Rows Red

Title: 300 Classic Blocks for Crochet Projects, The Complete book of Crochet Stitches,The Complete Book of Crochet Border Designs
List Price: $24.95, $29.95, $29.95
Amazon Price: $16.47, $19.77, $19.77
Binding: Hardcover, 256- pages
Publisher: Lark Press (January 1, 2008)
Variety: Reference +
Sizing: N/A
Value Ratio: Inexpensive
Stamina: High
Clarity: High

Though I have an innate passion for reference and resource books, I can say with great conviction that not all reference books are created the same. Today I am reviewing a family of reference books that I feel belong on every crocheter’s book shelf, what I call Linda Schappers “Big White Book” series. They are (re)published by Lark Books and are in full color on glossy, thick pages.

First off, these books are mighty, and made to last. I prefer my reference books in hardcover rather than the lighter and more affordable paperback. My main reason is that they are easier to use because they tend to lay flat more often, and also, they hold up to wear and tear better. While this doesn’t make them tote friendly, it does mean that they can stand up to years of service.

As with most technique and reference books, these books each begin with a competent how-to section. Normally I prefer photos, but the illustrations in these books are so clear and concise that even someone new to crochet could pick up hook and yarn comfortably. Unlike some books, all the samples in each book were made in a light color yarn and clearly photographed against a darker, solid background. Also, (be still my heart), every pattern is presented in both written and symbol form with a symbol guide included in the glossary.

Book One is for the modular stitcher who enjoys piecework. These “blocks” are so much more than just your average granny square. Lacy, funky, classic… it’s all there. Use one or more of these 320 patterns to make your next modular masterpiece. I am already planning an evening wrap in a subtle sparkling yarn made up of a few different blocks. And of course, as many already know, blocks are a surefire way to use up your odds bits of leftover yarn

Book Two, the standard stitch guide, covers every foundation stitch I’ve ever imagined and them some. There are fully 500 stitches that are waiting to become the background of your next afghan, sweater, accessory or home décor project. As an added bonus, there is a photo index of each stitch in the beginning of the book to help you find what you want.

Book Three fills in where the other two leave off – meaning the borders and edgings department. There are 300 different borders for you to choose from, some simple and some that are incredibly complicated works of art. Borders are the perfect way to spice up a simple blanket, scarf or shawl. The right border can make something good into something stunning, and it doesn’t matter if you started the project with knitting, crochet is more than happy to finish it up with some pizzazz.

With over one thousand combined crochet stitches and blocks to explore there is almost no end to the versatility of these exhaustive compilations. While owning just one of these books would add a world of possibilities to a hooker’s repertoire, owning all three really is advisable. As with the Barbara Walker stitch guides, one volume missing means you lose out on so much.

I think of really good reference books as creative passports to endless possibilities. Linda’s big white books are an excellent value, especially when you consider that you can buy them on Amazon for more than 30% off of full list price and get free shipping on top of that. At these prices they are a steal! All in all, I give these books a combined 4.5 out of 5 stars. Linda’s books truly are thick tomes of crochet stitch love.

Caveats:

• Samples in the book of blocks were crocheted in shiny yarn that was pressed to get them to lay flat for photography.

• Only the stitch pattern book has a photo index.
• Being large, hardcover books, they can be unwieldy, use of a photocopier or manual transcription is a must for portability.

Next Month: A recent – and impressive – sock book. If I get ambitious, a spectacular train wreck too.

Tags: Reviews, Reviews - Books