Welcome to the contemporary world of Celtic crochet! There’s one message I want you to hear before you run away screaming in fear from any perceived difficulty in any of these projects: These stitches are not hard! Every stitch on every page of every pattern in this book is based on basic, fundamental crochet stitches you probably already know, and you don’t have to run out and purchase any other fancy equipment (save that money for beautiful yarn). If you know how to crochet a chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch and treble crochet already, you’ve got all the tools you need in your tool box and can complete any project in this book. That said, the projects do progress to offer intermediate and seasoned crocheters a pleasant and inspiring challenge.
If you are a beginner or new to these stitches, that’s great! Please become familiar with the basic stitches mentioned above. Once you know these basic stitches, I would encourage you to start on the patterns toward the front of the book, which focus on only one or two stitches at a time, until your stitches are reasonably even in size. A scarf is always a great way to start. Should you ever get stuck, you can always go to the stitch guide for step-by-step instructions for each stitch. You can also watch instructional videos on my website at www.BonnieBayCrochet.com. There are many ways to learn these wonderful stitches.
I’ve been infatuated with the beauty of Aran knit stitches for years, but I have a confession to make: I don’t enjoy knitting! Yes, I’ve tried it and can do it, but I prefer crochet. I just love the smooth and relaxing motion of the hook in my hand, not to mention that the process is so much faster, at least for me. Hence, this book on contemporary Celtic crochet is my answer to this dilemma. Yes, I do want it all!
Knitters, please know that I will always admire what you do (I have to, especially since my budding crochet designer daughter has recently gone over to the dark side of the Force and learned to knit), yet I will seek every opportunity to imitate it with crochet stitches if and when humanly possible. Yes, you may call me stubborn, but contented I remain.
Bonnie Barker