Chapter 1: A Trip to the Yarn Store Choosing Your First Yarn How Do I Choose a Crochet Hook? What Else Do I Need? Chapter 2: Learning the Language A Closer Look at Abbreviations Chapter 3: Putting It All Together Holding the Hook and Yarn Getting Started The Stitches The Other Elements Gauge Finishing Techniques Chapter 4: Single Crochet Quintessential Scarf- This easy-to-make scarf is a beginning crocheter's quintessential first project. New Direction Scarf- Take a bulky yarn, find a large hook, work horizontally to show the coloration off to its best advantage, and you've got a scarf in no time. Striped Strip Pillow- Narrow strips crocheted with stripes than joined together add more interesting patterns, colors, and textures than just stripes alone. Beaded D Ring Belt- A variety of beads dress up the fringe on this easily accomplished belt. Ribbed Tie Belt- One minor change from the Beaded D Ring Belt makes it look totally different-more dimensional and more drape. Handy Utility Cases- Once you've mastered the scarf and belt, the next step is to think about what kind of crocheted items you can make by joining straight pieces. Glamour Girl Cosmetic Bag- A novelty yarn purposely worked with a small hook to create a firm fabric gives this little bag a dressed-up look. Chapter 5: Expanding Knowledge Neck Gaiter Scarf- This fun piece with vintage buttons and quirky fringe is an easy way to practice mixing up stitches. Cashmere Headband- More fashion than function, this lacy little accent works up in no time. Elegant Chevron Wrap- Light as a cloud and very luxurious, this dramatic wrap features wide border stripes and oversize tassels. Vibrant V-Stitch Wrap- Now that you've mastered the basic stitches, you can group and separate them in a repeating pattern to create a beautiful drape. Stimulating Stripes Baby Blanket- Vibrant colors give traditional stitches an up-to-the-minute look for that forward-thinking baby (or parent). Chapter 6: Taking Shape Casual Evening Bag- A handy bag for those evening essentials - keys, cash, cosmetics - and the long strap lets you keep it close without having to hang on. Dressy Evening Bag- Using metallic yarn turns the Casual Evening Bag into a dressier one. Funky Stuffed Toys- A great exercise in striping, the bright colors and simple details define this cat and dog. Button-Front Top- This little top, made with simple stitches, is a good exercise in making the curved shapes that create armholes and necklines. Chapter 7: Working in Rounds Flash Caps- These cute caps fit close to the head and are easily varied to create many hat styles. Fingerless Gloves- Elegant and easy, these little fingerless gloves are quick to make and cozy to wear. Farmer's Market Bag- This lightweight power shopping bag is collapsible and can be folded up small to keep it handy. Urban Shopper Tote- This trendy tote is perfect for a trip to the greengrocers or for picking up just a few items anywhere. Chapter 8: Light and Shadow Blanket- The classic granny square afghan has become an icon of comfort and home, but here we'll give it a contemporary look. Messenger Bag- Constructed from traditional granny squares, this retro-inspired bag looks contemporary once again. Chapter 9: Getting Edgy Fancy Foot Thongs- These foot thongs are a fun way to dress up the barefoot look and show off a pedicure. Bobble Clutch Purse- Edged in a contrasting color using a decorative stitch known as a reverse single crochet, this highly textured purse has a retro feel to it. Lacy Shrug- The edges on this retro-inspired little shrug are an exaggeration of the pattern stitch within. Trim A Tank- Pick a trim and take a garment from plain to fancy in no time.
Judith L Swartz learned to knit when she was eight, the same year she aquired Duchess, her first dog - for whom she knitted her first sweater. Swartz's career in textile design includes developing patterns for yarn companies, publishers and private clients, and she also teaches classes and workshops in knitting and crochet. She has designed hats for Smiley Hats and Roffe Skiwear, and created a sweater for Fred 'Mr Rogers' Rogers, commisioned by McDonald's. She lives in Spring Green, Wisconsin.
"Good teach-yourself manual[s] that cover the basics of crocheting and knitting without including more information than can be comfortably absorbed by a newbie." - Library Journal"A collection of beginner projects absolutely perfect for warm-weather looping...Swartz covers the ABC's of crocheting in clear, succinct fashion." - Yarn Market News"A lovely beginner's book... The text is clearly written and the illustrations are very easy to follow." - Spindlicity.com"Designed specifically with beginners in mind, this book demystifies jargon and techniques and leads you to new possibilities and skills." - Get Creative"Chic, simple projects." - Crochet Today!"The instructions are clear and concise, the pictures are beautifully colored, and the how-to diagrams make everything understandable and easy." - The Compulsive Reader"The new Getting Started series...promise(s) not to leave the 'newbie' wondering what to do next." - Craftrends
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