Issue 86



Inspired by crochet's wonderful ability to calm and sooth us as we create, this collection from Carmen Heffernan contains a huge variety of motif-style designs, as well as a selection of larger projects which build on them. Drawn from the light and landscapes of her native Ireland, the designs use bright, striking colours which can't fail to bring a smile to your face as you work.



Chapters are divided by shape, from circular motifs which create 'restful ripples fo colour' to traditional crocheted squares, soothing stripes, calming zigzags and more. Within each section is a host of different techniques, including shells, bobbles and seeded stitches, sot this would also made a great workbook for expanding your crochet know-how. Clear charts are included for each motif and each section includes a couple of larger projects that use the designs from that chapter. These include a stunning Mexican Tiles Blanket, cosy child's hat in cross hatch stripes and colourful lace scarf. There's also an illustrated guide to basic crochet at the end. This would make a great stitch dictionary and pattern book for a more experienced crocheter, but would also serve as a lovely introduction to the craft for a beginner, particularly anyone looking to improve mindfulness and peace of mind with a relaxing, creative new hobby. * Inside Crochet * Crochet Yourself Calm by Carmen Hefferman (Repeat Patterns and mindful motifs to lose you in) is, as the title suggests, a book of lovely colourful geometric motif patterns that are both inspirational and relaxing to crochet.



The book is full of crochet motif patterns including mandala shapes, triangles, and squares, using a variety of stitches and techniques.



There is a motif to crochet on each page, including picture , corresponding instructions and graph, that I found easy to follow as a person with a bit of crochet skill (not a beginner, but definitely not advanced)



Once you have mastered some of the motif patterns, like granny squares, they can be used as the basis for a bigger complete project and several projects are included throughout the book including ones to make a baby hat, tote bag and blanket.

Additionally at the back of the book, as a reference, there is a section on stitch techniques, which was very useful.



True to it's title, immersing yourself in the repetitive rhythms of these repeat patterns, definitely helps to focus the mind and is very calming and relaxing, * Gaynor Lewis * Geometric motifs and repeat patterns allow you to settle into a calming rhythm. The simple motifs can be joined to create 15 simple projects from pincushions to throws. There are step-by-step stitch guides and colour-coded charts to help you. 50 original repeat patterns and motifs are included plus basic stitches and techniques with easy-to-follow patterns. The patterns and motifs are divided into Circles, Squares, Triangles, Stripes and Zigzags. The circle section includes lace mandalas and oddly two hexagons, the project is a shawl of circles. I think this book is suitable for beginners who want to learn the stitches and make simple projects * YarnsandFabrics.co.uk * I have received this book over the weekend, and I absolutely love it. Simple designs that aim to relax you through repetition. It's full of instructions and charts to help both absolute beginners and advanced crafters alike. Beautiful patterns that will keep me busy through winter and beyond, very happy with it. * Natalie Jones * Love this book.... it is so easy to read and understand. Photos and graphs of how to crochet circles .. squares ... triangles ... stripes .. zigzags . Nothing has been forgotten about as book tells you hook size ... correct yarn ... and instructions are so easy to follow so if you have never crochet the instructions from page130 for you to learn how to cast on and different stitches is so easy to follow. Truly love this excellent book. Personally the Granny square is the easiest to start with and you could keep square one colour till you get the hang of making a square . * Pauline Forster * This book has some great projects, which do exactly as the title suggests! Simple repeats in a range of patterns and styles. The sections are split into circles, squares, triangles, stripes and zig zags and there's several variations of each one. It's a great book for someone who's new to crochet (there's some detailed instructions at the back of the book covering everything from getting started to finishing off your projects) and the patterns are clear and easy to follow. I like that they are all written and charted and there's lots of photos, showing the swatch in different colours is a nice touch on some of the patterns too. There's a few project ideas for using the patterns too. Overall a fab book, a good range of patterns and ideas and even as an experienced crocheter it's nice to find a book that has some patterns i've not seen before. * Laura Hawkins * I received this book today and I love it. As someone who would describe herself as a 'competent hooker' I was able to dive straight in and have a go at some of the projects. I really like the fact there are clear instructions and pictorial diagrams; also that a photo is included for an alternate colour way as this helps with checking your work looks the way it should. Throughout the book there are ideas to incorporate the individual shapes into homewares to gift or keep that will work for any project in the chapter.



This book does exactly what it says - occupies enough of your mind for an achievable goal to get started, then rests and soothes you in repetition as the work grows without additional complications.



I would happily recommend this book to anyone as the clear diagrams in the back will also show a beginner how to get started. * Kate Menhinick * This book is a great collection of crochet patterns which have been split into Circles, Squares, Triangles, Stripes and Zig Zags. Each pattern has a colour photograph which shows the design beautifully and instructions both written and as a diagram. There is a shopping list for each design, with wool used for the photographed piece, suggested crochet hook size and skill level, along with a tension guide, and finished size.

The instructions are clearly laid out and easy to follow. There are some projects included in the book which use some of the designs from the book and these could be adapted to use other designs.

The book finishes with a chapter including crochet basics, ideal for anyone who wants to give it a go. The patterns included within the book range in difficulty and therefore can be used by any crocheter and is a great resource to return to when inspiration is needed.

I recommend this book as a great gift to give to anyone who wants to try crochet, or who is a keen crocheter already. Add in some double knit wool and a 4mm crochet hook and the recipient can get started straight away. * Sarah Broadhurst * More and more people are realizing the health benefits of crochet. This book is ideal to show you how the repetitive nature of crochet can help to calm and relax you. I love how Carmen uses different motifs to calm your mind into repeats. You can either just create a mandala or use the motifs to create something else. You can create something small to something much larger. Crochet has helped my health so much, both mentally and physically. It helps your brain to relax, switch off and to breathe. It eases your stresses and helps the chemicals in your brain to equalize. All this whilst you are creating. Once you create something you get such a buzz and you feel so much more positive.



Carmen brought together a mix of the different repetitive designs in crochet so you have so much to choose from. I love the fact that she gives you the basic

designs and then you can either use them how you want to or you can use them in some of the projects that she has given you. Carmen also gives you the patterns in both written and chart forms so everyone can try out her patterns.

It's also fantastic if you are wanting to learn how to read charts. The colours she uses are also inspirational. You can choose your own patterns or you can use Carmen's inspiration. The projects are fun. The book and the projects would

be brilliant for Christmas. If you know someone who is always stressed and doesn't stop, why not buy them the book with a ball of yarn and a hook.

What better way to get them to stop and relax! I am making a few of the projects for family and friends this Christmas.



More and more people are realizing the health
benefits of crochet.
This book is ideal to show you how the repetitive
nature of crochet can help to calm
and relax you. * Crochet Addict UK * This newly released, little gem, by Carmen Heffernan (owner of the AnnieDesign Etsy store) has an interesting angle and an unusual title. 'Crochet Yourself Calm'



You may therefore, be expecting a few pages of hints and tips explaining how to crochet yourself calm? So please dont be disappointed when I tell you this book, merely explains in the preface, the calming effects that crochet has on most of us. The act of losing oneself in the process of creating. Probably the reason I pick up my hook and yarn after a busy day?



What it does offer is 144 pages of easy repeat patterns, motifs, projects and instructions. The stitches will calm you because they are purposely rhythmic. Not too much counting and nothing to tax an experienced crocheter.



Each section is cleverly divided up into circles, squares, triangles, stripes and zig-zags. This book has 50 patterns and 20 projects. Whatever your preferred project to work on, you are sure to find something to inspire you and therefore 'calm' you.



I am enjoying the patterns and texture of combining stitches in my latest blanket project and this book has some interesting stitch combo suggestions, my favourite on page 96 being the 'Cluster and v stitch strip'



Crochet yourself calm would make a perfect gift for the crocheter lover and as usual Searchpress books are great value for money, this one being GBP10.99. If I didn't already have it I'd put it on my 'wanted' list.



Full review & images: https://www.lazydaisyjones.com/2016/12/book-review-on-how-to-crochet-yourself-calm.html * Lazy Daisy Jones * This book is fabulous, If you have ever wanted a hobby that involves only a small layout all you need is this book, a set of crochet hooks and a few balls of wool. There are some wonderful designs, with easy to follow instructions and diagrams.

My favourite design is the Lace Flower Shawl, which is so beautiful. I also like the Mexican Tiles Blanket and the Square Cushion.

There are so many ideas to choose from and I would highly recommend this book, whether for yourself or as a gift. * Tracey Woods *