Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia by Robyn Chachula
ENTRIES FOR THE GIVEAWAY ARE NOW CLOSED. Thanks to everyone who participated! I enjoyed reading all your responses. A winner will be selected at random tomorrow. Good luck everyone!
REVIEW
are the most used books in all of my book collection (and that’s saying a lot because my library spans crochet, cookbooks, photography, graphic design, travel, home improvement, literature, and fine arts selections). I have a small, but well-coveted selection of stitch dictionaries and “how to’s” that hail from various parts of the world. As a visual learner myself, I use these books mainly for the diagrams in planning out my own designs; I find it easier to work directly from the blueprint in the planning phase of any project because I can attempt to work out my own modifications to that blueprint right there on paper (or in a graphics program like Illustrator) before I even pick up yarn and hook.
So when the opportunity arose to review Robyn Chachula’s newly published book,”,” I jumped. Her work is very well-thought out and her aesthetic eye is brilliant. I was eager to see how she’d apply her own blueprint style of planning and construction to a stitch dictionary, that which has been done before (dictionaries), but add her own style, twists, and quirks to make it unique (I can appreciate how that would be a bit of a daunting task!).
Love, love, love.
“Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia” does just that. It’s a hallmark of Robyn’s work laid out in one book that’s cleverly divided into nine chapters, each of which are introduced in a systematic way like the layers of a layer cake: “Simple Stitch Patterns,” “Textured Stitch Patterns,” “Lace Stitch Patterns,” “Unique Lace Stitch Patterns,” “Colorwork Stitch Patterns,” Tunisian Stitch Patterns,” “Square and Hexagonal Granny Squares,” “Flower, Snowflake and Joining Motifs,” and “Edgings.” Each pattern has a name – with some being quite amusing (Chicken Foot…Jumping Beans!) – and a description which either highlights a specific feature about the stitch pattern or suggests a use for it, both of which are quite useful to the reader. There are also random tips scattered throughout the book which guide the reader in their own designing including tips on blocking, garment construction based on the chosen pattern, adaptations and usage for motifs, etc. And take note: every pattern has a written description, a clear photo, and a stitch diagram. Yes, even the tunisian stitches! A glossary provides the names of all symbols used in the diagrams so if you’re unfamiliar with them, no worries.
Lots of possibilities with this!
The evolution of the designs in “” is phenomenal, touching up design elements from various cultures, from Victorian lacework to the Ukraine to Japan and back around to South America. Many of the names chosen for the stitches reflect that sense of culture – Rutherglen, Hatsukoi Motif, Tarfaya, Cameroon, and Delmarva – while others are more indicative of what the stitch pattern resembles – Climbing Vine, Peephole Chevron, Strawberry Lace, and Picot Trellis. And yet, despite these homages to the past, there are a plethora of stitch arrangements, color combinations, and whole designs that I’ve never seen before, making it a “must pick up and not put down” kind of book.
Another standout feature of the book is the “Joining Motifs” section because how many times have you seen a really beautiful motif and thought to yourself, “This would make a stellar blanket…if I only knew some tricks in how to join them.” Robyn showcases 8 different ways to join various types of motifs together, putting the reader in the driver seat of their own designing.
Full of awesome!
Also exceptional to ”” is the edgings section where Robyn delivers an array of some simple, some intricate, but all beautiful edging designs that illustrate how the pattern should look as it turns the corner on a blanket or garment, something that readers will appreciate. But what if you’re working an edging on just a single-sided item and don’t need the corner directions? Robyn gives tips on that too.
Hands down, my most favorite section of the book is the “Brussels Stitch Patterns” with Jacintha being my most coveted stitch pattern throughout. My mind races in thinking about the machinations for that particular pattern, from scarves to shawls to pillow cover designs. I even envision manipulating the undulating curves of the design, making them like an uneven stack of folded towels and what that design would transcend into. The possibilities are endless.
Prettiness!
With this book, Robyn has taken a back seat to garment construction and given her readers the blueprint to construct what they wish using the stitch patterns and suggested guidelines.
And now it’s your turn. Wiley, the publisher of “Crochet Stitches Visual Encyclopedia” is allowing me to give away one book to one of my lucky readers.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Rules: To enter to win a copy of “” by crochet designer Robyn Chachula, leave a comment on this post by midnight, EST. on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 telling me how you’ve used stitch dictionaries in the past or, if you’ve never owned one, how you might use one in the future. One winner will be chosen on Thursday, October 27, 2011 via random.org.
Extra ways to enter to win: Like my and leave me a comment over there or tweet about this giveaway on (include @NexStitch in your tweet so I see it!). These will count as separate entries, giving you more of a chance to win because free stuff is cool, right?
P.S. Comment moderation is on (as always).
BLOG TOUR
I have about 3 dictionaries, each different enough to provide new takes on traditional stitches, plus original ones. I prefer dictionaries that use international symbols along with written directions and photos. I haven’t met an intricate design I couldn’t master if I had 3 ways of visualizing what I need to do with my hook.
At the moment I’m experimenting for a crocheted fabric, using different stitches and hooks from 2 books, trying to get just the right combination of texture, drape and look for the yarn I want to use in a new top I’m adapting from a sewing pattern. At the moment, I think a medium dense lace based on V stitches, picots and chains is winning… must make a larger sample.
I love stitch dictionaries! I like browsing for inspiration, whether it’s a scarf, sampler afghan, or sweater. I don’t have nearly as many as I could use and I’m very excited about Robyn’s new book!
I have never owned a stitch dictionary before – it would come in handy when I want to start a simple baby blanket or scarf but don’t necessarily want to follow a pattern.
I have never really used a reference book in the past but this one looks like a “must have”. I would love to have a go to book to help when I get stuck or am unsure of something!
This does look like a great resource book to have.
I love stitch encyclopedias. I have 1 from my grandmother ( very vintage lol) & love to find new stitches to try in it. Please enter me in your drawing.
Please enter me in the drawing for a copy of Robyn Chachula’s Crochet Stitch Dictionary. I read about your drawing for this book on Crochetville where I am known as tnkycrochetnut. I just got done checking on Robyn Chachula’s book on Amazon. It is an amazing crochet stitch dictionary. I own several but I believe Robyn’s I will use more than my other ones. She not only tells you how to do the stitch but has suggestions of what items the stitch will work best for. From the information I read on Amazon about this book I found several stitches she recommends in using to make caps. I currently make caps and scarves for my church’s clothes closet. I also make chemo caps to give to my oncologist’s office. I like to make my caps/scarves and chemo caps as attractive and as nice as I can make them. This stitch dictionary will help me to make my items look outstanding. You know, more like something “store boughten” instead of home made. Not that home made is bad. I really love home made foods – especially desserts.
Please enter me – Kathy R. Monzon
I love to find new stitches and try to come up with something to make using that stitch.
When I got my first stitch dictionary, many years ago, I designed a crazy vest for my best friend with just a few rows of each lacy stitch pattern I wanted to try. As a new designer, it’s probably time to have more than 1 in my library.
I’ve never had a book like that. I knew about the calenders but didn’t know of an encyclopedia. Please enter me, I know I’d put it to good use
I love stitch dictionaries, they help when I need to come up with a quick and unusual gift…and they are just fun to play with
I love stitch dictionaries. They are great to use for inspiration and are fun to look through. They are also great to learn new stitches. I borrow them from the library, so I would love to have one of my own so I could have it on standby when I’m creating something new! Thanks for the giveaway!
I also left you a Facebook comment
I Tweeted about the giveaway
What a neat book! I’d love to win a copy!
I like stitch encyclopedias because it gives me a chance to practice new stitches and think about how to incorporate those stitches in my work.
I love to create my own crochet designs. This book would be perfect for those times when I’m searching for the perfect stitch, wondering how to make my idea translate to the yarn, or needing ideas for another project! I have often wished for a resource like this.
I’ve got 1 stitch dictionary with both knit/crochet stitches that I’ve used rarely. I would LOVE to have a crochet one, especially with Tunisian stitches! I’ve got big plans in my head for designs, and I’d love some Tunisian pointers and inspiration! I’d love to be able to bring them to fruition. It’s been my dream since I was a little girl to make a living from my crafting! :0)
I commented on the post on your FB page! :0)
I use stitch dictionaries all the time! I love looking at the patterns and I always get inspiration for new designs when I do.
These are the best resources you can ask for when you’re developing a pattern.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Angel
I checked out a stitch dict from the library. I did not want to return it. What a treasure!
I’m new to crocheting. I taught myself to crochet to keep busy while gong through breast cancer treatment in 2010. Now I’m hooked (excuse the pun):) I just know the basics and would love to have a good reference book to improve my technique.
Last Christmas I knitted over 20 scarves. I pulled out my stitch dictionary and made each scarf different by using different stitches for each one. Would love a crochet stitch dictionary, too.
hi
i have never owned a stitch dictionary but sure would like to. i am a self taught crocheter and also have rheumatoid arthritis. I would like to continue to crochet for as long as my arthritis lets me and i would really like to grow my stitch cache. i would use this regularly and would be delighted to call it my first. thank you.