Fairytale Blankets to Crochet

Lynne Rowe was taught to knit and crochet by her grandmother in her early childhood and has been hooked ever since. She has developed a wide range of specialist skills and loves to pass these on to others through her workshops and classes. She is best known for her whimsical designs which feature regularly in the UK’s most popular craft magazines, along with articles and technical guides. Her practical approach makes her patterns straightforward, easy to read and fun to make and her aim is to encourage as many people as possible to knit and crochet. Lynne lives in Congleton, Cheshire.

A step-by-step guide to creating magical gifts.When lock down hit in the UK I decided I needed to find something to occupy myself and so I turned to crochet. I'd only ever done a chain stitch before but after a few youtube tutorials and practice goes I decided I was ready for a proper project and my little boy requested a blanket for his bed. Well having spotted this charming book how could I say no?On opening the book you have a glossary of terms and abbreviations and it also gives both the UK and US terms should you need them before going on to explain the tools you will need and then the step by step technique guides. As a relative newbie to crochet I found these guides invaluable and a brilliant reference point should I get stuck at all. Each technique is broken down in to simple concise points with clear accompanying pictures. Every technique needed to create a magical blanket is covered from the very beginning slip knot to finishing touches like fringing.The actual patterns in the book are aimed at two sizes age two to four and age five to seven. This is my only criticism. I wish it gave options for bigger patterns because despite being 32 years old I'd quite like an adult sized Polar Bear blanket.Each themed blanket gives an skill level and is broken down into stages from the basic blanket, to the additional pieces like hood, decoration etc and all give really clear easy to follow instructions and where needed diagrams as well as close up pictures of those sections on the finished blankets so you can see what they are supposed to look like in detail.I really love that each theme has complimenting crochet bunting too which in many cases could be used as a stand alone item. There is a candy cane bunting that will make the perfect Christmas decoration! So for £12.99 you really get value for your money as it's not just 10 projects it's 20 and the possibilities are endless.The blankets are all beautiful designs and will make the perfect gifts for children in the family and I can't wait to look and see what other books Lynne Rowe has written.

• IntroductionTools and materialsBasic techniquesThe projectsBasic patterns: squareBasic patterns: rectangularPolar bearPrincess or princeWolfLittle Red Riding HoodDeerFestive elfFishLionUnicornDragon