Winter Crochet is Marie Wallin‘s seventh book which includes a collection of eight beautiful contemporary crochet patterns. Many of the designs combine knitting and crochet together which is perfect for bi-stitchual crafters. The blend of knitting and crochet creates a group of very wearable winter clothes including, amongst other things, jumpers, cardigans and a jacket.
Each pattern is written in English Crochet terminology but US alternate details, along with photos of close ups of each design, tension, sizing, finishing and aftercare is included in the back of the book.
The book is a bit of a work of art! The photos of each garment are gorgeously set alongside a charming seaside background. I love the rustic looking colour palette that has been used, very much my type of colours, which compliment the natural surroundings perfectly.
The yarn used in the book is Rowan Felted Tweed and Felted Tweed Aran but if you didn’t want to use that you could try substituting with KnitPicks City Tweed Aran, Katia Maerino Tweed, Berroco Inca Tweed, Cascade Yarns Melilla, James C. Brett Rustic With Wool Aran, Hayfield Bonus Aran Tweed with Wool or Stylecraft Aran with Wool. Remember to always swatch to measure your gauge if using a different yarn.
All the patterns in the book have been given lovely Celtic names ;
- Gael (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
- Caitlin (Crochet) – Jumper
- Keela (Crochet) – Jacket
- Finnoula (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
- Meara (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
- Siobhan (Crochet) – Cardigan
- Niamh (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
- Catriona (Knit & Crochet) – Jumper
There are some really interestingly intricate stitch details, all of which have been clearly explained throughout the book, but the beautiful motifs used to create Finnoula caught my eye. Just stunning!
I love how versatile crochet is in that you can re-invent or re-use elements of one thing to turn it into something else. I decided to use one of the motifs from Finnoula, which reminded me of a poinsettia, to make a small ornamental mat which I could sit my actual poinsettia on.
The motif worked up beautifully with some spare Aran (Worsted) weight cotton I had in my stash. The pattern was clear and easy to follow and I had no trouble at all making the motif. My little mat was just perfect for my Poinsettia and will now come out every year for that purpose.
If you are interested in having this book for your very own it is currently available for purchase via laughinghens.com
Until next time; keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
