The SEW Region Magazine - Book Threads
This is an intriguing new technique, which looks like Fair Isle knitting but as the title says is actually crochet.
This book is a comprehensive collection of projects for the home, from small stash busting ideas to larger projects to get your teeth into.
The instructions are clear, and the first section of the book is a well written guide to working the patterns. There are lots of explanations, supported by photographs throughout, with the additional snippets. This is very useful as it means you dont need to keep flipping back and forth to get the information you need.
The fabric produces is quite thick and robust as you work over the yarn not being used on a stitch. A dense fabric, its perfect for objects like cushions, blankets, and other items for the home.
Id recommend this book to the adventurous beginner and crocheters who are looking for something new to try.
Slipknot, The Knitting & Crochet Guild Magazine
The Fair Isle we all know seems a far cry from the bold Scandinavian style of the projects in this book illustrated on the front cover, but it is based on the same idea - using more than one strand of coloured yarn to make patterns based on 'one stitch = one square' and carrying the temporarily unused yarn along with the stitches as you crochet. As Natasja says, it is closely related to the Mochila technique and tapestry.
There are instructions and diagrams for the few basic techniques needed for Fair Isle crochet. The author gives a useful tip to avoid tangles: use a shoe box to hold different balls and cut slits in the side to channel the different ends.
The patterns all have big coloured charts and varying amounts of written instructions. There are 15 chunky, Scandinavian-style projects, all for the home, such as a baby blanket, cushion and plant pot cover. Simple motifs in black and white plus touches of other colours are used throughout.
Interweave Crochet
If you've never done Fair Isle crochet before, you're missing out! But not to worry: designer Natasja Vreeswijk has covered. Fair Isle Crochet Workshop walks readers through basic techniques before diving in with 15 projects ranging from baby blankets to baskets and footstools. Each project offers the opportunity to play with colour, be it tonal combinations or sets of complementary colours, while including detailed instructions, charts, and photos. Dive into colourful crochet this summer and add some colour year-round!
Amazon
If you are a beginner crocheter this is not the book for you, however, if you are looking to take your crochet skills to the next level this is a great book of patterns and ideas.
I really liked that there are a wide range of patterns from baby to household as well as accessories and blankets.
There are no written instructions as such, just charts to follow with basic instructions which is why you need a good knowledge of crochet
Overall a great book for expanding your skills and learning new techniques.
Amazon
The projects in this book are just beautiful. The simplicity of the patterns and designs are enough to add a touch of stylish glamour to any home. Blankets, pillows and so many other ideas are all showcased in wonderful glossy pages, and each design is striking and vibrant despite the muted colour palette.
The instructions are easy to understand and there is guidance on how to finish your chosen piece and how to add any embellishments. There is a basic technique guide, on how to crochet, and a fair isle workshop that will help with yarn colour, this comes with some handy hints and tips.
I adored the throw. It has a Scandinavian vibe, and looks warm and cosy. I just know that whichever project you choose, and whether you keep it or gift it it will be loved and treasured.
Amazon
Great book for alternative patterns you normally associate with knitting. Full of lovely patterns for the nursery, home and personal item.
Amazon
Some brilliant projects in this book. Lots of different technics.
Inside Crochet
For a long time, beautiful, detailed colourwork was considered the preserve of knitting, but more and more detailed crochet designs are showing off just whats possible in our own versions of intarsia and stranded colourwork techniques. Fair Isle crochet is created by working more than one colour in a row, working around the strands of the other shades as you go, and this book contains 15 stylish, contemporary designs that show off this craft to great effect.
Natasja begins with the basic techniques, in which she works through the back loops only to avoid the stitches skewing to one side as they stack up. Then its on to the patterns, all worked in simple dc stitches following full-colour charts. Theres a sweet set of baby designs, including a blanket, storage pockets and cuddly bunny, and a selection of stylish modern homewares, such as plant holders, a stunning pouffe, geometric pillows and a large throw that shows off a variety of colourwork arrangements. This is a gorgeous collection ideal for sprucing up your home and practising a versatile new technique.
Machine Knitting Monthly
These 15 Fair Isle projects are for crochet enthusiasts who want to go one step further. Also known as crochet tapestry, the techniques are easy to learn and all the projects are made in Natasja's unique vintage style with black and white base colours. The patterns have clear colour charts and beautiful photos of the projects.
