Book Review: Afghans & Throws: A Step-by-Step Guide to Knit and Crochet Designs, Patterns and Techniques

HHCC Book Review


Title: Afghans & Throws: A Step-by-Step Guide to Knit and Crochet Designs, Patterns and Techniques
Author: Luise Roberts
Year: 2008

Rating: 9 1/2 out of 10 balls of yarn

This book caught may attention when I saw Crochet and Knit in the title. It’s almost impossible to find both in one book. I found this book to be a very comprehensive guide, not a how- to. It is not for the beginner, you need to know how to crochet or knit to be able to use this book. Also it is not a pattern book (there are 6 projects in the back not all afghans or throws). This book has several sections starting with tools for knitting and crochet and has over 30 sections each devoted a particular facet of crochet or knitting.

An example of the information is a table that covers sizing of beds with crochet and knit yarn calculations for multiple yarn types. The other sections cover color selection, embroidery, creating motifs to appliqué to a finished project, and more. It includes how to read both knit and crochet charts. Finishing and trims in crochet and knit. There is a section on stitches in crochet and knit. Each has a picture of the completed pattern, written instructions (for most) and the chart. There are sections on cables, weaving, texture and using beads in knit and crochet. Each section covers both mediums.

Definitely a book I would like to put in my library and it wouldn’t collect dust.
9 ½ balls of yarn out of 10 because the projects weren’t all afghans or throws.


Review by Diane George, HHCC Member.

This book was provided to the HHCC by the Trafalgar Square Books publishing company. Members of the HHCC may borrow this book from the HHCC's Crochet Library.

New (temp) Home for HHCC Monthly Meetings

The HHCC is pleased to announce the monthly meetings for the next 5 months (Aug-Dec 2010) will be held at:

The Hampton Inn (hotel)

located on 81 Newtown Road, Danbury, Connecticut

Directions:

From I-84 East, take Exit 8. Right turn off exit. At the first light hotel is located on the left behind Friendly's restaurant.
From I-84 West, take Exit 8. Straight off exit in center left lane to merge straight onto Newtown Road. At the fourth light hotel will be on the left behind Friendly's restaurant.

Parking is free.

HHCC'ers at the Danbury Fair Mall

For the July meeting, HHCC'ers met at the Danbury Fair Mall located in Danbury, Connecticut.


The Danbury Fair Mall is built on the same land the Great Danbury Fair used to be held (1869-1981). When the owner died he left the grounds to his children stating that it would “always be a place for people to gather.” The Fair ended in 1981 and in 1986 they opened the mall, inclulding the carousel that at that time could be seen from the highway. (several years later they added the parking garage which now blocks the highway view of the carousel.) You can learn more about this Fair by clicking here.

How is the Danbury Fair Mall connected to the fiber world? The daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder (author of the Little House series of books) had a daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. Rose lived in Danbury during the 1960s and is said to have been a volunteer at the Fair for the needlework entries (Rose authored the coveted book, The Woman’s Day Book of American Needlework in 1963).

In keeping with the spirit of the Fair being a gathering place, HHCC'ers enjoyed having their July meeting in the food court. "Crocheting in public is fun!" exlaimed the newest HHCC Jr. member (age 10). HHCC'ers were also encouraged to play "Crochet Bingo" with member Andrea winning for finding the most items with crochet at JCPenney's -- and for finding people at the mall who also enjoy crocheting!

Stay tuned to learn where next month's meeting location will be! :)

HHCC'ers Receive Honorable Mention!

In the CGOA's 2010 Design Competition, HHCC members Elaine Brown and Lindsey Sephens received Honorable Mentions for their entries.

Elaine received her Honorable Mention for her Thread entry, "The Flowers are Alive; Daisy and Blackeyed Susan." Lindsey received her Honorable Mention for her Accessory Entry, "Free Spirit Tote."

To see their entries, and more beautiful winning crochet entries, visit Doris Chan's blog here for the complete listing

Congratulations Margaret!

In the CGOA's 2010 Design Competition, HHCC member Margaret Hubert won Second Prize $200 (Interweave) for her “Fantasy in Purple and Lime” entry in the Daywear Category.

To see her prize winning design, and more beautiful winning crochet entries, visit Doris Chan's blog here for the complete listing.

Congratulations Margaret!

HHCC'ers Return from 16th Annual CGOA ChainLink Conference

Several HHCC members attended the annual CGOA Conference well known as "ChainLink" and as The Knit and Crochet Show, that was held in Manchester, NH, last week. This was the 16th Annual Conference for the CGOA of which members Margaret Hubert and Dee Stanziano were teachers.

HHCC member Nancy wrote upon her return home from the Conference , "Got 10 hours sleep last nite, will probably need about another week of 10 hours worth to catch up from last week! lol"

Margaret blogged about her experience here; Dee uploaded some pictures here. Honorary HHCC'er Doris Chan headed up the CGOA's Design Contest, and with Caron Yarns she also hosted the evening Club Caron party.

HHCC'er Diane Moyer was there too -- with Dee winning her beautiful felted bag at the raffle held on Professional Development Day; the raffle helped raise nearly $1000 for the Lyme Disease Association!

In addition, HHCC'ers Andrea, Deb, Elaine, Hinda and Lindsey were there too! A fun time for all!! Join us at our next monthly meeting for more details :)

Another AM Coffee, Crochet & Chat Session

HHCC members and guests have been gathering at the Borders bookstore located on Federal Road in Brookfield, Connecticut, for over 7 years!

The morning attendees of "Coffee, Crochet & Chat" have decided to add another gathering day: the 5th Wednesday of the month!

If you are in the area, please consider joining us in the Cafe area for some great coffee, crochet & chat:

Mornings (10AM - Noon) on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month
{{5th Wednesday 2010 dates: 6/30, 9/29, 12/29}}

Evenings (6-8 PM) on the 1st Wednesday of the month.