Readers dive into the first part of Not Your Mama’ s Crochet and find information on the uniqueness of this craft, how it’ s evolved into the craft that the target audience now enjoys, and several chapters outlining the basic equipment and skills a new crafter will need in order to create the designs outlined in the rest of the book.

Crafters will find 25 to 40 patterns outlining how to make scarves, hats, mittens, socks, sweaters, vests and tanks, bags, purses, home dé cor, accessories, baby/kids items, pet items, and more.  A variety of techniques and materials are featured throughout the book, and each pattern offers variations so that readers can truly make each piece their own.

At the end of the book we showcase the biographies of the designers whose patterns appear in the book. We offer a guide to additional sources of information or fun on  crocheting, including good places to get supplies, information, and patterns and events for the crafter. Lastly, we offer pointers on how to get into the “ in” crowd, become a regular at the local craft mecca, or start a group of like-minded crafties.

The ideal offering for crocheters who want unique designs and ideas

Fifty-three million women know how to knit or crochet, and millions more are jumping on the bandwagon. Crocheters will love this book because, while it covers the basics boot camp— style, it focuses on exciting projects, not boring practice. Crafters will find patterns for scarves, hats, mittens, socks, sweaters, vests and tanks, bags, purses, home dé cor, accessories, baby and children’ s items, pet goodies, and more. Forget prissy doilies and think sexy tops and unique accessories!

Amy Swenson (Calgary, AB, Canada) got hooked on crochet as a child. Since 2003, she has developed and distributed her own line of original patterns for knitting and crochet, IndiKnits (www.indiknits.com) sold in over 100 shops across North America.

Forget ugly afghans and dainty doilies and think luxurious throws and sumptuous sweaters. You can crochet cool stuff that will make everyone envious—things to spice up your wardrobe and your pad, or gifts to amaze your "I could never do that" friends. Choose from nearly thirty projects ranging from elegant to earthy—from a chic shrug to a recycled denim rug and from fun plush toys to sweaters too good for boys.

In hip style, this guide covers:

• All kinds of yarns and materials, and the tools of the trade
• The basic stitches, shaping, finishing techniques, blocking, and more
• Simple projects that give you close-to-instant gratification and more complex ones that take some commitment
• Suggestions for customizing every design and personalizing every project

Intone your creative mantra and get your hooks into a terrific project. With Not Your Mama's Crochet, you won't just make unique, chic items—you'll make a statement.

Amy Swensonhas come a long way since she crocheted blankets for her dolls. She now markets her own line of original patterns for knitting and crochet, IndiKnits, sold in over 100 shops across North America and on www.indiknits.com. Her designs have been featured in many popular books and online magazines.

Introduction.

PART ONE. Hooker How-To.

CHAPTER ONE. Crochet 101.

The Ultimate Smack-down: Crochet versus Knitting.

Working with Yarn.

It All Starts with a Knot.

Ch-ch-chains of Love.

You Spin Me Right ’Round Baby!

What Goes Up Must Come Down.

Putting It All Together.

When Good Crochet Goes Bad: Troubleshooting.

What’s Next?

CHAPTER TWO. Stitches to Make Your Knees Weak.

How to Use This Chapter.

The Basics and Beyond.

What’s Next?

CHAPTER THREE. All about Yarn.

A Yarn for All Seasons.

Hanks, Balls, and Skeins, oh my!

Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral?

A Weight Problem.

Dame Fashion Says “Dye It!”.

Just the Facts, Ma’am.

Yarn Shops: Not Just for Knitting Anymore.

The Hooker’s Secret Stash.

Stash Enhancing Online.

Hooked on Spinning.

CHAPTER FOUR. One Hook or Two?

A Study of the Crochet Hook in Its Natural Habitat.

Other Doodads That Make Life Worth Living.

CHAPTER FIVE. Be a Fashion Designer (Or Just Look Like One!).

Measure Up.

Garment Construction Basics.

Ease In: Fit Matters!

Flattery Gets You Everywhere.

A Little Light Color Theory.

When Good Projects Go Bad.

CHAPTER SIX. Ready, Set, Crochet!

The Anatomy of a Crochet Pattern.

Symbolcraft: The Illustration of Crochet.

Get Hooking or Go Home!

PART TWO: Projects.

CHAPTER SEVEN. Jump Right in, the Water’s Fine!

From the Crochet Test-Kitchen: Market Bag.

Preppy/Hippy Scarf.

It’s Called a Toque, Eh?

Getting Dizzy Scarf.

Weekend Vest.

Chunky Monkey Scarf .

CHAPTER EIGHT. Fashionistas Unite!

Uber-Femme Capelet.

Peek-a-boo Plaid Skirt.

Pseudo-Kimono.

S3—Sari Silk Shrug.

Ramblin’ Rosie Cardie.

The “Too Good for Your Boyfriend” Sweater.

Cozy Peacoat.

CHAPTER NINE. Put Your Hook Where Your Heart Is: Great Gifts to Crochet.

Granny’s Been in the Bourbon Again: A Drunken Throw.

Classic Street Page Boy.

Daisy Chain Neck Warmer.

Lucy-Lou & Tim-Bob, Too.

Woven Fringe Scarf.

Bubble Belt.

Who Hat.

CHAPTER TEN. Bucking Tradition.

Straight-Laced Tank and Shrug.

The Wowie Zowie Eco-Tote.

Crocheted Bling.

When the Jeans Don’t Fit: A Recycled Denim Rug.

Deliberate Shrinkage Sack.

Felted Trellis Scarf.

Creatures of the Wooly Deep.

PART THREE: Resources and Appendices.

CHAPTER ELEVEN. History of the Hook.

Let Them Single Crochet!

Purely Puritanical.

Crochet Negligée?

Hippy Hookers at Woodstock.

The Rebirth of Cool Crochet .

Crochet on the Catwalk.

CHAPTER TWELVE. Surf ’n Turf: Crochet Resources Online and on Land.

Webzines and Pattern Sources.

Blogs.

Crochet Groups and Communities.

The Glossies.

Other Books.

Indie Designers.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN. Safe S.E.X.: Stash-Enhancing eXcursions.

The Big Box Stores.

LYS: Local Yarn Stores.

Online Yarn Stores.

Yarn Companies.

It’s in the Bag.

Festivals, Fairs, and Events.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN. Weaving Ends.

APPENDIX A: A Crochet Reference.

Common Abbreviations.

British/American Terminology.

US/Metric Hook Sizing.

Yarn Weight and Gauge Chart

APPENDIX B: Worksheets and Forms.

Measurement Worksheet .

Project Log.

Designer Bios.

Index.