I love finding new crochet books and resources. If you have a favorite book, please email me about it. I am just starting a list of my favorites, so more will be coming soon. 

200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets- by Jan Eaton

     This book is great for learning new techniques. I was surprised at how much information was packed into this  book. It is like a text book on learning the craft for designing.

The Finer Edge: Crochet Trims- by Kristin Omdahl
These trims are so beautiful that they make you want to crochet a project just so you can add a trim and show it off. I am dreaming of some lovely, lacy sleeves now.

Around the Corner Crochet Borders- by Edie Eckman

This book has so many variations of borders that you will surely find one you want for your afghan, whether you are designing an original of your own, or you just want to change the look of a design you have been using. The best thing about this book is that the author explains how to get around the corners. BRILLIAN!!

Crochet With Red Heart, Best Loved Afghans- edited by Anne Van Wagner Childs and Sandra Graham Case

This book has some really beautiful afghans. There are at least 15 patterns in here that I would love to make; beautiful bargellos, granny ghans, mile-a-minute, lacy lovelies. There is something for every afghan lover in this one.

Jewelry With A Hook, Crocheted Fiber Necklaces, Bracelets & More- by Terry Taylor

I checked this one out from the library on a whim, and BOY am I glad I did. I love this book. Not only are there really great patterns in the book, but there are inspiring ideas to help you think of how you can use the methods demonstrated in the book to come up with your own designs. I had so many items in this book that I want to make that I have added it to my wish list of books I would like to add to my personal library some day.

220 More Crochet Stitches (volume 7)- from the Harmony Guides

I especially liked the section on Irish Lace in this book. It has great pictures to show new stitches, and examples of what the finished swatch or motif looks like. I am making it a goal to learn the Clones Knot stitch from this book. I am not sure I would spend a lot of money to get this book, but I will definitely refer to it now and then from the public library.

Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects From Today's Top Crocheters-

by Jean Leinhauser & Rita Weiss

     This book looks like it is chalk full of new things to learn while playing with yarn. Just the cover is so beautiful that the word scrumptious comes to mind.

100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet- by Lesley Stanfield

     This book is loaded with flowers of every description. I love the variations of roses and the pretty butterflies. There are even cute carrots, radishes, pea pods, and grapes to crochet.

50 Sensational Crochet Afghans and Throws- compiled by Bobbie Matela

      Sensational is no exaggeration. I would love to make about 98% of these throws. Usually I find a small percentage of patterns in a book that I think I would actually sit down and make. I may like more than that, but not enough to put the time into making all of them. This book though has me wanting to make them all right now. The pictures are so pretty that they make me hungry to go buy more yarn.   

Hooked On Murder- by Betty Hechtman

      A mystery that centers around the members of a crochet club. The main character learns to crochet and in the  process describes many of the feelings I had while I was learning to crochet. I loved the whole thing. And as a bonus there is a free pattern in the back for crocheting a washcloth, and a recipe for a great cake- the essential elements for a great crochet party.

Dead Men Don't Crochet- a crochet mystery by Betty Hechtman

    This is how it is described online: When a member of Molly Pink’s crochet group is suspected of murder, it’s up to Molly and her pals to pick up the dropped stitches and catch a killer.

I just finished reading this one and I still love the characters. I think some parts of the plot are a little contrived, but the whole plot built around my favorite subject made up for it. I've already ordered the third book in the series- By Hook or by Crook- from the library. I can't wait until it comes in.

By Hook or By Crook- a crochet mystery by Betty Hechtman

I just started reading this one. This is how it is described online:
Molly Pink's crochet group has a new mystery on their hands when they find a paper bag that contains a note that speaks of remorse, a diary entry of the sorrow of parting, and a complicated piece of filet crochet that offers an obscure clue in pictures. Things get even more complicated when they find the talented crocheter-murdered by a box of poisoned marzipan apples.

Finished it and I really liked it. I thought the way clues were hidden inside a sampler of fillet crochet was really cool. Side note: I've often wondered if a code could be created from crochet stitches (got the idea from the knitting of the woman in Tale of Two Cities who kept a record with her stitches that she used to testify in court with). Wouldn't that make a great way for a spy to smuggle information? Thought I would throw that idea out there to any writers out there. Anyway, this book was really fun to read because it played with crochet in a great way. Includes a blanket pattern and a fillet bookmark pattern, along with a recipe.

A Stitch in Crime- a crochet mystery by Betty Hechtman

I am trying to get this one from my local library. I will let you know if it is as good as her others.