Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs to Crochet and Wear [Paperback]

Melissa Leapman (Author), Joe Vandehatert (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

Repeat after us: Crocheting is easy. Crocheting is fun. Crocheting is fast. Okay, got it? Great! Now forget everything else you ever knew about crocheting, because Cool Crochet takes the easy, fast fun of crochet and dumps the frumpy afghans, lumpy hats, and bumpy scarves of the past. With this book, top—selling author Melissa Leapman moves crochet light years ahead, into exciting designs, dazzling patterns, and sleek shapes that are sure to earn the approval of fashion police everywhere. Tanks, pullovers, cardigans, halters, a skirt, a dress, even a bikini—they're all just a hook and a dream away! And how about coordinating those new outfits with trendy purses, hats, and jewelry? Practical as well as good—looking, Cool Crochet includes valuable tips on assembling garments, plus an appendix of stitches and guidance on yarn and materials. Every fashionista will want to get her hooks into this book!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Melissa Leapman is a widely published sweater designer whose patterns have appeared in Vogue Knitting, Knitter’s, McCall’s, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, Knit It!, and Interweave Knits magazines. Leapman has worked as a freelance designer for many leading ready-to-wear manufacturers, noted design houses, and major yarn companies. In addition, her knitting, crochet, and design workshops are extremely popular with crafters at all skill levels. She lives in New York City.




Joe VanDeHatert is a commercial photographer based in Cincinnati. His gorgeous images have been featured in Hot Knits, Yummy Yarns by Kathleen and Nick Greco, and Shibori by Karren K. Brito, all published by Watson—Guptill.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823011240
• ISBN-13: 978-0823011247
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #290,488 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Elegant New Designs, May 20, 2005

By 

Amy O'Neill Houck (Takoma Park, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs to Crochet and Wear (Paperback)

Melissa Leapman's new book has some great designs that have come out just in time for spring and summer--halter tops, sleeveless tops and some nice sweaters, hoodies and accessories. There's even a silver crocheted necklace. As the book proclaims "Stop with the afghans already!" Projects range in difficulty from Advanced Beginner to Advnced. No beginner projects and lots of fine crochetwork with small needles will make this book appealing to the more experienced crocheter, but it can provide inspiration to anyone. Yarns range in price too--she's included boutique yarns as well as less expensive yarns like Lion Brand and TLC. This is fashion that even knitters will love.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tops are designed too short, August 24, 2005

By 

Lizzie T. (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs to Crochet and Wear (Paperback)

Yep, the book has really nice designs layed out in a nice format. BUT be prepared to modify the patterns for the tops,(i.e. add rows), unless you are 14 years old, have a flat tummy and really like belly shirts. I,like many women, don't fit that category. Sigh. Not the biggest ordeal to add a few extra rows, but just be prepared to do it. I'm not sure how this type of modification will affect the shape of the tops.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a keeper!, June 29, 2005

By 

Trish "A Sun Salutin', Crochet Hookin' Chick!" (CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs to Crochet and Wear (Paperback)

I love this book! I buy and keep most of Melissa's crochet pattern books..I almost hate to call them patterns as they seem like works of art.
Although this book is not for the beginner, it would be worth it to have a look to see what you can aspire to! Intermediate to Advanced crocheter's will find at least two projects that they will want to finish ASAP. There are items to create for gifts and for yourself. Tops, blouses, swimwear, purses, hats, scarves, etc...you get the picture.
I have already picked out two pieces to create this summer
You won't be disappointed.
PS I've met and taken Melissa's classes at CGOA Conferences and she's as classy and nice as she comes across in her books!