Issue 2
One of the coolest crochet books on the market, this takes inspiration from 8-bit pixel images reminiscent of the old-school graphic-style video games, brought to life in a throughouly modern and fresh way. Ideal for retro lovers there are 101 designs packed in a beautifully laid out and inspiring format, - I would have this as a coffee table book, even if I wasn't a crocheter. If you enjoy making granny sqaures and are stuck for new ways to bring them to life through projects then this book is for you.
* Love to Knit and Crochet *
Remember those square looking, slightly fuzzy graphics from early computer games like Super Mario? It was called 8-bit pixel and it's only gone and inspired a whole gorgeous crochet book! The retro-quirk will have all the hipster's hearts beating that little bit faster. Our favourites include amongst the 101 unique and original patterns include the mix tape blanket, a pixel heart cushion and the robot toy sack. Each project is presented with clear, easy-to-follow instructions with a stunning photo of the finished crochet patter. Scattered throughout the book are project ideas to fuel new ideas includ a fab array of flags and typography.
* Love Crochet *
April 2016
Pixel Crochet is a brilliant but simple idea, as all the best ideas are. Inspired by today's technology and applied to an age old craft.
The pixel is a word invented from picture element it is the basic unit of a programmable colour on a computer display or in a computer image.
Hannah Meur has taken it one step further and used it on the science of 'granny squares'. This is when a pixel is substituted for a crochet granny square.
The book is great for beginners and can be an inspiration for the more experienced. It guides you through several colourful designs, explains how a granny square is made up and shows how to hand stitch together your squares. At the end of the book there is a helpful colour chart, to illustrate the colours Hannah used for her designs.
A favourite design has to be the instant camera image, ie a polaroid camera! Being a fan of all things retro photography related, I am very tempted to start this one immediately.
All the images are clearly laid out and look easy to follow so how do you fancy hooking up a pixelated fox? or perhaps even an old fashioned style ice lolly?
Full review and images: http://www.crochetnow.co.uk/book-review-pixel-crochet/
* Crochet Now *
Issue 74
We just love the clever idea behind this supercool collection of patterns. Designer Hannah Meur uses simple one colour granny squares to build up pixelated designs inspired by everything from the 8-bit computer games to hipster moustaches! There are 101 'pixel' designs, including punctuation, music, flowers and flags and they are shown made up into a variety of projects from a rainbow heart cushion to a 'game over' blanket.
* Inside Crochet *
This crochet book uses '80s-style, 8-bit pixel graphics to create colourful retro designs using granny squares, which would look great in any child or teenager's room- or anywhere else you wanted to add some kitsch style. Chose from 101 designs, including a space invader, smiley, dog's bone, robot, bunny floor cushion and the inevitable words 'game over'. Full instructions are given for learning how to crochet, plus instructions for a few projects. Once you can make the square and join them togethe, you can create any design you want. Lots of fun, whatever your age or level.
* Love to Make *
If you're wondering, 8-bit, pixelated images were the images seen on computers in the 1980s. And they're the inspiration for Hannah Meur's simple patterns. The idea is that any picture or image can be made from squares and rectangles of colour for example, swatches of crochet in white and pink stitched together can make an ice cream, of red and yellow could make a london bus, of white and blue could make a smiley cloud. There's a range of project ideas, from blankets to cushions to play tents, all of them ideal for someone new to the art of crochet.
* Knitting & Crochet *
If you were around in the 80s you will remember the 8-bit graphics that seemed the last word in technology - how things have changed! Now they are now enjoying a revival as graphics for their retro charm. Pixels become granny squares in this fun crochet book that is filled with colorful lively designs that would look particularly good in a child's or teenager's room or anywhere else you want to add some bright retro style.
Although there are some large projects to tackle in here (as well as plenty of smaller ones) this is nevertheless a book aimed at the beginner. Full instructions for learning how to crochet from scratch are given as well as basic information about what to buy and how to make up the projects. Instructions for one simple (chain and double crochet) granny square are given, and the rest of the book consists of lots of lively and easy to read charts. Ideas for finished projects are given and these include blankets, cushions, wall hangings, a table runner, mats and my own favorite: a wonderful play tent. The charts are grouped in themes including those aimed at appealing to young children, pets, animals, retro, around the world, tech and transport. Choose from space invader images, the happy cloud on the cover, heart, smiley, dog bone, hot air balloon, monkey face, rocket, mustache and the inevitable words game over that will have anybody who was around in the 80s smiling. Instructions (in words only) are given for a few projects but once you can make the square and join them together you can design your own. Lots of fun whatever your age or level, I can imagine this book being a hit with a wide number of people including male crochet fans.
* Rachel Hyde - Myshelf.com *
I have actually had to hide this book from my son. It's full to the brim of patterns that he would like me to make. I'm going to surprise him and make a few for Christmas. Hannah uses her love of crochet and the fun 8-bit inspiration to make a huge amount of fun and interesting designs to crochet. There are an amazing 101 designs to choose from (now you see why I hid it from my son). The designs are fun, interesting and you are sure to find something you will want to make. At the back are the book are full instructions for crocheting all the stitches and how to make each of the squares. Hannah uses a basic design for each square and then it's repeated and joined to make up the pictures in the projects. The projects are made up of picture graphs that you follow. All you need to do is make the amount of squares you need in each colour and then join them in the design. The book also includes projects that you can use the designs with. There is everything from blankets, cushion covers to table runners. The thing that I love the most about the
book is that it is fantastic for me as a mother to a boy. I struggle making things that he will appreciate. I don't have that problem anymore. I think he would like just about every design in the book, especially the game inspired ones.
There are patterns that are suitable for most ages and suitable for both boys and girls. The thing I love about the book is you can also use Hannah's fantastic
instructions and start designing your own, that's if you have time when you aren't making designs from the book :-). I just can't wait to get started.
* Crochet Addict UK *
