50 Sensational Crochet Afghans & Throws

There are some wonderful crochet designs in this book. I can't wait to get started on the cover project because it is so awesome!

I have so many crochet afghan books I don't possibly know what to do with them all. I've been crocheting for nearly 30 years, and in that time, I have found that many of the patterns in my collection of books and assorted patterns are very much like each other in many ways. Crochet is beautiful, but like fashion, some looks are dated, others are timeless. When beginning a new project, I tend to go online and look for something different. My books seem to consist of rehashed similar patterns. While classic, the adventurous side of me likes to take on something completely new. I was drawn to the pattern on the front of the book. This book takes many classic patterns and updates them in unique and amazing ways. When I received it, I was excited to see the various color combinations and different stitch combinations. With gorgeous patterns ranging from easy to experienced, there's something in here for everyone on your gift giving list. There are four categories: Classics Updated; I'll Take Romance; Big Hook, Big Style; and Cuddle-Up Cuties. There really is something in here for everyone. My hope was to find patterns to use to clear out my overflowing stash of yarn, and this book will make that happen for me this year. It's been a long time since I've been excited about an afghan pattern book, and this one delivers beyond.

This book contains some of the most beautiful afghans and throws I've ever come across. The directions are well-written and the pictures clear. Although a few of the color choices aren't my taste (lots of variegated yarns for the baby blankets and a couple of wowza brights for the classics), the designs are truly beautiful and with a little change in color they could suit just about anyone and their decor. Overall, the aghans found here are simply gorgeous. The one on the cover ("Stained Glass Window Afghan") is a wonderful example of the beauty in this book. What's better, is the yarns chosen for the models and written in the patterns are readily available in most craft stores (Micheal's, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby) and even Wal-Mart. Some of the yarns called for are Red Heart Super Saver, Red Heart Soft, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Homespun, Lion Brand Romance, Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Patons Shetland Chunky, Patons Classic Marino Wool, Plymouth Encore, TLC Essentials, TLC Amore, Bernat Satin, and Bernat Softee Baby, among others. You would never guess buy looking at the pictures that such affordable and common yarns are used. I was so happy to learn, when flipping through the book for the first time, that I could actually find and afford the yarn called for. If you choose to buy this book, you will NOT be disappointed. There's truly something here for everyone. If you're like me and are lucky to see a hand full of patterns in one crochet book that you'll actually make, you'll be surprised--no, shocked--at how many of these afghans you'll want to make (at least 3/4 of them, if not more!).

I had been waiting for this book to be published as I saw a 'teaser' pattern in a magazine awhile back...Well, I am not disappointed! I definitely recommend for the adventurous (wanting something other than variations of known patterns) crocheter. I think you can easily substitute yarns if desired for any of the patterns, just use the same weight recommended. I bet we'll see a lot of these patterns at the State Fairs across the country next year!

It's nice to finally buy a pattern book for afghans, and it's patterns I haven't seen before! I own a LOT of crochet afghan books, and I was pleased with all the new patterns I got with this book. The afghan on the front is what caught my eye, and it's worth the purchase alone. Usually I don't like the colors they choose for the afghans, but these are all A+ in my book! If you like the look of the afghan on the front then you'll really like the Peruvian Tiles afghan. It is really stunning. It's hard to choose what afghan to crochet first!!

21 afghans in first section: classics updated. 8 in I'll take romance, 10 in big hook, 11 for babies. Designers include Melody MacDuffee's cover afghan. Back cover has 3 on the corners which are very interesting. Lots of grannies, motifs, ripples, aran type and lace. There's a very nice circular baby afghan. EAch afghan has difficulty rating, and several color photos. All instructions written out, no charts. No unusual methods such as Tunisian. Recommended to all crocheters (no knitting, ok).