Stitch n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller

Stitch n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker Reviews

• 
  Anna Hiller

  A good book for a skinny bitch if you're interested in crocheting clothes.
  Debbie Stoller's book tends to be a little bit size-ist, but that's pretty standard for pattern books these days. Still, the accessories are *great* and very fun to crochet. I did the "First Aid Purse" for my cousin Alex who's going to nursing school, and it was a huge hit. In general, I'd say it's a book worth owning, at any stage or skill level. Stoller has chosen designs that are attractive and entertaining, some very challenging, and very few are real duds. It definitely belongs in any crochet library.
• 
  Swirling Fi

  I got this book yesterday, and cannot put it down. I started crocheting a month ago, confused but determined to learn. The last day I have had more epiphanies regarding crocheting - all thanks to this book. As Debbie Stoller says herself, many books on crocheting are more confusing than helpful, lacking basic information such as the fact that one usually crochets through the *two* top loops (and not one, as I did for my first month of crocheting - believing I was doing it correctly). Debbie has made an awesome book for beginners, explaining the basic stitches in a simple and humoristic manner.
  While I have read on amazon that her patterns contains errors (I have not yet tried any of them, but they look cool), the explanations on how to crochet are alone worth buying this book. My best book buy in ages!!
• 
  Tasha

  A good book for someone beginning crochet or someone a little bit advanced. Check the errata before starting any projects. It's riddled with mistakes.
• 
  Rikki

  If you are a beginning crocheter this is the perfect book for you. It explains all stitches in detail. In fact, it is the only crochet book I have ever come across that explains where exactly to put your needle and which strand(s) to pick up. It talks about tools, different kinds of yarn and techniques. It shows you how to crochet buttons and button holes, adding tassels, making pompons and how to finish your work with easy to follow instructions and clear illustrations.
  The second part is a number of projects and patterns. Scarves, bags, tops, hats and caps, blazers and jackets, it is all there. There is one jacket in particular by Suzanne Kats called FrouFrou which looks absolutely stunning. I’d love to have that (but am probably too impatient to make).
  There are patterns for everyone, beginners as well as experienced crocheters. It is such fun browsing through this book or even read it from cover to cover in one go.
  Highly recommended!
• 
  Jessica Armstrong

  This book is amazing. If there were a better word for it, I would use it - but one doesn't exist so I'm going to make one up: Stupendiferous. Debbie Stoller does it again with her instalment on crochet, adding to her numerous knitting books.
  
  As a complete newbie approaching crochet, it was very daunting until my friend lent me a copy of The Happy Hooker. The diagrams and descriptions are just perfect when you're coming into a new craft like this. I needed things lined up plain and simple, and Stoller achieved it. As if that weren't enough, she also includes a plethora of newbie-friendly crochet patterns in the second half of the book. You really won't find a better "how to crochet" book out there. I don't think one exists. This is all you need. Here's a hook and some yarn - now get hooking!
• 
  Bambi

  As a kid I learned the crotchet basics from my grandmother. But, I never learned how to read patterns or make anything useful. When this book arrived I started at the beginning practicing every stitch until I felt confident then I’d move to the next. I quickly progressed to being able to read the crotchet language and making the projects in the book. This has become my crotchet encyclopedia. When I can’t recall what an acronym means or how to perform the stitch in a pattern I refer to this book. I’ve ear marked the most used sections and have pages falling out. This book has inspired me to order the knitting version and finally learn how to knit as well.
• 
  Marley

  I just made the mohair capelet thingie and it's pretty nice but it's a little weird in the back because it's increased all around so the back isn't flat. I get cranky when patterns could be better. But, it's my first finished crochet thing and I used dc, tr, made shells... and it only took 2 days. Go me! The instructions in the front of this book are awesome for reference. My hand hurts now, though. Might make one of the cardigans but I'm wary of patterns that require one to make several pieces and then put them togther. And my hand will hurt.
• 
  Cheri

  I've had the knitting version for years - even though I've not caught the knitting bug - but hadn't read the crochet one. Picked it up through Kindle Unlimited and zoomed through it. Really enjoyed the historical information. That was my favorite part. I can't see myself making anything from the patterns included but still enjoyed the book.
• 
  Erika Hayes

  Very informative in the first half of the book, then patterns. Not so much things I would make but hey...
  The book is really a second to the knitting sister. I purchased the book after reading because the info in the front of the book is awesome.
• 
  Asia

  This is an excellent example of what a craft book in general should be; it's clearly written and easy to understand without being patronizing, while still retaining a sense of humor to keep it from degenerating into a droning, textbookish monologue.
  
  The illustrations are an added perk, and make it easier to understand just what the author is trying to say, which is a must when you're trying to figure out that tricky V-stitch, but they don't clutter the page too much.
  
  The patterns are widely varied and aesthetically pleasing, although there could be less garments and more non-wearables, such as household items and accessories, but most people want to start off with a hat and scarf rather than a dishtowel and coaster, I guess.
  
  Overall, if I were going to recommend a book for beginning, or even veteran crocheters, this one would probably be the first on my list.
• 
  MonikaG

  The best crochet book there is! The instructions are super clear - I don't know how Debbie Stoller managed to make what is quite a difficult subject to explain easy to understand, plus it's humorous and there are loads of explanations of many of the types of stitches in crochet.
  
  The book is split into two parts - a section on instructions and then a section on patterns. The only downside to me, if there is one, is that the patterns are not all to my taste, but the instructions in the first half are so good that the whole thing is worth having anyway!
• 
  Nadia

  It's radical! Not. Oh, how I love the '90s! Not.
  Typical "hip" crochet book that's aimed at beginners, it's extremely basic.
  The patterns follow the same aesthetics as the knitting book, very cheap-looking and lacking a fashion sense. It feels all around 1990s. Just buy any other crochet book for better everything, a nicer looking book for one.
  Anything in the book can be found for free online and YT in much better format, search on Pinterest for some amazing resources.
• 
  Maha Ayesh

  The title makes the book a little embarrassing to have lying around, but there are a good number of nice patterns that I want to try. Some of the patterns are very odd, too. I haven't tried any yet though, but I have plans to in the near future. The general crochet instructions are clear, too; better than my Jan Eaton book.
• 
  Tara

  some of the patterns are fucking awesome, and a lot of them are really crappily written and hard to follow. some great ideas and a good collection of the basic info. i need to own this book
• 
  Kierra

  As terrible as it is, it's been a couple of YEARS (sad face!) since I picked up my hooks, but I've had the itch to do some crochet, and thought I'd pick this up again. Some of the patterns are a bit outdated, but it's still one of the best guides out there for beginner and beyond to learn or refresh the basics and some of the more common and complicated stitches. Funny, with some history too!
• 
  Jodi Geever

  Occasionally, I pretend I am crafty. I am not. Of the crochet books I have tried, I have a particular affinity for this series, just because reading it and trying to learn is amusing in itself in the way this series is written.
• 
  Lisa Mc lain-sharp

  Another win. Very well written with clear instructions for even the most novice crocheter and fun, “not your grandmother’s”,patterns.
• 
  Sivyu

  I love the fiber info, how-tos, stitch patterns, and full patterns.
• 
  Charlene

  Has a lot of helpful information for beginners. I personally haven't done the patterns but I have learned a lot from the stitching guides in the book. I refer back to it as needed.
• 
  Barbara

  Great crochet patterns.
• 
  Pamalama Jo

  Good Instructions at the beginning for when I forget how to do a stitch.
• 
  Todd

  EXCELLENT, funny, and clever crochet instruction for the absolute beginner!
• 
  Justice

  and when I become a crochet queen watch out!!
• 
  Anna

  This is a fun book with a variety of projects, one of my gifts to myself.
• 
  Elle Rush

  Lots of easy to understand information, especially in the "learn special stitches" section. Recommended.
• 
  Cate's Book Nut Hut

  I’ve been a knitter for many many years, but have always wanted to learn how to crochet but, as my yearly attempts always seemed doomed to failure I was beginning to believe that old saying ‘knitters can’t crochet, and crocheters can’t knit’; until I found this book.
  
  If you are starting from scratch after many frustrating attempts, this is the book for you and is a perfect example of what ‘learn how to’ craft book should be like. Written in a clear and easy to understand manner, which is also laced with humour, this book covers it all. If you are a visual learner, don’t despair, as this little tome is full of easy to understand illustrations that add weight to the ‘lessons’ they are contained in. I found them very useful as, for some reason, when my brain wasn’t prepared to process the words the illustrations helped them sink in and stay there.
  
  The book starts with a brief history of the craft and then progresses from there through tools, getting started, how to read charts and finally finishing with some easy first patterns to follow. It covers yarns and the hooks that go with them, so even the most die-hard knitter will maybe have to shell out a couple of dollars to get themselves started.
  
  The only thing I would say about this book, other than how wonderful it is, is that it would have been nice if the beginners patterns wear more along the line of household items and accessories rather than the usual wearables; however, this didn’t take away from my thorough enjoyment this book gave me, and the feeling of accomplishment that I now have from using it.
  
  I would highly recommend this book to anyone who, like me had given up hope of ever learning to crochet. Crocheters who want to learn to knit, don’t despair as this Author also has a book that covers this written in the same fashion.
  
  Originally reviewed on:
  http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/08/08...
  
  
  
  
  
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