Not your Mama's Crochet

Here is the next book in my review. It has been awhile, and I am sorry, I will try to get the rest of my books up here with a complete run down of what is in them and how well they are put together.

So, Not You Mama's Crochet is supposed to be about fun new patterns that are nothing like stuff made by your mother. I find that some of the patterns do fall under this category, but the others are just rehashed patterns that we have seen everywhere.

We begin with Chap 1 entitled "Crochet 101". It is the obligatory chapter of how to do your basic crochet stitches. They try to liven it up with a lot of slang and cute cliches, but overall it has decent pictures of the stitches, I just don't know if a beginner would pick up very well because they do not include pictures for every step of each stitch. For example, the only two pictures for treble crochet are the first yo, and the finished stitch. Other books, such as the Encyclopedia of Crochet (see other reviews) give clear pictures for every step in both right and left handed and I would recommend that to learn rather than this book.

Chap. 2, "Stitches to Make Your Knees Weak" now gives actual black and white photos of all the basic stitches worked up in swatches. These are the author's 12 favorite stitches and they include a granny square and lacy flower.

Chap 3, "All about Yarn" is just as it states, all about yarn. I find that for most novices, trying different yarns is a bad idea. I think the novice should stick with acrylic or cotton until they get comfortable with their stitches, because if you are starting crocheting with, lets say, a boucle, you are going to give up real quick. But this is a very good comprehensive chapter that does a better job of explaining different yarn and techniques you can try to make your own and I enjoyed reading it.

Chap 4, "One Hook or Two?" is meant to give you the run down of the basic crochet hook and different gauges they come in. It also goes over a list of must haves for your crochet basket.

Chap 5, "Be a Fashion Designer, (Or Just Look Like One)" gives a whole range of body measurements for you to take if you plan on fitting any of your garments. I don't think this chapter really belongs in this book. When you follow a pattern for a garment you have never made before I am not sure how you are going to adjust it for your size. It's not like you can make it and then cut it up (hello, crochet). It's a great intro into fitting clothes but would be better in a beginner's sewing book.

Chap 6, "Ready, Set, Crochet" goes over the anatomy of a crochet pattern and all of the lovely little symbols and abbreviations you will encounter when working with one.

You then move in to the Projects. This book is interesting because all of the patterns have a color photo in the middle of the book and then a handdrawn picture on the page with the pattern. One thing that is nice is that they point out the cost to make it if you are using the yarn they suggest. One thing that is annoying is that instead of sticking with the difficulty level of "Beginner", "Intermediate", they use "cute" alternatives such as "Flirtation", I really don't want to have to keep finding the page that shows me what these words means.

Now for a rundown of the patterns:

1. Market Bag: Simple crocheted bag that we have seen everywhere, but a nice beginner pattern. It also shows you a variation of the pattern as done as a dishcloth.

2. Preppy/Hippie Scarf: Cute striped scarf with fringe. See it before but it is still cute.

3. Toque/Beanie: What can I say, it's a beanie.

4. Spiral Scarf: you can get a version of this pattern for free from Lion Brand, nothing new yet.

5. Vest: as worn on the model looks quite cute. It's not a v-neck 80s reject, but an updated high

neck version with no buttons.

6. Chunky Scarf: Boring, another scarf, this one in a openwork pattern.

7. Capelet: This too have seen before, waiting for not my mama's crochet still.

8. Plaid Skirt: I still dont understand why people would design, make or wear a crocheted skirt, it just seems a bad idea all around, but if you are going to make one, please avoid this

"hookerish" one. It is tight crochet at the top, then once you pass your butt area it turns see through with a butt high slit. Not cute

9. Kimono top: finally something new and cute. I really like the look of this kimono, will be trying it out soon.

10. Granny Sqaure Cardigan: This is mesh and granny squares put together, not really digging it.

11. Shrug: Funky with its flutter sleeves, see it done already.

12. Boyfriend Sweater: I like the fit of this sweater, it is cute in its boxiness. Defintely try this one.

13. Skull Motif: very cool Day of The Dead looking skull. I have made it and it is easy and works up fast.

14. Cozy Peacoat: Cute and clever. Would wear it.

15. Throw: Fuzzy and weird looking, don't think I would make this.

16. Page Boy Hat: Dont like the yarn used, makes it look clownish, could be cute but is not on my list right now.

17. Daisy Neck Warmer: Cute idea, more like a necklace, can't see that keeping anyone's neck warm.

18. Daisy Pin: Super basic flower pattern with a pin through the back.

19. Two bowling pin looking people: Weird yet kind of cute amigurumi people.

20. Belt: boring and done before

21. Fringe Scarf: guess what? another scarf... with fringe. enough said

22. Who Hat: my most favorite pattern in here, but if an adult wears it, it better be halloween, a multi layered beanie with whimsical top. would make for my daughter.

23. Another shrug: this one is short sleeved and still not grewat looking

24. Eco-tote: anyone who has the time and inking to make a purse out of grocery bags, this is the pattern for you. Sorry but I just couldn't go out in public with that.

25. Crocheted Bling: actual title of this pattern. Cute crochet jewelry, super slutty picture that shows it off.

26. Jean Round Rug: only thing new about this rag rug is that it is made with old denim.

27. Felted Purse: boring rectangle shape, but good for a first felting project.

28. Yet another scarf: with fringe... again... but it is felted... still a scarf.

29. Cat toys: looks more like coughed up hair balls then crocheted toys.

All in all, the patterns are somewhat cute even if they are reused and not quite up to date as they were hoping to be. However, you can get this book for under $4 right now on Amazon, so I would definitely purchase it for that price. Click on the title of this post to be taken to the Amazon page with the book for sale.

Book Review

I will be reviewing the books that I own and buy so you can find out first hand what is in it without having to go to the bookstore. I will list each pattern and give a small desc so you will get a feel for what you could do with the book. I try to be fairly detailed so you don't suffer with a book you hate. If you have any extra questions about a book, email me and I will try to answer it for you.


I wanted to begin my book reviews with my favorite crochet book that I own. Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is my bible for crochet. I use this book more often than any other for design my projects. Click on the picture to be directed to Amazon to get this $25 book for about $10 used. That's even better than what I paid for my used copy ($12 to be exact)


Inside you will find the History of Crochet, which I actually enjoyed reading. It hasn't been around very long.


After the history you then get the basics. They go through all types of yarns and materials. They then give you the basic techniques of crochet (right and left handed) in very easy to see computer generated pictures -- not pictures of people crocheting, which can be very difficult to decipher. This section goes beyond the sc, hdc, dc, and tr to include rounds, poststitches, inc, dec, clusters, bobbles, puffs and more-- all in right and left handed explanations. This section alone is worth the money and it just gets better from there.


Next are the patterns, and at first I just glossed over these because I was interested in specialty stitches more than anything (we will get to those shortly), but then taking the time to look at each of these has increased my appreciation for this book even more. These are beautiful classic patterns that are very detailed and not at all stuffy.


The first pattern is called "Wrapped in Love" and is the design you see on the cover (minus the necklace made of wire, that comes later). Beautiful simple wrap with interesting tassel ends in the corners. These are great patterns also because they give you charts for each pattern as well (this can be handy when the wording is confusing on the written pattern)


Second pattern is "Decorative Hot Pad" very simple hot pad but it is done on the diagonal which makes it more visually stimulating then a simple sc, or dc hot pad you may find for free on the web.


Third pattern is "Button Top Socks" if I had the urge to make socks (little too much work for such a small item that you don't really see when worn) these would be first on my list. Not bulky at all, they look almost knit with a cute textured top.


Fourth pattern is "Mufflers", cute and basic in a seed stitch pattern. Looks like a scarf.


Fifth pattern is "Granny Squre Poncho" and is for a little girl. I love this pattern and can't wait to make it for my daughter. The edging around the joined Granny Squares gives it a more professional (as in sold in stores) look. They chose really cute colors too, almost looks like a garden with colored flowers surrounded in green.


Sixth pattern is "Shell of Shells" and is an women's shell top. Done in a shell pattern this is suprisingly unbulky and looks like it drapes well. Would be good under a jacket, I would probably line if it I were wearing it by itself.


Seventh pattern is "Aran isles muffler and tam" its a hat and scarf set for a young girl and is super cute. Reminds me of Norman Rockwell pictures of winter. Has cable stitches and other textured stitches that make it look very expensive.


Next the patterns go "Beyond the Basics" they give you a tutorial on working with color and give you lots of color wheels and tips on choosing colors.


They then give you the techniques on joining colors and working with tapesty as well as filet, motifs and doilies. They also touch on bead crochet and wire crochet. This book covers everything!!! They even give you Tunisian crochet patterns and techniques.


The eight pattern is called "Lap of Luxury" and is a tri color afghan with fringe. Beautiful yarn in a textured stitch.


The ninth pattern is "Baby Bobbles" and is a cute baby blanket done with pastel bobbles on a white background. Looks super soft and great texture for baby to touch.


Tenth pattern is "Delicate Filet Edging" which shows you how to dress up pillowcases and sheet edges with a prety floral edging of filet.


Eleventh pattern is "Virginia Roses" and is a cute rose doilie. I am not a doilie maker (maybe in another 30 years or so) so I don't know if this is a good one, but I don't find it offensive. It helps you to learn to join motifs. One of the motifs is sewn onto a pin cusion which is cute and wouldn't mind trying.


Twelth pattern is "Irish Roses" and is a covered button crochet pattern of cute roses in different sizes. I could see putting these on a purse or scarf.


Thirteenth pattern is "Wedding Keepsake" and is an awesome beaded bag. Looks like intricate shell pattern with tons of clear crystal beads, I would love to try this one day.


Fourteenth pattern is "Beaded Heart Pins" and are pretty substantial pin brooches. They have two on a dress form and they take up most of the chest.


Fifteenth pattern is "Amulet Necklace" and lets you stick your toe in the water of wire crochet. Small pouch necklace with smaller flowers adorning it.


Sixteenth pattern is "Elegant Wire Jewelry" and I love this necklace. It is the other cover image and is made from lots of wire chains banded together. Simple but chic.


Seventeenth pattern is "In a Tunisian Garden" and is a tunisian pillow with a picture of a hummingbird with flowers. Very pretty and not at all old lady looking. Looks fairly difficult but is labeled for a beginner. Will probably try it one day.


Eighteenth pattern is "Child's Tunisian Vest" vest done in Tunisian stitch, which I love the stitches but not sure if I would make a vest for my daughter with it. Could be made into a pillow or blanket though.


Nineteenth pattern is "Medallion" a small flower applique that the child modeling the vest wears between the vest opening on the shirt underneath. Cute applique done in three colors.


Pattern number twenty is the fabled "Philosopher's Coat" if you have heard of this book you have heard of this coat. Super great for an old woman, I would never sport it, but it is so detailed it would probably take years to complete. This is the ultimate test of your crocheting skills. Tons of colors and tons of stitches. Insanely complicated, and I am sure it was a pain to convert to a pattern.


That is where the completed patterns end but not where the book ends. Now we move onto the crochet pattern gallery.


I love, love, love this section. This is where I get all of my specialty stitches I use in alot of my designs. Each of the patterns has a 2 x 2 close up picture, a graph pattern and a written pattern. In total there are 107 patterns. Then there are 4 flower patterns with 2 leaf patterns to accompany them. They have 6 beautiful granny squares (more like granny art) then 9 flowery (round and flower shaped, but not a flower) motifs. I am making a scarf out of the "Mica Motif" right now.


Then they move on to Filet. They have 3 filet diagrams and 4 filet edgings.


After that they have crocheted edging patterns. 18 in total. I used the "crab" edging in my nitty gritty washcloth that is in my Etsy shop.


To fuel your learning they then dedicate 5 pages and 9 patterns of Tunisian crochet to finish off the book. On the page before the index, they supply you with online links to resources and suppliers.


For me, this is the best all inclusive book that I own and I recommend it to anyone that wants to design their own patterns. This gets my highest honors 4 balls of fun.