The Crochet Cafe: Recipes for Amigurumi Crochet Patterns by Lauren Espy is a book I picked up from Amazon. It came up as a top suggestion when I was purchasing some shoes on Amazon.
The entire book resembles a recipe book because the main focus is food amigurumi. I don't know if you realize but food-based items like this, including farmer's market types of projects, are in strong trend at this time.
I am so beyond impressed with the level of detail and step-by-step photography and the patterns are in standard amigurumi format which makes it easy to follow. From an English muffin with egg, ham and cheese to a picnic day with hotdogs with condiments.
The stitchwork has texture and a really excellent 3D approach where the project is believable, all the way around it. There is so many examples of food in this book generous book and I felt the price was bang on, maybe even a little too cheap for what is offered.
From breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and desserts, these are all high in fibre but calorie-free (wink wink). From child-play to decor items for you to enjoy.
I think you would seriously love this book. From the stack of pancakes with a splash of syrup! It's inspirational and best yet if you purchase it, you are supporting this designer's creativity as it seems she has a lot of ideas and brave enough to publish a fabulous book to boot!
Search for this online for purchase or find it at your local book store. ISBN 978-1-944-51593-5.
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The Crochet Crowd doesn't participate in paid affiliate links where commission sales are obtained if you purchase. The book review is based on my own purchase of curiosity and isn't a paid review so my opinion is not biased based on possible sales.
Diane Lloyd says
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. You're so right about the Farmers Market aspect, especially now that it's spring, some restrictions are being lifted, and the variety of offerings is expanding. It's interesting that your book was originally going to have that type of theme. I am super glad you changed its focus to the seaside aspect. In fact, I didn't even know you had a book coming out in a few months, which shows my ignorance of what you've got going on. I was intrigued by your comments above and simply had to look it up on Amazon. I can't afford to pre-order it this month (spent it on yarn) but it's now built into my crochet budget for next month! I admit to zooming in and reading part of your story (Amazon shows off a few pages from the book) and I'm already hooked and must read more. Plus the couple of photos that I saw of two of the projects in the book are stunning!! I love the variety of patterns you've chosen for the book and am looking forward to making them my own. Again, thank you for taking the time to get back to me.
Mikey says
Crazy times we are living in Diane. It's really tough to appease so many people's wishlists but we just try the best we can. The book is out in September. There's no rush to pre-order if that's on your wishlist. The Journey Afghan is amazing that's in the book but I havent' leaked any previews yet. 😀 Enjoy the day.
Diane says
Well, now you've done it. I got all excited that a top designer was responding to my comments so I looked again at the book "Crochet Cafe:..." that you reviewed. By coincidence, I found out yesterday that a new crochet friend of mine has been making crocheted food for her grandson to play with. She's made pizza with all the toppings, as well as bacon, eggs, toast, you name it. I HAD to order the book for her. Busted my budget but what the heck, it's for a new friend. I'm not talking to you any more...except for when I tell you if she likes the book or not. I hope Lauren Espy appreciates you {{{grin grin}}}.
Mikey says
This is a solid purchase really, you have nothing but the knowledge to gain. I don't know who this designer is, Lauren. I had never heard of her before the suggestion from Amazon as something I might like. So I don't really have any knowledge about her other than the amazing book.
Diane says
Sorry, no, this is just silly to me. I am not into crocheting food. What's the purpose? It seems totally impractical and is just another "thing" to sit around and clutter up my home. Trending? Not in my house. Sorry. I know everyone has their own sense of style but this isn't mine AT ALL. I love amigurumi, though, and make lots of critters for children and adults to enjoy and love. Can't see myself falling in love with an eggplant or an avocado, though.
Mikey says
Yeah... totally hear your point of view. It's trending as more people are starting to lean towards supporting Farmer's Markets, especially the millennial generation. Using the food props for decor but also sustainable lessons for children to teach at an early age. It is expected to stay in trend for 2 more years and then shift on. There is already another trend in motion now as well. Crochet what you enjoy and clearly this isn't your jam. Our book for this year was originally going to have a farmer's market theme but we changed our minds and went with a maritime feel leaving the food items out of the book. I don't know who sets the trends but it's based on science and research of what is important to people. We are unable to hit the trends for everyone so while I enjoy blankets more, there are many people who despise making them as well. It's a no-win situation for people like me who try to design something as we won't hit everyone's wish list and criticism as a result of what we design comes directly behind it during the launches.