Contemporary Celtic Crochet Book by F&W Media - Authentic Irish-Inspired Patterns for Scarves, Blankets & Home Decor - Perfect for DIY Gifts & Cozy Winter Projects

CONTEMPORARY CELTIC CROCHET is an amazing collection of crochet designs, many of which replicate the look and feel of knitted Aran cables. There are 24 pretty patterns (ranging from cardigans to head coverings, wraps, baby blankets, and more), each marked with the necessary skill level (beginner, easy, intermediate, experienced). The patterns call for worsted weight or DK weight yarns, and for standard crochet hooks in the sizes appropriate for these thicker yarns.My favorite design is the "Aran Diamonds Cardigan" (which can also be made as a vest by leaving off the sleeves), intended for experienced crocheters. The photograph shows a seated model, so it's a little hard to tell what the sleeves look like in motion. However, it appears that designer Bonnie Barker knows how to create good-looking crocheted sleeves that are more than simple tubes!I also love the Gaithersburg Stole, the Inisheer Sweater Wrap (shown on the book cover), and the Busking Beauty Sweater Wrap, all for intermediate crocheters. The "sweater wraps" are stoles with a back panel attached, a style of garment that Barker first encountered when visiting the west coast of Ireland. However, I would be willing to make and/or wear all of the garments and blankets included in this book.To get the Celtic crochet cable effects, you need to use some advanced stitches, but these are all explained in words, with step-by-step photos, in a 36-page "Crochet Stitch Guide" found at the front of the book.The Guide discusses these stitches, motifs, and techniques: Arrow; Baby Feet Popcorn (for big toes and little toes); Back Post Double Crochet; Back Post Treble Crochet; Basketweave; Braided Cable; Beginning Chain; Buttonholes; Cable; Celtic Cross; Celtic Weave; Crochet in the Round; Diamond; Double Crochet; Front Post Double Crochet; Front Post Treble Crochet; Honeycomb; Knotted Fringe; Knurl (reverse single crochet); Low Back Ridge; Low Front Ridge; Popcorn; Ribbing Using Front Post & Back Post; Shadow Box; Shell with Picot; Single Crochet; Single Crochet Ribbing; Slip Knot; Slip Stitch; Treble Crochet; Wheat; and Woven.The included patterns are: Liffy in a Jiffy; Burren Braids Hat & Scarf; Pennywhistler's Purse & Pack; Jig Infinity Scarf & Headband; Blarney Blanket; Tipperary Sweater & Vest; Hialeah Honey Baby Blanket; Cables Meet Lace Cape; Celtic Carryall; Gaithersburg Stole; Inisheer Sweater Wrap; Sailboats Baby Blanket; Knockardakin Wrap; Gavotte Gigs; Aran Diamonds Cardigan & Vest; Busking Beauty Sweater Wrap; Doolin Delight Sweater Wrap; Baby Feet Baby Blanket; Kells Cabled Sweater; and Celtic Cross Afghan & Pillow.Sad to say, photos of these attractive designs are not readily available on the Internet (except for the book cover photo). I was unable to locate images with Google, by visiting the designer's profile on Ravelry, or by looking up the book on the web sites of some crafts book sellers.