July's Book of the Month

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!