ACCESSORIES ARE AMONG MY VERY FAVORITE THINGS TO CROCHET. They’re quick to make (hello, instant gratification!), require little yarn (which means they’re easy on the wallet), and they’re the perfect way to incorporate handmade pieces into any wardrobe.
When I began working on this book, I set out to compile a group of projects that would be my dream collection of accessories, created by my dream team of designers. I wanted to feature a wide variety of projects, ranging from simple basics that will never go out of style to snazzier pieces with a modern edge. To accomplish that, I reached out to some of the best designers in the crochet community and asked them to contribute—and not surprisingly, they all amazed me with their skills, creating some truly beautiful patterns.
I hope you’ll enjoy the result! No matter what type of crochet accessory you’re looking for, chances are there’s something here for you. From hats and scarves to bags and jewelry, many of these projects can be completed in the time it takes to take the train from Chicago to St. Louis—and are travel-friendly enough to take anywhere. But there are a few more involved designs to sink your hooks into, too. If you’re a crocheter who’s ready to move beyond basics, lots of these projects are designed to help you build your skills—so you’re guaranteed to learn a lot along the way. (And the experienced among you are sure to find some challenges here, too.)
I hope you’ll enjoy this collection as much as I do. I was so inspired while working on this book that I’ve already made one project from it (Ellen Gormley’s Saturday Beret; it turned out great!) … and I’ve got my eye on many others, too!
Happy stitching!
Brett Bara