Fabulous & Flirty Crochet

Ever on the look-out for new, innovative & funky crochet (although I do love my doilies - don't dis my Grandma's crochet - she'll make you sit on your hook. :::wink:::) I've been really pleased with the recent crochet publications. SweaterBabe's Fabulous & Flirty Crochet is exactly what I look for - projects that appeal to a broad spectrum of crocheters and patterns that are bit more involved than just single & double crochet rectangles sewn together.

I'll get to the patterns in a minute, but first let me say - it's spiral bound! Woohoo! I can't tell you how much that pleases me. :::Grin:: With almost all of my pattern books, I end up having to copy the pattern or chart so it's usable 'cause there's no way the book will stay open beside me or on my lap. And then I have to put the copy in a plastic sleeve or else the paper flutters away with the slightest breeze. This book stays open & stays put - that's definitely worth 5 out of 5 stars. ::wink::

Now - on to cool patterns....

Here's "Macrame Belt:"

I really like the design and the fact that the bullion stitch is used. You don't see it very often these days (outside of a few doilies) and I think it gives the belt a vintage look.

There are several scarves and a couple of shawl patterns included. One shawl is done with motifs, the other in one piece:

This just might be a Xmas gift for someone. :)

There are lots of sweaters which, as you know, I'm partial too, and this one I started right away:

As is, I think this is really, really cute for teens & twenty-somethings. As for me, I'm doing a couple of modifications which I'll blog about if they work out. :::wink::: I'm using TLC Cotton and so far it's working very well.

This looks like a great throw-on-and-go sweater:

I just might break into my precious Cotton Ease stash for that one....or I might just need to buy some more "Shine" since the pattern calls for dk weight yarn. Any excuse for more yarn, right?? hehehe. 

As a "bag lady" I'm always happy to see more purse patterns, and Ms. Lee has a couple. This one, I'll have to admit, I'd tone down a bit regarding the color, but I love the shape & handles:

There are a couple of patterns that miss the mark for me - mainly 'cause they just aren't my style. But all in all, this book is a keeper. If some of the projects don't suit me, I can think of someone else they would. I'd make at least 6 out of the 16 projects for me and 2 or 3 others as gifts, so that makes this book a good value for me. :)

The instructions are very clear and both charts & written explanations are included. In a nice move, the yarn used in each project is first described, as in "a light-weight alpaca blend yarn" and yardage is given, then the yarn used in the pictured project is named. It makes substituting just a bit easier, I think, because the type & size of the yarn is given for those of use who can't figure out if something is "bulky" or "super bulky" just by yardage amounts & ounces!

Like The Happy Hooker, I really think there's something for everyone in this one. Definitely worth a look!

Comments

[Vera]

Consider my arm properly twisted. I just ordered the book.

[cec]

I love the pictures I *can* see, I will definitely check out (maybe buy!) the book. I'll be back to see the other pictures. :-) I love that cream colored sweater . . .

[Bron]

Vera - Trust me, you'll love it.

Cec - The cream colored sweater truly is next on my list when I've finished "Flutter Sleeve."

[Indigo Skye]

You are on the ball, lady. Keep up your good work.