Note for overseas buyers - postage costs quoted are for UK only. Please contact me for details of postage costs to you before I can confirm your order. Thanks.
These books are in British terminology unless otherwise specified
"Plus-size Sweaters to Crochet" by Melissa Leapman USA terms
5 really useful designs for 3 cardigans/jackets, 1 sweater, and 1 collared pullover with a zip at the front neck. I got this booklet from America and have made the top right blue cardigan on the back cover. The instructions were clear and easy, although you should remember that they are in American, and the cardigan came out great. I didn't even need to use the largest size! The sweaters are sized to fit size 14 to 3XL Also, they all seem to allow a lot of ease so in fact I think most people would need to choose a size smaller than stated. All made in medium worsted which is usually double knit or Aran weight - you will need to do a test piece to see how your crochet works up. The actual yarns are given in case you wish to use them but some are not easily available in the UK. This booklet is in excellent condition and is great value at only £5.50 and £2.30 p+p in the UK.
"Plus-size Crochet Sweaters" by Kathy Wesley - USA terms
All 7 sweaters in this lovely American booklet go from size X-Large to 3XL so to fit body sizes 40inch to 54inch. The actual garments are sized to fit loosely so mostly go from around 44inches to 60inches. I bought this from the USA and have not got round to making any of them as I have been losing weight. It is difficult to find good crochet patterns in any size, so to find them in plus-sizes is an opportunity not to be missed. Reading through, the patterns seem clear and easy, although you need to remember that they are in American terminology. This is in excellent condition and an absolute bargain at only £5.50 and £2.30 p+p in the UK.
"Luscious Scrap Afghans On The Double" by The Needlecraft Shop - USA terminology
This is for a type of crochet that I had not seen before using a double-ended crochet hook. Although it is a slim booklet with only 6 designs in it, there is a page with diagrams explaining all about using the double hook and these look like this craft is very similar to Tunisian crochet. Having said that, I think only large craft shops would have these hooks and you would probably have to get one online. It is American, so uses that language, but has diagrams of the basic stitches in the back just so you can be sure you are doing the right stitch. I particularly like the green rippled 'earthy homespun afghan' and the 'scrappy points afghan' shown on the front cover This excellent condition booklet is only £2.49 with free p+p.
"Our Best Afghans A to Z" by Leisure Arts - USA terminology SOLD
A hard to find Leisure Arts booklet from the USA. There are, as you could guess, 26 lovely designs for afghans here. I don't know why it is, but American designers seem to come up with the best afghan designs. Please prove me wrong! Email in if you know otherwise. The back cover is shown below. As you may guess, the instructions are all in American terminology.
These booklets often go for silly money on eBay and are rarely available on Amazon. See what you can find, then come back and get this one while you can! £7.50 plus £2.30 UK p+p SOLD
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"The Harmony Guide to Crochet Stitches" compiled by Sylvia Cosh and James Walters SOLD
The classic hard-to-find softback version of this book from the Harmony guide series. Highly recommended for any level of skill, it covers every kind of crochet including Tunisian crochet and has clear step-by-step diagrams of each stitch, so that you can do all the patterns in the book. This is the must-have book for crocheters and has not been bettered. SOLD
Review: Stitch'n Bitch Crochet - The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller - USA terminology
NOT FOR SALE
My vesion of the "Seija Set". Baby pushchair blanket and matching hat. I went for my own choice of retro '70s colours for this. I used Stylecraft dk as a locally available alternative to the yarn suggested. It looks great in every colourway I have seen it in and is very quick and easy to make.
Striking black and white works well for this "Spring in Winter" set. Again, I used Stylecraft dk and got a good result.
I have also made the wrapover cardigan "frou frou" and was so delighted with it that I shall be making another one ready for this winter. No photos I'm afraid because it's in brown and my photographic skills are not enough to do it justice. I can tell you that the shape is very flattering to the larger lady. Also no pics of "Short'n Sweet" or "Go for Baroque" because I made both in black but these may be added later if I get better photos.
I would recommend this book to anyone, whether you are an experienced crocheter or just starting to learn. The section at the front gives good clear instructions on every term used in the book. Many of the patterns are very easy and designed with novice crocheters in mind. Having said that, there are a number of patterns that will delight even an experienced crocheter. The book is aimed at a younger audience with toys, iPod covers and cute little bags. If you are not a spring chicken don't be put off - you will love the wrapover cardigan, shrug, preppy jacket, and all the sweaters. With 40 projects in all, you will certainly come back to this book again and again. It is in American terminology throughout but has handy conversion pages for stitches and yarns in the front.I wouldn't be without it! That's why my copy is not for sale, but you can buy it new from Amazon.
Woolworth Oddments Booklet SOLD
This booklet is not available any more, being from the early 80s. It has crochet patterns for soft toys and bags and would be ideal for someone wanting some of the popular amigurumi style toys without the Japanese instructions. It's been so long since I made any of these I can't remember anything specific but, on reading through the booklet, everything is suitable for a fairly novice crocheter. I do remember that Mr Teddy Bear was around for many years before disappearing mysteriously in a house move. There is also a Mrs Teddy Bear inside, the shaggy dog from the front cover, a "witch" pillow, spotty dog pillow, dalmation, snake, beaver (shown in green!), pompom caterpillar and 3 bags. This booklet is in usable condition, being a bit wrinkled, having a few small marks, and punch holes in the side. Price £3.00 + £1.50 post and packing SOLD
Babies in Crochet - Sirdar pattern booklet 269 SOLD
A super booklet from Sirdar with 20 lovely and simple crochet designs for babies and toddlers. These include sweater, cardigan, jacket, brimmed hat, pull on hat, beret, mittens, booties, blanket, dress, shoes and shawl. They are all shown in white and navy but I made them in other colours too and they all looked great. I made the cover outfit in cream with multicolour flowers and it was a showstopper! I will try to find a photo to post here. The instructions are all very clear and, as the cover says, use simple motifs and basic techniques. This booklet is in very good condition. £4.99 and £1.50 UK p + p. SOLD