Book Review – Crochet Noro: 30 Dazzling Designs

Yay, it’s my first book review of 2013!  (I actually read this book back in December, but life got in the way of me posting a review earlier.)

The book I’m reviewing today is Crochet Noro: 30 Dazzling Designs, and the publisher, Sixth & Spring Books, was kind enough to send me a review copy.

Crocheters who are fans of Noro Yarns – or of Sixth & Spring’s two prior Noro books, Knit Noro: 30 Designs in Living Color and Knit Noro: Accessories: 30 Colorful Little Knits – have been waiting for this book for a while.  The concept is simple: 30 crochet patterns that are perfect matches for the color combinations found in Noro yarns.

The book is made up of patterns by 21 designers (including 8 by Kazekobo/Yoko Hatta and 2 each by Mary Jane Hall and Linda Permann).

There is a range of skill levels and project types included.  All patterns are written in U.S. pattern abbreviations, and several also include charted stitch symbols.  Here is a breakdown of the patterns in this book:

Skill level:

  • 12 Easy
  • 16 Intermediate
  • 2 Advanced

Project type:

  • 7 Garments (2 Cardigans, 1 Pullover, 1 Skirt, 2 Tunics)
  • 7 Scarves/Cowls
  • 5 Shawls/Capelets
  • 4 Hats
  • 3 Bags
  • 2 Mitts/Wristers
  • 2 Home Decor (1 Throw, 1 Nesting Bowl)
  • 1 Necklace

Techniques:

  • 8 Motif projects (5 assembled using join-as-you-go methods)
  • 3 Beaded
  • 1 Felted
  • 1 Short Rows

Stitch Symbol Charts:

  • 13 charted in pattern
  • 3 charted in back of book

 

I had the opportunity to see a trunk show for the book at the December, 2012 meeting on the New York City Crochet Guild.  I was looking forward to seeing the samples for Doris Chan‘s Bias Mini Skirt and Yoko Hatta’s Flower Blossom Purse and Lacy Capelet.  (Warning: Keep in mind these pictures were taken in a church basement.)

Bias Mini Skirt.
Flower Blossom Purse.
Lacy Capelet.

I wasn’t disappointed.  I was also pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the Chrysanthemum Shawl by Anna Al.

Chrysanthemum Shawl.

 

All of which brings me back to my book review.  My overall reaction to this book is virtually identical to my review of Knit Noro: Accessories.  To my eyes, this book is presented as an artsy tribute to Noro yarns and not as a crochet pattern book.  While I can attest to the fact that the designs are, in fact, quite beautiful (because I’ve seen them in real life), there is so much going on visually in this book that it is often difficult to see the projects.

Most projects are photographed against walls with floral wallpaper, on models with clothing in bold colors with elaborate patterns or adornments.  It’s almost as though the entire layout is competing with the projects for your eye’s attention.  Nonetheless, the projects overall are quite lovely (and would probably work well in other yarns, if you’re not a Noro fan).

This is a hardcover, and it does lay flat while you crochet.  Crocheters who enjoy working with thinner yarns or colors will definitely enjoy these projects.  The range of skill levels make this book appropriate for all but beginners to pattern reading.  As with all pattern books, your enjoyment will be closely related to how much you like the designs.  Ravelry members can view images of all but one design on the book’s source page here.

My overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars.  Though I have concerns about the presentation, the patterns I’ve looked through are clearly written and the projects I’ve seen are beautiful.  If you were hoping for a giveaway, you’ll have to look elsewhere because I’m keeping my review copy.  I’m hoping to make at least one of these projects in 2013.

Full disclosure: A free review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. Although I accept free books for review, I do not accept additional compensation from the publisher, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. This also post contains affiliate links. You can read my affiliate and review disclosures here.

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