The types of patterns are varied, so the book will appeal to "Threadies" and Yarnies alike.
Of the 54 patterns included, there are designs for afghans, baby clothes, toss pillows, ornaments, pillowcase embellishments, doilies, and women's clothing accessories. There are also miscellaneous gift items such as Christmas tree garland and pincushions. A couple of patterns feature fabric crochet, and others involve working beads into the patterns.

The quality of photography is truly amazing, as is the quality of the materials used in making the pattern models. The disadvantage of this, however, is the cost of the recommended yarns, and difficulties in obtaining these. Fortunately, yardage is included in the patterns, so substitutions shouldn't be too painful to figure out.

A truly exciting feature of this book is a listing in the back of the yarns used to make the afghan models. Furthermore, addresses for the yarn and thread manufacturers are also included. Considering how difficult it would be for some to obtain certain brands, this is useful information, indeed.

Overall, this is a good book, and the instructions seem clearly written. Even if one never makes these patterns with the yarns and threads used, the artistic inspiration this book provides makes Vanessa-Ann's Plain & Fancy Crochet well worth purchasing.

Reviewed by Donna Bryan (donnamb@hevanet.com) for Crochet Partners Posted 9/98

Lorna Halnan edited this review. (lorna@crocheting.com)

Reviewer's email and web site addresses were accurate when review was posted. Should they be out of date when you read this, try one of the very fine internet search engines.

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