Chris Rankin

Some of these projects look very familiar, because I used to own Splendid Samplers by the same author. I would estimate about one-third to one-half of the book repeats Splendid Samplers. I doubt they are stitch for stich the same, but they are so similar that if you stitched projects from each book and switched them from day to day, your family would never notice.

"More than 70 wearable and decorative knits" is the sub-title. What it doesn't say is that none of it is very exciting.

Written before the "green revolution" of the new millennium, this book makes use of fabric scraps to recycle them into useful garments, toys, home decor items, and gifts. Each project has a color photograph and instructions on how to complete the item. The instructions are simple enough that a beginner can follow them.

Filet crochet designs have been in use since the Victorian era as decoration for clothing and home decor items such as pillows and table runners. This book has extensive directions at the beginning of the book regarding how to do the stitches. Each project also has a chart that shows the placement of the stitches to create the lace effect of open areas within the designs. Not for beginners, this book is an excellent resource for the veteran crochet artist.