Oodles of Crochet: 40+ Patterns from Hats, Jackets, Bags, and Scarves to Potholders, Pillows, Rugs, and Throws

I was excited to get my hands on this book, thinking it would make a great addition to my library of crochet books. However, it was kind of a letdown. The book is half instruction/how-to and half patterns.The how-to section is divided into basics, reading a pattern, equipment, and "developing your crochet" which is just a lot of different stitch patterns (this section makes up probably half of the how-to).The patterns are quite old fashioned and personally nothing I would go out of my way to make. Such as a "Chanel jacket", a men's vest, a tie, and a couple basic granny square (large and small) blankets.If I would've been able to flip through this book before purchasing it, there is a good chance I would have left it on the shelf. The book itself is really nice- a nice hardcover, nice colors, nice layout, etc. I consider myself an intermediate crocheter and I feel that the how-to and "developing your crochet" areas of the book would be great for a beginner but the patterns might be a bit challenging.

The patterns and basic crocheting instructions are good. I made the teddy bear with a lot of improvising since the instructions were so confusing. Then I made the mistake of starting the baby cardigan on page 94. Awful, maddening, is putting it mildly. I wish I would have never started. The stitch count for the larger size is off (faulty math) and makes no sense. If it had a printed pattern so you can see the outline of what it's supposed to look like it would be easier. No idea if I will ever be able to finish this. By now I am tempted to chuck the book and the project I started into the trash.

Great book for beginning crochet. This version is written in US crochet terms and is the same as Crochet Scandinavian Style which is written using UK terms.

Okay book, not many modern patterns

Lots of patterns to work with and easy to understand.

I like the ideas and tips.

Very, very helpful.

This book is great for someone who is just starting out and useful for those who already have the basics down. There are 76 pages of how-to's. I like the 'Tips and Tricks' in this section (and in some of the patterns). The 'Developing Your Crochet' chapter gets into specific stitches using directions along with clear photos.The projects are NOT labeled for skill level though, which is odd since this book is all about levels of knowledge in the first half. All the usual information is included and they are clearly written with very good pictures (the yarns used are a bit on the expensive side, and you are somewhat left on your own in finding a substitution). There are almost 50 items to make.Some projects I like for children are the Blocks Blanket (it has a gazillion color changes, but it's very cool) and the Edged Baby Blanket. Most of the kid's items are average in style, but excellent in terms of usefulness and look to be quite durable.In the Adult section, you will find patterns like the Chanel Jacket (odd, aren't these out of style?), a man's vest with a quirky checked look, a dress that will need some hefty undergarments, a cute chevron shawl, some granny slippers, hats and fingerless gloves, a string bag (a pattern you see everywhere), scarves, a snood!, a crocheted tie! (really?), more hand warmers, a triangle mohair scarf in a questionable color combination, two cute handbags, and a really nice zippered clutch for make-up bag. I would rate the patterns as a bit over average.The household items section is where this book shines! The authors stress usability; not just a pretty face. I like how these items look like they will hold up under years of use yet are lovely too. I know they are basic (blankets, pillows, potholders, containers, etc.), but there's nothing wrong with that! (You could add those blankets from the children's section as they are useful anywhere in the house.)I really like this book. It contains many items I would make and remake over time (except for maybe that Chanel Jacket!). I might just have to buy this book after I take my copy back to the library.

This book was a big disappointment because it is the same as Crochet Scandinavian style by Search Press the British version of this book Oodles is the American version publishes in American Unfortunately I didn't know until the books arrived together!!

Absolutely brilliant

Lots of fun projects. Fun book.