Simple crochet With more than 35 vintage-vibe projects for your handmade life

A trio of British imports, including Ros Badger's Simple Knitting and Alexandra Smith's Simple Sewing with Lola Nova (both 2013), proves that creativity knows no geographic boundaries. In a series called Creative Makers, each author tackles the how-to's of one discipline, whether crocheting, knitting, or sewing. Using roughly the same formats, the books cover the basics materials, equipment, and fundamental stitches then present anywhere from 25 to 35 patterns ready to be copied. Sounds pretty standardized? Not really. Each showcases the designer's personality and style. In this entry, Dorset-based Sinaguglia goes vintage and, sometimes, just a bit too cutesy. (After all, how often do you plan to use or give as a gift an apple cozy?) Her designs center on the home, which is where the ubiquitous granny square afghan and Olympia bunny appear, along with sidekicks like bud vase collars and washcloths.--Jacobs, Barbara Copyright 2010 Booklist