Julie
This books contains excellent instructions on the illustrated patterned blocks as well as advice on colour matching, how to knit (although you should probably know the basics before starting)and finishing off an afghan. There are some beautiful examples of assembled blankets too. In fact, there is so much choice that I find myself quite overwhelmed when I'm looking through it - I want to do them all, right now! There are enough examples in here to keep an avid knitter going for quite some time. You don't have to worry about your level of experience either, skill level is given for each block.
This is a reference book for anyone looking for crochet embellishments, there are no instructions for blocks to make up an afghan. I think I have only tried the star so far and I found the instructions to be clearly written and charted. The best thing about the book though, is that the stitches in my edition are given in UK English and not US which thankfully means no confusion when it come to dc and tr etc. There is also a tutorial on crochet at the start of the book making it ideal for beginners or occasional crocheters.
This is a well constructed book on patchwork and quilting. It covers the basics of the different types of quilting patchwork and applique. There is also a section at the end showing some amazing finished quilts that should make you either want to cry or get your sewing machine out.
Although a bit outdated now, I found this book incredibly useful. It covers so many kinds of needlework that if you have a problem, chances are that you will find a solution in this book. Invaluable!
This book makes a good companion to all those historical fiction novels when you are trying to keep of the Elizabeths, the Edwards and the Richards.
