Technique Book Reviews/Recommendations

[kilikina]

Hi there!

 

I tried to search through to see if this has been discussed already - if I missed it, I do apologize!

 

I'm wanting to expand my crochet abilities. Following patterns is great - making your own crochet creations is wonderful, but I want to get really good at crochet. When I crochet in the round (particularly in a tube, say, for a sweater), I don't want a seam line - is it possible to not have one?? When I finish a piece, I want it to look like it came from the store (ok, not exactly from the store - I want people to realize it's handmade, but not because it's got something wrong with it.) I'm almost entirely self-taught, and I have learned alot, but it's time to get better.

 

What books really expanded your crochet arsenal? Which ones turned you from intermediate to advanced? Which would you recommend for learning techniques and stitches - not just more and more patterns?

 

Thank you in advance for your help! I could really use it!!

 

Christina

[magiccrochetfan]

the book that helped me think about crochet is Crocheting in Plain English by Maggie Righetti http://www.amazon.com/Crocheting-English-Second-Maggie-Righetti/dp/0312353545/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267049607&sr=8-1

It talks about the structure of crochet, as well as details such as buttonholes. It's like having a conversation about crochet with an excellent teacher. a book I have read cover to cover.

 

Lily chin has a lot of insights into alternative ways to do things, and for example covers several ways to join in the round, in her book Crochet tips and Tricks http://www.amazon.com/Lily-Chins-Crochet-Tips-Tricks/dp/0307461068/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267049955&sr=1-1

Her book Couture Crochet Workshop covers a lot of techniques http://www.amazon.com/Couture-Crochet-Workshop-Mastering-Fashion/dp/1596680083/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267050098&sr=1-6 (I have to admit I for some reason find this book not very user-friendly for me. I have checked it out of the library several times and I know it contains good info but for some reason I never actually read much of it. )

 

Re your question about joining in the round, have you seen the no-chain turning method? http://www.youtube.com/user/TXCr1cket She also has a written summary in her Ravelry projects which I found helpful along w/ the videos.

[kilikina]

Thank you so much for your response, Magic!

 

I have ordered the two Lily Chin books you recommended, and I can't wait to get them! Yay!

[magiccrochetfan]

You're welcome, i hope you like them:hook