Book Review: Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution

This is a book I’ve been looking forward to for quite a while. I’m a big fan of Crochet Me.com. It’s a reliable source of great technical information and intriguing patterns. And I especially love how it came into being: Kim Werker, a crocheter in search of online patterns, couldn’t find anything modern or remotely cool. So she built a website, and invited other crocheters to share their patterns.

In no time, a thriving online community was born. Don’t you love the internet?

Crochet Me (the book) is filled with edgy and interesting patterns, sporting the same dedication to taking crochet in new directions. I love the variety here – there are, among others, sweaters, bags, knee-high stockings, a mini-skirt, and a rug, and softies. And there’s a nice range of skill levels, so even a peering-in-from-the-cold crocheter like myself has a good chance at success.

I think my favorite part of the book, though, is the series of profiles of the designers whose patterns are featured. These are also the people who became very active in the burgeoning online Crochet Me community, stepping in to tech-edit, design, and write — as volunteers, for the love of their craft.

Some favorite projects: this Icelandic Turtleneck, by Chloe Nightingale. Love the drape of this thing! And Chloe is also the designer of one of my all-time favorite patterns on Crochet Me.com — the Stash Buster Cardigan Vest.

This circle rug, by Donna Hulka, is really appealing to me. Seems to beg for bare feet.

And look at these! Tapestry crochet, designed by Carol Ventura. I’m excited about these — a great project for practicing colorwork.

ACK! Now if only I actually had the time to crochet right now….