cover image The New Crochet: 40 Wonderful Wearables

The New Crochet: 40 Wonderful Wearables

Terry Taylor. Lark Books (NC), $24.95 (143pp) ISBN 978-1-57990-686-3

Beginners will race for the craft store when they see the array of crochet projects spun by veteran crafts author Taylor (Altered Art: Techniques for Creating Altered Books, Boxes, Cards & More). Organized into six sections, the book includes extensively illustrated instructions for staples like scarves and hats, and advanced projects for experienced crafters. Most of the instructions are accessible to novice needlers (""Make the hat first; then, with the remaining yarn, make the scarf to the desired length""), but some details for advanced projects can confuse. In addition to hats, scarves, tops and ponchos, the pages are filled with pint-sized projects perfect for getting started with crochet, like the Flirty Floral Choker and Jammin' Jeans, both of which will appeal to a youthful crowd. From the skimpy Impanema Ensemble swim suit and wrap to Not Your Granny's Halter Top, the projects are fresh, fun and stylish. Younger readers will be tempted by the Reversible Halter and Scarf while more mature readers will covet the classic Double Rectangle Top or the Snuggly Azure Shrug. This volume is aimed squarely at the center of the next generation of crocheters, but will interest anyone who likes zippy crochet projects.