Crochet Beyond the Basics from Leisure Arts

Where are my crafters? I am so very excited to tell you about one of the newer titles from Leisure Arts. This is seriously my favorite crochet book ever! I don’t know about you, but I really love to learn new styles, stitches, and techniques, and Crochet Beyond the Basics is just busting with great new things for me to try. This is the book for anyone looking to take their crochet to the next level.  

When I get a new book I usually flip through and find a project or two I want to start soon but I was literally torn between every technique in the book. That said, I just started at the beginning with something called Bruges Lace. As you can see from my practice ribbon I took the pattern to make Bruges lace a step further with a filet style. I am thinking this dainty lace will make a great shawl once I master the turns and joining which this awesome book will teach me. 

Speaking of Filet, that is also a technique covered in this book. You have probably seen this and maybe not know the name. It is used to make awesome designs and pictures by using opened and full spaces. I was so happy, after reading how it is done, to find out that I can do this!! I can really make stuff like awesome curtains with pictures of coffee cups for my kitchen. That is seriously on my short list.

I have seen Hairpin and Broomstick lace before and always been rather intimidated by them but now that I have these instructions with great patterns (just look at the delicate lovely shawl) I am going to tackle them both! I even have a great idea on how to make a homemade hairpin lace tool from things I have laying about the house.    

There are also sections to teach Irish crochet which is super stunning and looks very advanced. I can’t wait to try it! Tunisian is also covered. I have made one project in this style and I love the fabric it creates, it gives you a very dense knit like material. I made a small pouch for my camera and it always gets complements. I do need more practice at this and we will talking about another Leisure Arts title on this style very soon. 

The section on symbol crochet has already come in super handy. I found a lovely shawl and the written pattern was incoherent however it did have a chart, which I couldn’t read before I had this book to reference. Knowing how to read charts is so handy because often patterns, especially the older lacy ones I love only have charts. 

If you are wanting to make a more complex looking material with great color dimensions, there are three sections you will want to look at Polish Stars, Tapestry, and Mosaic crochet! These are fabulous techniques that allow you to create fabulous things with great depth of design. 

You can see why this is my favorite book now, there is not a section that I won’t be using more than once. Once you have mastered the basics of crochet you will want this book in your library, seriously. While you are there take some time to browse Leisure Arts' great selection and make sure you also connect with Leisure Arts on Facebook and Twitter so that you never miss a special or new pattern! Also, if you sign up for their knitting or crochet newsletters, you get a free pattern on Fridays!

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my reader