Quick Crochet Huge Hooks

Quick Crochet Huge Hooks is a great book for both beginners and experienced crocheters looking for some new projects. It focuses on projects made with hooks 10.00 mm (US size N-13) through 20.00 mm (US size S), with most of the projects using 12.00 mm (US size O/P-15) and 15.00 mm (US size Q). The first section, Huge-Hook Know-How, discusses huge hooks, the yarn to use with them, and how to crochet. There are step-by-step instructions for every crochet stitch used in the book, holding the yarn, increasing and decreasing, and reading the pattern. There are diagrams to aid visual learners, and detailed instructions on how to follow the patterns in the book. The last section, Useful Things to Know, tells how to make tassels, how to line the projects, and where to find the yarn that is used in the book. It also includes a reference guide for crochet abbreviations and converts American names and sizes to their UK equivalents. The meat of the book is naturally the middle section--the projects. It includes full-color pictures of all the projects and little tips that apply specifically to a given project. The projects range from easy to hard and big to small. Crocheters of every ability should be able to find something to do in this book, be it a scarf, a bag, a rug, a pillow, or a throw. One thing that I really liked was the variety of yarn used. It ranges from stuff that can be found easily in any store to two project made entirely of rag strips--and it tells you the best way to make those. I also liked all the ideas for personalizing the different projects. My personal favorite is the striped throw. I love blankets and I'm looking forward to making that one. Armchair Interviews says: The book is logically divided into three sections, enabling experienced crocheters to jump right into the projects and beginners to learn what they need to know.

When it comes to crochet, I am all about instant gratification, so I was really anticipating the release of this book. It arrived yesterday, and it's not bad at all. I do wish there were more "full view" photos of the completed projects - a lot of them are very "arty" shots, extreme closeups, weird angles, etc., that only show a bit of the actual piece. Sally Harding uses non-yarn materials for some of the projects, like string, twine, fabric strips, etc., that readers will find very interesting to experiment with, and she does inspire creativity with materials. There is also a very good explanation of the basic crochet stitches and techniques for those just starting out. I like working with thick and textured yarns and I look forward to giving some of the afghans in this book a try (when the weather gets cooler). Quick Crochet is not exactly what I expected but I do think it has at least a couple of projects for anyone, and it is a good addition to my crochet book collection.

M's Harding writes a book that is great for beginner crocheters as well as those of us who are in a bit of a hurry. The projects are easy made and the instructions are quite clear. If you need to whip up a baby afghan for that baby shower you were just invited to that just happens to be this weekend or perhaps donate something for the school's fair, this is a very helpful book. So if you just need to crochet something fast and easy, this is the book for you.