For my crocheting friends...

... I recently discovered these upcoming releases:

1. Teva Durham's Loop-d-Loop Crochet: More than 25 Novel Designs for Crocheters (and Knitters Taking Up the Hook) with a scheduled release date of May 1st.






2. Couture Crochet Workshop: Mastering Fit, Fashion, and Finesse by Lily Chin, which is, I believe, available now, although I haven't seen it.

3. Sasha Kagan has a new crochet book called Crochet Inspiration. The release date is June 1, and the publicity blurb states:

Containing more than 200 swatch designs in her signature style, this is a must-have manual for beginning and experienced stitchers alike. Special chapters on fabric, motifs, grannies, and flowers highlight a myriad of patterns, including beautiful lace, shell, and cluster stitch variations, and gorgeous circular and hexagonal designs. Each chapter also includes stunning garments, such as a classic Chanel cropped jacket in woven mesh, a lacy shawl with leaf embellishments, and a 1920’s cloche cap covered in crocheted blossoms. Every one has a special individuality that transcends “here today, gone tomorrow” trends, so crocheters will enjoy these for a long time.

4. Just to torture Kathy, please turn your attention to Mr. Funky's Super Crochet Wonderful by Narumi Ogawa, coming out in July from North Light Books. I'm not a very good crocheter, but man, for ten or twelve bucks, I think I'd buy this one just for the title.



And last, and probably least,

5. Kooky Crochet: 30 Remarkably Wacky Projects by Linda Kopp, also due in July.



As the promotional blurb asks (rhetorically?)," Who could resist the kitsch of Sunnyside Up Potholders and the fun techno-geek tote bag embellished with emoticons? Or, rather than working with ordinary yarn or thread, try using nylon mason’s twine (for leg warmers), marabou boas, and even plastic bags." Nylon-twine legwarmers? Um, I think I'll take a pass on that one.