Unexpected Afghans: Innovative Crochet Designs with Traditional Techniques

by Robyn Chachula

Overview

Unexpected Afghans presents 29 innovative interpretations of a favorite at-home essential. From best-selling author Robyn Chachula comes an in-depth look into crocheting traditional afghans using contemporary techniques, colors and patterns.

Expert designers including Kristin Omdahl, Kathy Merrick, Kimberly McAlindin, and many more, provide an abundance of fresh patterns and projects that are perfect for new and advanced crocheters as they start out beginner-friendly and become more complex, allowing a crocheter to build skills and confidence. Designers at any level will enjoy:

• A detailed technique's workshop in every chapter including cables, motifs, color, lace, and Tunisian crochet.
• Helpful tips from designers for working through each afghan project.
• Easy-to-follow charts and diagrams.

Along with tons of beautiful afghan projects for all skill levels, you'll find many of your favorite designer's biographies--giving you an exploration into their inspiration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781596682993
Publisher:	F+W Media
Publication date:	06/26/2012
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	180,787
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Robyn Chachula is the author of Blueprint Crochet (Interweave), Baby Blueprint Crochet (Interweave), and Mission Falls Goes Crochet. She has been published in a number of magazines, including Interweave Crochet and Crochet Today! She has appeared on Knit and Crochet Today and as a guest on Knitting Daily TV. Robyn's patterns have appeared in books, including Interweave Presents Crochet Gifts, Sensual Crochet, Not Your Mamma's Crochet, Catwalk Crochet, Vogue on the Go: Crocheted Shawls, Crochet Me, and Stitch & Bitch: Men. She has also designed for yarn companies, including JCA Crafts, SWTC, Mission Falls, and Artful Yarns.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Expert Advice for Beginners
First Timers Do Tell

Cables
Tuxedo Pillow and Cable Tips
Eloise Baby Afghan By Marty Miller
Artesia Zig Zag Afghan By Drew Emborsky
Croises Cable Afghan By Annie Modesitt
Vika Afghan By Jill Wright
Veledilo Cable Afghan By Simona Merchant-Dest

Granny Motifs
Hatsukoi Pillow and Granny Motif Tips
Dots and Poppies Baby Blanket By Linda Permann
Peacock Afghan By Ellen Gormley
Mod Retro Afghan By Edie Eckman
Cabine de Dentelle Afghan By Annette Petavy
Kaleidoscope Afghan By Tammy Hildebrand

Color
Elan Waves Pillow and Color Tips
Peerie Baby Blanket By Kathryn Merrick
Behrens Color Block Afghan By Leigh Radford
Desert Sunrise Afghan By Carol Ventura
Moroccan Circles By Kimberly McAlindin
Bethlehem Star Afghan By Mary Beth Temple

Lace
Vigne Pillow and Lace Tips
Amada Baby Blanket By Tracie Barrett
Sunken Treasure Afghan By Kristin Omdahl
Damask Lace Afghan By Marlaina Bird
Exploded Pineapple Afghan By Doris Chan

Tunisian
Nauha Pillow and Tunisian Tips
Smocked Elegance Baby Afghan By Darla Fanton
Mission Cabled Afghan By Diane Halpern
Aryanah Sampler Afghan By Dora Ohrenstein
Van Gogh Waves Afghan By Kim Guzman
Starburst Entrelac Afghan By Megan Granholm

bios
glossary
resources
index

Editorial Reviews

Afghans are among the most popular crochet projects, but afghan designs often seem stuck in the 1970s. Chachula (Blueprint Crochet) presents a series of afghan and afghan-inspired crochet patterns featuring modern designs and color palettes. Several of the designs are more streamlined than the openwork most people associate with crocheted afghans, although there are some lovely, lacy patterns as well. And yes—there's even a granny-square design, dubbed "Mod Retro" and crocheted in a bright 1970s color scheme. Both written and charted patterns are included. VERDICT With almost 30 different projects encompassing a variety of styles and techniques, this is an excellent value.

Library Journal