52 Crochet Gifts By Kristin Omdahl-A Crochet Book Review

So, I was recently given the opportunity to review Kristin Omdahl's new crochet book 52 Crochet Gifts: Quick and Easy Ideas for Every Week of the Year. In this book Kristin brings us some amazing crochet gift ideas that many of you will be able to use to make some pretty nifty gifts. Kristin brings us crochet patterns from market bags to clutches, bracelets to necklaces, scarves to cowls and fingerless gloves to leg warmers, plus so many more. The variety in this book is what I love. There is literally something for everyone!!

  All opinions are my own

Keep reading to get a sneak at some of the crochet patterns you can make for gifts, and your chance to win your very own copy of this book that Kristin is so generously giving away to one lucky reader.

You may purchase the eBook or the paperback here at Amazon Worldwide or Kristins website

This book is comprehensive. If you’re a beginner or even an expert level crocheter, you can learn a lot from this book. This book talks about things like understanding how to read a crochet pattern, how to read a graph, and how to read a chart. The author also touches on the subjects of gauge, weaving in ends, blocking, washing, yarn substitutions and more.
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I love that this book is written in a large font, as it helps me being legally blind in one eye, and 20/50 in the other, even with glasses. I find most things written hard to read, thanks to Kristin for this. There are also supplemental videos on her website and her YouTube to help the crocheter out.
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Below you will find some photos that Kristin offers in this book and the diversity of the projects.

I interviewed the author Kristin so we can learn more about her, her business, and her books!

Me: What’s your name and your business name?  

Kristin: Kristin Omdahl is my name and brand. The Kristin Omdahl Brand makes and sells published books on knitting and crochet; inspirational journal notebooks; many gorgeous and thoughtful yarns;  crochet hooks and tools; and more.

Me: What’s the name of your new book and what inspired you to write it?

Kristin: 52 Crochet Gifts” is the name of my 18th published craft book.It is also the largest crochet book I have ever written.  It is intended as a year round resource for making last minute handmade gifts. Each of the 52 crochet projects could be made in a week or less, too. There are gifts for everyone in this book. 

Me: My favorite pattern in this book is the Minka Hooded Scarf and the Mable laptop cover. What is your favorite pattern and why??

Kristin: Thank you! Those are great patterns. Each pattern in this book includes written instructions, charts, and I make supplemental video tutorials to enhance the learning experience. I also layout the book specifically with the crocheter in mind: the text is very large (14 pt font) and the pages are intentionally left white and clear. This allows for easy reading. I believe that the more pleasant you can make the learning experience, the better the overall crafting experience will be. When you are learning something new, you want the technique to be the only variable you are focusing on to reduce the struggle and stress as much as possible. I don’t have a favorite pattern - I have a story behind each and every one here! For example, the Minka Cowl you said is your favorite, I designed a clever crochet chain fringe for this project so it would frame the neck so beautifully when flat. I love this fringe so much and will continue to use it on future projects for a very long time to come. I love fringe, but chain fringe is way more durable than cut fringe and therefore extends the life of this beautiful crochet cowl.

Me: How long have you been crocheting, and what’s the back story on it?.

Kristin: I have been crocheting for about 19 years now. I taught myself to knit and crochet while pregnant and living overseas. Once my son was born, I began experimenting with shawl design because I could incorporate my love of math, and specifically geometry, to create different shapes with crochet stitches. When my marriage fell apart shortly after the birth of my son, I had a dream of returning home to the US and creating a business with my knitting and crochet talents to support my son. Long story short, he turns 18 in a couple of months. And I am still evolving that same business! This month (March 2020) my business turns 16 years old. I have published 18 knit and crochet books, the last 5 independently published in the last 2 years. I have published dozens of inspirational journals in both English and Spanish; I produce a YouTube channel filled with 1000s of inspirational and educational videos; and I’m currently part of the cast of my second TV show: Knit and Crochet Now. I love what I do very much. My live video podcast, Create Share Inspire Podcast, has over 500 episodes and when you join me live, I answer questions in real time! I have audience members from all over the world.  It is a fantastic experience. And I dream of expanding my business into public speaking one day.

Me: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
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Kristin: As a designer and author, I am inspired by everything around me. I especially love to spend time in nature and admire the textures nature offers: flower petal formations, leaf structures, water ripples, cloud textures, tree trunks and so much more. I also like to be inspired by textures in other mediums, like architecture: I study tile and brick textures, too.
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​ Me: How many books on crochet have you written? Which is your favorite?

Kristin: ​Wrapped In Crochet (2008), Crochet So Fine (2010), Seamless Crochet (2011), Complements Collection (2012), The Finer Edge (2013), I Taught Myself to Crochet 18” Doll Clothes (2015), Crochet So Lovely (2015), Continuous Crochet (2016), Motif Magic (2018), 80 Handmade Gifts (2018), Layer: Crochet (2019), 88 Crochet Stitch Dictionary (2019) and 52 Crochet Gifts (2020).
Most of these are 100% crochet books, but Complements Collection, Motif Magic and 80 Handmade Gifts are mixed with knitting and or other crafts.

Me:  What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating this book?

Kristin: ​ The most surprising thing I learned in writing this book is that 'the sky is the limit'! No matter what I want to accomplish, there is always a solution. Each step along the way, we face challenges in our lives. Sometimes they seem impossible. But in my experience, if you break down a big challenge, it if often just a list of small challenges. And if you tackle each one, step by step, you will amaze yourself with what you can accomplish!

Me: How much previous experience do readers need to have with crochet to really gain from this book?

Kristin: ​This book is designed with the beginner in mind. Each pattern is available in multiple formats: written instructions, charts, schematics and supplemental video tutorials. So no matter how you thrive at learning, or whatever combination of learning styles you love, there is something for you. Each pattern is small, too. So even if it is a technique you are new to learning, you can have success in a short amount of time.
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In closing, this book is filled with small crochet projects that you can make for gift or to make and sell for yourself. The projects are geared towards the beginner crocheter. The book is definitely worth the read!! Enter below for your chance to win Kristin's eBook below.

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