This book contains a set of very cute crochet projects but they're not that different than any of the other cute crochet books out there. They're mostly, but not entirely food-based. Pokorny took the time to explain yarn selection, and tools well but some of her patterns have atypical wording such as "bb (back bump) instead of back loop only which may confuse readers who are using this book to learn crochet.
Overall, it is a cute addition to the pantheon of crochet pattern books, but not a must-have.

Creative Crochet Projects is a fast, fun book of delightful patterns which are accessible to beginning crocheters (and a treat for more advanced hookers). It’s by Stephanie Pokorny of the ever-popular Crochetverse, so you know the projects are going to be cute, colourful and bang on-trend.

Creative Crochet Projects is split into two sections – Fun Accessories to Make and Wear, and Playtime Projects. I appreciated how the book is arranged in difficulty level. It starts with speedy and simple finger crocheted scarves in bulky yarn and gets more complex from there!

As well as all the patterns, this book contains helpful sections for absolute beginners. It covers things like hook size, yarn weights, and of course, gauge. The book contains crochet stitch instructions, and thorough how-tos for tricker techniques, such the chainless foundation stitch and magic ring. However, this is not a ‘learn to crochet’ book. It will stretch a beginner’s skills and provide a stepping stone to more complex or larger projects, but you will also want a helpful friend or a couple of hours on YouTube to get to grips with the basics.

Some of the Creative Crochet Projects
Creative Crochet Projects has one of the cleverest ways of dealing with gauge I think I’ve ever seen (no joke). Instead of telling you to create a separate swatch (yawn), gauge checked after part of the pattern has been worked.

Cute crochet hat pattern
Here’s an example from the Bubble Hue Shift Hat pattern. “Gauge check: Lay that foundation ch out and smooth it flat without stretching. At this point your piece should measure 18” (20) from end to end. Once gauge is met, sl st to first st made to form a ring…”

See? How much better is that than working a flat square? I am extremely into this technique, and vote we all abandon swatches in preference of this.

This technique reminds me of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s hat-swatch – except it takes a lot less time. And you don’t end up with a dozen hats before hitting on the right gauge.

I’ve looked that up to see if she gives it a pithy name – she doesn’t. In case you haven’t heard of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s hat-swatch, I’ll share it here:

Elizabeth Zimmerman’s hat-swatch
“It is a good idea to cast on half the stitches for the total body-width, and embark on an Aran cap instead of a swatch. Use all the patterns called for, and if the cap turns out to be exactly half the width of the intended sweater, you can start on this without a qualm, and be one cap to the good. Make it 6—8” high, and bring it to some kind of a finish at the top. It is sure to fit somebody. … Isn’t it convenient that a cap measures just about half a sweater?”

That’s from The Knitters Almanac, and Creative Crochet Projects also has kind of an Almanac vibe. Twelve projects, with varying difficulty levels, a you-can-do-it approach and an abundance of tips sprinkled throughout.

Foldable hamburger crochet pattern
The Bubble Hue Shift Hat pattern is my favourite project in the book. It’s wearable while being cute, unusual without straying too far into wacky. I also liked the Squiggles McGee Hat, the Happy Heart Bunting (so cute, and you know I love a granny square), and the Foldable Burger. However, the Asymmetric Owl Wrap didn’t do anything for me.

Asymmetric Owl Wrap from the book Creative Crochet Projects
And in my opinion, the It’s a Cinch One-Hour Cowl would have been a lot cuter in different yarns. (Black and white with a bright red “belt”? Hmmm.)

Easy crochet cowl pattern from the book Creative Crochet Projects
Would I recommend this book?
Yes, Creative Crochet Projects would be perfect for a newer crocheter looking to expand their skill set. If a more experienced hooker picked it up for one pattern, they’ll almost certainly get more out of it than a single creative crochet project.

Creative Crochet Projects best for crochet babies

Posted on February 20, 2021 by michellelovatosbookreviews, world's first book color commentator, book reviews with a twist

Confession: I wish I had all the time in the world – and – I hope God doesn’t take me home anytime soon.
Maybe this is every person’s desire. Perhaps it’s just my own. All I know is, there simply isn’t enough time in life for me to enjoy all the wonderful things I am blessed enough to become entranced by.
First on my list of wonders is watching my daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren grow into incredible human beings with an infinitesimal level of potential to offer our world.
Second is my ability to write for myself and others.
Third, my opportunity to reach out and share my love with my community through charity and my part-time job at a large craft retail store.
And fourth, crochet; my favorite craft because I learned it from my great grandmother when I was eight years old.
That brings me to Fox Chapel and Landauer publishing’s brand new book, Creative Crochet Projects: 12 playful projects for beginners and beyond by Stephanie Pokomy.
This book is an interesting collection of crochet patterns because it incorporates a variety of crochet project types instead of focusing on just one method.
Unlike the beginner’s two-hour amigurumi-only crochet book I am writing, Pokomy’s book shares patterns for amigurumi – which is the Japanese art of crocheting (or knitting) small, stuffed yarn-made toys – along with patterns for other popular items, like a hooded double crochet scarf made into an owl’s head; a darling turtle tape-measure cover and a twisting scarf made of that giant yarn we sell periodically that so many customers come in asking me what to make with it.
(I’m the crochet and knitting teacher.)
Pokomy offers a traditional beanie pattern, an adorable bee hive mobile pattern, and just about the cutest pattern for an amigurumi-scarf mix pattern I’ve ever seen.
What I mean by the “amigurumi-scarf” pattern – an oxymoron to crochet aficionados – is that the scarf is made up of various parts of a hamburger: Bun, lettuce, cheese, etc and is constructed like an amigurumi toy. But instead of being created with small-gauge yarn, this scarf is made of sport-weight – or your average Red Heart or Big Twist yarn that is attached to make a scarf. As an amigurumi toy, this same pattern would call for a small gauge yarn – I would use Aunt Lydia’s #10 – and would be created the same way. The kick is that when this scarf is stacked upon itself, it becomes a hamburger.
Adorable.
If the fold-up hamburger wasn’t cute enough, Pokomy also throws in a hot dog pattern designed the same way.
Pokomy’s Creative Crochet Projects: 12 playful projects for beginners and beyond certainly exemplifies its name. I’m not sure I would suggest this book for a just-starting-out, brand-spanking-new crocheter.
However. I think I would recommend it for the beginning crocheter who is familiar with single, double, and half-double stitches and understands the basics of how to read a crochet pattern.
This book is fully equipped with how-to instructions and is doable for any level, but it would be far more fun to accomplish with a little experience under one’s belt.
I’d go with the crocheter who’s getting bored with the same ol’, same ol’ and is ready to start reaching out to new project ideas.
All in all, Creative Crochet Projects is a win and is a great present for the wife of a confused crafter’s husband.
I know I am going to adapt Pokomy’s hamburger scarf pattern back to amigurumi yarn size and stack it on my shelf of foods that I’m making for my wellness-expert daughter to use in her practice. When she has clients that want to talk about hamburgers, my daughter will have a perfect visual for which her patients can remember her advice.

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Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him. You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things. Psalm 128: 1-2

Fun projects with clear instruction and nice pictures.

I’m a beginner and I managed to get some of these techniques and projects to look good with the help of the book.

Very fun projects ranging for practical to whimsical with thorough explanations. Because of the variety of the types of projects there will probably be something for everyone, but it's also likely that one person would need to do all the projects in the book.

Adorable projects to crochet!!! Some of these projects were formally published online through the author's website and Ravelry. Honestly, none of these projects were must haves for me. There was a mix of hats and scarves with child play items.

The unique part of the book was the inclusion of finger crochet! The unique technique was buried within the patterns and didn't make this book feel like a must have for reference.

I was really excited for this ARC since I love to crochet, however, I feel like this book fell short. First off, it is extremely short, there are only twelve patterns. It does indicate this so I didn't take any stars off for it, but it just felt shorter than I expected, even knowing that it was already a very short book. The patterns themselves are not what I would choose to make. The amigurumi ones are cute, but the directions are kind of confusing, which could be the kindle format, to a degree. It would have been nice to see pictures along the way, and not just the finished project. The first 20-30% of the book reviews basic crochet stitches that are used. Overall, it was okay, but not one that I would grab if I wanted to start a new crochet project.

As a seasoned crocheter, this book was a little basic for me. But it would be the perfect starter book for beginner crocheters. The book begins with a few pages of how to crochet. The author describes and shows pictures of some of the basic stitches and explains yarn weight, which will be very helpful for those learning to crochet. The projects are fun and fairly simple. My very first crochet project was a piece of crocheted toast, so the crocheted hamburger and hot dog were right up my alley. I especially loved the way the author crocheted the hot dog condiments. Super clever!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Cute little book with lots of fun easy projects to add to the wardrobe and house. There is a hamburger with the lot to crochet as well as colorful beanies, a lovely owl shawl hat, sliced watermelon, stove top and the cutest bee hive with bees mobile and more .All can be made in short periods of with basic crochet knowledge

This book has very fun and creative patterns.

I am a beginner, so my experience whilst reading this book reflects on this completely. Some of the terminology did confuse me, however I am hoping to still attempt some of the patterns.

I am giving this book 4 stars because of the creative patterns. It is exciting and very colourful. Hopefully, when I become more experienced at crocheting, I will attempt the more complexed patterns.

Thank you for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book is perfect for anyone who loves crocheting fun projects! It has a variety of creative, fun projects. There are great photos to accompany the patterns. This book helped spark my creativity and get started on some fun projects. It includes important information to help beginners. I would recommend this book to my friends who are looking for some new project inspiration.

Creative Crochet Projects by Stephanie Pokorny is a fun, beginner book all about crochet.

I thought the introduction and explanation at the beginning was perfect and clear for beginners.

The projects were the fun bit. I think the owl hoodie is the coolest item and the first thing I will be making. I preferred the clothing items in this book over the toys. However, I am thinking the toys could be fun for the right reader/crocheter. I think a younger audience or an adult with children would prefer it best.

I would have liked to have seen a few more patterns, but overall this book was great and perfect for someone learning to crochet, especially a younger child or person as I think they would find the ideas fun and colourful.

I received an eARC from Fox Chapel Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

This book does an excellent job at providing exactly what the title implies: creative crochet projects. Personally, I like practical crochet projects, and there are a few in this book, such as the scarves and hats. My favorite practical project would be the "braided beauty scarf", which is made using your fingers and not any type of hooks. I think where this book really delivers is in the unique and whimsical items. My personal favorite has to be the "foldable hamburger", but there is also a "foldable hotdog" as well as a "roll-away kitchen playmat". Seeing the stitches of crochet being used in the context of children's toys can't help but bring joy to the child inside us all. Aside from the one-of-a-kind projects, this book also offers a very good introduction to crochet in general, and begins with the easier projects, which in my mind is a very smart design move. I highly recommend checking it out!

I haven't tried the projects yet, but I am excited to try some of them.

There are twelve projects, of varying difficulty. Directions are easy to follow. Some patterns are ones I've never seen elsewhere. Some options are hats, scarves, and food. I appreciated the detailed descriptions and the images. Abbreviations are also explained.

This would be good for beginner to intermediate crocheters.

For me this was well illustrated and nice book. Short. Few projects that are super cute and couple of the projects that were just not too interesting for me.
Overall good instruction book but not very memorable.

There were some really fun colourful projects in this book. A lot of whimsical looking items, this book would be great for a tween or lighthearted teen or adult. Easy to follow instructions, a great guide.

I haven't made any of the projects yet, but they are easy to follow and very straight forward. There are 12 projects and each one gets harder than the last. I like this because you know that based on it's location in the book you can kind of judge whether or not you will struggle based on your experience level. They are also unique. I have seen patterns for things like this before, for example, the hamburger. I have seen dozens of hamburger patterns, but this one attached all of the pieces together. It was such a great idea. Perfect for a toddler because none of the pieces would get lost. The book has everything from food to hats and scarves. I am looking forward to trying out the patterns and more patterns from this author.

A great guide for beginners through intermediate skilled. The patterns were well written, easy to follow and produced excellent results. They were really fun to make as well!!!!

Cute crochet book. Simple and easy projects. Great for all levels of crocheters.
The book is great with step by steps for the projects, which is great. The projects are perfect.
Thanks to NetGalley, Fox Chapel Publishing, and Landauer Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

This book has a vast array of crochet projects that range from easy to experienced and it is very simple to figure out. I love how the author shows the steps in such a way that the reader can follow along and see the step by step instructions while performing the actions to make a beautiful and colorful item. The book is separated by projects and gives the reader the option of creating items to wear or accessories to make. My favorite is the finger crochet scarf. I made several to give as gifts for the cold weather. I am no expert by any means but with this book, I have been able to learn more crochet terms as well as teach my niece how to crochet. It is so much fun when you can help others learn how to make gorgeous throws, hats, scarves, and blankets.

Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.