The ending of the old year and the prospect of beginning again in the New Year-it is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a chance to make plans on a clean slate, and those plans always include a bit of crochet-okay, a lot of crochet.

So I have put together four of my picks for 2013. All of these products and patterns exemplify what I love best about crochet, the opportunity to learn new techniques and create stunning works of yarn art.

The Best of Interweave Crochet

This book truly is a collection of our favorite designs and a treasure trove of crochet techniques. The Big Bow Cardigan on the cover is crocheted entirely in crochet ribbing and worked in one piece. The remaining 22 patterns will introduce you to amigurumi construction, Tunisian crochet, crochet lace, colorwork, and more. Perhaps my favorite part of this book are the 13 technique articles. The Best of Interweave Crochet will keep you busy in 2013, and you will enjoy every minute of it!

Interweave Crochet Presents A Step-By-Step Guide to Tunisian Crochet

This eBook is perfect for the Tunisian crochet lover as well as the crochet who has yet to pick up a Tunisian hook. A comprehensive article will walk you through all of the Tunisian crochet stitches used in the five included patterns and a combination of written instructions and diagrams make the stitches easy to recreate. But my favorite part of this eBook are the patterns! The Spice Market Tunic (featured on the cover). This crochet sweater capitalizes on the textures of Tunisian simple stitch, Tunisian purl stitch, and Tunisian front post single crochet to create an exquisite panel down the front while Tunisian decreases and increases  lend a sophisticated silhouette.

Harmony Guide: Basic Crochet Stitches

I find the Harmony Guides great reading, even before I pick up a crochet hook or yarn! It is so fun to explore the variety of lace, textured, and colorwork stitch patterns. Each stitch pattern has its own diagram and information on pattern repeats, making it easier for you to adapt them for your own designs.  You can easily create a quick crochet scarf with an intricate stitch pattern or use it to crochet a sweater or skirt of your own design. Two hundred and fifty stitches means you will never lack for inspiration.

The 2008 Interweave Crochet CD Collection

 Two-thousand and eight was a good year! If you don't already have a full set of Interweave Crochet or you are looking to update to a digital collection you will love these crochet collections. All four 2008 magazine issues, complete with all of the patterns and articles, are compiled in one easy to navigate CD. You will also find collection CDs for 2004 through 2011.

These are just a few of my favorites. Check out all of the great crochet products in the Crochet Me Shop today and learn a new crochet technique in 2013.

Best wishes,

P.S. What crochet technique do you want to try in 2013?