Crochet in No Time

by Melody Griffiths

Imagine a hobby that's a proven stress reliever, highly portable, exceptionally versatile, and requires only one, affordable, simple-to-operate, no-tech tool. No wonder crocheting is enjoying a creative renaissance and attracting crowds of newbie needlecrafters. With Crochet in No Time, anyone can make something stunning to wear, lovely to display, or delightful to give to someone special within a matter of hours.
The illustrated, hands-on techniques section covers the basic stitches. You'll start by learning the right way to hold an extra-large crochet hook and skein of yarn, then quickly move on to casting on and mastering chain, double, and treble crochet stitches.
What makes Crochet in No Time fun for accomplished crocheters, as well as novices, is its original designer collection of 52 projects. Grouped together in categories--accessories, scarves & wraps, sweaters & tops, home, babies & children--the projects all come with clear step-by-step instructions and inspiring photos. From super easy to more challenging, each project comes with an estimated time to complete--from a mere 30 minutes to about a day--plus lots of helpful hints and professional pointers.
Here's a sampling of what's incredibly easy to create with one extra-large crochet hook:
- A jaunty beaded beret and practical scarf with pockets
- A pretty pearly necklace and bright flower earrings
- A rosebud hairband and sugar plum fairy cardigan for a sweet little lady
- An elegant black lace wrap, bag, and gloves for a gala evening
- A cozy flowery paisley afghan and a lovely lace-edged tablecloth
With Crochet in No Time, it's easy to get hooked on whipping up all kinds of chic, adorable, and eye-catching items.

Genres: Crochet, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Mycala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated 5 stars because so many of the projects were things I would actually wear or feel proud to give away. A lot of crochet patterns seem pretty "iffy" to me, and most times in a book of 20 projects or so, I'm lucky to find one thing I like, but this book is a winner. In fact, I'm probably going to buy it because there are so many cute things. I'll be busy for a long time.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the patterns in here are excellent (like the adorable blue elephant on pg.108); others are weird (the paisley throw on pg. 132 doesn't look paisley to me; it looks like something you'd find under a microscope); and still others are just plain icky (Victorian-style collar on pg. 46; you know why Victorian isn't in style anymore? This collar is why). I'm glad I checked this out of the library instead of buying it, but neither do I feel that looking through it was a waste of my time. I looked through it trying to decide on some of the more average patterns way too many times, which was kind of a waste, but that's all on me being an indecisive fool.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had lots of different types of projects to create. There were a decent amount of pictures for each project finished, but none of them in progress. This is not a book to teach you but just a book of patterns, so learn first then come back to this book. It does not give any indication on any of the patterns what level they are for, so I don't recommend this book for someone who is learning. As with any pattern book there might be some patterns that you don't like, but there are enough projects that you will be able to fins something you like. I checked this out from my local library and will do so again in the future when I am more experienced, as I am just now teaching myself again how to crochet since I haven't done it in so long and forgot everything.

[Bliss · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is full of beautiful projects. But I can't say it's one of my favorites.

I have been crocheting for over 30 years but I consider myself to be somewhere between advanced beginner and an intermediate hooker.

Reading patterns is easy for me. Understanding and implementing them is another tale for a snowy day...

Patterns are a lot easier for me to understand when they come with many many illustrations that explain the darned thing.

This book was lacking in that respect.

The only pictures are of yarn swatches and finished products.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made the elephant from this book and there was very good shaping of the project to allow the head and the body to be one piece. The other projects look nice as well. There are instructions on crochet techniques for beginners as well. I didn't like that there was no mention of how much yarn in yards or another length was mentioned. If I knew how long the yarn they used in the projects was, it would have been simple, but without the internet or the actual skein in hand, that wouldn't be possible. Thankfully I had more than enough yarn.

[Judithlewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author makes crochet simpler through her own patterns and the shortcuts she has listed. I have not tried the patterns, as crochet is something I just have not found the time to learn, but some of her patterns I would love to make!

[Carrie Rolph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patterns for granny square gloves and hat.

[Jenay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these patterns are very interesting to me. I already made one (the Trapper Hat, pg. 26) and was finished with it in 2 days. :) Perfect for a busy person like myself.

[Nancy]

Love the granny square fingerless gloves

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

String Bag

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many projects, so little time.

[Cathy]

heirloom bonnet p 96
heirloom bootees p 98
lacy victorian shawl p 100
sugar plum fairy cardigan p 103

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have used some of the patterns. Well written

[susan stockwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patterns have that edge and finesse that put them in the designer class. Instructions are well written, clear and easy to follow.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with some unusual projects for crochet as well as the obligatory sweaters, afghans, bags etc.

[Trenare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several cute projects that I want to try.