Radiant Raffia

April 1, 2024
Panagopoulou debuts with an elegant guide to creating accessories and homeware from raffia, “the fibre produced from the membrane found on the underside of leaf fronds.” Surveying different variants of the material, Panagopoulou explains that raffia viscose is durable yet flexible, whereas raffia paper string is “very stable and solid” but “rougher, tougher and definitely more difficult to crochet with.” She walks readers through the quirks of crocheting with the fiber, noting that raffia viscose can be shaped with a steam iron and recommending steel or aluminum crochet hooks because the “smoothness of metal... works well with the texture” of the material. The accessory patterns describe how to make a sturdy Celtic weave handbag from crossed front post trebles worked in the round, as well as a summer sun hat that “uses simple waistcoat stitch to give it structure.” Decorative items include a lace tablecloth, ornamental baubles, and a striking flexible vase with a malleable pinched exterior. Patterns are both written out and charted for maximum ease of use, and the idyllic photos modeling the items on the beaches of Syros, the Greek island where Panagopoulou lives, enchant. Intermediate and experienced crocheters eager to branch out from yarn will want to give this a spin.

July 1, 2024

Raffia is a natural fiber that comes from leaf fronds of the raffia palm tree. Used historically to make woven products, it is not often considered for crochet. But crocheter Panagopoulou's debut collection rectifies that misconception and features 20 crochet projects using the natural material. Divided into three parts--accessories, homewares, and special stitches--the book details which raffia yarns to use, which hooks to use, and the best way to care for raffia pieces. The accessory section highlights many patterns (including beach-related ones for large bags, a sun hat, belts, and more) that would be suitable for a trip to the author's Greek island home. The homeware section features baskets and vases. The raffia that's best for crocheting is neither commonly stocked in big-box stores nor found in many yarn shops, but Panagopoulou does include a list of sources to order raffia; only a couple are located in the U.S. Readers may find that other natural yarns, such as cotton, are a suitable substitution for some of the patterns. VERDICT A lovely, recommended book for crocheters with intermediate or advanced skills, but acquiring the recommended materials might be difficult.--Lynnanne Pearson

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