Edie Eckman

I love the page layouts in this book--easy to read, easy to find what you need, great colors! Even if you're a novice crocheter this book will not only give you fun projects but will expose you to different types of crochet (crocheting with beads, tapestry crochet, thread crochet, amigurumi, felting crochet). The selection of Christmas stockings is impressive with patterns ranging from fun to elegant and tiny stockings (and mittens) that create an unusual advent (calendar) garland. I show more especially like that both written instructions and symbol charts are included. A great gift as well as a great addition to your needlework library. show less

I feel silly reviewing reference works that aren't, I don't know, something that changed my life? But this was an excellent crochet reference work and really inspired some wonderfully free-form granny squares. I still love squares, but it turns out that a teardrop is also exciting!

The first sock I ever tried to knit was perfect thanks to this manual-- I had no idea what I was doing, I just followed the instructions very carefully and like magic (really) a sock came out. I never knew that home-made socks were so incredibly comfortable, like walking on tiny little pillows. Too bad my dog then promptly stole it and secretly chewed it up while I was knitting the second one! Besides perfect and easy grafting, perhaps the most important thing I learned while using this book show more (but unfortunately not before she also ate 3/4 of a beautiful cashmere scarf in-progress) is this: organic yarn still smells like an animal to a dog, an animal that dogs want to eat. Other than that (har har), this book will teach a beginner everything they need to know. show less

What a fantastic resource Every Which Way Crochet Borders: 139 Patterns for Customized Edgings by Edie Eckman for crocheters is!

The patterns are clear and varied, the photos are crisp and detailed and the book itself is well organized. The edge patterns all have diagrams as well, which is a wonderful touch. For a crocheter looking for nice border patterns, this book is an absolute gem. I know personally that when I am looking for a border pattern to give my project a finishing touch it can show more be hard to find a good one. The edging patterns here are unique and varied, there are plenty of ideas.

The book starts off with “design concepts” discussing colors, yarns and frequently asked border questions and “crocheted border mechanics” . There is even information on how to add crocheted borders onto knitted projects, non woven fleece and woven fabrics. Come on now. It is too much in the best kind of way. There is a troubleshooting section and tips on invisible joining. Its like she includes information and tips I didn’t even know I wanted to know about.

She also has a helpful section on multiplying stitches: “Take the number of stitches on one side, subtract by the “plus” number, then divide by the multiple.”

There are tips on fudging stitch counts for when you just have to adjust your stitches so that it works out nicely anyway. There is so much more in this pattern book, it is very thorough.

There is an appendix explaining stitch symbols in detail and a stitch key, crochet terms plus help on reading charts! And, there is a glossary of terms at the end of the book for reference, with details and diagrams to make it all crystal clear. Fantastic overall. I need a hard copy of this one for my shelves as this is a pattern book I can see referring to again and again. I love finding crochet pattern books that cover all the bases like this does. Designer Edie Eckman truly does fantastic work here.

See my full review here:
https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/2016/10/02/every-which-way-crochet-borders-by-...

Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I obtained my free review copy of Every Which Way Crochet Borders by Edie Eckman via NetGalley. show less