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Crocheted Beaded Bags by Margaret Snouffer
Threadware Publishing, P.O. Box 24364, Edina,
Minnesota 55424, $11.95, softcover, 36 pages.
The author states that you will need to already know basic crocheting before
using her book and that any "how to crochet" book will help you. Snouffer begins
by listing the basic crochet stitches you will use, then goes on to list supplies and
possible problems you may encounter. Snouffer gives you an idea of the differences in
using seed beads and Delicas size 11 compared to seed beads and rocailles size 10, and
smaller beads such as size 15. She offers advice on color and then gets into reading
graphs followed by pattern instructions for the basic bag. She then proceeds to variations
of the basic bags and finishing techniques. I really appreciate the information on page
eight giving approximate number of feet in beads needed for various size bags. I can use
this information for making the bags from her book and those I create freeform. At the
back of the book there is a source for thread and beads, some quick help tips and a
description of all the bags featured on the front and back covers of her book. This book
has excellent instructions for crocheting beaded bags using one basic shape with a variety
of decorative bead patterns. The graphs are easy to understand and follow. This would be a
much better reference book if the basic instructions to crochet were included. I have seen
several craft magazines with one page instructions and graphics which would not require
many more pages added to a book. The graphics for crocheting in the beads on page 12 are
so good I don't understand why she didn't go ahead with the basic instructions in the same
manner. My other thought is on page 10 she states you need to use a needle to string beads
of one color onto your thread. You will have to do this if your beads are loose. However,
if you have a hank of beads you can use a slip knot and move the beads over strand by
strand to the thread you will be using for crocheting. This would also be an easy graphic
to complete and what a time-saver. Snouffer states in her introduction she is a crocheter
and bead fanatic but has not yet learned a lot of other beadwork techniques. I learned
beading techniques first and then crossed over to fiber techniques so I can understand our
differences. Fiber people often assume bead people know many basics in fiberart such as
crocheting, knitting, weaving, etc., when in fact most beaders do not. Many beaders will
buy this book without reading that they need to already know crocheting and later find
they have to buy another book just to use this one. Beaders are compulsive crazy people -
We see something and we want to do it tonight! So we need all the directions on how to do
it in the book we purchased. Snouffer lists The Harmony Guide to Crochet Stitches (edited
by Debra Mountford, ISBN 0-517-88074-1) in her references. This book is excellent for
everything you ever wanted to know about crochet. I know, I have it. However, it is a $16
book and if you are only interested in learning basic crochet for beading I recommend
Complete Guide to Thread Crochet by Rita Weiss, ISBN 0-88195-602-3, $6.50, which is
step-by-step instructions with big easy to follow graphics. It includes both right and
left-hand instructions. You can also learn basic crocheting at yarn and stitchery stores
and through organizations such as weavers and embroidery guilds. I am sure noncrocheting
beaders (majority) would purchase The Crochet Beaded Bags book at a little higher price
with the additional information I suggested. I will definitely add this book to my library
as is along with a basic how to crochet book. I have great expectations of new designs and
innovations in future crocheting with beads books from this author. |