Disclaimer: I was gifted a sample copy of the book on which this review is based. However I have not been financially compensated by the supplier, book company or the designer to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own and based on my own experiences of using the book / pattern. This post does contain affiliate links which means that I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through these links at no cost to you.
Shakespeare’s timeless works have captivated readers and audiences for centuries, but for many, delving into his plays can feel daunting. However, “Hooked on Shakespeare” by Gurinder Kaur Hatchard offers a refreshing and accessible approach to understanding and enjoying the Bard’s masterpieces. In this review, we’ll explore how Hatchard’s book demystifies Shakespeare’s works and makes them accessible to readers of all backgrounds and ages.
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A bit about the author:
Gurinder Kaur Hatchard is the founder of yayforcrochet.com, an online platform dedicated to inspiring and teaching others how to crochet with her gorgeous patterns and brilliant beginner’s ‘Couch to Crochet’ series.
I actually had the pleasure of meeting Gurinder, at a previous Wool@Jct13 show when we were both vendors, so it was wonderful to have the opportunity to take a look at her lovely new book.
Discovering the Book:
Published to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio being published, this fabulous collection of creations ranges from the iconic Romeo and Juliet to Hamlet and the Ghost, and from the Three Witches from Macbeth to Bottom and Titania from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
There are 15 amazing amigurumi characters to make and love including;
- Romeo and Juliet
- Macbeth and the Witches
- Titania and Bottom (Midsummer Night’s Dream)
- Antony and Cleopatra
- Hamlet and The Ghost
- Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Cardinal Wolsey
- Julius Caesar and Brutus
- King Lear and The Fool
- Benedick and Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing)
- Prospero, Caliban and Ariel (The Tempest)
- Othello and Iago
- Antigonus and The Bear (The Winters Tale)
- Falstaff, Mistress Page and Mistress Ford (Merry Wives of Windsor)
- Viola / Cesario (Twelfth Night)
- Wooliam Shakespeare
Crafting Your Literary World:
“Hooked on Shakespeare” serves as a wonderful gateway to Shakespeare’s world. Gurinder, a Shakespeare enthusiast, brings her passion for the Bard to life in this engaging and informative book.
To pun or not to pun, that is the question. You know me, I love a good pun, so I was HERE for ‘Woolliam Shakespeare’!!! That meant he was definitely the character I needed to make. Did you know I actually studied Shakespeare (A Midsummer Nights Dream, Hamlet, Macbeth, Henry V and Othello) as part of my Literature degree so it felt kind of nice to be bringing him to life!
For my Wooliam I used some Ricorumi DK from my stash which is a firm favourite yarn of mine. Ricorumi DK is a 100% cotton yarn that comes in wee 25g balls [57.5m] in that’s available in 80 solid shades and I had all the colours I needed. I also decided to add a bit of bling to Woolliam’s outfit by using some Ricorumi Lame in gold instead of plain yellow.
The only other things I used were some stitch markers, a tapestry needle, some toy stuffing and a 3mm hook (closest US size D/3) and a pair of 6mm black safety eyes. He finished up being 20cm / 7.8 inches tall which was perfect and I completely love him!
Review:
I enjoyed the wide range of characters that Gurinder chose for this book and appreciated the accessories such as a mini skull for Hamlet and a cauldron for MacBeth’s witches. I also love how each new character is introduced, before you get to the pattern, so even if it’s a play you’re not familiar with you are provided with some context.
The designs themselves include fully illustrated stitch basics making it accessible to crocheters of all skill levels. There are also general tips, with lots of helpful photos, and guidance on how to crochet if you are complete new to the craft. And with so many characters to choose from there are lots of projects to keep you busy.
I think the characters have immense potential as gifts – imagine gifting a crocheted Macbeth to a theatre enthusiast, or presenting a Romeo to a literature-loving friend. I also believe these crochet creations could serve as invaluable teaching prompts in classrooms. What better way to engage students with Shakespearean literature than through tactile, interactive projects.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, “Hooked on Shakespeare” is a testament to the boundless creativity that arises when art and literature intertwine. Gurinder’s masterful designs offer a fresh perspective on timeless tales, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the magic of Shakespearean drama one stitch at a time. So, grab your crochet hook and embark on a journey through the pages of this enchanting book – the world of Shakespeare awaits, ready to be brought to life with the slip of a stitch!
Get your own copy of the book:
You can pick up your own copy of Hooked on Shakespeare: Crochet Projects Inspired by The Bard by Gurinder Kaur Hatchard from Amazon.
Which is your favourite character? Which would you hook up first? Let me know in a comment below.
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Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
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