Crochet Home: 20 vintage modern crochet projects for the home

Super excited to have recieved my copy of Emma Lamb's 'Crochet Home' today. Having spent the past hour sat flicking through the gorgeous photography and reading through the beautiful array of patterns I can say with confidence that this book was well worth purchasing. I love any crochet book that provides inspiration and this lovely book provides just that in abundance. The book has has a nice clear layout which has been split into six sections. The first being an introduction by Emma with some useful information to get you started. The use of charts, as this book includes both written and chart instructions for ALL patterns, the first book I've purchased that does.You also get some useful tips on tension and blocking which really help in getting the best result from any project. I also love that rather than the standard abbreviations page in this book you have side by side chart symbol, UK and US terminology listings for all the stitches used. So often I read negative reviews for books for no reason other than it only contains one form of terminology that has to be translated so to have an easy to use reference at the front should you need it is a real added bonus. Next come the four main pattern segments which are; -GARLANDS & DECORATIONS Containing some simple yet beautiful garlands and streamers using an array of flower, leaf and geometric shape motifs. The stash busting and colour combination potential are endless! There is also a beautiful wall hanging which has already given me several ideas. A blossom wreath which really stood out to me as I entered a competition at my local yarn shop this past summer (which I won) to create a summer wreath and I believe the original inspiration for the competition was Emma's beautiful wreath! There is a stunning dream catcher pattern- something I've been itching to try for ages and a lovely little charm pattern that makes use of a very unusual paper yarn some of which I happen to have (although I've no idea why or where it came from) in Christmas colours so I've already been inspired to make some little snowflake charms as Xmas decorations as well as giving this pattern a go! Next up is POTHOLDERS Why would anyone want a book with a whole section of potholders? I here you ask. Well for one they make a beautiful yet functional addition to any kitchen, but also the patterns included are so lovely they could easily be used as pieces of art in their own right or if your feeling brave slightly adapted for different usage. For instance the 'Simple Folk Circle' would look lovely on a breakfast tray for a special day breakfast in bed and being a simple design you could maybe make a little set by adding a matching mug cosy etc. The 'Fabulous Rose' which is my favourite immediately made me think of some small canvass and picture frames I bought recently and I've already decided it will soon be adorning my bedroom wall in a frame backed by some nice vintage style rose fabric I have topped with a little mother of pearl rose cabachon(this is exactly what I mean by insirational)as a nice piece of wall art! The 'Filet Daisy' would also make lovely place settings and or turned into a square with several attached into a length would make an attractive table runner. CUSHIONS This section contains 5 gorgeous patterns for some unique and colourful cushions that would brighten any room. They all have nice simple button fastenings so no need to worry about sewing any fiddly zips if that's not your thing. My favourite is the Fabulous Rose (I seem to have a thing for anything floral in crochet) as I love the 3D pop element to it and the added texture it provides. Again all designs are super versatile as you can chose your own colour palettes and the author has included helpful notes about substituting yarns if you want to use different from those listed. The final pattern section is BLANKETS &THROWS Which contains 3 totally different designs and techniques to create a triple hit of loveliness. The first 'Scarborough Rock' is a circular floor throw/rug but as the pictures show looks equally fab draped over a chair as it would adorning the floor of say a playroom or conservatory. The second is 'Daisy Dot' a beautiful and delicate looking lap blanket constructed from lots of little motifs. Lastly but certainly not least is I think my favourite 'Granny Chic Pinwheel Blanket' which is a modern and very 'chic' take on the traditional crochet granny square - a must make! The final section of the book gives a great little basics tutorial with some handy step by step photos of stitch construction making the book accessible to all skill levels as well as a handy suppliers index. I hope this review will be useful to any who read it and apologies if I have rambled on a bit I just really like this book and wanted to share some of the inspiration I have already gained from my initial read through. It's generally a rarity to find a crochet book that you like every pattern in but I think this one has come up trumps so if you are hovering over whether or not to press the 'buy' button, do it, you won't be disappointed!

I have been waiting for this book to be released after admiring some of the author's work and purchasing some patterns on Ravelry. I am amazed that I love every pattern in this book! The projects range from fairly basic (but still incredibly beautiful) flower garland through to the more complex cushions and blankets, but they are all accessible through the clear pattern writing. The colours used provide enviable eye candy, and tips for substituting yarns are given whenever possible. There is a crochet workshop section at the back with clear diagrams and explanations of the stitches needed. I especially liked that the author explained that she wanted to use different types of yarns to widen the reader's experience, and am intrigued by the paper yarn used to make a flower hanging. I never would have bothered with such a material before! However, I have not yet made any of the patterns, having only bought the book today. As mentioned earlier, I have purchased patterns from this author before and found them to be clear, precise and refreshingly free of the ambiguity that plagues so many other crochet patterns. Looking forward to working my way through every beautiful project in this book!

Fun ideas. Lovely pics

Great book, lovely patterns.

A wide variety of crochet projects. I have made numerous projects from this book and while crochet is not my first art (Knitting is my craft), I found the instruction easy to follow. Perfect for making gifts or fun and functional items for the home.

Nice patterns easy to follow.

A delightful book with clear instructions. I intend to make some items but also use the book as a source of inspiration. The photos are beautiful and the colour ways of the makes are lovely. I would recommend this book to a crochet novice or more experienced crafter .

I bought a couple of these for presents and they were well received- there are lovely large pictures which makes the book appealing. A variety of different projects and I particularly like some of the blanket designs.

i got this book for my step mom for christmas and she loves it! it has very cute patterns and different things to make, i love the pillow cases!

編み図があるので、英語が理解出来なくても編める作品ばかり。granny circle のブランケットなど大きい作品の編み図もあり良かったです♪

J’adore les projets proposés dans ce livre et j’apprécie qu’il y ait des diagrammes car ce n’est pas le cas des deux autres livres que j’ai achetés précédemment. Certes, ce n’est pas un livre pour débutants et mon seul regret est que la partie technique ne soit pas plus fournie. On nous demande de nous référer aux étapes 1 à 3 de tel ou tel point …je préfèrerais que chaque point soit clairement détaillé sur une page plutôt que d’avoir sans cesse à tourner les pages pour me référer aux points expliqués auparavant. Je vais donc me mettre en quête d’un 4 ème ouvrage sur le crochet en me focalisant uniquement sur la technique car je souhaiterais un ouvrage de références pour les points de bases, diminutions, augmentations etc sans avoir à chercher des tutos bien expliqués sur le net …perte de temps et d’énergie …

Another for my collection

I love this book. I have rented from the library for almost two years off and on !!! It’s so colourful and happy and makes me just want to make something everytime I look at it. Arrived in great condition around expected delivery date. Awesome purchase.