Book of the Month for August

I don't know about anyone else but my yarn stash seems to have taken on a life of its own and (I've probably said this before, several times) I think it's time I had a good sort out. Most of my stash contains yarn in good quantities, purchased to make specific projects, along with lots of beautiful individual skeins of hand-dyed yarn, which are great for one skein projects such as small scarves and shawls. There are many individual balls of yarn (and part-balls) left over from finished projects that need a bit of attention turning to them. So my chosen book for this month is 'Crochet with Leftover Yarn' by Nikki Trench (Cico Books 2026 ISBN: 978-1-80065-583-6).

The book is divided into four pattern sections: For the Home, For Baby, Bits & Bobs and Toys. There is also a comprehensive Techniques section covering basic stitches through to increasing and decreasing, seaming and weaving in ends. The book is written in UK terms throughout and it's worth noting that there isn't a conversion chart for the US equivalents. 

All the projects in the book are small and only use fairly minimal quantities of yarn. Most of the items use a variety of colours within the pattern and so really helpful for using up much smaller leftover amounts. My favourite pattern in the book is the Vintage Style Vase Coaster. I like making mandalas and they usually end up under an indoor plant pot and so this is the sort of project I enjoy in between larger ones like garments and blankets. I love crocheting with cotton too, which is always perfect for this sort of thing.

The 'For Baby' sections includes, as might be expected, patterns for hats, booties, covers for hangers and a pretty, striped buggy blanket using a wave stitch pattern. Stripes are a great way to use up small amounts of yarn and it can be fun to not plan out your colour scheme in advance and just add to the blanket one colour at a time, looking at how the next colour works with the one before it each time you choose. 

'Bits & Bobs' includes items such as bunting, pin cushions and tea light jar cosies, while 'Toys' includes a kitten, a puppy, mice and a snowman among others. 

This is a book that would suit a relative newcomer to crochet as most of the projects are fairly simple and straightforward and as such a great way to practise newly acquired skills and reinforce techniques. For those more experienced crafters there are lots of ideas for quick and easy gifts and 'in-between' projects that give a bit of light relief from more longer-term undertakings. 

When I chose this book I wasn't aware that it is a reprint of a previous publication that appeared under the name 'Crochet Stashbusters' in 2019 and it is also worth pointing out that some of the patterns have appeared in other books by the author too. 

​There are some interesting titles coming out over the next couple of months so I'm looking forward to choosing next month's book. In the meantime enjoy your crochet! The very hot weather here in North London has eased and so settling down in the cooler evenings with hook and yarn has become far more enjoyable. See you next month.