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The
Little Box of Crocheted Ponchos and Wraps Martingale’s Little Box series has a winner with this little book of sturdy pattern cards that are easy to drop into your workbag and take with you. There are 20 project cards. Each card is 8 ¼” long by 5 ¼” wide, and has a full color photo of the poncho or wrap on the front and the instructions inside. Some instructions are lengthier and the card is folded with the instructions and illustrations inside. The box holding the cards is very strong and has a fold over magnet snap closure. Each card is set up with finished measurements, materials, gauge, pattern and when it applies, creative options and a graph of the project. Instructions for special stitches are included. There is one additional card that includes the Table of Contents, Information about the Designers, Standard Yarn-Weight System, Hook Sizes, Abbreviations; and helpful information for reference. There is a hat with matching scarf for every occasion, in multiple styles, colors and fibers. The stitch patterns include clusters, shell, popcorn, V-stitch, X-stitch, and basic crochet stitches. Some of the patterns are for multiple fiber additions, while others are one type fiber. There are hats with brims, berets, floppy, tassels, fringe, open stitches and more. The ponchos and wraps cover every season, from lightweight open-lattice patterns for warm weather to heavier close-stitched patterns for cooler weather. You will find ponchos and wraps that you can not do without; there is something for everyone’s tastes. I was surprised when I checked the White Hot Cover-Up pattern, the color photo depicts gathered short sleeves which look great on some, but not on me. When I looked inside at the illustration, I realized the shoulder sleeve area does not have to be gathered and would work for me with the sleeves loose. This cover-up has gathered ribbing at the waist that looks like knitting, however, it is crocheted. The pattern is worked from the bottom up. I also like the Ring of Shells Poncho which is a cape that hangs low on your shoulders, to set on a low neckline or allow for a sweater and collar to show. My all time favorite is the Lacy Chains Poncho, with sections that have the appearance of multi-leg critters, and is worked in ribbon yarn. Martingale’s Little Book series are set up in a very easy to use format and you can take one or more with you when you travel. The skill level runs from some beginner patterns to several intermediate patterns. |
