Today I have the pleasure of reviewing another book for you. This time I bring you “The New Tunisian Crochet” by Dora Ohrenstein.
True to Dora’s other writings with which I am familiar, she begins by discussing the history of Tunisian crochet and shows pictures of early projects worked in Tunisian. She then moves on to explain the very basics. So, if you’ve never tried Tunisian crochet at all, than this book will teach you what you need to know. However, the book assumes a knowledge of traditional crochet, so if you are not familiar with traditional crochet, you’ll want to learn that first.
Dora includes a list of websites where Tunisian hooks may be purchased, and then covers various techniques such as double-ended hooks, making circles, entrelac, and colorwork.
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The next section is a stitch dictionary. This part is really exciting to me because my current repertoire of Tunisian stitches is quite small — simple stitch and knit stitch. I have not published any designs in Tunisian, but I have made some projects in it, and you can expect to see some in the future. And now, thanks to Dora, you can expect to see stitch patterns besides simple and knit.
Next come the projects, which, of course, we all love! My favs are:
Marisol Cardigan by Andrea Graciarena
Photo by Joe Hancock
Lorelei Pullover by Dora Ohrenstein.
Photo by Joe Hancock
I’ve thought several times now that I’d love to have some openwork tops like this to wear over a tee. I’d also love a nice cardigan to wear when Mr AC and I go out to eat because I am always FREEZING in restaurants. The Lorelei Pullover is made in Malabrigo Lace. I may actually have some of that! Excuse me please while I go stash diving…
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Rats. Nope, it was my Tosh Merino Light I was thinking of, but, I digress.
The very last part of the book is a symbol key, because, thankfully, there are lots of symbol diagrams in this book. I love those things! And there is a glossary with line drawings of the various stitches. Dora and F+W Media/Interweave were also kind enough to include designer bios for the 8 designers whose work is included. I always appreciate that, of course.
Get Dora’s book with my Amazon affiliate link! Click here!
This really is a wonderful book that I am so glad to have in my library! I will be using it, you can count on that!
Looking for other crochet book reviews? Look here:
Happy stitching!
April
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Great review, April! I love Tunisian, and am blown away by all you can do with it. That pullover is completely gorgeous!!
I've been curious about this book. The book looks great. Thanks for an awesome review
Tunisian stitch crochet is so much fun. It's great to see books like this one at feature this style of crochet.
Um, this is very awesome. I haven't gotten into Tunsian yet, but would love to!
Looks like something I might like to try!
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Great review! I've been wanting to try my hand at Tunisian crochet, and this sounds like a perfect starting point.
I don't know that much about Tunisian crochet. Are there patterns for items other than clothing? I prefer things that don't need a precise stitch gauge.
There is an afghan, scarf, bag, rug, slipper, hat & mittens, wrap, and others. So, not just garments. Tunisian is really fun! I enjoy it!