Member Reviews
This book was just beautiful and so colourful "The Art of Crochet Blankets by Rachele Carmona
I found it very well illustrated throughout and a great find for a crocheter who would like new projects especially Weaving which I found brilliant. This book would make a great gift to any crocheter.
I received this review copy from F+W Media via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and F+W Media for this DRC.
This is loaded with unconventional inspiration for crochet blankets making some very cool patterns.
The patterns and charts are well constructed and easy to read.
I would have loved to have seen some progress pictures included instead of just finished product shots, but that's a personal preference and doesn't take away from projects.
Definitely something you will need more than just an introduction to crochet for. I would recommend learning the basic stitches, and making sure you are familiar with pattern and chart reading prior to picking up this book. There is some technique and abbreviation info at the back, but they are there with the understanding that you already have a good grasp on crochet.
Since I'm in the middle of a few crochet projects currently I wasn't able to give any of these a whirl yet. I am looking forward to trying out the Cozy Corners and Sweet Spring patterns in the new year!
Beautiful modern styles of crochet blankets that take inspiration from other forms of art. This book didn't quite translate nicely to mobi format with respect to the stitch patterns and order of colors. It also doesn't contain any good step by step stitching instructions with graphics, so those who learn better from visuals may have some challenges with this book. The text seems to captures things adequately enough.
This book is so beautiful filled with blankets and weaved art works. I have not made one from here, but that doesn’t mean I won’t lol. My goal is to learn to weave, I know how to knit, crochet, but not weave. I want to make wall hangings and rugs as beautiful as the ones in this book. I found this book to be well written and very beautiful illustrations. This book would make a great gift to any crocheter.
This year I finally learned how to crochet, and was a bit bored with some old patterns. I have found some inspiring books that take this old art into a modern masterpiece.
Love how this projects mix different stitches, threads, colors, and so on...
Really impressed with the finished work and images.
A new collection of blankets to make, which are oh so clever and graphically stunning. Another great new book to add to my collection! Highly recommend.
I received this e-book ARC of The Art of Crochet Blankets through Net Galley from F+W Media in exchange for a truthful review.
The Art of Crochet Blankets is truly inspired by art in several forms: weaving, digital art, paper cutting, cement tile, fabric design and quilting. Each crochet project is accompanied by photos of the artwork and information of the artist who created the inspiration. It is really special to see how the artwork is interpreted by the designer and comes to life as a crocheted blanket. Beautiful!
Most of the patterns are above my skill level, but there are maybe two lovely blankets I will be trying out. All of the crochet patterns seem to rely on piece-work: first creating smaller, easier to complete pieces and then joining them into the larger, completed work.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Interweave (F+W Media) and Rachele Carmona for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advanced copy.
Welcome to the world of crocheted blankets. But be aware! These are not the blankets your grandma used to make, that’s for sure. There isn’t a flame stitch, chevron pattern or granny square to be found in these pages and thank heavens for that. This is a unique take on crochet blankets that will make you excited to add one to your home decor.
There really is nothing better than making something with your own hands that you can use to curl up with or snuggle under. The beauty of blankets is that you are released from the struggle of making something to fit nicely. If if comes out a little bigger or smaller who cares and really who’s to know? Without the fit restrictions, it also allows you to be more flexible in choosing yarns that work and that means there is an opportunity to stash bust - always a plus when your stash is as big as mine! Carmona doesn’t market her book as a stash buster, but with her colourful designs, I think it lends itself to looking at what you might already have. However, should you choose to follow her designs as written, you will not be disappointed.
In this book you will find 18 patterns where Carmona looks at other art mediums for inspiration. She takes on weaving, digital art, fabric design, paper cutting, cement tile and quilting for coming up with fresh new ideas in designing blankets. You get a little bit of info on the artist and a picture of the original piece of art so you can easily spot the idea that sparked her creation. Some of the blankets are stunning, especially the graffiti blanket and the ombre stripe, where the colours are exceptional. Others are a bit of a stretch, or maybe not exactly my taste, but they might strike a fancy for you. What is original here is the source of inspiration. What a great place to look for design ideas. Carmona does not include how to design your own blanket, but after following her model, it seems like something I could do on my own.
There are lots of bright pictures, charts when needed and clear written out instructions so there is no guesswork in recreating these blankets. Because it is so well organized, it seems like it would be easy to change the colour palette if you wanted to make it match your own home decor. I did observe that a few of the patterns had to be done in pieces and you then had to assemble the blanket and sew (or crochet) the pieces together. Usually, the appeal of a blanket is just that it is one big piece, but I can see why the more intricate designs need to be done in pieces. There is a range of difficulty, from beginner to more intermediate patterns, which is always nice if you are going to invest in a pattern book.
Overall, a refreshing, original take on crochet blankets. So many new ideas and appealing designs that you should definitely check it out!
The Art of Crochet Blankets is a truly beautiful book. Rachel Carmona has created patterns inspired by artists across a range of art forms, from weaving to paper cutting.. The book is broken into six sections, each with multiple patterns based on a specific artist's work.
The blankets themselves are beautiful and definitely very modern, and I was thrilled to see some of the patterns included use closed stitches -- I hate the holey nature of traditional afghans. While this is definitely not a book for beginners -- the majority of the patterns within will require skill, patience, and a LOT of careful blocking -- even newer crocheters could get some inspiration from the designs within. These are some really fresh looks that completely break away from the traditional crocheted blanket.
Thanks to NetGalley and F+W Media for providing me with a DRC of this book that will be available to purchase on November 13, 2018.
I love crochet as it's much more forgiving than knitting, and so much more versatile (in my mind anyway!) to adapt it to something just that bit different as it only uses one hook and you can experiment and make your own patterns. This book is like that, making you think a bit about different mediums and shapes around you that you could adapt into a pattern yourself.
The book itself is laid out really well, with set chapters and lots of lovely photos, along with a techniques section at the back. The instructions are very clear, with text as well as visual charts, which I really like. My personal favourite was the 'Paper Cutting' sections, and the 'Layered Waves' is a blanket I definitely want to make, I loved the way it went from straight lines to waves, genius design and one that can be done in a multitude of colourways to suit any home.
Lovely book that I can see myself coming back to again and again for inspiration... I'm off to grab my hook and sort my colours out now, perfect time of the year for a new blanket!
I love when a crochet or knitting designer comes up with designs so unique. Inspiration for these designs was taken from various artists and mediums including digital art, weaving, fabric design, paper cutting, quilting and cement tile. The reader is also treated to bios of the artists who designed the inspiration pieces. There are some truly beautiful blankets here. These aren't what most people think of when they think crocheted blanket!
Thank you to Rachele Carmona, F+W Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Art of Crochet Blanket was certainly an interesting read. Carmona has taken her inspiration for these projects from a range of different sources, and it's fascinating to see how she has transformed each idea into a crochet piece. I particularly appreciated having the short biographies of the artists, and the glimpses of their original works, before seeing Carmona's interpretations. The crochet patterns are offered in the form of written instructions and (where appropriate) diagrams, and they looked easy to follow and well laid out. In terms of the designs, not all appealed to me personally, but I have fairly traditional tastes, and I think, in any case, each of us will always like some more than others with a collection such as this. Overall, though, I thought this was a lovely concept.
This beautifully photographed and colorful book will inspire crochet crafters to up their game. The author showcases the work of several artists to draw inspiration for her own designs. Artists working in papercraft, quilting, tiles, fabric design, and tiles are featured, along with a crochet design based on that artist's work. Designs based on paper craft and quilts were especially nice.
The patterns are quite intricate, and this book will appeal to crochet crafters who want to stretch their crafting skills. Those who design their own projects will also appreciate the descriptions of how a crochet designer distills creative ideas from other art forms. The introduction, discussing the artistic process, is excellent. There's also a technique section in the back.
These blankets are so pretty--not your grandma's afghan patterns. These do look too complicated for a beginner, but they'd be a good challenge for an intermediate. If you love color and a beautiful end result, check this out!
The Art of Crochet Blankets 18 Projects Inspired by Modern Makers by Rachele Carmona
What I like about this book are many things: the vibrant colors, the shapes and how each designer has their own section in the book.
Title says it all, it is art and it is crochet blankets. Starts with a table of contents where each of the six designers get their own chapters for their works.
There are also sections at the end: techniques, abbreviations, glossary, about the author and yarn resources.
Beautful color photos throughout.
Each section we find the designer and a bit about them, the artist and the inspiration.
Each pattern starts with color photos, title, summary of the finished piece and finished size, materials needed: yarns, hook notion and gauge and stitch guide.
Pattern starts out with good detailed instrucitons with help also from a color key chart for placement. Some also have charts for making the designs but also have printed words.
There is no level of expertise but I think a very new beginner would have some problems following along.
Love seeing the textures. Love also that a male designer is also included in this collection of blankets.
Amazing how the designers got the art into the crochet stittches. Look so real, exquisite and stunning.
Like them all-so different than afghans I've made in the past. Layered waves and ombre stripes are my favorites as I've started quilting just this past week.
What a KEEPER!
Received this review copy from F+W Media via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#TheArtOfCrochetBlankets #NetGalley
The Art of Crochet Blankets is indeed a work of art. It was inspired by the following mediums: digital art, weaving, screen printing, paper crafts, and quilting. The author created magnificent and colorful blankets that will inspire others to do the same by following her step by step instructions.
I always enjoyed crocheting and found it to be relaxing. This is the perfect book for those looking to expand on their crocheting skills while at the same time create something beautiful.
I’m always on the lookout for great crochet books as I love to crochet when I have time! I also love to make blankets, in fact it’s probably the only thing I do make, so when I saw this book I knew I’d love it!
Full to the brim of beautifully designed crocheted blankets, this book gives clear, detailed instructions for all the blankets, along with good colour photos and instructions for joining and finishing them. The stitch guides are very detailed and as long as you follow them closely, you shouldn’t go wrong!
The book does appear to be aimed at the more intermediate/experienced crocheter, but may be attempted by someone who knows the basic stitches as there is a comprehensive list of abbreviations and techniques along with a detailed glossary. One word of warning for the UK crocheters, it is US terminology so just remember to change those singles to doubles and doubles to trebles!
An absolute fabulous book, I only wish I had the time to be able to make all these blankets! It is though, definitely a book I would love to pick up every now and then just to look at the wonderful pictures! A definite thumbs up for all you fellow crocheters!