Beth Nielsen - Modern Bohemian Crochet: Unique Crochet Stitches for Free-Spirited Style

When I first taught myself to crochet, I learned how to make a chain. For some reason that was as far as the days lesson took me, but I was hooked. I made chain after chain after chain until I thought, surely there must be more than this! Once I finally had a small collection of basic skills, I couldnt get enough of the craft. Through the years I learned to knit, which I also love, but theres something about crochet that just keeps drawing me back. I cant keep my hands off a hook for very long without starting to feel the itch. If youre an obsessive crafter like I am, you know exactly what I mean.

As I pursued my love for fashion through college and beyond, I was still drawn to crochet, though as my skills and interest grew I couldnt always find the patterns I was looking for. I wanted modern patterns for the next generation of crafters. Not vintage or retro or throwback, but fresh. New. Innovative.

After I graduated from design school, having been chosen Outstanding Designer in my class, I turned my attention completely to crochet. I was on a mission to create the kind of patterns I was always searching for, and the result is the book youre holding in your hands. I am so honored and thrilled to bring you this collection of patterns that I hope capture a sense of youthfulness, vitality, and exquisite craftsmanship.

If youre a seasoned crocheter, I hope this book brings you a fresh idea or shows you a technique youve never tried. If youre a newbie practicing your chains, I hope these projects keep hooking you in for more!

As you work through these patterns, I want you to keep a few things in mind that I hope will be helpful.

Im over six feet (1.8 m) tall, which makes me a rather unusual size. Every garment pattern Ive ever made Ive had to adjust and tweak to work for me, and I encourage you to think through what you need and do the same. Its easy to follow a patterns every instruction, but its so much more rewarding to complete a garment thats absolutely custom-made for you. So if you need to add (or subtract!) some rows, or change a color, go for it! Make it your own.

I want to challenge you to take up a project that seems hard or make an alteration to an existing pattern. The majority of crocheters Ive met are absolutely capable of improvising and dont know they are. You can do it! Dont be afraid to make mistakes and dont be afraid to rip out a few rows. Also, if somethings not working or doesnt seem right, do what makes sense to you. Dont take my word for ittrust your instincts.

On more than one occasion while making this book, I put my head down to crank some crochet out, and when I stepped back to look at what Id worked, it was completely wrong. I worked several inches of one project before realizing I was increasing somewhere and then found I had picked up the wrong hook! Keep your eyes open and your mind engaged and youll save some time and heartache. Step back and look at what youre doing and make sure youre on the right track.

I cant stress enough the importance of blocking! I sent a couple projects to a magazine a few years ago without blocking them first, and the next time I saw them (in print!), they were wildly different. Thats because when the magazine staff steamed the garments before shooting them, the fibers relaxed and the fabric grew inches. They were way too big and very droopy. Its important to block even your gauge swatches so you know what will happen to the crocheted fabric when its wet. Blocking gives your projects a professional-looking finish, no matter whether you steam them or completely soak them. Its always worth the time!

Enough talk. Lets get started. I hope you love these patterns!

-Beth

When warm breezes blow, soft neutrals set the background for a riot of springtime color. It's time for brightening florals, lighter layers, and silkier yarns with a bit of sheen. These patterns are full of fresh stitches, new techniques, and great style.

Meet your new favorite statement piece. Worked in Tunisian knit stitch, it showcases graphic colorwork. At first glance it almost looks like animal print, but when you look more closely, it becomes an intriguing braided pattern. It might appear to be a knit project, but in Tunisian crochet, it has much more structure and strength. It's shown in three colors here, but it can be made in two colors for simplicity.