Customer Reviews

Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs to Crochet and Wear

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

This started out as my favorite crochet book, but after making about six of the patterns from intermediate to advanced, I think it should come with several warnings.

1. The patterns really are too short. I'm no prude; I like my garments to be fairly form-fitting. But almost every single pattern is scaled to terminate at the waist. This isn't such a big deal for a summer tank like Helene, but why on earth would you want a long-sleeved, turtleneck aran sweater (Patti) short enough to show off your belly-button when you stretch? Aside from being fashionably silly, this negates one of the points of a sweater like this, which is to be warm. I've generally needed to add at least 1" to the bottom of the garments, often more.

2. Though the sizes go up to XXL, they're often scaled randomly. Don't just use your bust size; measure your body and check against the schematics (which are nicely provided and accurate). For example, the largest sleeve circumference in the Julianna lace cardigan is 13.75". I make a size large, and my arm is 13.5" -- with ease, even the XXL sleeve wouldn't fit me. I made the pattern on trust without checking this stat, and I ended up having to rip out the sleeves and improvise something that would fit.

3. Swatch swatch swatch. If you just buy an applicable yarn and crochet away, you're going to be disappointed. I've *never* successfully matched the gauge on any of these patterns. And not just by a little bit. Often I have to drop a yarn weight and 1-3 hook sizes, and I still end up crocheting a size smaller to match the schematics. Ms. Leapman must crochet very, very tightly. And tight crochet makes for stiff fabric and bad drape.

The patterns are still beautiful, and this is by far the best organized knit or crochet book I own; I don't understand why everyone doesn't do photo tables of contents of pattern books when they've already decided to spring for glossy color pages. Just crochet with caution.

This book is FULL of great designs. Usually only one or two patterns will catch my eye, especially when it comes to crocheted clothing, but nearly every single one of these I can see myself making. The styles are fitted and up-to-date, and the patterns are clear and easy to follow. One of my favorite things was that the sizes range all the way from XS or S to XXL and XXXL! A great addition to any crochet library.

Each pattern has the yarn weight listed which makes it easy to substitute from your stash. The how-to instructions in the back are very good with great illustrations showing where to put the hook in the stitch, etc. Absolute beginners probably need more extensive how-to directions, but you could wing it with these. "Cool Tips" like "If you'd prefer a lower neckline,... - this book helps you to be creative and create your own style. Lots of pics throughout the book, including close-ups of the fabric stitch. You get 2 halter tops, a nice bikini that looks easy to make, 3 bags, a skirt, 2 hats, a wire/bead necklace, a stole and a poncho, a sexy shaped dress, 3 jackets, a cardigan, the wrap top from front cover, 7 long-sleeved pullovers (one with matching scarf), another scarf, a tunic and 3 summer tops. The skill levels go from advanced beginner to intermediate to advanced. Sizes go from small to 2X. All in all, there are many patterns I love in this book! A definite keeper! :)

I agree with others that some of the stiches are a bit uncreative (and miles of them) but I am willing to change bits here and there, I do love the look of most of the patterns. I really struggled with the stole pattern (the only one I've made) and instructions could be MUCH clearer with the use of charts, such as in the Happy Hooker. For instance, there's a lot of "skip next sc, skip next ch 1 sp, skip next dc, skip next ch 1 sp , sc in next dc" type instructions where something like "sc in middle of next shell" would be so much easier and you wouldn't have to count through the entire friggin row. I rewrote the instructions but there's been a lot of frogging.



I love the patterns though--a website with any errata would also be appreciated! I also love the look of the patterns in hot knits, but I haven't made any yet, so I don't know if that book has a similar issue.

(btw, this account is under my dh's name, but he doesn't crochet ;-))

This book is great - appealing modern designs, with sizing to fit small and plus sizes. Patterns are easy to follow, with good tips (like carrying yarn during a color change, rather than snipping and weaving in ends, etc.) A wide range of yarns are used in the patterns, including less expensive to more luxe and pricey types.

This book has some of the most beautiful crochet patterns I have seen in a long time.

There are a couple of items that I would probably not make (crocheted bikini, for example), but the majority of the items are just wonderful. Some reviewers have commented on how these items are "nothing new." I think most of the patterns are a "new twist" on classics, which is why I love this book.

Instead of a bunch of bizaare, kooky items that are only "hip" for a day, this book offers some more modern looking classics. Personally, I feel that if I spend all the time and money into making an article of clothing, I don't want it to look dated in a couple of months.

The only reason I give this a 4 star instead of a 5 star is because the book starts with "advanced beginner" patterns, while I feel that most of the patterns are for someone who is at least an intermediate level crocheter. I would not recommend this for someone who has only been crocheting for a short time, as this book would easily frustrate and confuse you. However, it a great book to have in your collection if you are an intermediate level OR you want a great book to go to for inspiration, because these items will truly inspire you to keep practicing.

I have previously been unimpressed with Melissa Leapman's design books. I felt they were too simple and plain. Now, however, I would like to offer my apologies to her--this book is cutting edge and very appealing!! The patterns are ones I would have designed myself: unique, beautiful, and very wearable! Please, Melissa, write more like this one!! GREAT JOB!!!