November 19, 2020

Crochet Cafe Book Review

I’ve never done a book review before, but I really want to talk about Crochet Cafe by Lauren Espy! Lauren graciously gifted me this book a few months ago, and I have since made quite a few of the patterns from it! Now, I want to share my thoughts on it with you!

Meet the Maker

If you don’t know Lauren, she is the hands behind A Menagerie of Stitches. She is an amigurumi artist, who designs the CUTEST amigurumi figures. I came across Lauren’s Instagram a few years ago and was in awe! Her designs are incredible and she presents them so well. You can’t help but smile and be inspired when you see her work.

When I heard she was releasing her 2nd crochet pattern book, (Whimsical Stitches being the first) I was so excited and I knew it was going to be amazing!

And I was right, it is!

First Glance

All the patterns are inspired by foods you’d find in a cafe, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and dessert! Each category has a handful of fun and yummy looking designs that are easy to follow along with and include all the knowledge you need to complete them!

Inside Crochet Cafe

Just looking at the cover makes you want to dig in! Even if you’re not a crocheter, you’ll appreciate the charm this book carries. The attention to detail is incredible! Not only do the designs follow the Cafe theme, but the pages themselves look like a chalk board you’d find in a cafe!

The book starts with a table of contents, making navigation simple and easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. After that, Lauren provides all the information you’ll need to know to complete all the designs, such as stitch tutorials, techniques, terminology, and tips for making your amigurumi successful! Once you reach the patterns themselves, you’ll find a list of materials needed and the abbreviations used, as well as easy to follow written directions with step by step photos.

Crochet Cafe includes over 30 unique and fun food themed patterns! They are ALL so adorable and well designed, it’s impossible to pick a favorite! The patterns range in size and complexity, but are all beginner friendly and easy to follow along with. There is seriously something for everybody in here!

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoy this pattern book. It sets you up for success with creating well crafted amigurumi figures. It’s added tips and tricks, beautiful photography, and unique and original designs make it well worth the price and a staple for any crochet enthusiast. It’s a book that will look beautiful on your bookshelf and you’ll turn to anytime you need a quick gift or stash buster. Whether you’re looking to get this book for yourself or give it as a gift, you won’t be disappointed and I promise you won’t be able to help but smile as you flip through the pages.

With Christmas coming up quick, this is the perfect gift to get for a crocheter you know or add it to your own Christmas list! These amigurumi figures make amazing tree ornaments or stocking stuffers too!

If you’re interested in getting a copy of Crochet Cafe you can find it on Laurens website HERE or find it on Amazon HERE.

Happy making Friends! Let me know in the comments if you already have this book and what your thoughts are on it!