My Tapestry Crochet Books (newest to oldest):
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This 64 page self published book
stands alone and also supplements my other tapestry crochet books. In
addition to
right-handed
and
left-handed
tutorials, Bead & Felted Tapestry Crochet includes 167 colorful illustrations and
photographs, four tapestry crochet papers, and easy to understand
instructions (without abbreviations) for purses, bracelets, earrings,
and a hat. Seven
projects are beaded, six are felted (in a washing
machine), and three incorporate both techniques. Crocheted tightly with
a small crochet hook or loosely with a large hook, this book has it all!
It is available from Amazon.com
.
Please look at the
errata sheet! |
Bead & Felted Tapestry
Crochet Book Review:
Crochet Guild of America's Chain Link,
September, 2007
With every new book Dr. Ventura outdoes herself! Even if you already own her
earlier classics, this latest book will inspire and carefully guide you to
incorporate beads in your tapestry crochet projects, or to felt them, or both.
If you don't own her other books, or are new to tapestry crochet, all the
necessary information is here even for beginners to start from scratch. Separate
instructions for lefties are provided. Carol's signature tapestry crochet graph
paper is included.
There are 16 projects ranging from jewelry to flat bags to bowls and
round-bottom bags. They're grouped in color-coded chapters of Rounds, Tubes,
Circular Spiral, and Oblong Spiral. For me this format facilitates learning
tapestry crochet and choosing my next project.
The striking geometric patterns and symbols are enhanced with selective
beading for a 3-D effect and sharpened color contrasts. Felting is a creative,
fascinating option for tapestry crochet with or without beading. I tried to
single out favorite designs and can't, but the Bead Diamond Bracelet makes me
look for my hook to get started! A range of yarn weights, fiber types, and hook
sizes are used, and it's easy to make substitutions.
It's important to point out that this book benefits from being
self-published because the author's extensive experience, teaching abilities,
and strong vision shine through. Vashti Braha
Beadwrangler,
March, 2007
Her third book in a series, Bead & Felted Tapestry Crochet,
is the next progression of Carol's work. She has created projects with all beads
in tapestry crochet. It is amazing what happens when you add the beads – pure
magic!
She also
added instructions for felting tapestry crochet. Instructions and illustrations
are provided for tapestry crochet, with and without beads, using both the right
and left-hand. Carol explains gauge, adjusting tension, decreasing, increasing
and loading beads onto thread, including the use of a bead spinner. By the way,
that is one of my bead spinners in the photo.
The
paper, print, and photos are high quality, resulting in the projects appearing
as if you could reach in and pull them out with your hands. There is an
artistic quality to the whole production of the book, and the book actually
feels good to the touch and extremely pleasing to the eye.
There are
seven beaded, six felted and three projects with both bead crochet and felting
combined. Bags, earrings, bracelets, amulets, baskets, and a hat are created
using these tapestry techniques. There are patterns that are completely covered
with beads and others are partially covered with beads and other areas of
fiber.
For
felting, there is a photo example of a bag before felting and one after felting.
The difference is a real surprise. The felting brings a soft muted finish to the
bag, whereas when worked without felting, the pattern has more clarity with an
exacting appearance. My choice of bags is the "Let's Face It Tote"; the face is
abstract and yet you can see the image. At the same time, the negative space
can change your view of the face to see only shapes and diagonals lines
instead.
There are
color graphs for each project; and patterns set up with each row/round listed
separately instead of all jammed together in a paragraph or two.
The hat
has a beautiful brim and can be sized to fit any head size when felted. The
reversible bead crocheted basket is great for interior design; the side with the
beads can be set outside or inside; both sides, with and without beads are
beautiful. Carol's baskets will be a real plus to your home.
There are
large oversized bags to very the small bags, all with unique handle designs;
bags with zippers and those with fold-over flaps. You will find more than one
bag you want to make.
Carol has
authored a dynamic, artistic book that you can't do without! I keep all three
of her books where I can quickly grab them up and start crocheting. Lydia
Borin, Tampa, Florida
Bead & Button,
February 2007
This book will show
you how to create intricately colorful bead-crochet designs while avoiding the
tediousness of counting and individually stringing each bead on a single piece
of yarn. (Tapestry crochet achieves patterns using multiple yarns with one color
of beads on each strand.)
It introduces beginners to the basic art of crochet with thorough
instructions and small beginner projects like coin purses. Yet it also presents
designs requiring hours of skillful concentration, such as large elaborate bags
or baskets that are complex enough to challenge even seasoned artists. And if
you'd rather challenge yourself, there are separate custom graphs to help right-
or left-handers design their own projects.
Black Purl
Magazine, January 2007
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. L'Tanya Durante
Crochet Insider, December 2006
Carol Ventura's new book takes the art that she loves so much to a new level.
In her first two books, Carol offered important historical information on how
tapestry crochet has been practiced across the world, as well as in-depth
instruction on creating colorwork patterns and designing your own charts.
Because of crochet's tendency to slant, she also created a special template that
allows one to make crochet "pictures" that look normal. The new book teaches how
to combine tapestry crochet with beads, how to felt your crochet, and how to
felt with beads, thus broadening the creative options in several directions. It
has a strong how-to section for both right and left-handed crocheters. Carol's
designs are inspired by everything from Salvador Dali to native art of Central
America. Some of the most beautiful projects are her containers. There are
stunning geometric patterns like her beaded Amulet bag, a chevron change purse,
a diamond beaded bracelet, and lovely pictorial patterns like the "Let's Face it
Tote," and the Breast Cancer Awareness purse. Carol self-publishes all her books
and does a particularly fine job: layout, comprehensibility, and photos are all
of the highest professional quality. Amy O'Neill Houk
Crochet
Me, Winter 2006
Crochet Me designer
Carol Ventura is on a mission to inform and educate crafters everywhere about
the wonders of tapestry crochet. It's an admirable goal, one she's a step closer
to achieving with the release of her latest self-published book. Bead &
Felted Tapestry Crochet is a generous size,
and the pages lay open nicely. Large photographs and clear illustrations make
the techniques and projects seem straightforward and accessible. Instructions
are given both for crocheting right-handed and left-handed, so this book should
make lefties everywhere cry from joy. Complete with her special tapestry crochet
graph paper, reproduceable for personal use
only, this book will no doubt lead to years of exciting crocheting.
Kim
Piper Werker
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More Tapestry Crochet
(2002) can be used alone or with
Tapestry Crochet. Besides basic crocheting instructions for right-handed
crochet and left-handed
crochet, More Tapestry Crochet includes an
expanded history
chapter, 14 graphs,
20
projects (with easy to understand instructions without
abbreviations) and a survey of several natural fibers. The 176 page
paperback book includes 8 tapestry crochet graph papers, 139 illustrations, 117 black and white
photographs, and 20 color photographs (ISBN 0-9721253-0-2). More
Tapestry Crochet is available from Amazon.com .
Please look at the
errata sheet!
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More Tapestry Crochet
Book Reviews:
Handmade Crafts Blog, DetNews.com, August 5, 2011
More Tapestry Crochet
a must-have book for learning the needleart!!!
More Tapestry Crochet, Carol Ventura's
second book on the techniques behind this amazing method for crocheting that
creates a tapestry fabric look-alike, is a must-have for anyone serious about
learning the needleart.
Ventura does an excellent job of providing the reader with clear
instructions for teaching oneself. Those new to crocheting will definitely
appreciate the detailed information on the basics which are clearly illustrated
with line drawings near the beginning of the book.
There's also information on increasing, decreasing, shaping, working in a
spiral and creating design motifs using graph paper she developed specifically
for tapestry crochet. Her graph paper reflects the tendency for the stitches to
slant, allowing for more control over the look of the crocheted motif, leaving
little, if any, room for unexpected results.
A variety of patterns are included with easy-to-follow, step-by-step
instructions that crocheters of all skill levels should be able to follow.
Patterns featured are for round, spiral, flat and tubular projects, as well as
one for a beaded bracelet and necklace.
Ventura has also included facts about different natural fibers, including
cotton, linen, silk, alpaca and wool, all of which are excellent for use with
tapestry crochet.
There's also information on "the history of tapestry crochet" that covers
Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. This information will, no
doubt, add to one's fascination with the needle art.
"Tapestry crochet is not found everywhere, although it is becoming more
widespread as people move around the world," writes Ventura.
The book, priced at $30, is available through
her website. Jocelynn Brown,
The Detroit News
Beadwrangler, March,
2007
More Tapestry Crochet is Carol's second book on the subject.
All the how-to instructions that were in her first book are included plus all
new projects. Both left-hand and right-hand illustrations are provided for how
to tapestry crochet. The project graphs are for right-handed people only. I
never did well with using a mirror; however, if you follow the pattern as is; it
will simply face the opposite direction. Most of us lefties design backwards
from righties anyway.
These projects include amulet pouches, pillow, bags; shawl/throw, hats,
baskets, scrunches, scarves, circular spheres and small tapestries made using
various tapestry techniques. Carol also included a beaded tapestry crochet rope,
necklace and bracelet. The projects have motifs incorporated into the patterns
such as diagonal waves, giraffes, hearts and cats.
The techniques include working in the round and in rows, to make circular
spirals, tubes, squares, spiral oblongs, spiral circulars, forming two and three
dimensional tapestry art. Many of the motifs are steeped in history and others
contemporary.
There are in-depth instructions for working a motif in a project; how to
check for stitch gauge; and every row/round is listed one at a time, not all
grouped together in one big paragraph. You can use a ruler or paperclip to work
down each row/round in a project. I often have to rewrite a whole pattern when
crocheting or knitting because the pattern is in one big paragraph and it is
easy to lose my place. If the pattern does not make sense, I rewrite it,
figuring it out as I go. Carol's patterns on the other hand, are very easy to
follow just as they are written. You will be amazed when you can make patterns
within your project and do not have lose threads on the back (wrong side), and
both sides will reflect each other.
While teaching you tapestry crochet, you will also learn about the history
of tapestry crochet; where it first emerged, and the type fibers used, including
those from sheep. There are several photos of tapestry crochet from around the
world, along with photos of some of the makers while they are crocheting.
Carol made a self-portrait and then replicated it, using different thread
colors to teach color theory and personality in her classes. Some of these
portraits are included in this book and are printed in various
white-to-gray-to-black scales. I found her study to be of great interest.
More Tapestry Crochet is an excellent addition to Carol's first
book and stands alone as a complete instruction book. I would highly recommend
you purchase each of her books on this subject, and keep them for reference in
addition to the projects. Lydia Borin, Tampa, Florida
Shuttle, Spindle, & Dyepot,
Volume XXXIV No. 3 (135), Summer 2003
This self-published book is a valuable
addition to the crochet enthusiast's library. Less known than many other
needlework techniques, tapestry crochet is rarely touched upon in other
"how-to" crochet books. The author wrote a previous book on this
subject, but the current volume is sufficient by itself in spite of the
"More" in the title.
The book begins with a brief history of tapestry
crochet throughout the world. Ventura was first exposed to this method when she
was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala. Later she began experimenting with the
form, creating original art works in series. Her development of special graph
paper for charting designs in tapestry crochet is extremely useful, and she
presents examples of each type for easy copying by the reader. These graphs are
excellent planning tools for any project using color-work. Also included are
several graphed alphabets especially for use with tapestry crochet, crochet hook
size charts, a supplier's list and a bibliography, as well as brief instructions
to the various available natural fibers.
There are large, clear illustrations of the
stitches with well-written directions and diagrams that a crocheter with very
minimal experience can easily follow. The best manner of holding a crochet hook
and the yarn for this method is carefully explained and will definitely require
practice. Readers will find the manner of holding the hook essential but can
easily choose another method of yarn tensioning. The explanation of how to use
multiple colors in a piece is quite precise - a helpful tip since directions
often state only to "change colors and proceed."
One of the best uses of tapestry crochet is
sculptural. It can produce a firm fabric in three dimensions quite suitable for
bags, hats, and baskets or items such as whimsical stuffed animals. It invites
experimentation.
A number of projects for the different tapestry
techniques are accompanied by clear directions, charts and photographs,
primarily in black and white. There is a center section where projects are shown
in color.
It would have been desirable for the book to be
spiral bound. However, this is a minor drawback to a very well written and
useful instruction book. Judith Freed, Pacific Palisades, California
Crochet Fantasy,
February 2003
More Tapestry Crochet, Carol
Ventura's second volume on this fascinating crochet method is a comprehensive
guide to this technique. The book offers clear and detailed instructions and
illustrations to ensure your success.
There are twenty varied projects to crochet:
scrunchies, a hacky sack, purses, baskets, bowls, pillows, a blanket, a scarf, a
shawl and even a beaded spiral necklace.
Carol's guidelines for designing your own
unique tapestry crochet projects make it easy for anyone to be a designer! Carol
has developed special charts that represent the unique shifting tendency of sc
and help make your designs come out the way you envision them.
The author has done extensive research,
traveling around the world, and presents a brief history of this technique along
with photographs of examples of the craft from Europe, the Middle East, Africa,
and the Americas.
Library
Journal, Vol. 127, No. 20, December 2002
In tapestry crochet, the artisan
works with smooth yarns or threads in a variety of colors and a comparatively
small hook in relation to fiber size. Those colors not currently in use are
carried within the piece until needed again. The result is a dense fabric
somewhat reminiscent of woven tapestry. Ventura first discovered tapestry
crochet as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala when she acquired some of the
colorful tapestry-crocheted shoulderbags that are part of traditional Maya male
attire. Her first book on the subject was Tapestry Crochet. The
present work repeats much of the instructional material of its predecessor but
includes an illustrated history of tapestry crochet, expanded information on
natural fibers, and many new projects, including hats, baskets, bags, and
pillows. An excellent choice for textile collections and public libraries.
Crochet!, November 2002
While serving as a Peace Corps
volunteer in Guatemala, Carol Ventura was inspired by the colorful tapestry
crocheted shoulder bags made there. Since then, she has explored the design
potential of this technique and has developed a system of diagramming patterns.
She shares this technique in More Tapestry Crochet in which she
features a variety of flat and dimensional projects. Carol holds a Ph.D. in art,
an M.A. in ceramics, and an M.F.A. in printmaking, papermaking and book arts.
Widely published in both scholarly journals and magazines, Carol's latest book
is 176 pages filled with illustrations, photographs, projects and history of the
technique. Instructions are included for both right and left-handed stitchers.
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Tapestry Crochet (1991) is my first book,
written when my name was Carol Norton. It teaches the basics of the sturdy,
multicolored technique.
Right-handed and
left-handed tutorials, ten
projects
(with
easy to understand instructions without abbreviations)
and design information are
included to start you on your way to making pillows, bags, baskets, and
tapestries.
Unfortunately, this book is now out of print, but is available
from some Amazon.com
sellers. Please look at the errata sheet!
Four "rounds"
and
four "spiral" projects are now
available as downloadable PDF's for right handed and left handed crocheters (see
below). |
Tapestry Crochet Book Reviews:
Beadwrangler, March,
2007
Carol Ventura, PhD, has authored a series of tapestry
crochet books and this book was her first. She has traveled extensively
throughout the world and studied textiles during her excursions.
While serving with the Peace Corps in Guatemala, Carol was introduced to
the art of tapestry crochet. She immersed herself in the craft, gained knowledge
of the culture, history and symbolism combined in these tapestries.
When she returned home, Carol brought this craft to the US by teaching
classes and creating tapestry bags. She embraced the folk motifs and created her
own designs. Her book evolved from this experience.
There are complete step by step instructions and illustrations for both
right-hand and left-hand people. The illustrations are very clear and easy to
follow. There are blank graphs for you to create your own patterns.
The projects include beautiful baskets, wall-hanging tapestries, change
purses, eyeglass cases, a pillow and clock faces. Various motifs are charted to
follow when making these items. The techniques include working in the round and
in rows, forming two and three dimensional tapestry art. Many of the motifs are
steeped in history and others contemporary. It is interesting that the graphs on
pages 88 and 89, and the photo on page 87; "Someday" tapestry, is reminiscent of
fractals in chaos theory.
You will find tapestry crochet easy to accomplish and you will not have to
keep changing threads and having hanging loose thread at the back of your work.
Both sides will look finished as you go.
Tapestry Crochet should be on a prominent bookshelf every
crocheter's library. Lydia Borin, Tampa, Florida
Spin-Off Magazine, Fall 1992
Tapestry crochet forms a sturdy texture in two or three
colors. It is worked at a tight tension that hides strands of unused colors which are
carried within the row of stitches. The materials are simple - crochet cotton or heavy rug
wool and a sturdy crochet hook. Norton starts with the basics of crocheting with either
the right or left hand. Her explanations are very clear and they are accompanied by
explicit drawings.
Because the finished stitches
appear to be slightly angled, Norton developed graph paper to facilitate designing; the
elements of the grid look like rounded shingles or overlapping bird feathers. The graph
comes in different proportions, corresponding to the number of colors used, because
carrying more colors makes taller rows.
Though the work traditionally
is done in the round, Norton uses two methods to work flat - working in the opposite
direction across the row or working with the other hand. Several projects lead you through
different aspects of increasing complexity toward designing your own projects. The idea of
tapestry crochet is very simple, and this book gives you the explicit details that ensure
immediate success in accomplishing it.
Handwoven Magazine,
November/December 1992
Inspired by the
shoulder bags that are part of the Mayan Indian man's traditional outfit, Norton presents
tapestry crochet, a form of sturdy crochet worked in two or three colors. The basics of
crocheting with either the right or left hand are described and accompanied by clear
drawings. To facilitate designing, Norton developed a graph paper that represents
crocheted stitches; the elements of the grid resemble rounded shingles or overlapping bird
feathers.
Click on image to enlarge |
With
this video (or DVD), you will be taught the basics of tapestry crochet while making a two-color eyeglass
case. By increasing the number of stitches, the same techniques can be used to crochet a
change purse, shoulder bag, or pillow. My video, Tapestry
Crochet, is available from
Yarn Barn (search
Tapestry Crochet) or call (800) 848-0284.
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