My Mark on Crochet History

March 7, 2013 by crochetkim | 12 Comments

As a crochet designer and pattern writer for the last 15 years, this is possibly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me. A stitch dictionary. MY stitch dictionary.

This book is that book. THAT book of which I have always dreamed. A book that would leave my mark on crochet history. Oh, I know. I’m probably being too prideful and I should get that in check. But, really, I am so pleased with this book. My pattern books will come along and be gone forever, but THIS book. I really hope that this book will be one of those books that stands the test of time. I hope that people 50 years from now are actively seeking it out as a wonderful contribution in the crochet world.

Several years’ ago, I “appeared” on Blog Talk Radio with Mary Beth Temple on her show, “Getting Loopy”. During the show, Mary Beth asked me about stitch dictionaries for Tunisian crochet. I told her to just give me a minute because Tunisian crochet stitch patterns just fell out of my ears. ha! But, it’s true! Tunisian crochet stitch patterns really do fly off my hook, new and different stitch patterns, never before seen. This book is the result.

What is interesting about this book is that it’s not a standard size. The cover says “Perfect pocket size–fits in your bag!” But, let’s not let the cover fool you. There is a lot packed into this little book.

My “master plan” was to provide 60 stitch patterns. A few would need to be standard, typical stitch patterns, but the book is predominantly stitch patterns out of my head, never before seen. If you’ve sought out and purchased the Japanese stitch dictionary, never fear. These give you even more. And, if you’re having a hard time reading the Japanese symbols, my book will teach you how to read them and understand them. So, don’t worry about having both books. They will actually compliment each other.

So, let me tell you what’s inside!

The first chapter teaches you how to read Tunisian crochet symbols. It teaches you how to do the basic stitches. There is a Master List of all the symbols at the beginning for quick referral. 14 basic stitch patterns take you through learning the stitches, symbols and step-by-step written instructions so that you can practice before getting to the remaining stitch patterns. Yes, these stitch patterns are written in symbols. But, don’t worry about that. I teach you how to use them first!

The remainder of the book is separated by stitch pattern types. The titles are “Typical Stitches”, “Color Stitches” and “Lace Stitches”. If I’m not mistaken, the Lace section is the biggest since I love Tunisian lace so much. And, naturally, I’ve included a couple of pineapple stitch patterns. I accept no boundaries. Pineapples are traditional for crochet therefore must be included in a stitch dictionary, even if pineapples haven’t been done in Tunisian crochet. They simply must!

When I first browsed through the book I was amazed. If only you could see the “mess” that I gave Leisure Arts. I mouse-drew every single symbol and then used a spreadsheet program to chart everything. It was readable. But, it wasn’t exactly what I would call pretty. The graphics department made it all so pretty! The editor made it all into a truly beautiful thing. To take my “mess” and turn it into this book is something I didn’t really dream possible. But, Leisure Arts did it and did it in a big way. I am really very pleased by the looks of the book.

There are 61 total stitch patterns in the book. I keep wondering about that one stitch pattern. I really thought I turned in 60 swatches. So funny. But, hey! Bonus!