Kids Crochet
by Kelli Ronci
Stewart, Tabori & Chang

Have you ever stood in line at the grocery store next to a man or woman holding the cutest baby on the planet? And then did you feel your biological clock chime in and make you drool over babies for the next few days? It was pretty unexpected, but this book made me feel that way. I absolutely have got to borrow someone's kids quick, because this book must be shared. And right away. Why? Because in Kids Crochet author Kelli Ronci has created a gorgeous, elegant, and inspiring introduction to crochet for kids of all ages. She manages not to talk down to kids while presenting information about where yarn comes from and how to make the basic stitches. The projects in the book are lovely, and the illustrations complement them perfectly. Projects include a tool pouch, friendship cuffs, ribbed scarf, awesome dolls, and a sweater. If you even kinda know a kid around 7-14 years-old, I recommend you listen to that body of yours and just succumb to the gift-giving. Or just buy yourself a copy of the book -- I know I will use mine, even without a kid to borrow.

Hardcover
128 pages
$19.95US
Available at Powells.com

Hookers Have More Fun Stencil

Candyce of Eat Your Heart Out, Martha made this stencil so she could show off her pride in being a crocheter. She puts it best herself:

"When I started knitting I noticed that there was a bit of snobbery within the movement. Most of that seemed to do with yarns and tools, but I also noticed some attitude regarding crochet. Again and again, knitters address crochet as an inferior craft -- limited, basic, amateur. First of all, I don't see crochet that way. And I was baffled by the whole competitive vibe because in my mind, either you make stuff or you don't. That is how I divide the world up: people who make stuff and people who don't. If you make stuff then you are cool and that is that."

Right on, sistah! Check out her website for the free stencil and tutorial. If you have a good sense of humour and are up for a laugh, don't miss her tongue-in-cheek Cult of Knit essay. I howled.

Turn of the Century Crochet Hooks

From the time I took my first breath in the online crochet world I have heard about Turn of the Century hooks. Woodworker William Schmidt has what seems like a cult following of crocheters. It was nearly a year before I actually came across one of his hooks in real-life, and when I did, there was no going back. I ordered myself one of each size of available rug hook (honkin' crochet hooks sized 8mm-19mm). In a burgeoning online retail marketplace, it's pretty cool to buy a product directly from the crafter who made it. I heard back from Bill right away, and he was friendly and helpful. He was so charming, in fact, as to encourage me to actually use his hooks for a few weeks before mentioning them in the magazine. It's true: I was so enamored with them after only a cursory inspection that I was ready to sing their praises with no further ado. But I heeded Bill's wise words and I used my hooks. After several weeks I can safely say that I love them. They are beautiful, smooth, lightweight, and sturdy. I feel special when I crochet with them. The shafts are shaped such that my tendonitis-suffering hand grips them easily and comfortably. At a pinch-me-to-make-sure-I'm-not-dreaming mere $13US each, I'm tempted to get myself some more.

$13.00US each
http://www.turn-of-the-century.com/

Lantern Moon Silk Crochet Case

Speaking of feeling special. There's more to crocheting than looping yarn around itself with a hook. There's the pattern surfing, gift-giving, yarn buying, dreaming, designing... And there's the toting around of all the tools you grow to depend on. It doesn't matter how prepared I think I am; every time I toss a project into my bag to take on a bus/plane/day trip, I end up kicking myself for forgetting something. My yarn needle. A tape measure. Scissors. I had sewn myself a hook case a few months ago but it only holds hooks, not the other stuff.

Well, my problem is solved. This silk crochet case from Lantern Moon is gorgeous and holds everything. The zippered compartment is large enough to hold much more than what's shown spilling out of it in this photo; I've folded a pattern up and put it in there. I tested the case out on my recent trip to Europe, and it performed swimmingly. It packs well, holds notions of many shapes and sizes, and the lusciousness of its construction really does make me feel special. The case is 15" x 7" when open and comes in two colour combinations, orange/silver (shown) and jade/chocolate.

Approx. $24.00US
Check lanternmoon.com for retailers

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