200 Fun Things to Crochet

Reviews / Votes

Issue 90



Subtitled 'Decorative Flowers, Leaves, Bugs and Butterflies and more! this collection of mini designs includes crocheted plants creepy crawlies and sea creatures as well as a host of floral block pattern in sqaures, hexagons, diamonds and circles. It would be a great book to turn to with a selection of colourful scraps - just work a few motifs into a cushion cover, create a mini garden to brighten your windowsill, or craft a fun octopus and anglerfish your kids will love! Full colour photographs and charts keep the simple patterns easy to follow. * Inside Crochet * May 2017



Lesley Stanfield has a number of high-profile craft books to her name, including the Essential Stitch Collection. Betty Barden has designed for comapnies like Sirdar and Jaegar. Jessica Polka designs soft-sculpture and embroidery. And Krisitin Nicholas was named one of Vogue Knitting's Master Knitters of the 90s. Their experience and their knowledge of the craft fill these pages. But most importantly, so does their love of it. Each fo the 200 projects featured here is quick, accessible and ideal for making at home or on the go. There are projects for all abilities and for most tastes. Delicate butterflies and flowers that could be pinned onto a hat or cardi, fruit and veg that could be used for a harvest display, granny squares, mandalas, even a toy hammerhead shark. * Knitting & Crochet - Woman's Weekly * This is a beautifully presented book, bursting full of projects suitable for all skill levels. It has patterns to make flowers, butterflies, sea creatures and much much more, including floral blocks, which are both written out in full detail, and shown pictorially ( as crochet symbols).

Completed projects could be used to trim clothes or gifts, but some are not suitable for small children as they contain wire and beads. The floral blocks could be used to make blankets, clothes, or bags.

I would recommend it to anyone learning crochet who just wants to practice on a small project, or to those who are more skilled. -- Barbara Allan * Customer Review * This is a lovely book.

The first few pages contain a picture list of all the projects in the book with their corresponding page numbers. Next to these images is a one, two or three crochet hook rating which corresponds to the skill level needed to complete each project.



The pattern pages have step by step written instructions as well as a symbol picture which shows the type of stitch needed and how everything fits together.



The pictures are bright and bold. I think there is something for everyone in this book, particularly those who want to create more than squares and hats.

However, there is a lovely section which includes squares with flower patterns in so would cater for these projects too.

The book covers flowers, butterflies, bugs, sea creatures, fruit and veg etc. Definitely some different and fun things included in the patterns.

At the back of the book there is a helpful reminder of stitches and a guide to the abbreviations and symbols used throughout the patterns.



A fun way to use odds and ends of wool and a bright, easy to follow read. -- Louise Coyle * Customer Review * I love this book - such great variety and inspiring projects to make. I am already thinking of wall hangings with themes of under the sea and garden friends. I also really like the project ideas to be made with the blocks, upping the game for blankets and scarves to make.

This is a book to pick up with your hook and scrap yarn for quick and simple projects that can be completed in a happy hour or two.

I like the mix of embellishments and 3D makes. Great ideas and a fantastic resource for getting the creative juices flowing. Highly recommended. -- Kate Mehinik * Customer Review * This is a great book. The first pages show all the things to make with page numbers, so easy to pick up and go straight to what you want to make. Clear instructions and lots of pictures to help. Only uses small amounts of yarn, so a great stash buster. Handy to have book for when you want to embellish other makes. Or just have fun making, just as the title says. -- Kim Williams * Customer Review * This colourful book is crammed full of very cute little crochet projects including flowers, plant life, creatures and floral blocks. I'm sure it'd be a lovely way to use up all those odds and ends of yarn that are left over after a big project. My particular favourites are the flying ladybird and the hermit crab.

There's a pattern selector at the beginning of the book that has a clear picture of each design and a symbol to indicate the skill level required. Next come the full instructions for each project with both written instructions and charts. At the back of the book there are crochet techniques and tips.

I'm very much looking forward to making many of these designs. -- Jane Turnball * Customer Review * I found this book to be a fun compendium of small crochet projects with a nature theme that would make wonderful embellishments to any project. It also contains patterns for floral blocks in various shapes, which are pretty and useful. It is bright, colourful and easy to read with lovely photographs of the projects. The pattern instructions are in both written and chart format which makes them very easy to understand and I felt I could make all of the projects because of this. I particularly liked the pictorial contents page which made it very easy to find the pattern I wanted. -- Nicki Mansfield * Customer Review * Such a lovely project book containing 200 nature based designs such as Fish, Flowers, Plants & Bugs.

The book has easy to follow instructions and has a detailed section on the techniques needed making it easy for beginners but also offers a challenge to those who have been crocheting for a while. The projects can then be added to other creations such as Blankets or if you are making a mobile for a child.

I love the nature theme and the diversity of patterns. So much fun will be had with this book. Highly recommend. -- Nathalie Taylor * Customer Review * A great crochet book, full of creative fun small projects, perfect for using up a stash of yarns or an excuse to buy more yarn :)

I'm between a beginner and intermediate crocheter and found the written instructions clear to follow, I've never crocheted following a chart before so it is helpful to have both of these forms to follow giving me a better understanding of using a chart pattern.



There is a great range of patterns, flowers, insects, marine creatures and botanicals along with some very pretty floral blocks, triangles etc. The range of projects cover many seasons/holidays - so you can combine them together to create some lovely Spring, Autumn, Winter or under the water themed wreaths.



Each pattern is graded by skill - beginner, intermediate or expert. Each crocheted item is clearly and attractively photographed - with a great summary of all the crocheted project and its skill level at the beginning of the book. There is also a whole section on techniques and stitches. I just wish there was more information on which hooks to use than general guidance which I know depends on yarn type etc.



So far I have made 3 beautiful flowers, and I'm looking forward to making a starfish and sea urchin.

This is the perfect book for anyone wanting to move on from bland beginner crochet creations, and create some fun crocheted items whilst stretching your ability with a full range of projects at different skill levels. -- Angela Moore * Customer Review * Great book for quick crochet ideas.. lovely pictures and step by step instructions..

easy to follow, loads of great ideas that I'm looking forward to making. -- Charlie Young * Customer Review * 200 small projects to crochet no matter what your skill level. Levels are indicated from beginner to advanced. 3D projects are inspired by nature and include crocheted flowers, birds, bugs, leaves and sea creatures. You'll also find floral block designs. Projects are a great way to use up odd leftover yarn. Equipment, yarn, crochet as well as finishing techniques are given at the back of the book, with useful images. Photos of all the projects appear at the front of the book, then again with the instructions. Some of the floral blocks have chart designs, favourites are lazy daisy and sunflower. There are circles, squares and triangles. Square blocks could be stitched together to make a blanket. I can see the porcini mushrooms, oak leaves and acorns as well as butterflies being very popular. The hammerhead shark and whales are must-crochet. * yarnsandfabrics.co.uk * 200 fun things to crochet, edited by Victoria Lyle and published by search press. This one captured my attention immediately. The jacket shows exactly what you can expect to find in the book, cute fun projects and easy instructions on how to make 200, leaves, flowers, butterflies, bugs, vegetables and more.



To make the motifs larger simply switch up the yarn and hook size, et voila a giant sweetcorn!



I hooked up a cute butterfly. It was easy as pie and took about 3 mins from start to finish. Skill levels are indicated as part of the information for each motif/creature. This book is perfect for beginners and learners and will also keep the advanced hooker happy too!



I plan on making a cushion for my niece and popping on as many tiny creatures and flowers as I can fit onto it!



Various crochet techniques used throughout the book are included for reference at the back, very handy. There are also squares and hexagons galore.



This book is a superb reference book and will come in useful for years to come, well worth the GBP14.99 I say. * Lazy Daisy Jones *