Let’s have a heart to heart discussion. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States and most women aren’t even aware of it. Laura Zander, founder of Jimmy Beans Wool, started the Stitch Red campaign to educate women about heart disease and how to take control of their heart health just in time for American Heart Month in February.

Crochet Red Crocheting for Women’s Heart Health is part of a family of books that includes Knit Red and Sew Red. These books help support The Heart Truth® campaign for women sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. A portion of the sale of these books goes to the Foundation for the National Institute of Health.

Crochet Red has beautiful patterns for garments and accessories so that you can make just the thing to be dressed in for National Wear Red day on February 7. There are 31 patterns in the book. The majority of them are labeled easy to intermediate, with a few patterns for experienced crocheters. There’s a good mix and variety of skill levels, patterns, and yarn types. The only drawback of the book, however, is that there are no patterns labeled for beginners. But in all probability, beginners would be able to work the easy level patterns without much difficulty. Here’s a list of patterns you’ll find:

Peplum Jacket by Kathy Merrick (experienced)
Bobble & Check Cowl by Norah Gaughan (easy)
Woven Cardigan by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton (easy)
Tunisian Chevron Scarf by Sharon H. Silverman (easy)
Petal Cabled Hat by Linda Permann (intermediate)
Gingham Afghan by Tanis Galik (easy)
Tilting Blocks Shrug by Deborah Norville and the Premier Yarns Design Team (intermediate)
Slouchy Cowl by Edie Eckman (easy)
Vintage Tunisian Shell by Rohn Strong (intermediate)
Hooded Scarf by Drew Emborsky (easy)
Mixed Motif Tote by Erika Knight (experienced)
Lace Swing Coat by Charles Voth (intermediate)
Asymmetrical Sweater by Jenny King (experienced)
Textured jacket by Melissa Leapman (intermediate)
Scottie Pillow by Debbie Bliss and Kathy Merrick (easy)
Flower Lace Scarf by Iris Schreier (intermediate)
Eyelet-Stripe Tunic by Marie Wallin (intermediate)
Beaded Felted Bag by Nora J. Bellows with Janet Brani (intermediate)
Heart Shaped Coat by Nicky Epstein (experienced)
Floral Motif Wrap by Dora Ohrenstein (intermediate)
Oversized Lacy Pullover by Deborah Newton (intermediate)
Flower Garland Cowl by Robyn Chachula (easy)
Three Button Mitts by The Churchmouse Yarns & Teas Design Team (easy)
Reversible Wrap by Mary Beth Temple (easy)
Tunisian Shrug by Kristin Omdahl (experienced)
Mitered Brick Throw by Vanna White (intermediate)
Vortex Slouchy Hat by Jill Wright (intermediate)
Yoga Bag by Vickie Howell (easy)
Mock Neck Vest by The Double Stitch Twins, Erika and Monika Simmons (easy)
Sweater with Cowl by Marly Bird (intermediate)
Bonus Pattern: Heart Sachet by Kristin Nicholas (easy)

As noted, this book isn’t just about crochet patterns. It’s about women’s heart health. Some important points to focus on are nutrition, exercise, and stress management. There’s a whole section after the patterns dedicated to living a heart healthy life style. If you crochet, you’re helping your heart already by relieving stress, but you can do more. Get the facts about heart disease and learn the signs of a heart attack. Read up on tips for exercising and staying motivated. Find additional resources and information about heart disease and what you can do about it. Last, but not least, get started with a healthy diet by trying some of the delicious recipes.

Book Title: Crochet Red Crocheting for Women’s Heart Health
Editor: Laura Zander, Forward written by Deborah Norville and Vanna White
Publisher: Sixth&Spring Books
Copyright Date: 2013
ISBN: 9781936096619
Format: Paperback with Flaps
Number of Pages: 144
Cover Price: $17.95 US dollars

* Sixth&Spring Books provided this review copy of Crochet Red: Crocheting for Women’s Heart Health to me free of charge. This review is my honest opinion. I received no compensation from the publisher or book author for this review.

Article Links:

Stitch Red official web site. Sticking it to heart disease.