Hip crochet - Natalie Clegg

The interest in crochet is surging and making a huge comeback - and will surely be with us for some time. The need and desire to make handmade items is growing all the time as people find new ways to save money and new crafters take up some of the more traditional needlecrafts. Crochet has crept onto the catwalks and into fashion stores but the cool way to crochet now is to make unique crocheted items for the home that are colourful, quirky and funky. Many of the projects use traditional techniques and patterns but with brighter and more colourful yarns such as the zingy motif bedspread or the Union Jack cushion. Others are wonderfully contemporary and guaranteed to brighten up any home, such as the crocheted string of chillies or carnival bunting. From bedspreads and cushions to baskets, bags, egg cosies, doorstops, Christmas decorations and even a crocheted clock, "Hip Crochet" is full of wonderful easy-to-follow projects. All the projects have clear instructions and beautiful photographs and a techniques section at the beginning covers everything you need to know to make gorgeous crochet items for your home.