Blue Ribbon Afghans from America's State Fairs

Blue Ribbon Afghans from America's State Fairs
Publisher/Company: Lark Books
 

Discover the most beautiful afghans ever inside this crochet pattern book by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader. Blue Ribbon Afghans from America's State Fairs features 45 prize-winning crochet designs from all over the country. Each one of these stunning patterns has been awarded the blue ribbon prize at various state fairs, and they feature classic crochet stitches including the popcorn stitch, shell stitch, and ripple stitch. Some of them even incorporate cross-stitch, embroidery, and appliques. Many of the patterns are original designs, while others are adaptations of previously-published patterns.

As if the award-winning afghans were not enough, Blue Ribbon Afghans from America's State Fairs also comes with a brief history lesson. In addition to the afghan patterns, you will also find a wonderful introduction that discusses the history behind state fairs including how the fairs began, and how they've changed over the years. It's not everyday that your crochet patterns come with a wonderful history of our great country! Additionally, if you're looking for a bit more information on the designers behind the patterns, you'll definitely enjoy the section at the back of the book that provides a brief profile of each pattern designer/blue ribbon winner.

The variety of crochet designs inside this book will definitely amaze you. From granny square afghan patterns to classic crochet ripple patterns, there's a pattern style for everyone. There's no doubt you will have a hard time picking which one to make first. Patterns include the Wine Ripple pattern (pg. 74), the Pine Tree Afghan from Indiana (pg. 88), the Rodeo Afghan from South Carolina (pg. 64), and Noah's Ark afghan from Colorado (pg. 116), just to name a few.

State fairs are the epitome of classic America. It's a place for communities to come together, have fun, and celebrate the American way of life. The patterns you will find inside this book are all very diverse and unique, just like American. Each region of the country is represented including the Northeast, Midwest, deep South, and far West, and the collection is a true honor to the craftsmanship of our country.