Beautiful Bookmarks – Crochet Pattern Book
I have received a sample copy of this book for review from Leisure Arts. I am not financially compensated for my blog post and am under no obligation to give a favorable review. Any conclusions and statements about the book are my own. If you do choose to purchase the book, I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), and you are helping support Goddess Crochet, allowing me to create more free patterns for you. It’s a win-win!
Beautiful Bookmarks – Crochet Pattern Book
Have you tried crocheting with thread yet? Only recently have I ventured into this territory. At first, it is a bit scary, and your fingers a bit fiddly. Keep at it, your muscle memory will kick in before you know it, and the results are so very worth it!
“Beautiful Bookmarks” is a fun way to dip your toes into the wide world of thread crochet. The patterns work up fairly quickly, and make excellent gifts, especially for the person you’ve already made everything else for. If your mother-in-law has 10 scarves you’ve made her, she may enjoy a bookmark or two. Just sayin’.
Each pattern starts off with a shopping list of materials you’ll need for the bookmark, and a “stitch guide” with detailed written instructions for any special stitches. Online video tutorials for special stitches are also provided online by Leisure Arts.
There are 17 different bookmark patterns, all marked in the “Easy” or Easy+” category. You’ll need very small amounts of thread for each bookmark, as well as particularly small crochet hooks, ranging in size from 1.5mm to 2.25mm. If you ONLY have a 1.6mm or 1.75mm hook to use for all the patterns, it’s really not going to make a big difference. If you need to purchase a new crochet hook in one of these small sizes, I definitely recommend one with a soft rubberized handle. Your fingers will thank you.
In the back of the book is a “General Instructions” section, with all the abbreviation definitions as well as symbols and terms used in the book. There are also a few pages of written instructions (as well as diagrams) for special techniques like joining with single crochet, or adding fringe. The last page is reserved for thread information, just in case you want to use the exact thread used in the bookmarks pictured.
The thread called for in “Beautiful Bookmarks” is a size 10, not the smallest/lightest thread out there, but still small. Work with good light, and, if your eyesight isn’t what it used to be, fear not. While picking up crochet thread in your local craft store, look several isles over (if not in the SAME isle) and buy a pair of reading glasses.
Trust me when I say anything made with cotton thread looks WAY better after blocking. With these bookmarks, all you have to do is soak them in water for a few minutes, squeeze out the excess water in a towel, and then pin them to a foam board. Stretch out the stitches a little bit and be generous with the amount of pins you use. Use a pin for each picot or point to really accentuate the shape of the bookmark. Let it dry completely (preferably overnight) before taking the pins out. Here’s a peek at my blocking in progress.
I used WAY more pins with this bookmark.
“Beautiful Bookmarks” is a great book to add to your crochet pattern book collection. You can turn to it any time you need a quick gift for a teacher, friend, or family.
