Book excerpt: Stitch-by-stitch instructions with illustrations that will guide you through crocheted baby blankets to baby shoes, and many more lovely things for you or your home. A complete guide to crocheting for beginners and practiced crocheters with more than 130 techniques and stitches. As a bonus, there are 80 projects for you to practice and enjoy! If you are picking up your first crochet hook, this book will lead you through the basic stitches and starts you off with classic granny squares for blankets. Learn how to craft delicate lace and openwork pieces to create home décor items. The clear instructions and step-by-step, close-up pictures of the various stitches make your first projects simple and fun to complete. The instructions let you know the difficulty level of each pattern, the correct tools and the ideal yarn for you to use. If you're a confident crocheter there are plenty of new stitches and patterns for you to try your hand at. Create baby and adult clothes, baby shoes and amigurumi toys for yourself or as treasured gifts for loved ones. There's something very special about receiving a handmade present! New Edition Newly updated with a fresh design and brand-new photography that shows the stitches with gorgeous clarity. Learn how to read patterns so you can go from novice to expert crocheter in no time! • Easy-to-follow directions with close up photos of the stitches. • Over 130 key techniques and 80 projects to create. • Advice on yarn and tools.