Crochet yourself Calm by Carmen Heffernan

Keep your hands busy and your mind relaxed, as you crochet this inspiring collection of repeat patterns, some designed as small geometric motifs, others on a larger scale. By focusing on the repetitive rhythms of creating your piece, stitch by stitch, you will be truly in the moment; your breathing and heart rate will slow down, your serotonin levels will rise, and you will become calm. The act of creating is known to have a healing effect on the mind, which is harnessed by art therapists - and the publishers of adult colouring-in books! Add to this the impact of the other therapies involved in crocheting - colour therapy, energy therapy, and touch therapy - and crochet becomes a really powerful tool in reducing stress and increasing feelings of well-being. Plus, you will have made a lovely, one-of-a-kind piece at the end of it. It's time to pick up your crochet hook - and put down your cares!

Publisher: Search Press Ltd
ISBN: 9781782214793

This book is a great collection of crochet patterns which have been split into Circles, Squares, Triangles, Stripes and Zig Zags. Each pattern has a colour photograph which shows the design beautifully and instructions both written and as a diagram. There is a shopping list for each design, with wool used for the photographed piece, suggested crochet hook size and skill level, along with a tension guide, and finished size.

The instructions are clearly laid out and easy to follow. There are some projects included in the book which use some of the designs from the book and these could be adapted to use other designs. 

The book finishes with a chapter including crochet basics, ideal for anyone who wants to give it a go. The patterns included within the book range in difficulty and therefore can be used by any crocheter and is a great resource to return to when inspiration is needed. 

I recommend this book as a great gift to give to anyone who wants to try crochet, or who is a keen crocheter already. Add in some double knit wool and a 4mm crochet hook and the recipient can get started straight away.

Thank you to the publishers, Search Press, who sent me the book to review in return for an honest review.