Product Description

This guide to crocheting features 20 rich projects for home furnishings and accessories and is ideal as an introduction to this simple and versatile needlecraft. Textile designer Erika Knight has created a range of elegant but uncomplicated designs that anyone, even without having picked up a crochet hook before, can make for themselves with professional results. The designs themselves, ranging from simple cushions, throws and runners to bages, baskets, slippers and even a simple shrug, are made in a rich variety of yarns including mohair, lurex, raffia, string and leather. Her colour palette comprises neutrals and naturals with touches of bright colours that introduce a contemporary element.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #113221 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

About the Author
Erika Knight is a much respected knitwear and crochet designer, as well as a sought-after fashion and crafts consultant. For many years she has been working towards a greater understanding and accessibility within the crafts arena to bring it to a new generation. Erika has worked for a number of major fashion houses including Nicole Farhi, Whistles, Edina Ronay in the UK; J. Crew and Gap in the US; and Country Road in Australia; as well as running her own company producing designer knitwear. Erika has published a number of highly acclaimed knitting books including New Knits and Baby Bloom, as well two books on crochet: Simple Crochet and Essential Crochet, which have sold in excess of 200,000 copies worldwide. She has also published four titles in the Collectables series Classic, Glamour, Classic at Home and Glamour at Home each a collection of 15 stunning designs for womenswear and the home. Her latest book Beads and Buttons is based on jewellery design.

Customer Reviews

Heavenly!
This book inspires you to create something really up to the minute. The three (yes only three!) basic stitches are clearly illustrated with simple wording that makes them very easy to follow. If crochet was something that you saw at your school bring and buy sale then - get over it with this book. Take a wonderful, useful craft into the 21st century and cherish your new groovy stuff - house guests will think you've spent a fortune when all you've done is popped into the post office for a couple of balls of string!

Stunning home items may inspire you to crochet
This is a handsome book by craft author Erika Knight. Her style is "natural"--neutral colors, simple lines. In "Simple Crochet" she employs mostly single crochet stitch, very simple indeed, and makes a number of home projects that look very stylish.

There are slippers and pillows and an appealing throw in a grandma square style, but in colors that would accent any modern room done in rustic colors. If you don't crochet, this may inspire you. If you do crochet, use this book for stunning gifts and home decor items.

Inspiring and practical - Mostly
The first impression of this book is that it is meant to inspire beginners with its stunning combinations of colours and textures. As a beginner myself I was also drawn to it for its no-nonsense black and white instructional photos and modern projects (although there are slight lapses with the string bottle covers and towel edging). For being able to teach me to crochet I would give it 5 stars because I've been crocheting like a mad woman ever since.

However, many of the projects are using Rowan Yarn; Beautiful and expensive yarn. There are some projects in the book that I think most people who own the book will never attempt because they need £70 - £80 worth of yarn (namely for the throws projects), which seems odd for a beginner's book to have. On the other hand there are some stunning projects using everyday string, lengths of fabric and raffia which helps the reader think out side of the ordinary.

Despite having projects I will never attempt I love this book. I love the photography and the clear instructions. It's lovely book to browse through and the projects generally have a lot of mileage. I know I'll keep making the string market bag for years to come.