Crochet Overlay Jewelry by Melody MacDuffee
ISBN 1-60140-088-8, softcover, 53pgs, $11.95, Leisure Arts, Inc, 5701 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223, www.leisurearts.com , www.melodysarts.com

Melody has designed and published with the medium of crochet for over 40 years.  Her work can be found in many exhibits and as projects in magazines.

Melody's overlay techniques creates densely textured fabric, having bright colors layered over dark colors, and vice versa, building up a 3-dimensional effect.  When looking at her work, you may think of needlepoint, embroidery, and other related techniques.  Her designs include geometrics, florals, lines and diagonals worked using crochet stitches, from the simple to the very complex.  Bead crochet is also incorporated into the design as fringe, dangles and edging, and bracelet ropelets.

General instructions provide a wealth of information for diagrams, practice pieces, gauge, beginning and counting rounds, forming the basic square and octagon base, working overlay stitches, bead single crochet and making ropes, making closures and clasps, stringing necklaces and a lot more.  The stitch dictionary explains the various stitches frequently used in the patterns.

There are two beginner projects, and several intermediate, with some experienced.  You should already know how to crochet and understand crochet terminology in order to make the projects.  Melody uses standard crochet terminology, abbreviations and symbols with each pattern.  Charts are provided for each project.

At the back of the book you will find a listing terminology and symbols for reference.   Tips and sources for material are also at the back of the book.

Melody has created amulet bags, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and embellished cabochons as her projects.  I like the Garnet Earring design which has the appearance of depth in the floral formation.  Overlay jewelry is a whole new look in crochet.  I am sure you will enjoy learning this technique and combining it into your work.