Crochet Yourself Calm

An inspiring collection of repeat crochet patterns, with both small and large geometric motifs, designed to not only release the reader's creativity but also relax the mind. By focusing on the repetitive rhythms of creating a crochet piece, stitch by stitch, the reader will unconsciously slow their breathing and heart rate, raise their serotonin levels and become calm - and have a unique item they've created themselves at the end of it!Art and craft therapist have long been aware that the act of creating has a healing effect on the mind. Add to this the tactile nature of crochet, the use of yarns in a range of pleasing colours and the ease with which you can lose yourself in the simple, repetitive act of crocheting, and this tarditional craft becomes a powerful tool in reducing stress and increasing feelings of well-being. 

Issue 86 Inspired by crochet's wonderful ability to calm and sooth us as we create, this collection from Carmen Heffernan contains a huge variety of motif-style designs, as well as a selection of larger projects which build on them. Drawn from the light and landscapes of her native Ireland, the designs use bright, striking colours which can't fail to bring a smile to your face as you work. Chapters are divided by shape, from circular motifs which create 'restful ripples fo colour' to traditional crocheted squares, soothing stripes, calming zigzags and more. Within each section is a host of different techniques, including shells, bobbles and seeded stitches, sot this would also made a great workbook for expanding your crochet know-how. Clear charts are included for each motif and each section includes a couple of larger projects that use the designs from that chapter. These include a stunning Mexican Tiles Blanket, cosy child's hat in cross hatch stripes and colourful lace scarf. There's also an illustrated guide to basic crochet at the end. This would make a great stitch dictionary and pattern book for a more experienced crocheter, but would also serve as a lovely introduction to the craft for a beginner, particularly anyone looking to improve mindfulness and peace of mind with a relaxing, creative new hobby., Crochet Yourself Calm by Carmen Hefferman (Repeat Patterns and mindful motifs to lose you in) is, as the title suggests, a book of lovely colourful geometric motif patterns that are both inspirational and relaxing to crochet. The book is full of crochet motif patterns including mandala shapes, triangles, and squares, using a variety of stitches and techniques. There is a motif to crochet on each page, including picture , corresponding instructions and graph, that I found easy to follow as a person with a bit of crochet skill (not a beginner, but definitely not advanced) Once you have mastered some of the motif patterns, like granny squares, they can be used as the basis for a bigger complete project and several projects are included throughout the book including ones to make a baby hat, tote bag and blanket. Additionally at the back of the book, as a reference, there is a section on stitch techniques, which was very useful. True to it’s title, immersing yourself in the repetitive rhythms of these repeat patterns, definitely helps to focus the mind and is very calming and relaxing,, Geometric motifs and repeat patterns allow you to settle into a calming rhythm. The simple motifs can be joined to create 15 simple projects from pincushions to throws. There are step-by-step stitch guides and colour-coded charts to help you. 50 original repeat patterns and motifs are included plus basic stitches and techniques with easy-to-follow patterns. The patterns and motifs are divided into Circles, Squares, Triangles, Stripes and Zigzags. The circle section includes lace mandalas and oddly two hexagons, the project is a shawl of circles. I think this book is suitable for beginners who want to learn the stitches and make simple projects, I have received this book over the weekend, and I absolutely love it. Simple designs that aim to relax you through repetition. It's full of instructions and charts to help both absolute beginners and advanced crafters alike. Beautiful patterns that will keep me busy through winter and beyond, very happy with it., Love this book.... it is so easy to read and understand. Photos and graphs of how to crochet circles .. squares ... triangles ... stripes .. zigzags . Nothing has been forgotten about as book tells you hook size ... correct yarn ... and instructions are so easy to follow so if you have never crochet the instructions from page130 for you to learn how to cast on and different stitches is so easy to follow. Truly love this excellent book. Personally the Granny square is the easiest to start with and you could keep square one colour till you get the hang of making a square .

Carmen Heffernan creates her own colourful designs and patterns for her successful Etsy store, AnnieDesign. Her work has featured in numerous blogs, magazines, and books, including Mollie Makes, and Boho Crochet. Carmen lives in Waterford, Ireland, and when she isn’t busy crocheting, works as a sign painter.