November Book Review - The New Macrame by Katie DuMont

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I won't spoil it for you by revealing the projects but leave it to be that there are some downright nifty projects in this book!

While having fabulous pictures never hurt anyone, I have to say the display of finished projects as well as samples for other reference really make this book for me.  Like most how to do books there is a brief introduction wherein the author talks about the subject, a brief overview of the history of macrame, and of course the all important tool & supply list with descriptions and some pictures.  Katie also goes into other things you may want to know when considering the creation of your jewelry and other macrame projects.  She has a "Knots 101" section which I found to be particularly helpful as it showed finished photographs, a lined drawing, and a small written paragraph about each knot.  And I can't forget to mention she also shows variations of many of the knots or combinations when right and left handed ones are concerned.

And if you thought there wasn't anything other than projects and other basic how to advice in this text I can assure you you'll be wowed by the macrame gallery section full of inspiring and literal works of art in the world of knotwork.  At the end is a brief description of designers featured, glossary, and a small index.

I'd give this book a 5 out of 5 at least.  It's clear, has wonderful pictures, and perhaps the only drawback is that these designs are for personal use only, but don't let that stop you from being inspired!

October Book Review - Creepy Cute Crochet by Christen Haden

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I love to crochet so how could I have not bought this book.  Sporting a picture of a monkey with a fez hat, a little Cthulu, and a mini grim reaper... I was sold!

This book is creatively written starting out with the author's inspiration of how they came to write it as well as tips, tricks, and resources that are always popularly found in how to books.  A benefit of the book is it's small enough to fit in your project bag to tote around while you hook cute monsters, however I am sad that the pictures in the how to basics are so very small, not optimal for the beginning amigurumi enthusiast.

Projects range in things you'd expect to find in this book - like zombies - to things less expected such as the gladiator (I'll admit to missing the creepy reference here since they're just cool!  Yes I'm a fan of the Gladiator movie...)

The pictures of each project are great, though again some of the diagrams are a little small so I wouldn't recommend this for a novice.

I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5, only docking for the fact that some of the diagrams are a little on the tiny side for my tastes.  However this allows the book to remain in pocketbook form so it's not that big a deal if you can read standard crochet abbreviations!