Welcome back to my monthly book review blog. Last month I promised you something special and I'm here today to show you the beautiful 'Crochet Fairy Tales: Cottage Stories' by Kerry Lord (ISBN-13: 9781446316009 David & Charles Ltd. 2026). I was lucky enough to visit the Stitch Festival at the Business Design Centre in London's Islington last month and the Toft stand was an absolute beauty, decorated with all the characters and scenery from this enchanting book.

As I've probably mentioned before I'm not a happy amigurumi crocheter - I would like to be but unfortunately it just doesn't agree with my hands. If amigurumi is your thing though, this book is a real treat. Six fairy tales are retold and recreated in crochet within its pages: ​ Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, The Elves and the Shoemaker, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Thumbelina.

The book is divided into three sections. The Prologue contains all the yarn and equipment information together with a characterisation section which explains how all the different hairstyles are created, how to choose skin tones and hair colours, how to add facial features and how to stuff and sew up your pieces. 

The Stories section of the book is divided into chapters, one for each fairy tale, and within each chapter there is a retelling of the fairy tale followed by all the individual patterns for the characters in the story as well as the accessories. For example for the Jack & The Beanstalk story the patterns are Jack, the Beanstalk & Seedling, the Giant's Chicken, the Golden Harp & Golden Egg and the Axe & Rucksack. It's helpful to see that there are specific yarn requirements listed for each individual element of the story as well as the total needed to make all the pieces of the story.

In the third section of the book is all the technical information needed to crochet the pieces, from the very basics such as how to hold the hook, through to individual stitch diagrams, a table of abbreviations and a small guide to finishing techniques needed along with a handful of embroidery stitches used in the patterns. The patterns use UK terminology throughout. 

The book itself is a real keepsake item. It's hardback with foiled details on the cover and marbled papers inside the front and back covers. There's a ribbon page marker so you don't lose your place between crochet sessions. As well as plentiful full page colour photographs of the crocheted pieces there are also lovely line drawings decorating the text pages so there are always little details to notice throughout the book. 

Those dwarves look very purposeful don't they? I love that all their little boots are different, as are their hats and it's that attention to detail that makes this book so interesting. I'm not sure that my grumpy hands will let me crochet any of the characters but I'm definitely going to have a go at Grandma's Nightwear because there are a good few Barbie dolls knocking about my daughter's bedroom who might benefit! Look at those frilly sleeves and hem. 

Clearly a lot of the visual appeal of the characters and accessories comes from the staging of the photographs, with the miniature props of furniture and foliage as well as custom-made gingerbread houses, but a huge amount of time must have gone into making this book and even if I never crochet a single piece from it, I will still glean a lot of pleasure from reading the stories and admiring the pictures. 

If the book appeals to you it can be found on the Search Press website here and if you are in the UK you can get free delivery and 20% off the cover price by using the code DD88 at checkout. I'm very excited to see on the Search Press site that another book is due to be published later in the year with a further six fairy tales included in it. 

I hope you have a great month, with lots of time to craft, and will look forward to being back with another review towards the end of May. 

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! 

Happy New Year to you all. I think I'm allowed to say it as we are still in January! For this month's book review I have chosen a lovely book, hot off the press, called 'A Crochet Year' by ​Zoë Curtis (Quadrille, January 2026, ISBN9781837834129). Zoë is an independent crochet designer from Cornwall and having grown up in a remote coastal landscape it's not surprising that she draws much of her inspiration from the natural world and the coastline in particular. 

The book is split into four main sections, one for each of the seasons, and each of these sections begins with a description of the season, from both a nature perspective and from a human perspective. As an example, in the section for Spring, there is a description of how blossom starts appearing and the landscape begins its change from brown to green, from barren to lush and we start to want to spend more time outdoors. It also considers the concept of the 'Spring Clean' and how we can use natural materials to make items for the home that are both practical and biodegradable. In other words they can be used until they are thoroughly worn out and can then be returned to the earth as the materials they are made from biodegrade. With this in mind the Spring section contains projects for a linen tea towel, a laundry bag and raffia place mats among others. 

The book doesn't just contain patterns for household items, there are garments and accessories too. From a delicate cotton filet crochet wrap in Summer to a simple granny square vest designed to be worn over a jumper, in the Winter section. I particularly like the simple patchwork wrap made from a mixture of plain and striped blocks of simple double crochet stitches. Sometimes complicated patterns can feel like too much and the idea of gradually working on and accumulating a set of simple squares to assemble into a wrap really appeals. I think it could also be a great way of using small amounts of yarn, that would never be enough for a full project, but could make one or two squares as part of a bigger item. 

As you can possibly tell, I like this book very much. It's so very calming to leaf through, with the gorgeous seascapes and natural, understated colours. The projects are thoughtful and useful and Zoë's perspective on nature and crafting strikes a deep chord with me. 

The book also contains a comprehensive information section, covering tools, techniques, abbreviations and symbols and, usefully for me but becoming more unusual, the book uses UK terminology throughout. 

I highly recommend this book if you are a mindful crocheter, happy to take time over your projects and keen to embrace aspects of the natural world as you work. Or perhaps this is the year that you are able to slow down, take a breath and try to bring a greater sense of calm to the creative side of your life.

Although the official publication date for this book isn't until January 31st, it is available now on the Search Press website here and if you are in the UK and enter the code DD88 at checkout you will receive a 20% discount and free delivery. 

I'll be back next month with another review. In the meantime keep safe and warm.

Welcome back to our regular book review feature. I'm scraping into December by the skin of my teeth. It's always easy to underestimate just how busy life becomes around Christmas/school holiday times. 

This month I've been looking at another book by the fabulous Anna Nikipirowicz, following hot on the heels of 'Crochet Socks that Rock' comes 'The Crochet Stitch Companion for Blankets & Afghans' (Search Press 2025 ISBN: 978-1-80092-293-8).

As the title of the book suggests this is a stitch directory, but not your average stitch directory. It is divided into five sections: Stitches, Motifs, Edges, Blankets and a comprehensive techniques section. 

The Stitches section includes both written instructions and charts, stitch multiples and a rating  of easy, moderate or challenging to help you choose according to your skill level, although with such comprehensive instructions I think anyone could have a try of any of the stitch patterns. The Motifs section divides the motifs by shape. covering hexagons, squares and diamond shapes and there are ten patterns in the Edges section, several of them really quite unusual, such as the Fair Isle and Overlay Mosaic stitch patterns. They also include stitch multiples so they can be adapted to work with your own blanket designs. 

The layout of the book is clear and concise, with the text set in lots of white space so the pages aren't cluttered. US terms are used throughout.

There are four suggested blanket patterns so that you can have a go at testing several of the stitch patterns, motifs and edge stitches without needing to incorporate them into a design of your own. The blankets are colourful and look fun to make, with a variety of stitches/motifs to try out. You can see the Teignmouth Blanket in the photo below.

As today is the 31st December and I have just finished the squares for my JC temperature blanket my first job for this book will be to help me choose the edging! Emma would have me launching straight into a picot edging but I'm just not sure! 

If you like the look of Anna's book and fancy getting hold of a copy for yourself you can find it on the Search Press website here. If you are in the UK you can get a 20% discount and free delivery by entering the code DD88 at checkout. 

I'll be back next month but I haven't chosen a book yet so if you have any suggestions do let me know in the comments. Happy New Year! 

Welcome back to our Book of the Month feature and this month we are looking at socks! You might have seen on our socials that we recently took part in a book tour for 'Crochet Socks that Rock' (David & Charles 2025 ISBN-13:9781446314517) by Anna Nikipirowicz. 

Crochet socks are a far rarer beast than knitted socks but patterns are starting to appear more often in the crochet magazines these days and Anna has put together a whole book of fabulous designs. 

I am a sock knitter and so I hadn't ever attempted a crocheted sock so I thought it would be a good idea to start with the Shortie Socks pattern. DK sock yarn is less common than 4-ply/fingering weight and so there wasn't a huge selection to choose from in my yarn stash so I used some leftovers from a skein of green DK merino/nylon from Castle View Yarns, together with a skein of Coop Knits Sock Yeah DK. As you might see in my photo above I hugely underestimated the amount I would need for the toe/heel/cuff and only have a tiny amount of the green left so for the second sock I will be substituting in another colour from the Coop Knits range, which is lighter but similar. 

There is a choice of 3 sizes for this pattern and most of the others but a couple of patterns only have 1 or 2 sizes to choose from. The instructions are laid out clearly on the page, with a good amount of spacing so they don't appear cluttered or squashed together, which really helps when it comes to following them. For patterns with lace or colourwork there are charts too. 

Towards the beginning of the book there is a very helpful information section , which includes information on the best types of yarn to choose, tools needed and very importantly how to measure your own feet. The anatomy of a sock is clearly explained, which really helps you to understand the construction of the sock as you make it. 

There is a also a glossary of techniques towards the end of the book, including pictures, useful as the book uses US terms throughout and whilst there is a note on the differences between UK and US terms in the introduction there isn't a full conversion table for the stitch abbreviations, which is quite a lengthy list. I think this is a shame as it could lead to confusion for crocheters used to working in UK terms.  

This is a lovely book and visually very pleasing. I confess that I'm not going to be a convert to crochet socks as I love knitting them so much but certainly if you aren't a knitter and would like to have a go at making socks it is well worth taking a look. 
If you are in the UK you can purchase the book from Search Press here with a 20% discount and free postage by using the code DD88 at checkout. 

Until next month, enjoy your crafting and if you do have a go at a pair of socks from the book let us know in the comments.
Bye for now...

Welcome back to the JC book of the month feature. Last month I promised you a radical change of direction for October's book review and so here I am to tell you all about a novel called 'Hooked' by Briony Marshall (TWH Publishing 2024 ISBN978-1-9998669-9-0)

Briony Marshall is an author from Wolverhampton, here in the UK and Hooked is her third novel published by The Writing Hall (TWH Publishing). Briony describes her books as ' cosy, crafty, romance books' and having just finished reading 'Hooked' I can definitely vouch for the cosy, crafty feel, although romance isn't the focus of the book for the main character Eve. 

Eve is encouraged by her best friends and flatmates to enter an online competition to win a year's employment contract with an online crochet personality and the novel takes you through the highs and lows of Eve's journey. Along the way there are fallings out, unexpected twists and turns, new friends and a glimpse of the darker side of social media. 

I like the way Briony has used a younger person's experience of crochet in this novel, as there is no getting around the fact that despite a continued increase in interest in yarn crafts, there is still a sense of it being a 'granny' hobby. The novel highlights the fact that a career in crochet can sometimes taint the pure enjoyment that crafting for yourself can bring. It reinforces how important the support of friends can be and how priorities can change through lived experience. 

This is a fun read and it will be passed around team JC now I have finished it. I will look forward to Briony's next novel and will have to have a read of her previous books 'Unravelled' and 'From Rags to Richie'. 

You can find out more about Briony over on her website here and if you fancy reading 'Hooked' you can find it on the publisher's website here. 

I have already chosen next month's book and here's a small clue: it's all about socks! 

Welcome back to our monthly book feature. I've decided to stick with the fun side of crochet this month as I know how popular amigurumi is. I find it tricky but would love to be more comfortable making those tiny parts as some of the patterns available now are just amazing. 

Without any further ado, I can reveal that my chosen book for September is 'Gnomes to Crochet' by Val Pierce (Search Press 2025 ISBN: 978-1-80092-217-4). 

There are 20 patterns in the book, for an eclectic mix of characters, from a mini Daffodil Keyring Gnome, to a Scandi Shelf-Sitter Gnome. There's even a gorgeous little fluffy Lamb Gnome made from lace weight mohair and silk yarn. There's almost a gnome for every occasion, with a bride and groom, a Valentine's Gnome, Santa and Mrs Santa, among many others. 

The book is laid out in a very clear way. There is a short section at the beginning with a list of all the equipment you might need and some helpful suggestions of yarns that work well. Although these are, once again, great projects for stash-busting. The book uses UK terms throughout but there is a key showing the equivalent US terms in the info section.

Each pattern chapter lists yarn, equipment and notions needed at the top of the first page. The written instructions are in a simple font, that is easy to read, and are laid out in a logical, neat way on the pages. There is nothing superfluous on the pages and the photos are large and clear, and provide a great visual guide to how the item should look from different angles and in close up. 

I'm determined to have a go at one of these patterns and given the time of year coming up, I think it might well be the Halloween Gnome. I just love his stripes. Despite having an extensive stash of yarn, I realise that eyelash yarn is something I don't have any of, so I will be paying my local yarn store a visit to see what I can find. I know, any excuse! 

I adore the fun mix of characters in this book. They would make great gifts and, needing only tiny amounts of yarn, would fit well with stash-busting (although of course if a trip to a yarn-store is a necessity that's fine too). 

If you would like to welcome some of these adorable characters into your home you can find the book on the Search Press website here and if you are in the UK you can get a 20% discount and free postage by using the code DD88 at checkout. 

Next month be prepared for a complete change of direction as my book of the month is a work of fiction! 

Until then, I wish you many happy hours of crafting.  

I've taken a change of direction for this month's book, with a brand new publication full of tiny little projects...

Have you ever come across a small crochet object attached to a fence perhaps, or left on a park bench, with a little tag attached inviting you to take it home with you? If you have it may well have had its origins in the Facebook Group 'Random Acts of Crochet Kindness (RAOCK)', started in 2019 by Olivia Dieterich. The group now has over 350,000 members across the world and started out as Olivia putting little crocheted items around the town of Loughborough, here in the UK. 

The book of the same name is hot off the press, published by Search Press on the 19th August 2025 (ISBN 9781800923249).

The idea behind RAOCK is that you crochet a small item that you think might make someone smile or bring a stranger a moment of joy, attach a small label with a kind message written on it and then leave it somewhere out in the world to be found. The idea was borne from a tragic event when Olivia lost a friend to suicide in 2018. Her friend had spoken about wanting to learn to crochet and so Olivia crocheted lots of flowers for the funeral.

​Afterwards, feeling somewhat lost and unsure what to do with herself she challenged herself to crocheting a flower a day for 100 days, attached a message to each one and left them out for people to find. During the 100 day period the BBC found out about the project and asked to make a video, which once released got over 2 million views and sparked huge interest from people wanting to get involved and do something similar themselves. The Facebook group was born! 

The book contains 25 patterns for small items that can be created in under an hour and includes 5 'guest' patterns by among others, the designers Bella Coco and Sarah-Jane Hicks. The patterns include items such as flowers, hearts, stars, ice creams and cats. 

There's a how-to section with explanations of all the stitches used in the projects, with clear step-by-step illustrations. The book is written in US terms throughout but the UK terms are clearly referenced in this section. There is also guidance and templates for making tags, the kind of messages that are appropriate to use and a list of suggested locations for leaving makes. Four 'notes' pages provide space for recording which projects are left where. 

I love the sentiment behind this book and it will be great for dipping in and out of for quick and simple makes for gifting and perfect for stash-busting. It's a colourful book, full of fun and positivity and when I have a spare moment I will have a go at a random act of crochet kindness! 

If you'd like to take a closer look at the book and you're in the UK, you can get a 20% discount and free postage, by using the code DD88 over on the Search Press website here.  

July has been a really busy month so I'm scraping in on the last day with my recommended book. It's not a very recent publication, but a book that has been on my list to have a better look at for some time. Here at Janie Crow we always like to cheer on fellow crochet designers and Mark Roseboom (perhaps better known as The Guy with the Hook) creates beautiful designs through his use of texture and choice of rich colours. So the book I have chosen to highlight this month is Mark's  'Crochet Journey' (ISBN-13:9781446309568 David & Charles 2022).

As the cover suggests this book is full of patterns inspired by Mark's travels around the world, with 12 patterns each inspired by a different destination. There is a feeling of opulence to the photos in the book, with rich background colours and for each pattern a full page of text explaining the inspiration behind the design. I always like reading where a design has 'come from' so this really appeals to me. 

There is a wide variety of patterns, from shawls to blankets, a rug, mandalas, a cushion cover, and for a fantastic stash-busting project, a pin cushion! So if you're looking for a quick make or a longer term project there should be something in the book to suit everyone. 

I haven't started a project from the book yet so I'm not able to comment on how the patterns are written but there is a comprehensive page of abbreviations, including symbols and each pattern does include a chart as well as written instructions. The patterns are written in US terminology throughout. 

I've shortlisted a couple of the patterns to make. The Rivendell Shawl, inspired by a trip to New Zealand, uses a Scheepjes Whirl yarn cake and as I have two of those in my stash I think this would be a very worthy use of one of them. The other pattern that really caught my eye was the Santa Maria Maggiore Rug, inspired by the cathedral of that name in Rome. That particular pattern uses a Scheepjes Stone Washed/River Washed colour pack so a great pattern for anyone looking for a project to use that colour pack with. 

One comment about the layout of the patterns is that on most of them the yarn/hook information and pattern notes appear in a text box that isn't at the start of the pattern. It's clear that this has been done to make best use of the space on the pages but I like to see all of that information right at the beginning of the pattern and that way I'm much less likely to miss something important that I need to know before getting started. 

The Rivendell Shawl

The Santa Maria Maggiore Rug

This book really is a feast for the eyes and the range of projects appealing. If you think it might be a worthy addition to your craft book collection you can find it on the Search Press website here. If you are in the UK you can get a 20% discount and free postage by quoting the code DD88 at checkout. 

I'll be back with my next book recommendation towards the end of August. Until then, happy crafting! 

For May & June (running late for May and early for June!) I have chosen to take a closer look at the Granny Square Flowers Deck of Cards by Claire Montgomerie (Search Press 9th May 2025 ISBN9781800923065). The question is, is it a book? I'm not sure if it quite fits that description but let's live dangerously!   

This beautiful set of 50 pattern cards is the follow-up to the sell-out (and much-copied) set 'The Granny Square Card Deck', also published by Search Press in August last year. Having purchased an official original set and having seen a cheaper copy that one of my students had bought, I can very definitely say the difference in quality is huge, so it is worth spending that little bit extra and not supporting the copycats (and copyright infringers). 

Each card measures 10cm x 10cm (I've just realised as I typed that that they could make a great visual tension square size guide!) and on the front there is a close-up full colour photograph of the finished motif. On the back of the card is the charted instructions together with any other relevant information needed to make the motif. There is also a 32 page booklet in the box, with a step-by-step guide on how to read and understand crochet charts, some joining suggestions and advice on choosing colours for your motifs.

I'm not a seasoned chart reader. I like a chart to help clarify something I don't quite understand in a written pattern, but I would ultimately always prefer to use a written pattern. So, I quite liked the idea of challenging myself to make a motif using a chart only, just to see how I would get on. I decided to use card number 16, the Peony, for my sample. There are seven pages in the user guide dedicated to explaining in excellent detail how to read a chart so I made sure to read this through before starting. 

The charts are printed very clearly, with different colours used to differentiate the rounds, making it clear to pick out the stitches you are making on your current round. The card tells you any special stitches that are included in the motif and where to find the explanations of those stitches in the user guide and includes written notes on the pattern where needed. US terms are used where stitches are written on the cards.

I had a few leftovers from my Bohemian Blooms blanket in some lovely pastel shades so decided to use this for the pattern. I had no trouble following the chart, despite its relatively small size, as the clarity of print was good (far superior to the fake version of the cards I've had sight of). I would recommend taking the time to have a really good look at the round you are starting to make sure you fully understand what is happening before you get going. 

I'm quite pleased with my little square and quite like the idea of continuing with the granny rounds to make it a little bit bigger and then potentially using it as part of a larger project, perhaps a cushion cover. That's one of the things I really like about these lovely boxes of cards, that they serve as a starting point for creating a project that has your own stamp on it. 

So it's definitely a thumbs-up from me for this publication. If you are in the UK and would like to purchase one of these sets you can get a 20% discount and free postage on the Search Press website here, by using the code DD88 when checking out.

​I'll be back in July with another review but until then, happy hooking!