So what will inspire men who don't crochet already to pick up a hook and get learning? Tools, of course. Let a man know that he'll need tools for the task and he'll be very happy.
When you mention crochet to some people, they automatically think of delicate lacy doilies or the antimacassar laid across the back of Grannie's chair, but this book is filled with projects which may just appeal more to men's tastes.
How about something to aid the manly task of wood gathering? A Log Carrier, for instance.
Or what about a Football Bag? I think this is a rather good idea actually, when you're forever gathering up balls from around the garden a dedicated bag to keep them all together is very appealing.
It's not all about the men though, there's lots of projects that will appeal to both sexes. These Mittens look lovely and cosy, just the thing for autumn.
I do like this bunting, something a little different to the granny type bunting you often see crocheted up.
How I wish I had a bike so that I could make this Bike Bag for it. Very stylish as well as useful.
There's about thirty projects in the book, each graded according to difficulty, and they cater to all abilities. They're split in to four sections, Home, Clothes, Travels and Equipment, with a variety of projects under each section. The instructions seem very clear and there's helpful illustrations alongside the written patterns.
A section on Basic Instructions is included to help non-crocheters get started or to help with unfamiliar techniques. There's even information about whittling a crochet hook and exercises to help you loosen up, something many of us need help with after a particularly long crochet session.
I've thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this book, as I said at the start, it's something a little different. I'd definitely recommend it. There's lots of projects I'd like to have a go at myself.
The book is published by Jacqui Small Publishing and is due to be released on 18th August 2016. I received a copy of this book to review, however, all opinions expressed are my own. The book retails for £20.00 and can be purchased direct from Quarto.
Looks great I love the idea of a football bag to hang in the shed.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a good idea, isn't it? I think it's a good looking thing too.
DeleteWhat a fantastic book! When I was shopping for hooks yesterday I saw a lone of men's crochet hooks, it's a shame they were made out of plastic though :( I found lovely bamboo hooks on etsy! Tammy xx
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there were a range of crochet hooks especially for men. As you say, it's a shame they were made out of plastic. The whittled hooks shown in the book look really good and a definite talking point.
DeleteAn interesting book which Anne also reviewed. Maybe a bag for Mick to take to cricket(giggle), could be one for you to do. Thanks for posting about it and take care.
ReplyDeleteI saw Anne's review, she also enjoyed the book. Not sure I'd want to attempt a cricket bag for Mick, you should feel the weight of the one he uses.
DeleteReally interesting, thanks. I cant imagine my hubby doing crochet because he has such fat fingers when it comes to anything with thread!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think Mick would want to learn any sort of craft with yarn but he's always interested in what I'm doing and what my latest projects are.
DeleteLooks like a great book - adore the bike bag and I, for one, could use one of those wood carriers too! I've only done a tiny bit of crochet but do hope to do more. I'm sure it won't be too much longer before I pick up a hook as there are several crochet projects I've tagged in Ravelry that I'm quite interested in.
ReplyDeleteI think the bike bag is fabulous, I'd definitely make myself one of those if I had a bike to use it on. I've put my crochet projects to one side at the moment in favour of knitting and cross stitch but I'm sure I'll be back to it soon, especially when autumn comes round.
DeleteAn interesting, and informative post. Unfortunately I have arthritic hands and fingers so I can't do things like this now. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteIt's hard when your hands won't do what you want them to do, it can be very painful to attempt yarn crafts. My mum had to give up knitting quite a few years ago now because she has the same problem.
DeleteSo nice to have the chance to review a book. I think you did a good job. The book looks interesting. Some of the designs might be a little modern/utilitarian for my taste but I agree that it's good to encourage both sexes to crochet or knit. My husband actually taught me to knit, did you know that? I was trying to learn and having trouble, so he taught himself in order to teach me. I don't do it often and I'm still not very good but that's how I learned what I do know! He can crochet too and enjoys making nets, which uses techniques similar to crochet. He makes bags and has also made a doll hammock. :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know your husband had taught you to knit. I think it's great that he can both knit and crochet, very clever. I remember my dad sorting out my knitting for me when I was a child when I dropped a stitch or made a mistake and he knit lots of doll outfits for me.
Delete"Crochetterie" ... love the word, and the book looks very interesting.
ReplyDeleteDo like the idea of finger-less mittens too, they can be so handy!
Hope your weekend has been a good one, it's certainly gone by very quickly
All the best Jan
It's a great word, isn't it? I love fingerless mittens, they're so handy if you want to keep your hands warm but you need your fingers free.
DeleteApparently a great uncle of mine used to crochet and one of my male colleagues used to know how to knit! It does look like a good book, very interesting patterns. x
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there must be more male knitters and crocheters out there than we realise. There's some lovely patterns in the book, lots of things I'd like to have a go at myself.
DeleteLooks like a great book. I think it´s lovely for men to knit, crochet and sew and why not it doesn´t all have to be wood and metal work. Chris will even own up to making clothes for his action men years ago! xcx
ReplyDeleteHow times have changed, you only have to watch The Great British Sewing Bee to see men sat behind sewing machines. I can't remember boys being given the chance to learn to sew when I was at school, they were taken off to learn woodwork and metalwork whilst the girls went to their sewing class, not that it did me much good, I wish I'd paid more attention.
DeleteI still have my copy sitting beside me, it is such a delightful book to browse through.
ReplyDeleteIt is, there's lots of things I'd like to make from it but as you say, it's a lovely book just to browse too.
DeleteThat looks like a wonderful book, shame I still haven't mastered crochet! I have taught my son to knit, I agree it should be something mastered by one and all not just women.
ReplyDeleteThere's a section in the book with lots of help for the novice crocheter, and those who need help with new techniques. Daniel was never interested in any sort of yarn crafts, I've tried to teach Eleanor to knit and crochet but she's had more success teaching herself with the help of You Tube videos.
DeleteWhat a fab post Jo, what a great idea for a book, I'm sure there are many talented guys wanting to give it a go, men cook, design clothes etc....why should they be pigeon holed!xxx
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think things are changing though, there are talented knitters and crocheters out there who are men, you just don't hear about them as much. It would be great to get more men taking up these crafts.
DeleteWhat a good idea. I hope it's a success for the author. My dad was great at sewing. His mum was good at all crafts and taught him well.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I think it's lovely when parents pass on their skills to both sons and daughters. Daniel was never keen to learn any sort of yarn craft but Eleanor's picked up the basics.
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