Radiant raffia 20 inspiring crochet projects made with natural yarn

Panagopoulou debuts with an elegant guide to creating accessories and homeware from raffia, "the fibre produced from the membrane found on the underside of leaf fronds." Surveying different variants of the material, Panagopoulou explains that raffia viscose is durable yet flexible, whereas raffia paper string is "very stable and solid" but "rougher, tougher and definitely more difficult to crochet with." She walks readers through the quirks of crocheting with the fiber, noting that raffia viscose can be shaped with a steam iron and recommending steel or aluminum crochet hooks because the "smoothness of metal... works well with the texture" of the material. The accessory patterns describe how to make a sturdy Celtic weave handbag from crossed front post trebles worked in the round, as well as a summer sun hat that "uses simple waistcoat stitch to give it structure." Decorative items include a lace tablecloth, ornamental baubles, and a striking flexible vase with a malleable pinched exterior. Patterns are both written out and charted for maximum ease of use, and the idyllic photos modeling the items on the beaches of Syros, the Greek island where Panagopoulou lives, enchant. Intermediate and experienced crocheters eager to branch out from yarn will want to give this a spin. (May)