Rainbow Crocheted Afghans by Amanda Perkins

The 30-day celebration of the granny square continues with a book review with a giveaway, so read on for details!

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. A free review copy of Rainbow Crocheted Afghans: A Block-by-Block Guide to Creating 10 Colorful Blankets and Throws was provided to me by Search Press North America. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Book Review

Rainbow Crocheted Afghans: A Block-by-Block Guide to Creating 10 Colorful Blankets and Throws by Amanda Perkins is a crochet pattern book filled with color, design inspiration, and other eye candy. The book opens with an introduction to Amanda, who used to be an indie yarn dyer. Amanda then welcomes readers with her introduction.

“Color” is a 2-page section that provides an overview of color theory from the perspective of an indie dyer and blanket crocheter. “Equipment” is a 2-page section that focuses on yarn, hooks, and sewing-in needles. As Amanda’s dye company is no longer in operation, she provides recommended yarns in the same weights as her samples with a broad range of colors. “Techniques” is a 2-page section that explains Amanda’s approach to crocheting blankets. She recommends using simple stitches so that the colors and yarn are the highlight of the project, joining as you go with a slip stitch seam, and washing (rather than blocking) your finished blankets.

The next section, “The Projects,” starts with “How to use this book” which explains the way the book is organized and Amanda’s preference for crocheting in the gaps between stitches, rather than into stitches. It also includes a key to international stitch symbol charts. This section includes 10 patterns (all of which are visible on the book’s Ravelry source page here).

Each pattern includes:

• an introductory paragraph by Amanda sharing her design inspiration or other details;
• a color palette (including yarn swatch photos);
• construction (which explains how the blanket is put together); blanket and hook size;
• yarn notes, with a list of worldwide brands and UK indie dyers and spinners to choose from;
• a graphic design color chart (assembly diagram) as well as two other color variations;
• the motif pattern (including both U.S. pattern abbreviations and international stitch symbols);
• a layout key that indicates when colors are changed within an individual motif;
• written instructions (often with visuals, too) for assembling and finishing the blanket; and
• many large, full color photographs of the blanket.

The book ends with reference charts for converting U.S. and U.K. pattern abbreviations, hook sizes, and yarn weights.

Unlike most crochet books, pages that are typically left visually blanket (such as the title page) include full page photographs of colorful blankets and motifs. The book is stunning to look at and includes many vibrant photographs and graphics. Rainbow Crocheted Afghans: A Block-by-Block Guide to Creating 10 Colorful Blankets and Throws is written for a crocheter who knows the basic stitches and is comfortable working in the round, but is looking for ways to add color to their work or to create blankets with a combination of shapes. Although the motifs use simple stitches, several blankets combine multiple shapes so there is enough construction interest for a more advanced crocheter. If you enjoy making blankets and feel happiest when surrounded by color, this is a great motif book to choose!

Giveaway

So now that you’ve read the review, I’m sure you’d like to get your hands on a copy of Rainbow Crocheted Afghans: A Block-by-Block Guide to Creating 10 Colorful Blankets and Throws. The nice folks at Search Press North America have set aside a copy for one lucky reader!

This giveaway is open to readers with mailing addresses in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or other parts of Europe, except where prohibited by law. Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. One winner will be chosen at random from the entries submitted via the Rafflecopter widget. The winner will receive 1 copy of Rainbow Crocheted Afghans, courtesy of Search Press North America. Good luck!

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