Thursday, January 21, 2016

COLD WEATHER CROCHET by Marlaina "Marly" Bird

I live in the South. Specifically, North Carolina. Okay, it's not the deep South but it's called the South, and when we moved here many years ago, we thought we wouldn't need winter coats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, etc., any more. This WAS the South, after all. And we moved from Chicago – where the Lake Effect could cause the temperature to drop 30 degrees in 30 minutes! I could tell you many stories about driving in snow, never having school cancelled in Chicago because of snow, ice skating on Lake Michigan (yes, on the lake), building snow forts that would last forever! But, instead, I want to review a book that was just sent to me, published by Interweave, a division of F+W Media, Inc. Just in time to warm me up from the winter weather we've been having lately down here in the (not so south) South.  And there's more to come. Snow today as I'm writing this. More snow this weekend! Lots of it!
Brr!
The book I want to review is called Cold Weather Crochet by Marlaina Bird. 


You probably know her as Marly Bird. I met her years ago at a TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) trade show in California, and I was impressed with her enthusiasm and knowledge. And looking at her book, I am impressed with her design sense. Just looking at the afghans, hats, scarves, cowls, shawls, socks, mittens and slippers that are in her book, I feel warm and cozy. I know that any one of the 21 patterns would be a welcome addition to anyone's cold weather gear!
And, the great thing about the book, is that there are stitch diagrams in addition to the written directions. (You know I love stitch diagrams!) So – if you want to crochet one of the patterns, but you have problems reading crochet directions, or you want to make it with another weight yarn, or you want to use the stitch pattern in another pattern, it's easy to do. In reality, then, you get more than 21 patterns. You can use the stitch pattern for the Chevron cowl for a scarf. Or perhaps, for a baby blanket. Or even a shawl to keep you warm. All you have to do is use your imagination. Which is easy, with this book! It's like a stitch dictionary!
And, if you like to use many different weights of yarn, this book offers patterns in weights from #1 to #5 - extra fine to bulky weight.

Here are some of the patterns that "spoke" to me.
If you like to crochet motifs, you'll love the African Flower Afghan, 


the Tilt-a-Whirl Afghan, 



and the Log Cabin Blanket.



If you want something to wrap up in, when you're at home or out, you'll love the Cabled Shawl.



And when you're out, to keep your head and neck warm you have the Hat and Chevron Cowl Coordinates.

And these: Linen Stitch Scarf,

Pewter Slouchy Hat, 

And Pretty In Pink Infinity Cowl.

All perfect for this cold weather!
These are just some of the 21 patterns in this book. All of them will keep you warm. All of them are good for COLD WEATHER CROCHET!
And here's the information where you can find the book:

Interweave/F+W; $22.99

If you do crochet something from the book, please comment below, and post a picture of your project. I would love to see it!