So Quick and Easy

The title says "Quick and Easy Crochet."

Oh, and it is! I found a pile of these on a garage sale for 10 cents each and bought them on a whim. I’d never worked from a pattern in my life, even though I’d been crocheting off and on for 12 years by the time I found them.

We were short of money and long on time, and my son needed a light jacket to hold him until it was cold enough for a winter coat. $4 worth of yarn and a week later, I had a blue buffalo plaid sweater he was crazy about. His two younger siblings have worn it since. The directions were clear enough that a pattern novice like me could follow them.

Since then, I’ve used many other patterns, and always gotten compliments.

The magazine has a good mix of patterns: thread, yarn, lace, clothing, toys, afghans and kitchen goods. Some younger crocheters may not like the more traditional emphasis.

The clothing is basic and pretty, but not trendy. One of the patterns I made is 20 years old, and my daughter got complimented on it last week. Pictures of the dresses I've made are here: http://www.geocities.com/valarltd/crochet.html

The housewares tend to look like things my mother and grandmother would have had in the 1950s-70s. Placemats, pot holders, rugs, pillows. This is great for those into retro fashion. At least there aren’t toilet paper cozies shaped like antebellum ladies.

The afghans are always pretty, and not too complex.

The digest form is perfect for tucking into a crochet bag, and easy to handle while working.

I only wish they put it out monthly instead of six times a year.