by Ardeana Hamlin
Weekly Staff
Crocheters seeking lovely gifts to make for friends and family, or for themselves, using a minimum of one or a maximum of three skeins of yarn will find “Quick Crocheted Accessories” by Sharon Zientara a handy book to add to their bookshelf. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs and diagrams, and — bonus! — the type size large enough to allow for reading comfort when it comes to following instructions for projects. Needlework books with miniscule type size is one of my pet peeves, so it’s encouraging to find a book published by a company — Interweave — that has taken reading comfort into consideration.
Two and three skein projects include a shawlette, wraps and shawl, all lavishly lacy, scarves, hats and cowls. One skein projects include mitts, socks and a cowl.
I was especially attracted to several of the hat projects — the Buttons and Lace hat is crocheted of alpaca. The hat band is crocheted flat, then stitches are picked up around one edge of the band to to form the crown. Spaces created by working the shell pattern of the hat band for the holes for the button trim. Choose four vintage buttons to embellish it and one can go forth in elegance when the cold winds blow.
The Flourish Cloche hat also has a band that is crocheted flat, with stitches picked up along one edge to form the crown. It is worked in an alpaca, merino and nylon blend yarn, in tweed, in single crochet. The hat is adorned with a large, ruffled flower placed on the hat band, and low enough so that it just grazes the wearer’s cheek, which gives the hat a certain romantic charm.
The Stellina Hat and Fingerless gloves is crafted in a blend of alpaca, silk and linen, worked in a solid pattern for the hat band and in star stitch for the body of the hat. The star stitch is what gives the hat its personality.
The Wavelength Beanie, suitable for man or woman, is crocheted of silk and merino and worked in post stitches to create a pattern that creates a gently curving line from brim to crown on the front part of the hat. The design has a modern, hip design with overtones of minimalism.
While not rated for skill range, some of the projects, such as the Enmeshed Cowl, the Engild Mitts and the Floret Cloche are easy enough for beginners to tackle.
For information about “Quick Crocheted Accessories,” inquire at your local bookstore or library, or go to interweave.com.