Every Which Way Crochet Borders by Edie Echman

Genre: Crafts
224 p.
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Published: 1/24/17
Source: From NetGalley and publisher for review

Step-by-step instructions and symbol charts put these 100 creative new border designs within reach for beginning and advanced crocheters alike. If you’re ready to chart your own crocheted course, Edie Eckman offers plenty of helpful design advice, including how to choose an appropriate border for each project and how to incorporate an element from the main stitch pattern into a new border design. She then explains, with the help of close-up photos, how the same pattern can have dramatically different results depending on the weight of the yarn. With each pattern diagramed to approach in both rounds and rows, Every Which Way Crochet Borders is an inventive and invaluable resource.

My thoughts:

Well, one of the crafts I like to do is crochet. However, I rarely have the patience to do large crochet patterns. So, when I saw this one, I knew it would be for me. It had exactly what I wanted. Not only did it give a great variety of border patterns, it also gave me how to embellish a fleece blanket. That was really what I was after.

I have read other crafts which prefer a hook that has a needle in it to puncture the fabric, but you are still left to figure out even spacing as well (in my case specifically) how to not puncture yourself. There is a rotary blade (you can find the blades and handles in the quilting section of the craft store) that cuts the fabric at even intervals and you evenly cut with that one. Perfect! It is a bit costly for one blade, but it would serve the exact purpose I will need. I haven't purchase it yet, but I am saving my pennies for it later. So you can see, you can find all manner of tidbits within the pages.

So, while some of the borders are very simple and easily achieved, I would still put this book at advanced beginner to intermediate depending on what one you are following. If you have the basics down you can take off from there much easier. There are helpful hints for beginners as well so don't be afraid to try it.

I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend it to crocheters who want to really embellish those items with a unique border or those needing inspiration getting into a new craft.

Bloggy note: If you would like a short intro by the author and publisher, a short article HERE that helps you choose the best border for your project.

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When Your Brain Doesn't Work...

Because of the bad news with my dog I haven't been able to read or really do anything that requires use of the brain. So what to do with excess worry energy? Make chapstick holders! This was a pattern I saw and slightly adapted to make it more "brainless". I'll provide the directions below since it is so easy to do, and makes a quick gift!

I used whatever yarn I had around with a E hook. You can go for a slightly bigger hook and I don't think there will be much difference.

4 chain

slip stich to make a circle, 1 chain

in the circle 9 sc, slipstich to finish, 1 chain

Then I modified it with a version I found that I was told was a Japanese way of doing crochet in the round.

You take the outer stitch and sc around until you achieve the desired length. Measure to your chapstick. No need to count or have a specific number to go by. Once you have the length you slip stitch, 9 chain, sc

in the next loop, slip stitch and finish off. Either by weaving in the end or knotting off. That's all. Easy.

Guess what people are getting for the holidays?

I also want to thank those who expressed their feelings to me. It is a hard time, but I'm getting through it by playing with the dogs that are still here. My dog will now be watching me wondering... why are you making another chapstick holder?!