Cowls are a perennially popular wearable accessory—and great cowl designs can be crocheted by even a relative “newbie.” This new book by crochet design expert Sharon Hernes Silverman includes simple graphic designs, some in striking black and white, as well as more complex color patterns to present a variety of looks and styles. Includes instructions and patterns for crocheting 15 strikingly beautiful cowls using traditional and Tunisian techniques, plus beautiful color photos of the finished pieces "The discriminating crocheter looking for stylish cowls need look no further than this collection of 15 wide-ranging, beautifully photographed neck warmers. In Crochet Cowls, Sharon continues her tradition of delightful designs and crystal clear instructions." Susan White Sullivan, Board President of the Crochet Guild of America -- Susan White Sullivan, Board President of the Crochet Guild of America Crochet Cowls is all about giving you a variety of stylish, eye-catching cowl patterns you can crochet. You could make each of these trendy wardrobe pieces and not worry one bit about getting bored with your experience, considering the cowls are designed using bunches of different crochet techniques, stitch patterns, fibers and colors. Crochet techniques you’ll explore in this book include chevrons, Tunisian crochet, mosaic crochet, bead crochet, shell stitches and crochet lace. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried the techniques mentioned above; the book includes photo tutorials and international symbol crochet charts that will help you visualize how to work these patterns—plus clear instructions that will give you the guidance you need to achieve success with each pattern. ― Crochet-Books.com When I look at a book, and think about adding it to my Crochet Books library, I have certain criteria that I look for in the book, and it should meet most of these if I am going to add it. So when I was asked to review this book, Crochet Cowls by Sharon Silverman, I thought I would look to see if it met my criteria. Here is what I look for: 1. Do I know the author? Or have I heard of the author? In this case, yes, to both. I have heard of the author. And I know the author, Sharon Silverman. I have several of her books, some I have reviewed. I know how thorough she is with her instructions. I know how knowledgeable she is, also. Years ago, when she was just starting out, she took one of my classes at the Crochet Guild of America's Chain Link conference. It's difficult to remember everyone you meet at a conference, but I know that we've been corresponding lately, and I feel that I know her. Disclaimer: whether I know the author or not, that doesn't influence me when I review their work. 2. Who tech edited the book?Who did the charts? Do I know or have I heard of them? I am a tech editor, and I know how difficult it is to tech edit a book. In this case, I couldn't find a name for the tech editor (it might have been listed as "assistant editor"). But I did find a name for the person who did the charts – Lindsey Stephens. I know her, and know that she does excellent work. So I know the charts and stitch diagrams will be correct. 3.What about the skill levels?Are the designs for just one skill level, or many different skill levels? There are 15 designs in this book, and the skill levels are divided between them – 4 Easy, 8 Intermediate, and 3 Experienced. So there is something for everyone! 4. What about the yarn? What type of yarn is used? Once again, Sharon thought of everyone's preferences for yarn. The yarn weights range from Lace weight (0), to Jumbo weight (7). In other words, the yarn weights are: lace, super fine, fine, light, medium (also known as worsted), bulky, super bulky, and jumbo. So whether you like working with Jumbo yarn, or Lace weight, or anything in between, you'll find at least one cowl you can crochet. And perhaps you'll also try a yarn weight that you don't usually use! It's a great opportunity to expand your skills! 5. What about special stitches and techniques?Are there any? Do you have to look in the back of the book for them, or are they included in the pattern directions? If a cowl uses special techniques or stitches, the instructions, along with great pictures, are included with the directions. You don’t' have to search for them! 6. Stitch diagrams? Are they included with each pattern? Each of the 15 patterns has at least one stitch diagram that shows a section of the pattern. That is my favorite part of any book. When I see a pattern I like, I want to crochet a section of it first – to see if I can follow the pattern, and to see if I like the way the stitches look in the yarn that I want to use. So I always look for stitch diagrams, to help me with my swatching. I use them to make gauge swatches, and to test new stitch patterns. Sometimes (and this is why I love stitch diagrams) I just use the stitch pattern, and crochet myself something else, not the original pattern that it came from! But h