Radiant Raffia: 20 Inspiring Crochet Projects Made with Natural Yarn by Olga Panagopoulou is a wonderful book that combines crochet skills with eco-friendly materials. The book provides detailed patterns and charts, accompanied by inspiring photography that perfectly showcases each piece’s potential with the beautiful scenery of Greece.
Learn more about the book, Radiant Raffia in my review post below.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book to review from Herbert Press, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own.
Fall in love with Raffia Yarn and see everything you can make inRadiant Raffia!
Radiant Raffia Book Review
The 20 summer-inspired pieces are all crocheted with 100% plant-based, natural Raffia, which not only gives an aesthetic appeal but is also eco-friendly. The variety of projects included is impressive. You can find designs for stylish bags and hats, ensuring your summer look is both unique and sustainable. There are also patterns for fashionable belts, adding a touch of handmade elegance to any outfit.
Additionally, the book features designs for comfortable and aesthetically pleasing cushions, which can add a sprinkle of summer to your home decor. The book also provides patterns for items like vases and table decorations, so you can add a touch of beauty to your home all year round.
Radiant Raffia is an inspirational and instructional guide for those who love to crochet and are ready to explore other fiber options for crocheting. Whether you’re new to working with Raffia Yarn, or looking for new projects to use with this natural fiber, Panagopoulou’s book promises an exciting journey with its beautiful range of projects.
20 Crochet Projects You Can Make with Raffia Yarn
The projects have been split into two sections in the book. Part 1, includes accessories that you can wear and Part 2, includes items for your home.
PART 1: Accessories
Net Tote Bag
Shoulder Tote Bag
Drawstring Bag
Celtic Weave Handbag
Spike Stitch Handbag
Summer Hat
Celtic Weave Cuff
Flowery Headband
Disc Belt
Chain Loops Belt
PART 2: Home
Rectangular Cushion
Ornamental Bobbles (2 patterns)
Lace Stitch Tablecloth
Hanging Basket
Flowerpot Basket
Oval Basket
Rhombus Basket
Cone Vase
Flexible Vase
Each pattern is accompanied by detailed written instructions in US crochet terms, charts and helpful photographs. A table is included on page 12 that includes the abbreviations that were used in the patterns. For every US Crochet term listed, the corresponding UK Crochet term has also been provided.
If you are new to reading crochet patterns and/or charts there is a very helpful guide included on pages 10 and 11 of the book.
Raffia Yarns
Two types of Raffia yarn were used for this book. Both are plant-based, eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable. You will find more information about both types and care instructions including washing and steaming included on pages 8 and 9.
Raffia Viscose (25 G; Approx 55 M/60.25 YDS)
You can find Raffia Viscose Suppliers listed on page 126 of the book. Two shops on Etsy that have the Raffia Viscose are:
You will find excellent crochet stitch tutorials included from page 114 to 125. The stitches that are explained with step-by-step photographs are:
Celtic Weave Stitch
Ch3-Picot Stitch
Chain Loops Stitch
Beginning Cross-Treble Crochet
Cross Treble Crochet
Front Post Stitches – Front Post Single Crochet – Front Post Half-Double Crochet, Front Post Treble Crochet
Puff Petal
Spike Stitch
Waistcoat Stitch
My Favorite Patterns
My favorite Radiant Raffia projects are:
Summer Hat (page 45)
Shoulder Tote Bag (page 23)
Hanging Basket (page 87)
Radiant Raffia, 20 Inspiring Crochet Projects Made with Raffia Yarn author Olga Panagopoulou has created a beautiful book filled with patterns, charts and inspiring photography to showcase her 20 summer-inspired pieces that were all crocheted with 100% plant-based, natural Raffia. These eco-friendly projects include stylish bags and hats, fashionable belts and cushions and even vases and table decorations. If you’ve ever wanted to work with Raffia Yarns this is a wonderful resource to include in your crochet library.
Dive into the captivating world of crochet with ‘Radiant Raffia’ by Olga Panagopoulou. Intricate patterns, detailed charts and inspiring Greek vistas await you. Embrace an eco-friendly hobby with 20 unique projects made with natural yarn. Your journey towards sustainable creativity starts here.
Unleash your inner craftsperson with ‘Radiant Raffia’ by Olga Panagopoulou 🧶! 20 mesmerizing projects await you, each crafted from natural yarn. Let your fingers dance over detailed patterns and get inspired by stunning Greek scenery in every photo. Get ready to crochet your way to eco-friendly achievements! 💚🌍
Discover the magic of crafting with ‘Radiant Raffia’, an exquisite guide by Olga Panagopoulou that takes crocheting to a whole new level. Experience 20 inspiring crochet projects made with natural yarn in this brilliantly curated piece. With clear patterns, detailed charts, and stunning photography set against the backdrop of Greece, it’s more than just a book, it’s an eco-friendly journey.
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These projects look interesting. I like the bags & the hats. Thank you for your review.
This book looks so interesting. I love the hat and the bucket bag. I like the market bag too. I have never worked with raffia, I think that would be fun too.
Such great ideas! Thanks for sharing
Love that this features more than hats and bags!!
These projects look interesting. I like the bags & the hats. Thank you for your review.
This book looks so interesting. I love the hat and the bucket bag. I like the market bag too. I have never worked with raffia, I think that would be fun too.