It’s a new year and it’s cold outside! It’s a good time to pick up a crochet hook and some wooly yarn and get cozy. Whether crochet is new to you or you have a stash of yarn that you have neglected, there are a lot of fun projects, with different levels of difficulty, to dive into. Is crochet as popular as knitting? It is not. Judging by the ratio of knitting books to crochet books in the library’s collection, crochet is mayyybe half as popular. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its charms. For example, you don’t have to count stitches, you use one hook instead of two needles and who doesn’t love a groovy 1970s granny square afghan?
Let’s explore the collection. I, personally, learned to crochet a little from my grandmother and more, as an adult, from “Crocheting In Plain English,” by Maggie Righetti. The explanations made sense to me. Hopefully, they will for you, too.
Speaking of granny squares, try “The Ultimate Granny Square Sourcebook: 100 Contemporary Motifs To Mix and Match,” by Joke Vermeiren. “This unique granny square collection combines the styles of 23 creative designers from all over the world, who each bring their best game to the table.” You can make fun afghans, clothes, bags, etc. using a combination of colors and patterns.
Feeling funky? Crochet a hat or two from the book “Hip Hats and Cool Caps,” by Afya Ibomu. Hats are quick to crochet and a good way to use up your yarn stash.
Also quick to crochet: baby clothes. Well, not all baby clothes but, generally, they’re fast because they’re small! Try out “One Skein Wonders for Babies,” by Judith Durant. “One skein of cuddly yarn is all you need to create each of these sweet wearables, blankets, toys, and accessories for the little ones in your life.”
Are you up to your neck in crocheted scarves, hats and afghans? Try crocheting something for your house. Perfect for people with no green thumb, “Crocheted Succulents,” by Emma Varham, offers the joy and variation of houseplants without any worry of keeping the plant alive.
Lastly, if your like adorable crocheted food, you could crochet entire meals with “Crochet Café: Recipes for Amigurumi Crochet Patterns,” by Lauren Espy.
Whatever you choose to crochet, it is sure to provide a cozy, relaxing past time for long, cold winter nights.
