Crocheted Throws and Wraps by Melody Griffiths

Create something warm, beautiful, and special with any of these 25 stunning designs for throws and wraps. With easy-to-follow patterns and a comprehensive techniques section, there'll be nothing stopping you from crocheting all manner of gorgeous creations.

Within the four chapters, you'll be able to explore all sorts of styles from `Vintage Style' to `Around the World', in a variety of stunning colours and yarns. Packed with 25 beautiful ideas for crocheted throws, comforters and blankets, Crocheted Throws and Wraps has a project for everyone and every design aesthetic. Create an heirloom effect with wraps based on antique lace and traditional textiles or, if you dream of pioneer patchwork, try one of the patterns inspired by Navajo motifs or crazy quilt patchwork. Don't be afraid of the professional, luscious look of the blankets you see in the photos - the designs have been created with simplicity in mind, so even novice crocheters will be able to produce exquisite pieces in no time at all. Many of the projects are made up of small, easy-to-work-with squares and motifs, so you can carry on crafting while on the move.

Including charts and detailed instructions, you'll have everything you need to make any of these beautiful 25 projects, plus the10 extra ideas for ways to make larger or smaller items, such as bed covers or pillows.

Publisher: Ryland, Peters & Small Ltd
ISBN: 9781782494867

I really enjoy crocheting and in the past two years I have enjoyed hooking again, however, i have stuck to basic blankets and want to get braver and try new designs and stitches. Crocheted Throws and Wraps may just be the book that makes me step outside my comfort zone and try something new.

Crocheted Throws and Wraps is split into four sections: Vintage Style, American Dream, Outside Inside and Around the World and each has 6-7 individual patterns for throws, blankets and one shawl.

Each pattern is accompanied with a number of colour photographs and charts. There are full length photographs along with close ups to allow the reader to get a real idea of the stitches involved. Each pattern is started with a brief description of the design, the finished size, the amount of wool needed (including weight or description), the suggested hook. There are tension instructions and a list of abbreviations used in each pattern. The pattern is clearly written in English terms (i.e. dc, tr, 2trtog) and is easy to follow. The pattern is split into individual sections making it very easy to find the sections i.e. square, strips, border, making up.

The patterns cover a wide range of needs; a blanket for a new baby, a textured blanket for a sofa, afghans, a circular coverlet/shawl to name but a few. There are floral designs, checked designs, aa Scottish tartan, an African design, a Shaker style and a Scandinavian sampler. There are designs made up of individual blocks, circular designs, designs crocheted line by line and a patchwork throw which is embellished with cross stitch motifs.

There really is something for everyone in this book, the patterns are for a range of ability with designs that could be made by a beginner but also for advanced crocheters. The back of the book has a section entitled 'How to Crochet' which includes a quick description of how to crochet the basic stitches (lots more indepth instructions can be found on the good old internet or find a local craft group where I am sure others will be pleased to pass on their knowledge). This section also includes great advice re choosing the right yarn, using scrap yarns and how to join blocks.

I really like this book and I think that when I have finished my current projects (and there are a few) I will be choosing a design to crochet from this book. I rather fancy trying the Scandinavian sampler which combines two of my favourite crafts, Crochet and Cross Stitch.

Thank you to CICO Books for sending me a copy of the book to review in return for an honest review.