Crocheting Patchwork Patterns: 23 Granny Squares for Afghans, Sweaters and Other Projects by Annette Lep

by Annette Lep

If you've ever wondered what to do with those remnants and half-skeins of yarn left over from your crocheting projects, this book provides an "Patchwork" crochet projects. By combining "granny-type" squares based on quilt block patterns, you can make beautiful afghans, sweaters, and other projects. The blocks are so simple to crochet even a beginner can make them.This book provides complete crocheting instructions (only one stitch is required) as well as helpful hints on materials, working the patterns, and finishing. Choose from these charming quilt block Baby Blocks, Simple Simon, Flying Pennants, Necktie, Basic Nine-Patch, Streak of Lightning, Pinwheel, Log Cabin, Whirlwind, Roman Stripe, Indian Hatchet, Mosaic, Shoofly, Robbing Peter to Pay Paul, and nine more.In addition to the patterns themselves, the author has included specific instructions for putting the blocks together to make five attractive and useful Log Cabin Afghan, Mosaic Cardigan, Log Cabin Pullover, Sunflower Jacket, and Evening Star Coat.

Genres: Crochet

Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1980

About the author

Annette Lep moved to Pittsburgh in the early 1950's where she and her former husband, Arpad Lep, established Regent House, a design and art dealership which was an early champion and advocate of many of Pittsburgh's now established local artists. "Annie" was a well known designer of needlepoint and fiber pattern books, and was published by Dover as well as Woman's Day, Family Circle, and Ladies Home Journal. While living in New Hampshire between 1972 and 1983, she owned and operated "The Store," a book, crafts and art shop at the head of Lake Winnipesaukee, in Center Harbor, NH. After returning to Pittsburgh, Annie became the beloved Arts Activity Director at Community Human Services in South Oakland, where she taught design and fiber arts to the residents and the community. She organized several nationally recognized exhibitions of artwork of homeless and street people and created classes at Wood Street Commons in downtown Pittsburgh.

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dated book of granny squares with projects showing the granny squares used in afghans and garments. All black and white photos except the back cover page flap. Directions for each square written out instead of with stitch symbols. These squares aren't the typical more lacy style but are filled blocks of stitches. There are many, many more books available that are a huge improvement over this one. Hard pass.

[Marie Segares · Rating 3 out of 5]

(This review is part of a series of reviews of books in my granny square collection. For these reviews, the # of granny squares refers to the number of patterns for squares that are crocheted in the round, not the total number of patterns in the book.)

Summary: A pattern booklet featuring crocheted versions of classic quilt blocks, including five projects using the squares. Uses U.S. pattern abbreviations.

# of granny squares: 0 (all motifs in this book are worked in rows)

What I like:
As a lover of quilts, the concept of this book really appealed to me.
Although the book is black and white, the covers fold out to include color pictures of each motif and completed pattern.
The booklet lays flat so you can crochet and read at the same time.
There is a small illustrated instruction section at the beginning of the book which reviews basic stitches.

What I didn't like or what's missing:
There are no international stitch symbols.
The projects are dated. However, if you love vintage crochet books, you will love the modular sweaters made with crocheted quilt blocks.
Some of the patterns seem designed in the most complex way possible and frequently include multiple small pieces rather than frequent color changes on one piece.

Type: Booklet.

Overall rating (out of 5 stars): I give the book 3 stars for utility and 4 stars for being a fun, vintage crochet book.