Erika Knight is a crochet legend…  she has published over 14 books on the subject and I have always admired her simple approach, clean palette and technical prowess. So it was with a squeal of delight that I received her latest book CROCHET WORKSHOP from Quadrille Books yesterday.

It is a back to basics manual – aimed primarily at the new crochet crafter.  It has a chic appeal – youthful yet classic, and the book lays out the stages of crochet very well.

Like everything by Erika, it is simply shot, has clean lines and a nude colour palette.  Whilst I am a fan of rainbow brights, what I like about her approach is that you get to see the work in is simplest form, which you can then colour up or adapt to your own palette.

The book covers yarns from fine to fat, has simple illustrations of the different techniques, and then a great Stitch Library which is illustrated with photographed crochet squares and the technique to do them.  This is a great reference library – and I have about 30 crochet books and I think this is laid out the best by far.

The 20 projects at the back appeal to all crochet fans – from the classic Granny Square blanket (which has colour!) to the gorgeous Asymetrical Cardigan.. and little quick stitches like coasters and a daisy chain necklace.

Of course my yarn of choice always steers toward the supersize.. and her rag dog basket is totally fab!

Whilst I was lucky enough for Quadrille to send me this to review – I would have bought it anyway – and it is worth every penny

Happy Hooking JP x

>>PREORDER HERE  – PUBLISHED IN JUNE 2012 by Quadrille