Family Circle Easy Crochet                                                                               (50 Fashion and Home Projects)                                                                           ISBN 1-931543-35-6, Hardbound, 142pgs, $24.95US, Sixth & Spring Books, PO Box 1808, Altoona, PA 16603, 877-860-6164 US

Easy Crochet is chocked full of projects:  Mom and daughter sweater sets; Aryan style sweaters; shawls; lacy blouses; capes; jackets, both for casual and work; tank tops; mesh and net cover ups; skirt; vest; hat; afghans; fancy borders for tables, curtains and pillows; bags, totes and backpack bag; kids stuff - jackets, hats blankets, afghans and a blouse.

The level of difficulty is listed with each project; beginner, intermediate and advanced, to help in your decision-making.  The sizing for women’s clothing is listed with each pattern.  Most include instructions for small, medium and large.  There are patterns that include instructions for extra small and extra large.

The Shawl Savvy was my choice of the shawls, worked up in soft chenille with a variegated color way.  It is very inviting and a project for beginners.  The stitches are easy and it will work up fast.  Wrap Star, a lacy shawl, is a great choice for intermediate crocheters.  There are 3-D flower patterns included for a summer cover up that can be worked as embellishment to other items.

The bags include basic stitch designs and those with lavish floral motifs.  There is a lovely blouse worked in pineapple motifs that is lightweight and a good wear year round.  Kid’s hats include a cute checkered motif with fuzzy fiber around the brim to stick out and wave with the breeze.  Some of the same fuzzy fiber are attached at the end of the hat for a matching finish.  There is a skirt worked in a flower pattern with a lacy edging.  This skirt can be worn in the summer months and a slip is required underneath the skirt.

Crochet basics are at the back of the book.  Explanations are provided for skill levels, gauge, sizing, yarn selection and substitution, blocking, finishing and other pertinent information.  There are illustrations for basic crochet stitches and specialty stitches for these patterns.  Terms and abbreviations are listed as well as crochet hooks in US sizing and metrics.

I was surprised that many of the patterns were broken up and the last portion was at the back of the book, a layout much like magazines are set up.  I actually prefer the whole pattern together in one area rather than going to the back of the book, however, that is my little quirk.  I am sure you will find the projects enjoyable in Easy Crochet.