The Complete Idiot's guide to Crochet Projects Illustrated by Marcy Smilth

Get hooked on crocheting with nearly 60 fun projects.

Alpha Books New York published by the Penguin Group
copyright 2007 by Marcy Smith
isbn: 978-1-59257-618-0
library of congress Catalog card number: 2007928978

This is a very thorough but fun book. The projects look like they are pretty quick and fun to do. This is the only book so far that lists 4 places you can put your hook in the foundation chain. She only uses American abbreviations.

Table of Contents:
Part 1: Getting Hooked p. 1 - She learned to crochet when she was 8 then put it aside for many years while she quilted, then knitted before rediscovering crocheting. She says that knitting produces a fluid fabric while crochet can produce "a solid, even sculptural fabric that stands up on its own," or "a lacy fabric filled with air." Also tells how to use the book.

Ch 1: Tools of the trade p. 3
Parts of the hook; point, throat, shaft, thumb rest, handle
Hooks, hook sizes. I agree with her that you can't have too many hooks
Other hooks, afghan hook, double-pointed hook, hairpin lace loom
how to hold hook, yarn (tension), yarns & other fibers, nice to have notions; gauge tool, stitch markers scissors, measuring tape, tapestry needles, sewing pins, notebook (record project name, pattern source, yarn used, when started, when finished, recipient)

Ch 2: Refresher course p. 15
American crochet abbreviations
chain, 4 places to put hook in foundation chain
sl st, sc, dc, hdc, tr, dtr, ttr (triple triple corchet)
tunisian/afghan st
incr/decr
starting circles, chains in loop, sliding loop
squares worked in round, granny square
shells, popcorn, bobbles, cluster
crocheting in back or front loop
changing yarn, colors
ending, weaving in ends,
seaming; whipstitch, woven, sl st, sc, ch loops seam
blocking, felting, getting gauge "gauge is a reflection of your energy, it's also a measurement of your mood."
caring for your crochet
How to read a pattern


Ch 3: Limber Up p. 37
Fashionable Hair Scrunchies, Bean counter bag, Rosy posy, bookmarks,
sushi crochet hook roll up

Part 2:  At Home and Around the Town p. 53
Ch 4: In the Bag p. 55
notebook bag, tote, backpack, granny square bag

Ch 5: Home comforts p. 71
Pillow, coasters, bowls, table runner, spiral throw

Ch 6: Jewelry and other adornments p 93
necklace, wrist wraps, choker

Ch 7: It's a wrap! p. 105
wrap, shoulder warmer, crochet skirt

Ch 8: Keep Cozy p. 119
scarves, wrist warmers, cowl, hat

Part 3: Kids of all ages p. 133
Ch 9: Oh, Baby! p. 135
kimono and kapa, washcloth, blanket, cubes, bib

Ch 10: We're Stuffed! p. 155
pals, puppets, pillows

Ch 11: More Fun Stuff p. 175
hat, ice cream cozy, sleep glasses, kitty bonbons

Part 4: Beyond the basics p. 189
Ch 12: Crochet for knitters p. 191
picking up stitches
Edges; sc, crab st (reverse sc), loop edge, dc loop edge, picot st, shell st, wavy, beaded
surface designs; ch st, dc, shell
buttons

Ch 13: Free-for-all p. 207
hyperboles; sc at tight gauge and inc at regular intervals; Daina Taimina
hyperbolic plane, earings,
using a knitting room to make a bowl
Saving experiments to review in the future


Appendixes
A Glossary p. 219
B Resources p. 223