Crocheted Cactuses

Each simple design begins with a crocheted soil base that supports the cactus and fits inside a plant pot, so they're easy to finish and display, and there's a range of varieties to choose from. Use different yarns to create different effects, as well as techniques such as raised stitches to make ridges, popcorns for a textured finish, beads for spots, alpaca yarns for fluffy sections and more. * Inside Crochet, Issue 110 * Being a keen crocheter, I jumped at the chance to review this new book by Sarah Abbondio. It comes with clear instructions - using both English and American terms - and this book is beautifully illustrated with lovely photographs of each cactus. The beginning of the book talks you through materials and equipment, crochet techniques and even soil bases for your cactus to `grow' from! Each chapter is broken up into each of the 16 cactus to make using their Latin name, and uses step-by-step instructions including yarn suggestions. You would need to know how to crochet in the round to be able to undertake these designs but I can't wait to make my own cactus garden in the New Year! -- Sophie Edwards * Workshop on the Web * You don't need a garden to grow this charming crop of cacti - just a hook, some yarn and a little crochet know-how! The 16 patterns are quick and easy to make, there are no sharp spines and they don't need watering! * Machine Knitting Monthly, February 2019 *