Book excerpt: A fresh, upscale approach to crochet, with 38 simple projects presented in 25 comprehensive yet easy-to-understand lessons for anyone just picking up this craft. Crochet gets a chic makeover in this beginner-friendly book from French designer and crochet teacher Marion Madel. The 38 quick and easy projects include oversized scarves, cozy cowls, lacy shawls, decorative embellishments, bags, and much more. In 25 lessons, beginners will steadily build their repetoire of crochet skills, each one presented in detailed step-by-step photos, from creating foundation chains to decreasing and increasting stitches to crocheting in the round. For each lesson, the accompanying patterns offer the chance to try out new stitch patterns and techniques while creating a collection of beautiful garments and accessories that go far beyond typical "beginner's" projects.