the lovely teal color!
Isle of Capri Motif Pullover (p. 94)
To learn more about Kristin Omdahl and her lovely designs, check out her website here. Continuous Crochet can be purchased from the Interweave Store as well as from Amazon.
This week (April 25 - 29, 2016), I will be giving away a copy of Continuous Crochet (courtesy of Interweave) to one of my BonnieBayCrochet Newsletter subscribers! If you have not signed up for this monthly newsletter, you can sign up HERE (at bottom of page) and you will be automatically entered. (I promise NEVER to sell your e-mail addresses for any other purpose, PERIOD.) The winner will be announced this Friday on my Facebook page, as well as contacted directly via e-mail.