Lesley Stanfield

This book has helped me out loads. I bought this along with the first Stitch n Bitch book when I was re-teaching myself to knit and this book gave me clear instructions when Stoller's book was too full of attitude to help. (For example, the whole bit about calling different legs of the stitch Steve and Jim or whatever? Not helpful.) The stitch pattern at the back is also good. It's not comprehensive or anything, for that you want Barbara Walker, but it's got a few good charts that I can't show more wait to apply in designing. show less

A really beautiful book with realistic patterns that are based on flowers like fuchsias, pansies and daffodils. Also a few cute patterns for fruits, vegetables and insects. After trying the crochet bumblebee pattern, which is listed as an "intermediate design," I would classify this as a book for people with ample knitting and crocheting experience, and a very good knowledge of pattern abbreviations and stitch types. There are a lot of beautiful patterns in here but the instructions are very show more brief and assume you know what you're doing. The bee turned out super cute! show less

200 Fun Things to Crochet: Decorative Flowers, Leaves, Bugs, Butterflies, and More!has a nice variety of crochet patterns all inspired by nature. The patterns are divided into sections for flowers, plants, sea life, critters and blocks. The section titled “Flower Garden” has patterns for a variety of pretty flowers like Chrysanthemum, Narcissus, Marigold and Forget-Me-Not. There is also a special section of various beautiful Sunflower patterns.

The Plant Life section includes patterns for show more clover, mushrooms and even squash. Cute Critters has patterns for lady bugs, butterflies, a spider and a bumblebee among many others. The Under The Sea section, my favorite, has creative patterns like anemone, hammerhead shark and even angler fish. Lastly, there is a Floral Blocks section which is really nice and contains hexagons, squares, circles, diamonds and triangles to crochet.

The patterns are well written and the book itself is nicely organized containing crisp, clear photos of all the projects. I whipped up a few hexagons and I found the pattern easy to follow.

At the end of the book there is a section of finishing techniques with helpful information on weaving in ends, blocking, and embroidering. I like that there are quick odds and ends to whip up here, many of these small projects can be used as embellishments on bags, scarves, hats, etc.

Overall, 200 Fun Things to Crochet: Decorative Flowers, Leaves, Bugs, Butterflies, and More! is a terrific resource for creative and cute crochet patterns. I love having this one on my shelves and will definitely be working up more of these projects. For the knitters, there is 200 Fun Things To Knit, which looks equally adorable.

Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my copy of 200 Fun Things to Crochet: Decorative Flowers, Leaves, Bugs, Butterflies, and More! .

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Disclaimer: 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 received my free copy of 200 Fun Things to Crochet: Decorative Flowers, Leaves, Bugs, Butterflies, and More! via St. Martin’s Press.
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This is a book I bought because of its cover! I spotted it on the recommendations at amazon when looking for something else entirely (don't you love software mistakes). The lively representations of flowers and fruit on the cover and a view inside made me curious and so I ordered the book. I have yet to do any of the patterns, but they are all clearly described, with a detailed photo and a reference page in the front of the book, so that even a non-english person like me will be able to work show more out the patterns. I reserve my star rating until after finishing the first project. :-). show less