Nancie Wiseman , ISBN 1931499772
Our Price $23.95, weight 155 grams, PB
Nancie Wiseman, also the author of Knitting with Wire, has designed and written for several major yarn manufacturers as well as for magazines. This is her eighth book.

I have been asked for books on crocheting with wire but have never had anything suitable to offer. Crochet with Wire should fill this gap as it is a simple how to guide with projects of varying difficulty.

While a knowledge of crocheting might be an advantage, the instructions on how to crochet are so simple that with a bit of perseverance, the non crocheter should be able to learn. Of course in this case, it might be better to learn with yarn rather than starting straight away with wire but that is a matter of personal choice. Those who can already crochet should be off and away.

She recommends the use of wire between 26 – 34 g but claims that the most suitable wire is 28 and 30 g. I would have to agree here. Anything over 30 gm is quite fine and needs a fairly fine hook. Its durability is not guaranteed. Some stunning effects can be produced but for the beginner, the thicker while still flexible wires are better.

Many of the projects involve the use of single crochet or chain stitch which is a stitch so simple that it is possible for everyone to learn it quickly. The more advanced projects use half double crochet and double crochet which are also basic stitches.

Wiseman introduces a series of simple necklaces and bracelets including crocheted tubes leading on to sculptural forms including making bowls. These latter may not interest the jewellery maker quite so much but they are an interesting use of simple techniques. She also focuses on making simple crocheted tubes that can be the basis of many spectacular pieces.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in getting started with crocheting with wire; it is both simple and insightful with something to offer even the experienced crocheter.