Book of the Month for March

It's good to be back after a small break from my book of the month series. Spring seems to have arrived and I'm loving that evenings are starting to stay lighter for longer. I don't know about you but I always seem to be more productive this time of year. A bit like growth starting in plants that have been lying dormant over the winter months, my own energy seems to be increasing too. Having said all of that I still don't seem to find enough time for my favourite activities of crochet and knitting! 

This month I've been enjoying looking at Rachele Carmona's book 'Crochet Modular Blankets' (David & Charles 30th November 2025 ISBN: ​9781446315569). I have admired Rachele's blanket designs for many years and enjoyed making her Vibrant Vintage CAL 2020 blanket using a box of Scheepjes Catona mini balls for the individual motifs. This is Rachele's second book on the subject of crochet blankets and she continues with her characteristic style of playing with different shapes within her individual blanket designs.

There are 18 designs in the book, all with joyful and bright colour palettes, indeed Rachele describes the collection of designs as 'bright, bold and opulent' in her introduction. One thing the book isn't short of is photos, diagrams and layouts and so should suit those who like visual information as well as written instructions. Some of the motifs have charts but not all, so you would need to be relatively confident in your pattern reading, and the book uses US terms throughout. All the information is laid out spaciously and clearly on the pages, which always helps me when it comes to working through patterns. 

I have realised that I clearly have a 'thing' about triangles because the two blankets I am most drawn to in the book include one of Rachele's very characteristic design features where she 'cuts off' or 'cuts into' a section of a blanket with a large triangle. It has always been one of my favourite things about some of Rachele's earlier designs that appeared in the Scheepjes Bookazine publication series. The photo below is the Field of Blooms Blanket and the design underneath is the Sunlight Valley Blanket, which is such a fabulous size. 

If you like the look of this book you can find it on the Search Press website here and if you are in the UK enter the code DD88 at the checkout for a 20% discount and free delivery too. 

Next month I have a real treat in store for you, join me to feast your eyes on the incredible 'Crochet Fairy Tales: Cottage Stories' by Kerry Lord. It will definitely be one for all you amigurumi lovers out there. Until then, enjoy your crochet!