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I love playing around with Tunisian crochet. It’s the perfect in-between craft for knitters and crocheters. It’s like the best of both worlds. My friend Brenda Bourg recently came out with a new book, Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet. It’s full of awesome Tunisian patterns with that beautiful fair isle colorwork look.
Brenda Bourg is a knit and crochet designer, as well as a writer, teacher and editor. Her designs have been published by various magazines, books and yarn companies. She also self publishes her patterns and is co-editor of Annie’s Talking Crochet Update. She was kind enough to “stop by” to answer some questions.
Me: Tell us a little about yourself. When did you learn to do Tunisian crochet? What about knitting and/or “standard” crochet?
Brenda: I started crocheting around the age of 5 – I don’t really remember learning or even who taught me, it’s just something I’ve always done. I taught myself to knit in 2001 after many years of trying. I’ve done Tunisian crochet off and on most of my life, again, self taught.
Me: I often think that Tunisian crochet doesn’t get the attention it deserves. What do you love most about this technique?
Brenda: I love that I can get the look of knitting OR crochet with this technique! It’s very versatile and the stitches are also very easy to read.
Me: I love the blanket patterns in the book. Do you have one pattern that’s your favorite?
Brenda: My Cora sweater is my absolute favorite! It really showcases how complex your fair isle stitches can be. The pattern looks much harder than it really is! In Tunisian crochet you can spread your work out and see if your missed a stitch – it’s much easier than knitting because the right side is always facing you.
Me: How much previous experience do readers need to have with Tunisian crochet to really gain from this book?
Brenda: A beginner could learn to do Tunisian crochet from my book. I have complete step-by-step photos so there is no guess work as to where your hook goes and each project is a skill builder for the next project!
Me: Anything else you’d like to add?
Brenda: If you’ve ever wanted to make beautiful fair isle projects but don’t knit, this is the perfect book for you!
Make sure to pick up your copy of Brenda’s Fair Isle Tunisian Crochet book so you can get started learning and stitching these great projects!
