Books We Love

Crochet Dress-Up
Emma Friedlander-Collins • CICO Books, £12.99 • US terminology

There’s something particularly special about making projects for children; creating clothing and toys where each stitch is worked with love, and giving little ones an appreciation for hand-crafted items that will last a lifetime. And if you’re looking for patterns they’re guaranteed to treasure, then this book is a great place to start. Designer Emma Friedlander-Collins sells patterns at www.steelandstitch.etsy.com, and here she’s created a collection that’s a must-buy for every crocheter with small children to craft for.

With 15 original dressing up designs, every boy or girl will find an outfit they adore – in fact you may want to hide the book out of sight when you’re not hooking in case they start begging for just one more costume...! As an entire head-to-toe piece of clothing might be a bit much for time-pressed parents, these costumes are made up of all the little extras that can accessorise simple tops and shorts, from the superhero mask and cuffs to a pirate hat, mermaid’s tail and fairy wings. These are perfect pieces to put together a great fancy dress box in a child’s room, and just the thing for play dates and parties!
A technique section at the back covers basic stitches with clear illustrations, and we think there are going to be a lot of beginner or lapsed crocheters tempted to pick up the hook to make these fun projects.