The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop Book Review and Excerpt

In order to complete this book review, I received a complimentary sample copy from the publisher. I was not financially compensated to write a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Excerpted from The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop (c) Dora Ohrenstein. Photographs by (c) John Polak. Used with permission of Storey Publishing.

Title: The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop
Published by: Storey Publishing, LLC
Editor: Dora Ohrenstein
ISBN: 978-1-61212-246-5
Format: Paperback, 256 Pages
Published: November 18, 2014

The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein, published by Storey Publishing LLC, contains techniques, tips, and advice to help you become a more adventurous crocheter. The author walks you through choosing yarn for your project, building your crochet toolbox, controlling tension, fundamental crochet techniques, and more!

The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop is divided into two parts: Techniques and Projects. Each part is further broken down into different sections. Here is the list of sections you will find in The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop:

• Techniques
  • Choosing Yarns
  • The Crochet Toolbox
  • Controlling Tension
  • Fundamental Techniques
  • Shaping and Construction in Crochet
  • Crochet in the Round
  • Advanced Shaping
  • Texture
  • Crochet in Color
  • Finishing Techniques
• Projects
  • Slouchy Hat
  • Marguerite Cowl
  • Colorwork Bag
  • Lace Caplet
  • Cabled Lace Scarf

Dora goes into great detail with the techniques in the book. She provides many great tips to help you improve your crochet including finishing techniques, blocking techniques and even how to properly unravel a project. Dora also provides many tips and techniques through the use of different crochet stitches. This way, you learn a new technique and a new stitch! This book is great for crocheters of all skill levels. Even if you are an experienced crocheter, there are techniques in The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop that can help put your crocheting over the top!

My favorite section of the book is the section on Shaping and Construction in Crochet. I loved learning how to create different shapes with the use of increases and decreases. I also loved learning how to create the same shape using different techniques.

Thank you to Storey Publishing LLC for providing me with a copy of this book for my review! You can see more about The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein from Storey Publishing LLC.

For more information about Storey Publishing LLC, visit their Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube!

Bonus Content!

Storey Publishing LLC has graciously provided an excerpt from The Crocheter’s Skill-Building Workshop by Dora Ohrenstein for my amazing readers! I hope you enjoy this wonder tip from author Dora Ohrenstein!

Flexible Tension

In addition to finding a relaxed position for the hands and wrists, practice varying the tension as you work stitches. The truth is, not every stitch requires the exact same degree of tension; sometimes you may have to loosen a bit, sometimes you need to tighten. I like to call this skill “flexible tension,” and I encourage you to develop it. Once you are free to tighten or ease up as needed, you can really sculpt individual stitches and give a fabulous finish to your crochet. You can also handle with ease some of the more complex stitches, such as crossed and cabled stitches, if you acquire flexible control of tension.

If how you maneuver the yarn and hook is getting in the way, consider developing a different technique. It may be that your grip is too tight, or the yarn is not flowing freely through your yarn-holding hand. Some people have the opposite problem: they stitch very loosely. If you have tension issues, try the tips on the next page.

It does take time to change one’s work habits, but if you have consistent trouble meeting gauge for projects, or are unable to do certain stitches and techniques, it is well worth the effort. Remember that crochet is a motor skill, like sports or playing a musical instrument. Such behaviors are acquired slowly and don’t change easily, but once the change is made, it will stick, and you will be more comfortable and capable in your crochet.

Let’s look at areas in which control of tension is important, so you can see how this skill will improve the look and feel of your projects.