Book Review: "Crochet Noro"

I've been in love with Noro yarn ever since I learned to knit through the process of knitting the famous Noro Scarf design. The color shifting of this yarn is simply sublime! First, came a pair of knitting books "Knit Noro" & "Knit Noro: Accessories: 30 Colorful Little Knits", where projects were photographed and presented just as beautifully as the yarn it showcased. Now, at long last, comes "Crochet Noro"!

Like the other books in the series, it is hardbound and gorgeously photographed in warm, rich tones. No area of the page is left out of the luxe treatment. Even the page borders let the European-style tapestry backgrounds show through.

Patterns include a full-spread splash shot, with the pattern itself starting on the next page. It includes difficulty rating, full materials list and clear instructions, both written and charted. Assembly and sizing diagrams are also provided as needed. There is no guessing in these patterns... they tell you exactly what to do!

Let's talk about the patterns themselves. If you like shawls, there are some absolute showstoppers in here. Above is the Chrysanthemum Shawl....gorgeous!!! There are several hats, bags and scarves, a nesting bowl home accessory pattern, a short skirt, a flower motif blanket, both a fingerless glove and a wristlet pattern, and some very wearable tunic & cardigan type garments. There were a number of ho-hum boring patterns, but given the large number of nice projects it is well worth adding this book to your crochet library.

 As far as difficulty, like the Noro knitting books there is very little for beginners here. Overall, I thought the marked difficulty rating for many of the projects seemed too high for what was required in the pattern?? Just my opinion though :)

Bottom Line: Love Noro? Buy. Looking for a gorgeous crochet coffee-table book? Buy. Looking for nice patterns? A good bet.