"A beautiful, stunning and informative resource... Dora Ohrenstein nailed it with this book.... [It] will transform your crochet" (Yarnovations).From choosing yarns, shapes, and styles to finishing off your project with flair, Dora Ohrenstein shows you how take your crocheted creations to the next level. This fun guide includes more than seventy stitch-along swatches that teach specific crochet techniques and five projects-a hat, shawl, neck warmer, bag, and scarf-that put your new skills to use. With a variety of stitch patterns and shaping types explained, you'll be inspired to build upon Ohrenstein's creations and develop your own sophisticated designs."This book provides the knowledge to go past traditional granny squares to sophisticated techniques, elevating crocheters to the possibility of fascinating with inventive new ways to crochet... An all-in-one resource guide, The Crocheter's Skill-Building Workshop encourages readers to experiment and try new techniques while giving them confidence to tackle any project." -San Francisco Book Review"[Ohrenstein] provides many great tips to help you improve your crochet including finishing techniques, blocking techniques and even how to properly unravel a project... This book is great for crocheters of all skill levels." -The Stitchin' Mommy"I am thrilled that Dora Ohrenstein gives us not only step by step instructions, but also pictures to go along with each step in learning a new crochet technique.... A great addition to any crocheter's library." -Little Monkey Shop

PrefacePart 1: Techniques1. Choosing Yarns Yarn Sources Yarn Manufacturing Spinning and Twisting Yarn Weights Specialty Yarns Hand-Dyed Yarns Fabric and Drape2. The Crochet Toolbox Hooks Other Tools3. Controlling Tension Flexible Tension Working the Starting Chain Working Turning Chains Adjusting Stitch Height Hand Health4. Fundamental Techniques Making a Slip Knot Basic Stitches Fastening Off Counting Stitches Working into the Starting Chain More About Turning Chain Alternatives to Standard Turning Chains Extended Stitches Can Solve Problems Joining and Changing Yarns Foundation Stitches 13 Ways of Looking at Insertion Points Working Clusters Unraveling Work Unusual Stitches5. Shaping and Construction in Crochet The Many Ways to Crochet Squares Mitered Corners Increasing and Decreasing Gauge Always Matters The Math: Starting with Something Simple6. Crochet in the Round Starting the Circle Starting and Ending Rounds Shaping a Circle Working in a Spiral Stitch Patterns in Circular Work Crocheting Tubes7. Advanced Shaping Shaping and Stitch Patterns Shaping with Half Pattern Repeats Shaping Ripples Internal Shaping Shaping in Columns Shaping Complex Lace Short Rows8. Texture Puffs, Bobbles, and Popcorns Crossed Stitches Cabling, Techniques and Stitches Crochet Ribbing9. Crochet in Color Carrying Colors along the Side Spike Stitches Complex Colorwork Tapestry Crochet10. Finishing Techniques Weaving in Ends Crochet Seams Edging Blocking Care of CrochetPart 2: Projects Slouchy Hat Marguerite Cowl Colorwork Bag Lace Capelet Cabled Lace Scarf Pattern Reading Glossary Key Stitch Guide Abbreviations and Basic Stitches Resources Acknowledgments Index