Stitch 'n' Bitch Crochet: Happy Hooker - Debbie Stoller

Stitch 'n' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
Debbie Stoller
Workman Publishing Company
Copyright: 2006
978-0761139850

The Amazon.com Book Description:

Debbie does crochet! Debbie Stoller, the “knitting superstar,” has been leading an entire movement of hip young knitters with her New York Times bestseller Stitch ’n Bitch and its follow-up, Stitch ’n Bitch Nation, together with over 521,000 copies in print. But guess what? For every one knitter in the world there are three crocheters—which translates into millions of hip, crafty, 18- to 35-year-olds ready to be happy hookers with Stitch ’n Bitch attitude, sexiness, ingenuity, and cool.

Written in the author’s cheeky chick style, this heavily illustrated book—featuring four-color photographs and instructional illustrations throughout—is chock-full of instruction, inspiration, and to-die-for designs, from a Fishnet Skullcap to a lacy evening wrap. For knitters and new crafters exploring the hook comes the primer: the advantages of crochet and the ways in which knitters (and nonknitters) benefit by learning this sister craft; a discussion of tools; all the cool yarns available, and what the different gauges mean; plus basic techniques and stitch patterns—including the chain stitch, picot, flowers, filet crochet, changing yarns, and finishing. Then come 40 fabulous, funky projects—the kind that make Stitch ’n Bitch rule—for crocheters: Pom Pom Capelet, Retro Clutch Purse, Anarchy Irony Hat, Ms. Pac Man Change Purses, Doris Daymat, Va-Va-Va Voom Bikini, Animal I-Pod Cozies, Kid’s Sock Monkey Poncho.

No, these aren’t your grandma’s doilies. 

Don't let the title put you off. I've gotten a couple of raised eyebrows over it. This is a very helpful book if you're learning to crochet. And, even if you already know how, I'd bet you will find the patterns useful. One of my coworkers knits and crochets so I asked her what she'd recommend for me to learn from. This was her answer. The book also comes up fairly regularly on the Ravelry website for knitting and crochet.

The first half of the book is the tools, yarn and stitches, all clearly illustrated. I've never crocheted before (well, o.k. I'd played with the chain stitch as a kid, but that's all), and only a day later, I've figured out the first stitch. Admittedly, I spent a lot of time ripping out the failures, but a closer look at the illustrations and diagrams pointed me in the right direction.

And, it's fun to read. The writing style is very light-hearted and friendly, which is always a plus, as are the very clear steps and descriptions for how to do things.

I can't wait to try out some of the shawls and sweaters displayed in the second half of the book, where the patterns are. There's also a really neat looking necklace and bracelet pattern I want to do. Each of the patterns has several great looking photos in full color too.

In the mean time, I'm now hooked.