Seamless Crochet by Kristin Omdahl, softback published by Interweave and available in the UK through Search Press. ISBN 978-1-59668-297-9, price 17.99 GBP available in the UK from www.searchprss.com

Not only is Kristin Omdahl a beautiful lady, she makes magic with her hands and a crochet hook. She is also a crocheter who believes that crochet is a modern art. This is crochet you would want to wear and want to be seen in. I’ll make no bones about it, I am simply in love with Kristin’s work – I don’t think she has ever produced a design I don’t like. Her book ‘Crochet So Fine’ is on my shelf and this one is joining it. I can knit with my eyes closed, in my sleep, standing on my head, but I have never crocheted a garment as such, just little bits, so the patterns look a bit complicated to me but I’m sure that’s how novice knitters feel when they look at a fair-isle chart. It cannot be beyond me to master this and I would jump through hoops to wear some of these. Chief on my list are the lacy Ninja Star shawlette, the front cover design Blissful Flower, Snowflake, the gorgeous mobius Star but I reckon I’ll try the chunky cowl Blue Skies first. There are lots of scarves, shawls and hats, a bag and plenty of ideas for the home, of which I love the Moroccan Tile blanket. Anyone who loves crochet cannot help but fall in love with this book. Top class photography and clear instructions. Highly recommended.

Crochet for Children by Claire Montgomerie, hardback published by Cico Books. ISBN 978-1-907563-80-5, price14.99 available from www.cicobooks.co.uk

Following on from her successful book Knitting for Children, this book teaches children how to crochet. The tools and techniques are clearly shown. I find the step by step crochet instructions to be the best I have seen. The photos are large and the instructions are brilliant from ‘holding the hook’ to ‘treble crochet’ as well as ‘increasing’ and ‘decreasing. If you have ever struggled with getting to grips with crochet, no matter what your age, take a look at this book. Children will love the projects and with 35 to make, they are spoiled for choice. I love the rabbit scarf, the headband, bird bag, slippers, the parrot and eye patch for budding pirates. The little Princess tiara and rag doll are really lovely too. You’ll be crocheting alongside the children, even if you have never done it before.

50 Ripple Stitches by Darla Sims, softback published by Annie’s Attic. ISBN 978-1-59635-362-6, price 6.99 available from www.searchpress.com

50 crochet ripple stitches in one volume. I love Eccentric, Filigree Lace, Double Wrap, Infusion, Unexpected and Bodacious. I would not turn my nose up at any of these stitches, so I am sure you will love them too. Good for mix and match pattens. There is a clear large photograph of each stitch plus clear written instructions. There is also a brief crochet guide on the back page. Great for all crocheters.

This is a book of contemporary crochet pattens that really hit the mark. Taken from Interweave Crochet’s first five years, I guess you would not want this if you have continually bought the magazine. However the latter it is not widely available in the UK, so this book should do extremely well here in the UK, despite having to substitute yarn. It has some of the biggest names in the industry and I am only going to mention one, my favourite, Kristin Omdahl who produces a beautiful shawl pattern in this book. I am much more of a knitter than a crocheter but I was captivated by the designs in this book. I am sure there are plenty of patterns here that would entrance avid crocheters, beginners and advanced ones alike. The variety of patterns is great. Tops, sweaters, scarves, bags and even a dress (the patten I liked least sadly). Stitches vary from lacy to solid, some almost look like knitting. There are three patterns for kids – blanket, teddy and dress, one waistcoat in Tunisian crochet for a man, not keen on that and the bulk of the book devoted to ladies late twenties plus. Even the patterns that look back to the traditional granny square such as the Boho design work so well, I was amazed that I could like something that essentially used granny squares. Definitely worth buying in my opinion.

Mini Christmas Crochet by Val Pierce, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-740-0, price 4.99 available from www.searchpress.com

Part of the Twenty to Make series, this little book contains ideas for the Christmas season. The twenty designs use metallic or cotton crochet yarns. You only need small amounts. Most of the designs are very desirable and fun to make and different to the companion knitted christmas book. Designs range from just under 5-10cm (under 2-4 inch) tall so take little time to crochet. There are the usual Christmas characters – snowmen, reindeer, angels in cute designs plus crackers, bells and snowflakes and so on for the Christmas tree. There are also ideas for the fridge, table and gift toppers – this is a good selection.

Cute Creatures to Knit and Sew, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-607-6, price 10.99 available from www.searchpress.com

These loveable creatures have a slightly wacky side. They are lots of fun and even the children could help make some of them. Some are knitted, some crocheted and some made with french knitting over a fabric base. With 35 to choose from, you’ll find something for everyone you know. The Cuddly Cat is a real pussy. Full size pictures at the front with instructions at the back – I much prefer them together, although there is a mini pic with the instructions. Templates and graphs are very small. This looks like it was originally a French book published by Marie Claire.

200 Crochet Flowers, Embellishments & Trims by Claire Crompton, softback published by D&C. ISBN 978-0-7153-3843-8, price 14.99 available from www.davidandcharles.co.uk

This is an easy to use book with all you need to know about crochet to produce flowers and trims to embellish clothes and more. It talks about different yarns, gauge and making a swatch. It discusses colour. The charts are easy to follow but if you are still doubtful, you can follow the written instructions. I like the Loop Daisy, Dahlia and Trumpet Flower. The trims are really good – these are useful in so many ways – I love the Clover Border, Diagonal Squares and Chain Loop Ruffle. The fabrics section includes lovely Shell fabrics, Large Daisy, lots of Fan fabrics and another real favourite Seafoam fabric. In the motif section I like the Moorish Square. This book made me want to pick up my crochet hooks.  My book has a different cover to that shown here.

The Crochet Handbook & Stitch Guide ed Ruth Patrick, hardback, spiral bound published by Apple Press. ISBN 978-1-8454-3407-6, price 12.99 available from www.apple-press.com

This book gives step-by-step instructions and photos for those who are beginning to crochet. It is easy to follow. It gives the basic stitches, ways of shaping and casting off. It talks about tension and equipment. The book then expands and shows more interesting stitches, it still gives step by step instructions in writing and photographs for these stitches. There are several motifs, how to join motifs, working with colour, lace and the different kinds of crochet such as hairpin, broomstick and Tunisian – all with the same attention to detail in the instructions. The finishing techniques section is equally good. At the back of the book is a stitch and block directory of over 60 stitches. Each has a colour photo and detailed written instructions. The patterns vary from one colour, colourwork, unusual shapes, edging and flowers. This will get you started on designing your own patterns. I particularly like the Fancy Openwork pattern, the Spanish lace, the picot octagon. This book has enough information presented in a clear manner to take you from beginner to designer.

Get Hooked on Tunisian Crochet by Sheryl Thies, softback published by Martingale. ISBN 978-1-60468-035-5, price 15.99 available from www.martingale-pub.com

Out of the 13 projects, the cover project is the best. In all this book features good projects, the best I have seen for Tunisian crochet plus techniques and ideas for the perfect finish. It is well laid out, easy to use and has superb photography.

150 Blocks to Knit & Crochet by Heather Lodinsky,softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-615-2, price 10.99 available from www.searchpress.com

Subtitled ‘anything but the square’ this collection of blocks features all manner of shapes but squares. Each chapter is devoted to a shape such as diamonds. There is a projects section to explore design possibilities but this section is limited – you only see a drawing of the finished project. It makes a good stitch reference library for unusual shapes for both knitting and crochet.