Something About New Books in the World of Crochet

Today I would like to share a happy news with you. I participated in first book in my life. I mostly self-publish crochet patterns via pattern marketplaces, and some of my designs have been published in magazines. But there is nothing to be compared with the joy of carrying a real printed book with your own designs. Just before New Year’s Eve I got a mail from Great Britain. With a newly published Bold Baby Crochet book inside.

Bold Baby Crochet Book

Almost a year ago my friend Dedri Uys (a creative mind behind Look At what I Made) asked if I would like to participate in a new book with baby crochet designs. I silently jumped up to the ceiling and said “Yes, of course I would love to!” And today I can tell you everything about this wonderful project.

Bold Baby Crochet book contains 30 colorful and modern crochet projects for babies: clothing (booties, socks, cardigans, hats and other), gifts and toys and decorations for nursery (wall hangings, baskets, organizers). The patterns mostly call for an easy level, with several Intermediate and Advanced projects.

The book was published by Quantum Books Ltd. and several authors, well known crochet designers, contributed in its creation. And I am happy to say some of them are my friends! The authors are Kirsten Ballering (Haak Maar Raak), Carolyn Christmas (Pink Mambo), Sophie Cormier (Illumikniti Designs), Shelley Husband (Spincushions), Carmen Jorissen (Crafty Queens), Doroteja Kardum (Croby Pattern Designs), Rhondda Mol (Oombawka Design Crochet), Amy Ramnarine (The Stitchin' Mommy), Pia Thadani (StitchesNScraps) and of course Dedri Uys (Look At What I Made) who put everything together and contributed beautiful patterns!

“I firmly believe that there is no greater gift for a baby than an item handmade with love. When I had my first son, a friend of ours made him a little octopus toy out of an old T-shirt. I cherished that toy right up until the day we lost it in the outing. There was something so comforting and special about the fact that she had taken time to create a gift. It spoke of love and carried meaning”. From Introduction by Dedri Uys

I designed a medium sized Monster pillow (with Stone Washed XL* yarn by Scheepjes) which can also be used as a storage for toys, and baby clothes. And Rainbow Waves Stroller Blanket – with Merino Soft* by Scheepjes. Pillow pattern is very easy to follow and crochet beginners should be able to handle it with no problems at all. A little of embroidery is included but all stitches are very simple. And blanket pattern calls for a little bit more experience. I used front post stitches to create textured waves on the surface. The same stitch pattern is repeated through the whole blanket so it’s not difficult to make.

“The projects of this book have been designed with babies and toddlers in mind. Three dimensional pieces are crocheted seamlessly or securely fastened in place. Buttons, beads, sequins, and other plastic components have been avoided as often as possible”. From Disclaimer of the book

Though the publisher and authors warn readers to ensure all elements are joined securely to prevent a choking hazard.

In the end of the book you will find a list of techniques, special stitches used in the patterns and advice how to block finished items to make them look professional. Written instructions are accompanied by high quality step-by-step pictures. So even a crochet beginner will receive all information to handle the patterns.

Bold Baby Crochet book is already available for a pre-order via Amazon US* and Amazon UK. It will be officially released and go for sale on March 1, 2017.

Sophie’s Universe Book

Of course I should mention another fantastic news which literally exploded the world of crochet a week ago. Dedri’s Sophie’s Universe Book was finally published and went live for sale!

Photo Credit: Dedri Uys (Look At What I Made)

If you haven’t heard about this epic and one of the most amazing blankets – please, check Dedri’s blog. Sophie’s Universe is a CAL (crochet-a-long) introduced back in 2015. It was the first CAL of that kind, no one else had made anything like this before. Dedri created a quite intricate pattern of a large blanket, with a mixture of techniques and stitches. Her idea was to invite people to a crochet journey where they can learn something new, increase crochet skills and build up self-confidence.

Literally thousands and thousands of people from all over the world joined this CAL and completed their blankets in a wide variety of colors. The CAL was translated to many languages, and there are also video’s available for each part (made by Esther from It’s All In A Nutshell). Step-by-step tutorials with huge amount of progress pictures are still available in free access on Dedri’s blog. But she also wanted to publish a book, a beautiful modern book where all tutorials, and Sophie’s Universe story, would be kept in one place. And her dream came true thanks to Scheepjes.

Photo credit: Dedri Uys (Look At what I Made)

If you fell in love with this blanket, you can use the same yarns as Dedri. Yarns packs are available for purchase at her Wool Warehouse shop HERE*.

Sophie’s Universe book is a true gift to all fans of this CAL. First bunch of copies was sold in no time. But next wave will come soon. The price is £16.95/€19.95. The book will be available via Amazon US* (not available yet) and Wool Warehouse* (UK, international shipping). You can leave your e-mail at Wool Warehouse web-site and you will be notified as soon as books are back in stock. I signed up myself and am patiently waiting for them to arrive…

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