Edie Eckman is the best-selling author of The Crochet Answer Book and has written this Christmas Crochet for the Hearth, Home & Tree. This book is all about stocking, ornaments, garlands and more. In the book, accompanied by charming photographs, the author shows and tells the reader how to make things first for the hearth. Every project is detailed so the reader knows just what they’ll need and how the item should look. She begins by teaching the reader all about stockings; mix-and-match, striped, peppermint pinstripes, flame-stitch, snowstorm, different textured, basket weave, different stitches and finally candy cane stockings. The author goes on from there to reveal her techniques for decorations on the tree such as felted ornaments, angel ornaments beaded garlands, some beautiful winter birds and a modern tree skirt. Who would’ve thought that a person could make such neat things by hand using yarn? I think it adds warmth and charm to the season when you decorate with handmade items. These things would not only be great to use in your own home, but nice enough to give as gifts or even attached to gifts with the tag. Then, Edie goes on to teach the reader how to make other things for the home such as bows, table top trees, Advent garland and snowflake pillows. She also includes a lot of extras at the end like a symbol key, guide to yarn weights, etc. I think the snowflakes are especially beautiful and would make a nice gift for that person on your list that enjoys crafts but doesn’t make them. They are so lovely all by themselves, but attached to pillows they really make a statement. I’ve also seen these starched and hung on trees, which the author talks about in the book. Since crocheting takes less time that knitting, you still have time to make these wonderful crafts if you read the book. With it’s colorful pictures and explanatory illustrations, this author has written a great idea book for Christmas. She covers 18 projects so you won’t run out any time soon and the color combinations are almost endless so no two need be the same. I think this is a great book to buy for yourself or give as a gift, which I intend on doing! I’ll give this book a five stocking rating for the spirit of creativity!