Mni Christmas Crochet by Val Pierce

Title – 20 to Make – Mini Christmas Crochet
Author – Val Pierce
Publisher – Search Press
ISBN – 978-1-84448-740-0

As part of the Tin Teddy Christmas Cracker, I am reviewing the fun crochet book “Mini Christmas Crochet” by Val Pierce as there is still time to make some of these adorable little creations before Christmas.

This a small, 48 page book and part of the popular “20 to Make” series from Search Press.

The book starts with a general introduction then a page of Hints and Tips. This includes a table showing American and British stitch name differences. Instructions on how to crochet are not included so some experience will be required.

The 20 Christmas crochet projects

All of the projects are small, the aim is for things that are not too difficult to crochet and which can be make quite quickly. Most are Christmas decorations though some could be considered toys too.

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For each project there are colour photos and clear written instructions. American stitch names are used as default with British variations given in brackets. I am British but am used to both systems. I tend to prefer instructions to just use one or the other, as long as they clarify which it is. It is then easy to just get into the right “groove” and follow the pattern. Including the terms for both every time seems a bit messy. However the instructions are still clear and would be suitable for an intermediate crocheter.

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The projects are:

Pine cones – cute little tree decorations that are very quick to create but look snazzy
Festive Wreath – very quick and simple tree decoration
Dove of Peace – cute little tree decoration, could easily be converted into other birds
Glimmering Snowflake – classic crochet snowflake decoration
Christmas Stocking – simple 4″ high stocking – ideal to personalize or embellish

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Rudolf the Reindeer – the cover star, a 4″ high amigurumi reindeer toy
Good Fairy – another 4″ toy but could easily be used as an ornament
Baby Penguin – very cute little amigurumi style penguin
Cool Snowman – simple snowman decoration or toy
Little Angel – delicate looking ornament

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Christmas Cracker – very easy cracker shaped decoration
Wishing Star – another crochet snowflake type decoration
Christmas Bell – quite a showstopper, pretty white bell shaped ornament
Snowy Fridge Magnet – little scene of a snowman, would make a good stocking fillerChristmas Pudding – very simple little round Christmas Pudding – could easily be converted to make crocheted baublesTTMiniChristmasCrochet2

Tabletop Tree – far easier that it looks, very cute little decoration
Yuletide Coaster – basic square coaster, in my opinion this is the least exciting item in the book
Festive Napkin Ring – in gold and white yarn, looks very posh
Christmas Bear – well, his head anyway, wearing a Santa hat, a little tree decoration
Poinsettia Gift Topper – really stunning crocheted poinsettia flowers, my favourite item

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Summary

This is an economical little book and the designs are attractive and fun. Some look far more complicated than they really are. Some crochet experience would be required but many of the projects are very suitable for beginners.

Quite a few of the designs (such as the Christmas Puddings or Dove of Peace) could easily be adapted using different colours and embellishments to make other items.

All in all a great value book and perfect for anyone looking for quick and easy things to crochet for Christmas craft stalls, fundraising or last minute crafty projects.

If you are looking for a good book to teach yourself to crochet, or to brush up on your skills, I recommend A Little Course in Crochet from Dorling Kindersley (review on Tin Teddy Blog).

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This link leads to the item on Amazon.com (left) and Amazon.co.uk. If you purchase it from either of these links then I will get a small commission from Amazon for sending custom their way. This is at not extra cost to yourself.  Thank you.

Craft Book Review – Mini Christmas Crochet by Val Pierce
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