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.

Afghan Lover's Collection -More than 30 crochet afghans from Leisure Arts' most popular designers include great basic to advanced designs that will never go out of style.

These awesome afghans will inspire you to pick up your hook and start right away! Choose from 40 projects, including a one-piece throw, a mile-a-minute wrap, and join-as-you-go squares, each designed by a reader of Crochet With Heart magazine.

Easy and Beautiful Crochet Creations! What exactly is a crocheted afghan? A crocheted afghan refers to a form of home decoration and warmth. They are used within the home as a blanket on a cold day, a decorative throw over a couch or bed, and as a wrap for many different occasions. It is an old tradition that Afghans are often passed through the generations of a family, and you may even have them around your home without realizing the history. This handy beginners guide takes the principle of a crochet afghan and makes it as simple as possible; it is aimed at beginners. You will find 12 afghan patterns for many different occasions; for example, there is a basic striped afghan and also directions on how to turn a blanket into a children's toy.

Learn the must-have basics of sweater construction and ways to achieve better-fitting garments! Best-selling author of Blueprint Crochet, Robyn Chachula presents an approachable resource on the basics of crochet design. This friendly introduction to sweater and garment construction will give you a deeper understanding of working with crochet and help you make better-fitting garments in the process. In this collection of 16 patterns, Robyn focuses on four basic garment types and their variations--"classic" construction (including raglan, drop-sleeve, and side-saddle sleeve); unique construction (side-to-side or from the bottom up, around the shoulder, and back down); motif construction; and top-down (both round and raglan types). The perfect introduction to the building blocks of crochet sweater construction, Blueprint Crochet Sweaters breaks down intimidating garment design into easily digestible parts, offering a deeper appreciation and understanding of how to create projects that reflect your own personal style.

Create completely reversible colorwork afghans and more! Innovative crocheter Laurinda Reddig created a unique and award-winning form of crochet that produces clear images that look exactly the same on both sides. Learn about this new method along with 28 reversible squares suitable for afghans or other items, make one of the 10 projects that use them, or find inspiration to design your own! Laurinda explains the basics of her technique and how to work with multiple colors at the same time. She demonstrates how to create graphic colorwork squares that range from simple geometric angles and shapes to a variety of picture squares including quilt-inspired blocks, flowers, the sun & moon, robots, aliens, and other fun projects for children. Create all 10 afghan projects complete with directions for joining, edging, and any additional stitch patterns used. Open your eyes to a whole new crochet technique--you won't want to miss it!

An illustrated guide showing how to create beautiful, timeless pieces, whether you're picking up needles for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for advanced patterns From scarves and sweaters to bags, pillows, and more, you'll find lots of projects for practicing and perfecting your knitting skills in Knitting For Dummies, which includes an instructional online video showing you the actual knitting techniques being done step-by-step. Experienced and novice crafters alike can benefit from the book's step-by-step instructions that explain knitting in plain English. For anyone new to knitting, this hands-on friendly guide shows you how to Cast on, knit, purl, and bind off -- the four basic skills needed to complete any knitting Decipher pattern instructions and charts Combine knit and purl stitches with increases and decreases for different effects Create different kinds of cables, lace, and more Read the language and graphics in knitting patterns and charts Increase and decrease stitches and use these techniques to shape a project and create design It also shows you what to do if you drop a stitch or inadvertently add one. If you know the basics of knitting and want to expand your skills to include stitch patterns with more complexity, you've come to the right place: Combine stitch increases and decreases to create lacework Get familiar with Fair Isle patterns and simple intarsia motifs, which involve working in more than one color in one row Practice with plenty of projects to perfect your advanced knitting techniques Learn to add interest with stripes Have fun with fulling and felting Make sweaters, from blocking and assembling your pieces to adding finishing touches like neckbands, edging, and buttonholes Knitting For Dummies includes ten quick projects to make for gifts and exercises to "unkink" your neck and shoulders should you lose yourself for hours at a time in your craft! Finally, the book ends with a couple appendixes showing you more cool effects and a list of knitting software and helpful online resources. If you're itching to start stitching, grab this book to start crafting your knitted masterpiece today.

Tunisian crochet is hot! Open the door and discover many designers and 30+ Tunisian stitch patterns. Tunisian crochet, a technique dating back to the nineteenth century, has recently been making its way back into the hands of crocheters. Here, author Dora Ohrenstein presents more than 30 Tunisian stitch patterns and 11 projects, updating historic concepts and introducing innovative techniques using contemporary styles and yarns. The door has officially been opened for those interested in rediscovering this treasured craft. In The New Tunisian Crochet, you'll begin with Tunisian stitch patterns to create a variety of beautiful fabrics you'll love. Next, follow the inspiration of some of crochet's masters with projects that showcase these stitches in a variety of garments, accessories, and home decor projects. Get ready to explore a craft that's received a fresh jolt of inspiration and insight in The New Tunisian Crochet.

Light, airy pieces crocheted in fine yarns show off the beauty of your crochet stitches and are a dream to wear! The shawls, cardigans, tops, and other designs in this collection are light as a feather, super soft, and made to drape beautifully across your body. These lacy pieces are fun to crochet and very versatile. Change up the yarns to create looks for day or night, work or play, city or suburbs. Pattern contributors include Kristin Omdahl, Robyn Chachula, Marty Miller, Amy Solovay, Vashti Braha, and others known for their innovative, gorgeous crochet designs. Each of the 23 patterns includes full written instructions and charts as needed. All special stitches are fully explained and skill levels range from easy to advanced.

"Aware of the risks involved, but determined to explore what he could of the Afghan people and culture, Elliot leaves the relative security of the capital, Kabul.