Lots of good patterns -- for every level of crochet ability
This book has lots of great ideas! Some of the patterns are simple and quick; some, as one reviewer mentioned, look as though they would take forever to do! [On the other hand, one of my most prized possessions is a thread-crochet tablecloth that my grandmother made when she was young -- so it is "doable" and might just be worth the long-term effort!] Some of the patterns are timeless and modern, and some are a little bit dated (the book was, after all, published in 1996). But if you're looking for cute things for your house or kids, especially, I think you will like the designs this book. If you're looking for original, modern fashions for adults -- maybe not so much.
Review #2
For advanced crocheters?
I consider myself an advanced beginner and found many of the projects in this book daunting. Case in point: There is an afghan featured that is made of thread crochet. It looks absolutely gorgeous, but it seems like it would take twelve crocheters eons to make the thing. Many of the projects are beautiful but impossible to make, or simple and totally ridiculous. For example, there are patterns to make stuffed fruit. You know, the kind that you put in a bowl. For me, having *plastic* fruit in a bowl is ridiculous enough, but crocheted fruit takes the cake. But then, that is just my humble opinion. Perhaps there are people out there who love to display fake fruit in wonderous bowls to entice their guests.
I gave this book four stars because there are many redeeming features: This book does have many patterns to choose from, and I grudgingly admit that several of them are extrodinarily cute. Like the sunflower sweaters.
Also, this book has many afghan patterns. There's an entire section on afghans with nine patterns, however, afghans are also sprinkled throughout the rest of the book as well. In all the sections combined, I counted 18 afghans/throws. (The rainbow swirls afghan is another ridiculous afghan. They gear it towards kids with the rainbows and bright colors, and they put a picture of the aghan in a child's room, but there are so many free hanging loops on the swirls that any kid would get their fingers, hands, or toes caught in those things.) To me, one of the afghans especially stood out. I am making the Popcorn Ripple right now and it is turning out gorgeous. I tend to dislike ripple patterns but this one turned out wonderfully. I think that pattern alone counterbalanced all the ridiculous patterns in the book.
So in summary, I think this book is worth having because the good patterns are spectacular. You just have to overlook the garishly bad patterns and fear that one day, the crocheted fruit might look tempting.
Review #3
I have made 2 or 3 projects from this book...
There are projects for the home and wearables. You will find projects for beginners and more advanced crocheters. I made the sweatshirt with crochet inserts and it came out great! I ended up making 2 more for my sisters. You will find quite a few fun projects in this book.
