The Books

Books_Layout 1 24/11/2014 08:59 Page 1

THE BOOKS

Get your crochet on with these choice titles

1. Crochet with One Sheepish Girl

Meredith Crawford - £14.99, Sixth & Spring Who wouldn’t want to crochet with One Sheepish Girl? Meredith Crawford’s popular blog chronicles her creative crochet journey and has led to her first book. Jam packed with projects for wearing living and giving, there’s something for everyone to have a go at. Our personal fave is her camera purse that pays homage to her mint green Diana Dreamer camera. onesheepishgirl.com

! an ith uT rn f for Mered a rle ith ove iew w rv inte

4. Super cute crochet for little feet

Vita Apala - £12.99, Apple Press Crocheting booties is one thing, but this book takes tiny shoes into a league of its own. Make a list of every footwear trend you can think of and the chances are you’ll find a crochet version in Vita’s book, from classics like Mary Janes and brogues to cowboy boots and Grecian sandals. This is the go-to book for crocheting baby gifts. We have three free projects from this book for our readers, go to makeittoday.co.uk to download them today. apple-press.com

2. Hello Crochet!

5. Crochet Scandinavian Style

Part of the Hello series, Sarah Hazell’s latest title has a selection of easy projects for beginners. Handy and pocket-sized, this is the perfect travel companion for crocheting on-the-go.

Plus it covers the basic knowledge needed to get started. With seventeen projects spanning homewares and accessories, there’s plenty to choose from. We love the birdhouse with its button windows and embroidered flower garden. pavilionbooks.com

Scandinavian style has gripped the craft world firmly and won’t let go. It’s taken over Christmas crafts and now looks to embed itself firmly into general crafting too. Crochet Scandinavian Style contains 40 modern designs, whilst also being a reference tool for developing your crochet techniques and even touches on designing your own patterns too.

Purchase for £11.99 with free P&P by calling 01892 510850 quoting Make it Today. searchpress.com

Eva Wincent and Paula Hammerskog - £12.99, Search Press

Sarah Hazell - £4.99, Pavilion Books

6. The Crochet Answer Book, Second Edition

3. How to Crochet

Emma Varnam - £7.99, GMC Publications When learning something new, everyone has to start from somewhere and there’s no better place to begin than with Emma Varnam’s book in hand. The great photography, detailed illustrations and clear step-by-step instructions make for a practical and inspirational read. Plus the ten projects mean you have a varied choice of straightforward creations on which to try out your new found skills. thegmcgroup.com

Edie Eckman - £10.99, Storey Publishing

After almost ten years, Edie Eckman is back with the second edition of her crochet answer book. A great alternative take on the usual instructional manual, this title covers everything from pattern language and symbols to tension and other types of crochet. The direct Q&A layout helps to pinpoint the questions that many crocheters face. A must-have for your bookshelf. storey.com

Turn to p6 for Emma’s crochet cushion make

TURN OVER FOR MORE...

ON PATROL 33

Books_Layout 1 24/11/2014 09:00 Page 2

I love drawing inspiration from things I find in my daily life We talk Easter and the inner confidence crochet can bring with Meredith Crawford Who doesn’t adore a love story?

When did your relationship with crochet begin?

It started during the summer before my junior year of college. I had recently taught myself to knit and became completely obsessed. Soon after that I discovered crochet and fell in love all over again.

If you had to only choose one craft to continue, which would it be – crochet or knitting?

Oh gosh! That’s quite the tricky question. I love each craft for different reasons. I guess if I had to choose in a life or death situation… I might have to go with crochet. It just comes naturally to me and I feel a freedom to be creative when holding a crochet hook in my hands. With crochet, I am free to be me and that is a beautiful feeling.

You mention in your book that your confidence grew from your passion – do you see crochet as a way of giving shy people a voice?

It definitely worked for me! I always had a voice, I just never used it. I was finally able to express myself when I discovered crochet, blogging, and photography.

I started discovering and valuing myself in a way that I never did before. It is my hope that others who struggle with fear are able to experience joy with crochet and find a way to share it with others.

Where do your find your inspiration?

I find inspiration in fashion magazines, beautiful photography, colour palettes, fabric prints, and often in the most unexpected places. I love drawing inspiration from things I find in my daily life and using crochet to create something unique.

What are your top tips for any beginners embarking on their first crochet experience?

Don’t be afraid to start over a few times. It might take a couple of tries but eventually it will click! Also, make sure you are using the correct hook to match the yarn weight. This makes a big difference for beginners!

Is crochet the latest craft craze?

I’m pretty crazy about it! I think crochet is an amazing and versatile craft that is going to continue to grow and change in the future. It’s incredible to play a small part in that change!

Which project is your favourite from Crochet with One Sheepish Girl?

I absolutely love the heart pocket apron! It was inspired by Lucille Ball’s apron from I Love Lucy.

I have seen way too many repeats of that show. I am thankful her sweet apron with the heart pocket stuck in my mind so I could create this piece!

Is there anything you desperately want to make but haven’t found the time yet?

I would love to crochet a pair of socks. I’m not sure why but crochet socks seem incredibly intimidating.

Maybe I will finally give it a try soon!

AN OMBRÉ TINT ADDS STYLE TO A SET OF PLAIN TASSLES

What do you love about Easter?

I love celebrating Easter with my family and remembering what the day represents in our faith.

We also love watching the Fred Astaire and Judy Garland musical, Easter Parade, every year. It’s one of my favourite traditions! Although I don’t usually decorate for Easter, I have made crochet eggs before! They’re such a fun and quick pattern - a few crochet eggs hanging on a string of yarn would make a perfect Easter garland!

Now you’re not a sheepish girl, what pseudonym would you give yourself?

This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately. I’m really not sure! One Sheepish Girl will always be part of me but as I grow and move forward, I know it will not define me.

What’s on the horizon for you as One Sheepish Girl?

One Sheepish Girl is going to grow as I grow and hopefully continue to be a place of creative inspiration. I am excited to see what the future holds!

Discover more from Meredith at onesheepishgirl.com!

Make it Today!

34

MEREDITH’S CHIC CAMERA PURSE