PlanetJune Craft Blog

Latest news and updates from June

Idiot’s Guides: Crochet

Note: IG: Crochet has now been replaced by Everyday Crochet: a fully revised and updated version with a new name and new look but the same high quality content.

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

Idiot's Guides: Crochet by June Gilbank

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.

Idiot's Guides: Crochet by June Gilbank

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:

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 »

  1. 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!)

  2. 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. 🙂

  3. Margaret said

    Hi June,
    My 8 & 9 yr. old grandsons are interested in learning to crochet. Is this book for them?
    Thank you,
    Margaret

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. Tizaperez said

    Hi June,
    I just ordered my copy from Barnes and nobles. Thank you for this book.

  9. 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 🙂

  10. Janet said

    Book now ordered. Will soon be winging its way Down Under. Can’t wait to receive it!!!!!

  11. 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!

  12. Eggy said

    Hooray and Congratulations! Getting it through amazon. I like real books for crafts so as to make notes 🙂

  13. 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!

  14. 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.

RSS feed for comments on this post

Leave a Reply

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment here! I read and appreciate every comment. I only respond to questions here on the blog, so please return to this page to see my reply, or check the box below to subscribe to new comments by email.

Please note that I can only answer questions related to PlanetJune patterns and tutorials (see details), and I can only respond to questions or comments written in English. Thank you :) - June

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Quick Links: Crochet

    navigation: arrow

    buy crochet patterns and accessories from my online store

    'Everyday Crochet' and 'The Essential Guide to Amigurumi' crochet books by June Gilbank

    Crochet video tutorials and step-by-step photo tutorials

    Free PlanetJune crochet patterns

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Quick Links: Crafts

    navigation: arrow

    Punchneedle Embroidery information, ebook & patterns

    Papercraft ebook & tutorials

    Free PlanetJune craft projects & tutorials

  • Blog Post Categories

  • Blog Archives

  • Welcome to PlanetJune!

    June Gilbank

    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.
    crocheted Canadian flag by PlanetJune
  • A fanned-out pile of the books Everyday Crochet and The Essential Guide to Amigurumi, with text 'The answers to all your crochet questions at your fingertips - find out more'
  • Support PlanetJune!

    Want to say thanks? You can send me money in seconds at paypal.me/planetjune (over $20) or paypal.me/planetjune2 (under $20) or send me a donation through my shop.

    Or simply click through from my links before you shop at Amazon, Etsy, KnitPicks, LoveCrafts or Crochet.com, and I'll make a small commission on your purchase, at no cost to you! Start here:

    ♥ Support PlanetJune ♥

    Tip: This link is also in the footer of every page!

    Thank you so much for your support!