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:
- Landon Faux Cabled Pullover
- Spike the Hedgehog Hat
- Liam Zippered Pullover
- Zoe the Cat Slippers
- Octavia the Octopus Rattle, Finley the Fox Bib, Sophie Raglan Pullover and Cameron Blanket
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.
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 (2nd 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.
If you would like to purchase your own copy of 3 Skeins or less: Modern Baby Crochet by Sharon Zientara at Interweave The Store:
For more information about Interweave, visit their website, Facebook or Twitter!
Verna Bradshaw says
Ooooo, the hedgehog hat and the cat slippers are adorable. I don’t have any babies to make items for, but I can drool at the cute items. But honestly, I have never paid $25 for a book so I feel the price is a bit steep….comparing to other similar books with plenty of patterns in it.
Pamela Emerson says
I have a new grandbaby coming in February and these designs are so cute!!
Lindsay Paine says
This looks so cute! Thanks for sharing!
Jo-ann Mitchell says
These patterns look so cute & colorful. Thank you for the review.
Alice Darter says
Lovely review of this new book. Friendly information about a nice new option for baby-wear patterns and idea. Thanks!
Katie Weiss says
Good looking collection of patterns!
Marlene says
I love this book. I just made the Finley the Fox bib for my great grandson. I want to make some of the hats and I love that most take 3 skeins or less.
Bec Brown says
What a cute book think I’m going to have to track this down
Pat Collingwood says
Great book
Mandi says
I want that dachshund sweater in my size! 🙂 Seriously though, I love how many of the designs in this book are more gender neutral. I struggled to find good patterns for my boys when they were babies.
Jolynne says
The dachshund sweater on the cover is adorable!
Monica says
What a cute book.
Heathet hammel says
This looks like a good book!
Nadine Bongio says
This book looks awesome! I’m going to purchase it and get started on some items!
Sharon says
This books looks awesome, so nice to see some great baby patterns
Martha says
Will definitely be back. Love this book!
Sin says
Awesome! Love the fox bib!
Katrina says
What a gorgeous fox bib, this book looks an awesome find!!
Yeedah Rosero says
One of my favorite to crochet!
Marie Hood says
I love your baby crochet and baby items are my absolute favorite things to crochet.
susanne shumate says
I love this book
Katelyn says
This looks like a great book I really love the blue sweater!
Aurora Stoica says
Thank you for this great review.
Audrey O. says
This review is so informative. I love the list patterns that are in this. It’s great to be able to see what patterns are in the book before actually buying it. Makes it so much easier to decide whether or not I would actually use it. Thank you!
Beckie says
Thank you for this great review.
Rashmi Binu says
Looks very inviting, thank you for taking your tme out to review, i do see some awesome styles in there, will definitly try to get a copy, if possible 🙂
Laurie says
I am most excited for the pull over zipper sweater. These patterns are amazing. Thanks for reviewing them and bringing them to my attention.
Marlene says
Excellent book. I love all the different designs and that most patterns have instructions for multiple sizes. It is so frustrating to find a pattern that you love and no instructions for larger sizes.
Allie says
Wow such a variety! I’d love to make some of these for my friends kids and resize them for me too!!
I think I might have a bit of trouble attaching the zipper without the extra help of pictures or something.
Thanks for your review ☺
Abra Moore says
I love some of the sweater designs and would love to adapt them to fit me!
Linda Wood says
With a new grand baby on the way this looks like a great addition to my pattern library
Jo-ann Mitchell says
I love the variety of projects in this book. And the fact that they use 3 skeins or less is so fantastic. Now I can use great quality yarn while still keeping the project affordable!
Rhondda says
Hi Marina 🙂 Yes, Interweave Store does have International Shipping options available. You can see the specifics at the bottom of this page here: Hope this helps! They also have PDF versions available if you are ok with having an electronic copy of their publications instead of the paper copies. It costs the same as the book but you would not have shipping and handling too with the digital download.
All the best,
Rhondda
Marina R Sibellino says
Hi! Do you know if they have worldwide shipping? I live in Argentina. Thanks!