Leisure Arts’ the little Encyclopedia of Dishcloths is a condensed instruction book comprised of 96 pages filled with directions for crafting- crocheting, some 31 useful, and decorative dish cloths with color illustrations,  along with 4 pages of explanations regarding gauge, crochet abbreviations used in specific directions, symbols and terms, joining rounds, changing colors-strands of thread or yarn in a piece, loops of a chain, how to use and methodology.

The various dishcloth patterns featured in this book include square, round, and a few unique shaped ones including an angel, a hexagon and several round.  While all patterns shown are rated as easy, and they are for anyone who may  have been crocheting for a while, however, stitches used to complete all vary in degree of easy to not so easy for someone just beginning their hand at this old needle crafting art, while reading directions for the work to be done. 

The square types may appear to be easier for the novice needle crafter to read directions and complete project.  These include some in which work will move across the line of stitches, then turn and return back along the same line while others begin at a center point and then work around the square adding stitches at the corners. 

Chevrons which look complicated, but really are not too difficult to create, would not be my first project suggestion for students or other novice crochet artists.  Keeping the decreases and increases in the proper spots can be tricky for novice crochet worker to tackle. 

There are several pieces offered based on the old favorite ‘granny square’, these perhaps will be a good starting point for a first or almost first project.  Learning to read crochet directions will soon become second nature after a piece or two are completed. Initially stopping the work and checking the specific direction for something that appears as this in the instruction (2dc, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp, ch 1) will help keep novice on the right track. 

Learning to read directions can be daunting for the beginner, however page 93 of this work does a good job explaining what a dc, or ch or sp and other crochet direction short hand actually means.

I have crocheted since childhood and also need to refresh my memory now and then for specific stitches.  I did find in working some of these patterns; a nice specific stitch guide is given: as is the cluster stitch used for working the pattern for the attractive Bubbly Bands pattern created by Jeanine DeMoss on page 6.  It is the cluster stitch I have used when crocheting many pieces over many years.

And, I have made many projects using ‘granny squares’, however, in this book the granny square designed by Anne Halliday on p 15 begins with another stitch guide, for another, similar, cluster stitch), I can understand the confusion for the novice crochet artist.

Page 22 offers yet another cluster guide for another cluster fashioned square designed again by artist DeMoss.  I understand a novice needle worker might well be ready give up in frustration.

On the other hand, several round designs Clover Leaf p 18, Daisy p 30, Spiral p 74, and Watermelon p 87, are pretty straight forward despite yet another cluster stitch guide as part of the Daisy and Watermelon instruction.  The four round pieces can be made with a minimum of frustration and produce a nice group of dishcloths for gift giving, church bazaar and the like.

I do especially like the Popcorn pattern dish cloth p 59, it is an attractive square, directions are easy to follow and the piece works up quickly.

Pieces worked around a round plastic scrubber: Scrub a Dub p 71 and created by Joan E Reeves and Pot Scrubber created by Linda A Daley worked around a green pot scrubber on p 62 are each interesting and produce an especially handy dish cloth for scrubbing stubborn dried on foods.  Instructions offered are pretty straight forward, the yellow Pot Scrubber crochet section may be easier for a novice needle artist, and save the round one for project 2 as confidence is built.

 All in all I am satisfied with this small book, it is handy to tuck into the crochet bag to carry along on train or bus trip, or on visit to spend a few days with the grand kids.

Note:  Pieces – dishcloths shown in this book were crafted, per the editors, using Lily ® Sugar ‘n Cream ® 100% Cotton Medium Weight Yarn.  If regular Crochet Thread is used the piece WILL be attractive, but, will also be smaller than the piece crafted using same directions and the heavier weight thread- yarn mentioned in the directions.  I have found Sugar n Cream to be a nice smooth, gentle on the hands thread for knitting and crochet projects. 

Leisure Arts’ the little Encyclopedia of Dishcloths is a sturdy little edition designed to be carried with work, referred to often without falling apart or being too cumbersome to be useful for projects on the go.   Explanation of terms, stitch guides, a nice colored photo of a completed dish cloth using the pattern directions; all come together to provide a good working pattern book for novice having experienced person to ask for help nearby if needed, and skilled thread artists alike.  

Happy to recommend   Leisure Arts’ the little Encyclopedia of Dishcloths for classroom, home needle enthusiasts, crochet group or however the needle artist chooses to make use of the book.  This little book will be a nice  tuck in gift for a favorite auntie, grandma or mom who is rarely seen without her crochet work bag.

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Reviewed by: MOLLY REVIEWS  Books   molly martin    

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 Leisure Arts was born from a simple concept: The Art of Everyday Living. From its inception in 1971, Leisure Arts brightened lives through the art of needle crafting, specifically through crochet and knit publications. 

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