The Crafty Princess Diaries

One unusual aspect to this book is that there are both crochet projects and knitting projects, something you don’t see that often together in one book. It is good to see some of both since many of us yarn crafters do both. Also, most of the projects are not overly large so that they are portable, which means lots of accessories. Some of my favorite projects include adho mukha (a triangular crochet scarf); manipura (a knitted mug cozy); portland (knitted fingerless gloves); and faire (a crochet hat). Besides accessories, there are a few blanket projects and also home decor items as well.

While there are explanations and information throughout the book about techniques, you will not find super detailed how-to instructions for knitting or crochet basics. However, a novice could still use this book along with supplements because many of the projects are beginning level.

I see a number of projects I’m interested in trying, but I do have one issue in general with this book, photographs. I want more, and I like photographs that show the entire finished piece. Sometimes, the projects are photographed just fine in this book, but other times, they seem to be more “beauty” type photos that do not show the entire finished object. For example, the rustica (a knitted shawl) looks promising, but you only see a portion of it. Granted this portion shows details of the stitching, but I want that plus a photo of the entire shawl.

Considering there are 27 projects in this book, I think the price is reasonable. Small projects that you can bring with you to work on wherever you go are always appreciated, and if you are the type that both knits and crochets, then you’ll like that there are a mix of projects.