PlanetJune by June Gilbank: Blog
PlanetJune Craft Blog
Latest news and updates from JuneIdiot’s Guides: Crochet
With my last book, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Amigurumi, I created the ultimate reference book on amigurumi, and now I’ve turned my attention to all of crochet for my new book, Idiot’s Guide: Crochet…
Let me tell you about my vision for IG: Crochet. I had three goals for this book, because I wanted to make an ambitious 3 books in 1 volume:
- The complete beginner’s guide: To create the clearest, most comprehensive learn-to-crochet tutorials, with ultra close-up photos of every single step, so people really can learn to crochet from my book.
- The crochet tips guide: To distill all the knowledge and tips I’ve picked up over my crocheting life into clear, easy to follow instructions.
- The beautiful pattern book: To create a collection of stylish original accessories and home decor patterns that would make perfect gifts, so you’ll want to make everything in the book! The patterns need to be simple to work (but not boring for experienced crocheters) and show some of the variety possible in crochet, so you’ll learn more as you make each pattern.
I was fortunate that my editors were happy to accommodate my vision, and I’ve crammed all of these goals into the 264 pages and 750g (that’s over 1.5lbs!) of this book. The Idiot’s Guides series has had a complete makeover and you’ll be very pleasantly surprised when you see the lovely design and hundreds of full-colour photos.
This book is different from every other crochet book on the market and excellent value for money, whatever your crochet skill, as it’s perfect for both beginners and more experienced crocheters. I hope you’ll find it a valuable resource, whether your goal is to learn to crochet, to improve your crochet skills and knowledge, to find a selection of clean, timeless designs to crochet, or all of the above 🙂
The tutorials have all the detail and clear step-by-step photos you’d expect from me, and the patterns include stitch diagrams and all the added tips and extras you find in my PlanetJune Accessories patterns. I’m so excited about this book, and I hope you will be too!
Prior to the official launch date of August 5th, I’m writing a week of blog posts giving you more detail about the different aspects of IG: Crochet, and I’ll update this page with links to all the posts as they are published:
- Monday: About the Book
- Tuesday: Tutorials & Practice Projects
- Wednesday: Stitch Galleries & Motifs
- Thursday: Patterns (part 1)
- Friday: Patterns (part 2)
Here are the direct links to buy the paperback of Idiot’s Guides: Crochet online from amazon:
Or, if you’d prefer the ebook, for Kindle and other ebook readers and Kindle apps:
And, in case the amazon boxes don’t show up on your screen, here are the direct text links too:
22 Comments »
Leave a Reply
Quick Links: Crochet
Quick Links: Crafts
CAL Galleries
Welcome to PlanetJune!
Hi, I'm June. Welcome to my world of nature-inspired crochet and crafting. I hope you enjoy your visit!
If you'd like to get in touch, you can contact me here.
June’s Crochet Books
Email newsletter
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Ravelry: June
Instagram
Deborah said
I am new to crochet, and your book has been absolutely fantastic!! The instructions and photos are super clear and easy to follow, and I love how you cover everything from how to hold the hook to types and weights of yarn. It has been an invaluable resource as I learn this craft.
I’d like to point out that there’s an error on page 209, in the information for how much yarn is needed for the Flecked Scarf. The amounts for the Main Color and the Contrast Color are reversed. I didn’t catch this until I ran out of the Main Color and had to order more! No doubt a more experienced crocheter would have noticed it at the beginning. :o)
That said, I’m really glad I found this book—it’s excellent!
June said
Thank you, Deborah – I’m so glad you’re finding my book helpful! I’m sorry about that typo… unfortunately there’s no way to correct something in a book once it’s been published. (There are no other errors in the book though, just to reassure you!)
Margaret said
Sorry your books for idiots…lol
June said
Margaret, Idiot’s Guides is just the (unfortunate) name of the book series – I’d never say my readers are idiots! I wrote the book in very clear language, with large close-up photos accompanying every step, so, although it’s not specifically aimed at kids, they should be able to follow and understand the instructions.
I’d suggest you take a quick look through my week of posts linked above as they have further information about the book that should help you to gauge whether you think your grandsons would enjoy it. 🙂
Margaret said
Hi June,
My 8 & 9 yr. old grandsons are interested in learning to crochet. Is this book for them?
Thank you,
Margaret
Patti Ann Larson said
I have been crocheting for a very long time. I was taught many years ago at the age of 8 by my Mom. I am so thankful for people who are designers of this special talent. Since I have no knowledge of designing anything much. I am crocheting beanie for my Grandsons. Thank you for your good pattern. ps; I don’t give away any crochet patterns.
Cherie Williams said
I am very new to crochet, trying to teach myself via utube.
I am left handed and looking for a reference book with good, clear instructions for a lefty.
I would LOVE a book that offered LEFTY ONLY information. I bet other lefties would too.
June said
As a fellow lefty, I’d love that too, Cheryl! Unfortunately, it would be very difficult to convince a publisher to publish such a book – I had to work hard to convince my publisher to allow me a 2-page spread with advice for left-handers in this book.
However, I don’t have this limitation with my self-publications, so I always provide left-handed (and right-handed) versions of all the crochet tutorials at PlanetJune!
Beverly said
I just purchased both your crochet and amigurumi books from Amazon. Your Amigurumi book must be very popular because it had to placed on backorder. I also have watched many of your tutorials and was very impressed on how simple they were to follow. You are very talented and a great instructor. Thank you so much for sharing you talent.
Janet said
Your book arrived today and I am sooooo excited. I wish this book had been available a couple of years ago when I taught myself to crochet. Never mind, it’s here now.
The only thing that is missing from this book is your beautiful smiling face. And your personal message and signature to me. 🙂
Off now to keep reading. I’m going to be occupied for quite a while.
Love from Australia,
Janet
Tizaperez said
Hi June,
I just ordered my copy from Barnes and nobles. Thank you for this book.
June said
Hope you enjoy it, Tiza!
Donna said
Congratulations!!!! Your instructions are very simple to follow. Even I who know nothing about crochet can do it! Thank you for putting so much effort in making this simple for us.
June said
Thank you, Donna! I’m very glad you’re finding it helpful 🙂
Janet said
Book now ordered. Will soon be winging its way Down Under. Can’t wait to receive it!!!!!
Janet said
Your newly designed website looks so wonderful. As for your new book, it looks totally amazing!!! Congratulations, you’ve done an amazing job!
June said
Thank you on both counts, Janet – I really appreciate it!
Eggy said
Hooray and Congratulations! Getting it through amazon. I like real books for crafts so as to make notes 🙂
Patricia said
Hi June
Big congratulations on your new book
Can I ask, are the stitches American or English ?
Thanks
June said
Thanks, Patricia! Alpha Books is a US publisher, so all the stitches are US (just like in all my other patterns) but the spelling is also US, so I had to write ‘color’ for ‘colour’ etc – unlike my usual British English writing!
Catherine Lutes said
Hello,
I had pre- ordered your book from Amazon for my Kindle. I was excited to read it, but I can’t. My Kindle is brand new and it is the HDX. Your book froze up my Kindle 3 times. I got as far as the page where the yarn is and the screen went black. It wouldn’t even let me do a force quit of my Kindle. I uninstalled the book twice and it did the same thing every time. Each time I had to wait (and pray) 20 minutes until my Kindle shut off. The book is off my Kindle and I am disappointed.
Catherine
June said
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that, Catherine! You should email Amazon straight away to complain and get support with that – I’m sure they can either offer assistance so the problem can be solved, or will offer you a refund. As I’m only the author of the book, I’m afraid I’m powerless to offer technical support etc – I have nothing to do with the production of either the paperback or kindle versions – but I do strongly recommend you contact Amazon asap. Please let me know how they resolve the situation for you – I’ll keep my fingers crossed that they can fix the problem for you.