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In Review
Bead & Felted Tapestry Crochet
by Carol Ventura
Reviewed By L'Tanya Durante

Tapestry crochet, the art of crocheting with different colored strands of yarn while carrying the yarn, produces woven-like results. But don't be too concerned if you've never heard of this technique. Dr. Carol Ventura has come to the rescue. Though Ventura didn't invent the technique, she is surely a master of it.

Ventura is also a master of written instructions; instructions that appeal to all kinds of learners. Patterns are graphed and instructions are written in long-hand -- a special touch that you don't often see in pattern-writing. Because the patterns are so easy-to-read, tapestry crochet beginners or crochet "newbies" in general can feel comfortable and assured that this is a technique they can pick up easily.

Bead & Felted Tapestry Crochet is a well-organized book that gives the reader several types of projects to choose from:

Tapestry Crochet Basics "walks" you through the basics of crochet (for the right- and left-handed crocheters), describes suitable yarns and threads, the tapestry crochet technique, and provides special graph paper (which Ventura did invent).
The Rounds Projects section features beaded and felted bags.
Tube Projects guide you in creating beautiful, beaded bracelets.
Learn to make baskets, bags, and hats in the Circular Spiral Projects section.
The Oblong Spiral Projects section features my favorite, the compassionate and unique "Awareness Purse," a purse that can be customized to honor other special causes.

The 15+ projects in Bead & Felted Tapestry Crochet are unique, varied and are sure to be head-turners. The beautifully photographed projects and expertly-written instructions (and patiently-written, I might add) will entice you to create every project.

You can learn more about tapestry crochet from Ventura's website, www.tapestrycrochet.com.

L'Tanya Durante is the Editor-in-Chief of Black Purl Magazine. She lives in Durham, NC with her husband, two sons and cat. She spends her quiet time beading, knitting, and crocheting, or reading about beading, knitting or crocheting.