Crochet: Fantastic Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Pillows and More

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A sparkling new entry in the popular Kids' Crafts series. From colorful shoelaces to shimmering amulet bags, these 50 crocheted creations will enchant kids and take them from the very beginning to a more experienced level. Even children who have never picked up a pair of needles will master the fundamentals quickly, thanks to the many detailed directions and instructive, attractive color photos. The fun begins as youngsters try their hand at the basic chain stitch, and then learn to crochet around a ring to make a key chain. Small, accessible projects follow, including a yellow purse with a glass button accent and comfy wool slippers. As kids' skills increase, they can move on to clothes, toys, backpacks, and more.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

From the tools of the trade to the basics of slipknots and slip stitches, Crochet: Fantastic Jewelry, Hats, Purses, Pillows & More by Jane Davis, part of the Kids' Crafts series, makes crocheting look easy. Simpler projects, such as key chains and scrunchies, act as confidence-builders, until crocheters work up to felted backpacks or shirt edging. With few detailed visual demonstrations, this may appeal more to those with some experience. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-8-An attractively designed, sharply photographed cover and excellent organization will attract children and the adults who guide them to these 30 exciting projects. Step-by-step directions take craft enthusiasts from holding the yarn to slip stitches, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. Advanced stitching and techniques are also explained, as well as differences in hooks and yarns. Each project is listed with skill level, finished size, materials, gauge, stitches and yarn used, instructions, and a vibrant color photo (more than a dozen of which are full page). Precise illustrations also complement the text. Adult assistance is mentioned when using a steam iron or spray starch. Text boxes supply valuable tips on sizing, felting, and more. Back matter includes a metric conversion chart. This title is an excellent addition to most collections, along with Gwen Blakley Kinsler and Jackie Young's Crocheting (Kids Can, 2003) and Kelli Ronci's Kids Crochet (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2005).-Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Gr. 5-8. With knitting so popular, can crochet be far behind? This oversize offering, a good place for kids to begin, has everything going for it. Start with the fact that the book is a pleasure to look at. Fruity colors softening to lighter hues border the white space, photographs are large and crisp, and clever close-ups of the projects are often placed on the text pages. Then there are the projects themselves. Davis clearly knows what kids like: bags, scarves, scrunchies, stuffed animals, a phone carrier. Although the projects favor girls, boys are shown enjoying some of them (and also crocheting). Both visual and text explanations are very clear; abbreviations, tools and materials, and fixing mistakes get plenty of space. This is a must for your craft shelves. --Ray Olson Copyright 2005 Booklist

Horn Book Review

Steps to crocheting thirty small projects are presented by young boys and girls who look like they are having fun. Instruction abbreviations are decoded, and sketched close-ups illustrate everything from slipknots and chain stitches to advanced techniques like back-post-double-crochet. Projects are arranged according to difficulty and detailed in clear language. Ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.