Vintage Modern Crochet by Robyn Chachula
Interweave/F+W; $24.99

3 Skeins or Less – Modern Baby Crochet

Sharon Zientara

Book Review

3 Skeins or Less Modern Baby Crochet is a collection of 18 baby garments, blankets and other adorable accessories (including a rattle). This collection includes designs from a number of well-known published artists: Brenda K.B. Anderson, Anastasia Popova, Janet Brani, A la Sascha, Kathy Merrick, Sharon Zientara, Cristina Mershon, Robyn Chachula, Terri. L. Keller, Lisa Van Klaveren and Katya Novikova.

Each designs uses no more than 3 skeins of yarn.

The Designs included are:

• Octavia the Octopus Rattle – Brenda K.B. Anderson (DK Weight Yarn)
• Dylan Hoodie – Anastasia Popova {3-6 months, 6-12 months, 18-24 months} (DK Weight Yarn)
• Lily Leg Warmers – Janet Brani {3-12 months, 12-24 months} (Sportweight Yarn)
• Oliver Cabled Earflap Hat – A la Sascha {NB-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months} (Fingering Weight Yarn)
• Claire Dress – Kathy Merrick {12 months, 18 months, 24 months} (Fingering Weight Yarn)
• Parker Pants – Sharon Zientara {NB-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2-3 years} (Fingering Weight Yarn)
• Cameron Blanket – Cristina Mershon {22.4 inches wide by 21 inches long} (Worsted Weight Yarn)
• Zoe the Cat Slippers – Brenda K.B. Anderson {NB-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months} (DK Weight Yarn)
• Liam Zippered Pullover – Robyn Chachula {NB-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months} (Sportweight Yarn)
• Oskar Car Seat Swaddle – Terri L. Keller {3-9 months} (Sportweight Yarn)
• Ladybug the Dachshund Sweater – Brenda K.B. Anderson {NB, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months} (Fingering Weight Yarn)
• Finley the Fox Bib – Lisa van Klaveren {Baby to Toddler} (Worsted Weight Yarn)
• Eddy Burp Cloths – Brenda K.B. Anderson {8.5 inches wide by 16 inches long} (Fingering Weight Yarn)
• Spike the Hedgehog Hat – Brenda K.B. Anderson {6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months} (Worsted Weight Yarn)
• Sophie Raglan Pullover – Katya Novikova {3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2-3 years} (Sportweight Yarn)
• Landon Faux Cabled Pullover – Robyn Chachula {NB-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months} (Sportweight Yarn)
• Ava Cloth Diaper Wrap – Anastasia Popova {NB-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months} (Worsted Weight Yarn)
• Charlie Booties – Sharon Zientara {NB-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months} (Worsted Weight Yarn)

The Abbreviations, Glossary, Sources for Yarns used in the designs, Acknowledgements and About the Designers sections are included at the very end of the book.

The Glossary includes written instructions and diagrams for the stitches and seaming techniques used. It does not provide diagrams, or additional information for attaching the zippers for the Dylan Hoodie or the Liam Zippered Pullover. Specific written instructions have been included within these 2 patterns to explain how to add the zippers (no diagrams, or photographs).

The patterns are presented in written format using U.S. Crochet Terminology. Stitch Guides are included with each pattern to indicate any special stitches you may need to use – and how to make these stitches.

Diagrams and schematics have also been included; along with stitch diagrams for the stitch patterns used. Applique Templates have been included for the patterns which show fabric or felt appliques (such as Octavia the Octopus).

 Here’s A Great Peek Inside:

Some of my favorite designs are:

• Liam Zippered Pullover
• Oskar Car Seat Swaddle
• Finley The Fox Bib
• Sophie Raglan Pullover

The Publisher has generously gifted us a Bonus Excerpt Pattern – for the Finley the Fox Bib designed by Lisa Van Klaveren (one of my favorite Designers! You may know her from Holland Designs). You can save yourself a copy below – remember my Printfriendly Button is located at the end of the post! The pattern is also in PDF format so if you want a copy of that you can also download it directly from the link in the pattern below.

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Bonus Excerpt Pattern

 Excerpted from 3 Skeins or less: Modern Baby Crochet by Sharon Zientara Copyright © 2016 F+W Media, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Photos courtesy of Joe Hancock.

 

Finley the Fox Bib

DESIGNED BY LISA VAN KLAVEREN

Finley The Fox Bib – Modern Baby Crochet EXCERPT 

This foxy design is based on some gorgeous handmade fabric bibs that designer Lisa van Klaveren had for her girls when they were little. The adjustable neckline allows baby to keep wearing it as he grows!

 

FINISHED SIZE

This bib features a ribbed collar with adjustable button closure at the back, so it will fit a little baby or an older toddler.

Width: About 8″ (20.5 cm).

 

YARN

Worsted weight (#4 Medium).

Shown here: Blue Sky Alpacas

Worsted Cotton (100% cotton; 150 yd [137 m]/31/2 oz [100 g]): #622 pumpkin (A), #80 bone (B), and #623 toffee (C), 1 skein each.

 

HOOK

Size H/8 (5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

 

NOTIONS

Two ½” (13 mm) buttons; yarn needle; sewing needle; sewing thread.

 

GAUGE

15 sts and 18 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in patt st.

 

Upper Bib

RIBBED YOKE

 

Row 1: Beg at neckline, ch 57 with (A), sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn—56 sts.

 

Row 2: Ch 1, *sc blo in next 13 sc, 2 sc blo in next sc; rep from * across, turn—60 sts.

 

Row 3: Ch 1, *sc blo in next 14 sc, 2 sc blo in next sc; rep from * across, turn—64 sts.

 

Row 4: (buttonhole) Ch 1, sc blo in next 2 sc, ch 1, sk next sc (first buttonhole), sc blo in next 6 sc, ch 1, sk next sc (2^nd buttonhole), sc blo in next 5 sc, 2 sc blo in next sc, *sc blo in next 15 sc, 2 sc blo in next sc; rep from * across, turn—68 sc, 2 ch-1 buttonholes.

Row 5: Ch 1, *sc blo in next 16 sts, 2 sc blo in next st; rep from * across, turn—72 sc.

 

Row 6: Ch 1, *sc blo in next 17 sc, 2 sc blo in next sc; rep from * across, turn—76 sc.

 

Row 7: Ch 1, *sc blo in next 18 sc, 2 sc blo in next sc; rep from * across—80 sc. Fasten off.

 

LOWER BIB

 

Row 8: Sk first 20 sc of Row 7 of collar and join (A) with sc blo in next sc, sc2tog in blo, sc blo in next 16 sc, [2 sc blo in next sc] twice, sc blo in next 16 sc, sc2tog in blo, sc blo in next sc, leave rem sts unworked, turn—40 sts.

 

Row 9: Ch 1, sc blo in first sc, sc2tog in blo, sc blo in next 16 sc, [2 sc blo in next sc] twice, sc blo in next 16 sc, sc2tog in blo, sc blo in last sc, turn.

 

Rows 10–19: Rep Row 9, joining (B) in last sc of Row 19. Fasten off (A).

 

Row 20–26: With (B), rep Row 9. Fasten off.

 

Eye (make 2)

With (C), make an adjustable ring (see Glossary). Ch 1, 6 sc in ring—6 sts. Fasten off, leaving long tail to attach eye to bib.

 

Nose

 

Rnd 1: With (C), make an adjustable ring. Ch 1, 6 sc in ring—6 sc.

 

Rnd 2: [Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc] 3 times—9 sts. Fasten off leaving tail to attach nose to bib.

 

Finishing

Weave in ends.

 

BUTTONS

Place first button on center of collar buttonband, ¾” (2 cm) from edge, and

sew in place. Sew second button 1 ¾” (4.5 cm) from first button.

 

EYES AND NOSE

Sew eyes and nose to front of bib. Refer to photos for help with placement.

 

Excerpted from 3 Skeins or less: Modern Baby Crochet by Sharon Zientara Copyright © 2016 F+W Media, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Photos courtesy of Joe Hancock.

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