Introduction

Chapter 1: A Trip to the Yarn Store
      Choosing Your First Yarn
      How Do I Choose a Crochet Hook?
      What Else Do I Need?

Chapter 2: Learning the Language
      A Closer Look at Abbreviations

Chapter 3: Putting It All Together
      Holding the Hook and Yarn
      Getting Started
      The Stitches
      The Other Elements
      Gauge
      Finishing Techniques

Chapter 4: Single Crochet
      Quintessential Scarf – This easy-to-make scarf is a beginning crocheter’s quintessential first project.

      New Direction Scarf – Take a bulky yarn, find a large hook, work horizontally to show the coloration off to its best advantage, and you’ve got a scarf in no time.

      Striped Strip Pillow – Narrow strips crocheted with stripes than joined together add more interesting patterns, colors, and textures than just stripes alone.

      Beaded D Ring Belt – A variety of beads dress up the fringe on this easily  accomplished belt.

      Ribbed Tie Belt – One minor change from the Beaded D Ring Belt makes it look totally different—more dimensional and more drape.

      Handy Utility Cases – Once you’ve mastered the scarf and belt, the next step is to think about what kind of crocheted items you can make by joining straight pieces.
                  Cell Phone Case
                  Music Player Case

      Glamour Girl Cosmetic Bag – A novelty yarn purposely worked with a small hook to create a firm fabric gives this little bag a dressed-up look.

Chapter 5: Expanding Knowledge
      Neck Gaiter Scarf – This fun piece with vintage buttons and quirky fringe is an easy  way to practice mixing up stitches.

      Cashmere Headband – More fashion than function, this lacy little accent works up in no time.

      Elegant Chevron Wrap – Light as a cloud and very luxurious, this dramatic wrap features wide border stripes and oversize tassels.

      Vibrant V-Stitch Wrap – Now that you’ve mastered the basic stitches, you can group  and separate them in a repeating pattern to create a beautiful drape.

      Stimulating Stripes Baby Blanket – Vibrant colors give traditional stitches an up-to-the-minute look for that forward-thinking baby (or parent).

Chapter 6: Taking Shape
      Casual Evening Bag – A handy bag for those evening essentials—keys, cash, cosmetics—and the long strap lets you keep it close without having to hang on.

      Dressy Evening Bag – Using metallic yarn turns the Casual Evening Bag into a dressier one.

      Funky Stuffed Toys – A great exercise in striping, the bright colors and simple details define this cat and dog.

      Button-Front Top – This little top, made with simple stitches, is a good exercise in making the curved shapes that create armholes and necklines. 

Chapter 7: Working in Rounds
      Flash Caps – These cute caps fit close to the head and are easily varied to create many hat styles.

      Fingerless Gloves – Elegant and easy, these little fingerless gloves are quick to make and  cozy to wear.

      Farmer’s Market Bag – This lightweight power shopping bag is collapsible and can be folded up small to keep it handy.

      Urban Shopper Tote – This trendy tote is perfect for a trip to the greengrocers or for picking up just a few items anywhere.

Chapter 8: Motifs
      Light and Shadow Blanket – The classic granny square afghan has become an icon of comfort and home, but here we’ll give it a contemporary look.

      Messenger Bag – Constructed from traditional granny squares, this retro-inspired bag looks contemporary once again.

Chapter 9: Getting Edgy
      Fancy Foot Thongs – These foot thongs are a fun way to dress up the barefoot look and show off a pedicure.

      Bobble Clutch Purse – Edged in a contrasting color using a decorative stitch known as a reverse single crochet, this highly textured purse has a retro feel to it.

      Lacy Shrug – The edges on this retro-inspired little shrug are an exaggeration of the pattern stitch within.

      Trim A Tank – Pick a trim and take a garment from plain to fancy in no time.