Aren’t books incredible? I love writing, (and also reading!), these are a selection of the books I’ve written or co-authored.
Make It Mighty Ugly: Exercises and Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain’t Pretty, by Kim Werker
Upbeat without being saccharine, Kim invites us to identify our personal monsters and listen to what they have to say in a series of exercises designed to loosen up our creative muscles. Even if you think you don’t have any creative blocks, you may find the exercises to be a little scary. You didn’t think there was a monster under your bed…until you really looked, and found one. The author is up front about this, and says you are on the right track if you are feeling anxious when you start to look. Sprinkled throughout the book are recommendations for additional material, including links to projects and talks, as well as anecdotes and quotes from people Kim interviewed about their creative demons.
Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crochet (Wiley, 2nd Ed. in 2011), by Cecily Keim and Kim Werker
This is a full-on crochet reference book. It’ll teach you all the crochet basics, moving on to several chapters on more advanced stitch techniques, tutorials on how to make buttonholes and sew your projects together, and more. Full-colour-photograph-illustrated on every page, this is the book to keep at your elbow whether you’re just learning to crochet or have been stitching your whole life.
Crochet VISUAL Quick Tips (Wiley, 2007), by Cecily Keim and Kim Werker
Crochet VISUAL Quick Tips has the answers you need—fast. With detailed color photos and concise instructions, plus time-saving tips, it covers:
- Selecting tools and yarn
- Working basic stitches
- Increasing and decreasing
- Working in rounds and colors
- Making puffs, bobbles, clusters, and knots
- Working Tunisian crochet, filet crochet, and lace
- Crocheting with beads
- Finishing
- Inter- preting patterns
- Diagnosing problems and fixing mistakes
Reading Make It Might Ugly was such a comfort, learning that I’m not alone in combating creative demons. Until I read Kim’s book, I never really considered that there are ways of ‘making friends’ with and overcoming them either. I had just accepted that they were there to stay, sitting in the shadows of my brain, haunting me.
The biggest thing I learned from Make It Mighty Ugly is that you CAN quiet those mean voices inside your head. You know the ones, telling you how stupid you are and that your creative ambitions will never amount to anything. Creative demons don’t have to rule over you. We all have the ability to tell them to sit down and SHUT UP. All you need is the courage to acknowledge them and with the help of Make It Mighty Ugly you can face them head on. And the next time they start to chime in with their ugly negativity, you’ll be ready to take them down in a constructive, and creative way.
Filled with edgy and interesting patterns . . . taking crochet in new directions.
Crocheted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make and Give (Interweave Press, 2009), by Kim Werker
A collection of projects from today’s most popular crochet designers, Crocheted Gifts includes 25 designs suited for gift-giving—even if the recipient is you. From baby gifts to mittens for the whole family, from home decor to fancy lace, this book is full of perfect projects for every occasion.
Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution, by Kim Werker
Inspired by the history and community of CrochetMe.com, a dozen up-and-coming designers contributed patterns that show crochet at its best. Essays, lengthy designer bios, and tutorials on advanced techniques round out the offerings from this book that CRAFT magazine said, “reinvigorates the craft to new fashion heights.â€
Crochet Me was featured in CRAFT’s 2010 Holiday Gift Guide and in WhipUp’s Fave Books for 2010.
The expected array of outerwear, socks and home decor is all here, but it’s the unexpected touches that stand out.
Get Hooked Again: Simple Steps to Crochet More Cool Stuff, by Kim Werker (Out of Print)
A follow-up to Get Hooked, GHA presents fifteen original designs infused with playfulness and simplicity, geared to a tween/teen audience but accessible to crocheters of all ages.
Check out this review by Miss Theresa for the Pemperton, NJ library.
Get Hooked: Simple Steps to Crochet Cool Stuff, by Kim Werker (Out of Print)
A book aimed at teens and tweens but helpful and accessible to new and intermediate crocheters of all ages, Get Hooked is a fun learn-to-crochet reference with 15 patterns. From how to hold your hook and make crochet stitches to ideas for group activities and charity projects, Get Hooked is a clear, helpful and fun book to start crocheting with.
This is a kid & teen-friendly book with vibrant pictures of projects and how-tos. I’m always looking for crochet and knitting books with great picture instructions to recommend to beginners that come to Knit/Crochet Club and I would highly recommend this title, as well as Get Hooked.