Crochet Wraps Every Which Way
When you purchase a book, or open a crochet magazine, do you pay attention to the pattern designers? I am one of those who reads every designer name…on every pattern. Each designer has their own style and over the years I have found that I lean towards certain designer’s patterns.
When I received my copy of Crochet Wraps Every Which Way by Tammy Hildebrand I was SO excited! Tammy is one of those designers that I have admired from the beginning of my crochet journey. Her designers are fashionable, fun, and always easy to read and understand. She is also the Vice President of the Crochet Guild of America. I decided to take this opportunity to ask Tammy a few questions.
How old were you when you learned to crochet? I learned to crochet from my second grade teacher. One day she offered to teach anyone that wished to stay after school. I was the only one that stayed and I remember it like it was yesterday. We would sit at her big wooden desk working on a floppy, purple “hippy” hat. We are now friends on Facebook and I sent her a copy of my book!
Do you have a favorite stitch or technique? I love so many different stitches and techniques. I enjoy being able to jump around from one thing to another and never get bored but if I could only pick one, it would be lacy motifs assembled with a join-as-you-go technique.
Where do you get your ideas from? They just pop into my head. Crocheting and designing are truly my gift from God and it just comes naturally for me.
What are your favorite items to crochet/design? If I don’t have to write a pattern or do sizing then I love making something lacy for me! Motifs and large lace patterns can be tricky to size. My favorite project just to relax and enjoy making while watching a good movie is an afghan.
Do you plan out your designs, then crochet them? Or do you sit down with a hook and “play” until a design forms? I never plan ahead which can be a very bad thing! I like to just grab some yarn and make it happen. Over the years I have learned that sometimes you do have to do a little planning in advance or you could run into big trouble when you go to do the sizing. But my favorite is to just wing it.
Do you have a favorite design in your new book? I really love “Waiting for Willow”. It is my favorite kind of design – lacy motifs using join-as-you-go to assemble it in a color that I wear often. I designed it while we were waiting for my first granddaughter, Willow, to be born so that makes it special too. (see photo below)
One crochet tip you have learned, that you wish you had known sooner? (maybe some simple thing that helps a lot?) The biggest thing that I have learned and this applies not only to crochet but life in general, is that you never stop learning. I’ve been crocheting for more than 40 years but I still don’t know all there is to know. I stress in my book to experiment and have fun. Sometimes people get so hung up on following a pattern to a tee that they lose some of the creativity. You need learn the stitches and techniques but then move on and apply them in new and exciting ways!
Below are just a few of the designs in the book.
There are so many great designs in this book! I had a hard time deciding which pictures to include. I didn’t include my favorite because I wanted to see your choices! The book includes everything from tips & hints to photo tutorials of the different techniques so you can try something new! I particularly like the fact that the patterns are in sections by technique. The sections include: Traditional Crochet, Motifs, Hairpin Lace, Broomstick Lace, Tunisian Crochet, & Double-Ended Crochet.
Head over to Stackpole Books to see all the designs. I would love to hear what your favorite is.
Happy Crocheting!
*Disclaimer* – This book was provided to me for a review, but all opinions are strictly my own.
I love the Clementine shells! I naturally gravitate toward orange things…and the stitch is beautiful! Who am I kidding…they are all beautiful! :)
Water Lily is the first shawl I would make. It’s so cold out now and the colors look like spring and summer, although this shawl has warmth. I would love to wrap myself in it.
I really loved the Ardeona Lace shawl, I love the fact that it can convert to a shawl,a scarf.It is so changeable.Tammy Hildebrand really captures the beauty of crocheting at every level and it is exciting to see something new and creative.
Thank You!
I love the Mystic Stars, so lacy and pretty. It’s like being wrapped in a dream.
chica mala!! but it wasn’t easy picking a fav because they are all beautiful.
WOW! These are all just wonderful…tough to choose just one favorite!!! What I’ve narrowed it down to is/are: perfect pineapples, ardeona lace, and chica mala. Thanks for a great review, interview, and give-a-way Kristine!!! <3
They are all gorgeous, but love the Water Lily
It’s a toss up between Ardeona Lace and Perfect Pineapples. I love the lacy looks of both, and the pineapples are classic.
I love You Are My Sunshine! So different.
I love Midnight Azaleas and would love to learn tunisian to try those shawls. They are gorgeous!
I love sophisticated lady. The detail on the bottom is so pretty. I would make this for my mom for mother’s day! She desires such a pretty shawl.
So many to love and choose from. I think it would be cascading rivers.
Hello. I love so many, but my favorite is You are My Sunshine. I used to sing that song to my granddaughter and would love to make this pattern for her.
I love the Mystic Stars (and all the others too!)
They are all very pretty but I Love the Mystic Stars
I love them all. If I have to pick one then Midnight Azaleas edges it :)
I love Purple Passion … purple shades are my favourite. However, all the patterns I’ve seen are gorgeous. You make it really hard to choose a favourite.
Cascading Rivers, absolutely beautiful!