Tapestry Crochet [Paperback]

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. -- Handwoven Magazine, November/December 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. -- Spin-Off Magazine, Fall 1992

I have only begun to explore tapestry crochet. I hope that you will discover its potential and share tapestry crochet with your friends and family. I hope that you will teach tapestry crochet classes, design your own tapestry crochet pieces, and publish the instructions. The best compliment I could receive would be for you to you show me up!

Carol earned a Master of Arts degree from Montclair State University and both a Master of Fine Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in Art from the University of Georgia. A nationally exhibiting artist, teacher, and writer, Carol has taught crochet, backstrap weaving, basketry, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and printmaking. Since 1994 she has taught art history at Tennessee Technological University. Her articles appear in both scholarly journals and popular magazines.