Read and crochet your way through summer

Those of you who want to spend the summer crocheting may want to add these books to your needlework library:

“Crochet Inspiration” by Sasha Kagan is a reference book for crocheters. “Fibers are my flexible friends … when I was writing this book they twisted and turned in the most unexpected ways,” Kagan writes in her introduction.

Sections in the book cover crochet fabric made with single crochet, mesh, filet, bobbles and lace; and motifs, grannie squares, flowers and garments.

A unique feature of the book is that on each page, opposite a large photo of a motif or other item, both written and charted instructions for it are given. Those who are not familiar with reading crochet charts get a built-in lesson in learning how.

The chapter I like best in the book – hard to choose, because I like them all – is the one on how to crochet flowers. The rose, forget-me-not, chrysanthemum, pansy, sunflower and daisy are included, complete with how-to instructions. You’ll even find instructions for crocheting fungus, lichens and a seedpod. The Latvian leaf is pretty wonderful, too.

If you like to do your own thing, this book will provide many artistic avenues of crochet to explore.

“Couture Crochet Workshop: Mastering Fit, Fashion and Finesse” is by Lily Chin, who has worked in the yarn industry for more than 25 years. She has created couture crochet for the New York Fashion Week collections of Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg and Isaac Mizrahi.

Chin’s book introduces the crocheter to the finer points of garment crochet, including seaming, blocking and gauging. She gives information on reading crochet charts, planning patterns and fitting to prepare the reader for the project section of the book.

Original, fashion-forward projects include a full-circle vest – sort of like a giant elegant doily to wear – a shell-pattern shawl and matching dress, a chevron-pattern halter and matching gloves, the Bollywood tunic studded with beads, and a chevron pullover using the afghan stitch.

Those interested in crocheted jewelry will find instructions for “Not So Bling” pieces in the book.

Each project is beautifully photographed. Instructions include outline drawings of the shape of each piece and its measurements.

The book is geared toward the experienced crocheter, but novices will find plenty of inspiration and be challenged to expand their skills.

Chin is the official spokeswoman for the Orphan Foundation of America Red Scarf Project, which collects handmade scarves to give to college-bound foster youth in Valentine’s Day care packages. Visit www.orphan.org to learn more.

“Eye-Catching Crochet: Fashion Accessories You Can Make” by Janet Rehfeldt offers a compendium of projects that will delight both novices and old hands at the craft. The author assumes that readers of the book already know how to crochet.

Without doubt, the most beautiful design in the book is the Sea Treasure Stole crocheted in mohair or merino. The middle section of the stole features an open shell pattern and each edge of the stole is embellished with a scallop border. The design is airy and lovely and would be perfect for a prayer shawl, or an elegant evening accessory.

Several designs in the book are for belts crocheted in linen yarns, leather lacing, ribbon or faux suede.

A section on crocheting jewelry offers choker designs done in leather lacing, beads, wire or hemp. There’s even a therapeutic bracelet crocheted of cotton and magnetic beads.

The book also gives patterns for mitts, hats, mittens, bags, and scarf patterns in novelty yarns.

“Eye-Catching Crochet” is amply illustrated. Specific information is given for crocheting with wire, leather and beads.

Rehfeldt is co-author of “Crocheted Socks” and her designs appear in several crochet magazines.

“201 Crochet Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas” by Melody Griffiths is the kind of book that makes you want to grab your crochet hook and never let go. Her book tells experienced crocheters how to make flower, lace, alphabet, shaped, picture and geometric motifs.

Want to crochet something as exotic as a water lily? This book tells you how. Lace motifs include the shamrock octagon. Shaped motifs include the paisley, the oak leaf and the Celtic knot. Picture motifs done in several different colors include the sheep, butterfly and cow. Geometric motifs include squares, diamonds, hexagons and triangles.

Instructions for the motifs are given in text and chart form. The photograph of each motif is in color and so large the reader can actually see how the piece is crocheted.

Projects in the book build from the motifs and readers will find directions for the Rosette Hexagon Top, Clematis Coverlet, Granny Flower Square Child’s Jacket and Siamese Cat Mini-bag, plus 44 other projects.

Order these books at your local bookstore or ask for them at your town library.

Call Ardeana Hamlin at 990-8153, or e-mail ahamlin@bangordailynews.net.