Book of the Month for December

Welcome to our new Book of the Month blog series where I'll be exploring some of the latest publications in the world of crafting, and perhaps further afield, who knows! 

As December is the season for giving, I tried to find a book that might be inspiration for handmade gifting and I chose 'Learn to Crochet Gansey Dishcloths' by Britt Schmiesing, published in the US by Annie's in June 2024 (ISBN 978-1-64025-643-9). The patterns are written in US terminology but there are charts for each pattern too. 

The term Gansey refers to knitted sweaters that have been worn by fisherman for hundreds of years, with most coastal communities around the British Isles having a 'Gansey' derived from the original Guernsey, an oiled wool sweater originating on the island of the same name. Traditionally knit by the fishermen's wives, the patterns were often passed down through generations. 

According the introduction gansey crochet projects 'tend to be highly textured and feature combinations of 3-D stitching and flattering traditional stitches. The 3-D textured stitching is just perfect for scrubbing dishes!' There is also the suggestion that these dishcloths could be made as a swatching exercise for larger projects using the same stitch patterns. 

The book is a slim volume, coming in at just 32 pages, but I was impressed at how much information had been packed in, including a two page guide on how to read charts and a stitch guide with illustrations. There are 8 dishcloths to make and for each one there is a full page colour photograph so you can get a really good close up look at the stitch pattern. Then for each row or repeat there is a colour photo showing exactly what each should look like when completed. Each has a skill level of intermediate so this book isn't aimed at beginners. Having said that, where there are trickier stitches the book provides a QR code that can be scanned and will take you straight to a technique video for that particular stitch so even for the more experienced crocheter help is at hand if you are unfamiliar with a stitch. 

I decided to have a go at the Diamond and Ladder Dishcloth, the fourth pattern in the book, using some Drops Paris Recycled Denim cotton. I liked the idea of using a recycled fibre and felt that the nature of the yarn really suited the project type. I usually work in UK terms but as there are a limited number of stitches in the pattern I didn't struggle to convert as I worked and the step-by-step photos were very helpful in providing that visual reference that I was on the right track. 

Although I haven't quite finished the dishcloth I'm enjoying working through the pattern, which is clearly and concisely written. I'm planning to make a few more as small Christmas gifts.

If you enjoy adding textural features to your crochet this book will definitely give you lots of ideas that you could take beyond the dishcloths and add to blankets and garments for example. Although I was slightly surprised at how slim the book was when I first received it, it certainly didn't disappoint in content. 

The book is widely available online but if you are in the UK you can purchase this book, and others, through Search Press with a 20% discount and free delivery, by using the discount code DD88.

Search Press | Learn to Crochet Gansey Dishcloths by Annie's Publishing

I'll be back next month with another crafty book review. Until then, have a wonderful festive season (with lots of time for yarn)!