Rating: 
Summary: Great resource!
Review: Bought this book and took it to my first crochet class. Everyone loved it, and I do to. The directions are pretty good (although I couldn't teach myself with them, but once I had the basics down I could use the book to build on those basics). A variety of interesting patterns to get you started, too.
Rating: 
Summary: Lackluster
Review: Donna Kooler should stick to cross-stitch. The instructions leave a lot to be desired and mistakes are evident throughout the book. The book itself is very large and difficult to bring along with you in your bag or purse, and does not stay open well if you are trying to look at the pictures and do the step at the same time.
Rating:
Summary: Indespensible....
Review: How did I ever manage without Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of stitches? I have found that designers often overlook some of the most basic instructions a reader needs to get the project done. Kooler has stepped in and provided all manner of instructions for experienced and inexperienced crocheters in her nifty encyclopedia. She even throws in a few projects of her own, including a beautiful `wedding keepsake'. Her book includes many examples of the old-timey stitches, including antique pieces of preserved lace, as well as specialty and exotic items such as `Tunisian' crochet.
The examples in this book range from simple to complex and some involve embroidery and knitting finishing touches. One item, a little blanket she calls `Baby Bobbles' looks relatively easy to make and it is awfully pretty (all single and double crochet, the bobble being a cluster of double crochet stitches).
Rating: 
Summary: POORLY WRITTEN PATTERNS.....RETURNING IT TOMORROW
Review: I have been crocheting ever since I was a little girl. This book is still the best I have found for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. It has beautiful illustrations that make it very easy to learn new stitches.It is definitely a must have if you like to crochet.
Rating:
Summary: Do you want to learn symbol crochet?
Review: I have found Donna's book an excellent resource for learning international crochet symbols. Her patterns are both written out in tradiational American crochet language, and shown in symbols. It is quite easy to refer from one to the other. I quickly found myself relying on the symbols more than the written pattern!
Rating:
Summary: POORLY WRITTEN PATTERNS.....RETURNING IT TOMORROW
Review: I have to say that I'm shocked to see this book has been reviewed so favorably. I've had it for two weeks now and I've tried about %75 of the patterns thusfar and I can truly say that the written portions are poorly done. I'm sitting here with the book frustrated over several patterns that I have found to be wrong. I'm an experienced crocheter and I was able to fix the patterns MYSELF. I want to stress that some of these mistakes are weighty. Let me give you one example of that. On page 165, the "wedges" pattern states that in row 2 you should "(sc,hdc,dc,tr,dtr)" but that whole thing is BACKWARDS. It should read "(dtr, tr, dc, hdc, sc)." Something like that can throw off a whole pattern! Besides more than several mistakes that I've found, I find some instructions to be redundant. For example when at the beginning of a pattern they say, "Chain a multipe of 4+1" and then when you read row 1 it says to "CH 1." There's no point in putting that twice and it can be very confusing to a beginner crocheter. Also, when working a pattern, crocheters tend to chain BEFORE they turn the piece because it's easier, but these directions do otherwise. That's not how I would want to explain directions to a beginner. I don't want this whole review to be negative. The only thing I do like about the book is that the pictures and diagrams are generally good and quite helpful. Unfortunately, that's it. I'll be returning my book to Borders tomorrow and getting a full refund.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Stitch Gallery
Review: I wasn't too impressed by the projects, but the Pattern(aka stitch)gallery is well worth the price of the book. I have several crochet stitch books, you know like "300 crochet stitches". But this one had patterns that I'd never seen before and frankly were much more intriguing and beautiful than any I've seen elsewhere. Get this book for the stitch gallery, and make your own one-of-a-kind afghans!
Rating:
Summary: Oodles of information
Review: I'm a beginning-to-intermediate crocheter (been at it about a year). This book has loads of basic information and several complete projects (graded by difficulty level). It's also lavishly photographed and illustrated! Several features of this book stand out in my mind: the excellent "history of crochet" chapter, the gorgeous Philosopher's Coat pattern, the chapters on beaded crochet and wire crochet, the step by step instructions for basic crochet skills with diagrams for right and left handed people (I wish I'd had these when I was struggling to learn the basic stitches!). Like other crochet references I've seen, it includes information about types of yarn and tools, a full collection of basic patterns, and comprehensive chapters on lace, Tunisian crochet, and Irish crochet. The beaded crochet section seemed a bit difficult to understand at times, and I wish that the key to abbreviations appeared at the front or back of the book rather than somewhere in the middle (where it was harder to find when needed). I also wish the text instructions used fewer abbreviations (the abbreviations are for saving space, but you don't really need to save that much space in a full length book) and/or included a key to the abbreviations on the pattern page. (Edited 09/11/03)
Donna Kooler was kind enough to write to me and point out that there IS a key to abbreviations on the inside front and back covers of the book. How silly of me not to notice!
Rating:
Summary: Every Crocheter Should Have This Book!!!
Review: I've been crocheting for over 30 years and have tons of books and patterns, but this book is one of the best I've seen. It is useful for someone who has never picked up a hook to an advanced crocheter who wants to pick up a new technique, project, or pattern. Fist of all, it covers the basics--the history of crochet, how to crochet, stitches, yarns, threads, and needles. It also covers different techniques--filet crochet, Tunisian crochet, changing colors, wire crochet, bead crochet...etc. The instructions are clear. I like that there are international symbols too. Also, the instructions of basic stitches and techniques are shown for left and right-handed crocheters. There are lots of neat projects from baby blankets, to a challenging "Philosopher's Coat". Also, there is a pattern directory. I love the pineapple and strawberry patterns! Also, it is a gorgeous book. It has a clean design and is a nice size and length--makes a nice coffee table book. The projects are modern and beautiful, and the photography is lovely. I plan to make a pineapple afghan and try my hand at some bead crochet. Maybe one day, I'll try my hand at that "Philosopher's Coat". There is so much information and instruction for just about anyone to improve their skills as a crocheter or to get started. It is a guide that I know I'll refer to often.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Crochet Resource
Review: I've bought tons of instruction books, and this is the best. clear instructions, detailed digrams, and some interesting patterns. There are some of them I don't think i'm going to do (ie. Philosopher's Coat), but the stitches in the back are intersting if you want to make your own sweaters/coats of yourself. It's a great investment of 32.50 (when you include the shipping and handle etc etc). it's a must buy for a beginner, intermedite OR advanced (i'm a beginner by the way, so that tells you how i feel!)
| 
