Crochet So Fine: Exquisite Designs with Fine Yarns [Paperback]

Kristin Omdahl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 27, 2010

Kristin Omdahl's Crochet So Fine takes crocheted clothing from fussy to fashionable! By working with thinner yarns and more flexible stitches, crocheters can produce garments that are stylish and comfortable, figure-flattering without being form-fitting and great for layering. And just because the yarn is thin doesn't mean crocheters need to use the smallest of hooks, fine crochet can be quick and easy, too.

Crocheters begin by exploring techniques specific to crocheting with fine yarns: gauge, blocking, and garment construction tips to maximize drape. Then they can choose from 20 projects including stunning crocheted pullovers, cardigans, jackets, capes, shawls, scarves, hats, and more. Many of the projects only require one or two skeins of yarn. The designs are interesting to make, using clever stitch motifs, innovative and traditional shaping methods, and a variety of crochet techniques and embellishment ideas. In addition to a variety of stitch patterns, motifs, and techniques, Crochet So Fine includes tutorials with detailed illustrations and instruction on Tunisian crochet, broomstick crochet, and hairpin lace. The garments include couture details such as colorwork, beading, lace, ruffles, tiers, and more. All stitch motifs include charts, and the specialized techniques include how-to sections.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I could say Wow and leave it at that, or I could say double wow. This book is So Fine in so many ways - fine yarns, fine design. It really is what it claims - modern and fashionable crochet. Kristen is magic with a crochet hook. I want to make and wear nearly all of these patterns. I've never seen crochet look so good. It's one of the best books I have seen this year...It's official I like every patten in this book and would recommend it to everyone...Instructions look clear and the photography is very good." - Karenplatt.co.uk

"Gorgeous...Kristin has always brought a special eye to crochet design, bringing together the beauty in geometry, great stitching technique, an artistic eye, and lovely fashion sense. It all comes together in beautiful crochet, with one smashing design followed by another." — Crochet Insider

"Kristin's newest book shows how the crocheter can work with thinner yarns and more flexible stitches to produce garments that are chic, figure-flattering and great for layering. Many of the projects use large hooks and are fast to work up." — Stitch Diva Studios

"See what a difference fine yarn and intricate lace stitches can make in Crochet So Fine, Exquisite Designs with Fine Yarns (Interweave, $22.95) by crochetwear designer Kristin Omdahl. Her 20 light and airy creations are perfect for all body types and will add a feminine touch to any outfit." — Detroit News

"...overall this book has plenty of designs that will send the intermediate and advanced crocheter grabbing their hooks and raiding the yarn stash." — Monsters and Critics

"This book attempts...to show off crochet's potential as a medium for soft, drapey, stylish fashions." — About.com

"The crochet patterns in this book are definitely at the light and floaty end of the scale. The designs are beautiful. Show stoppers but still very wearable." — Crochet Brain

"Say good-bye to stiff crocheted silhouettes. By using the fine yarns that have so caught knitters' attention of late, this book ups the drape and comfort level of wearing lovely looped lace. From the very first pattern--through the rest of the ornate collection, Omdahl entrances." — Yarn Market News

About the Author

Kristin Omdahl designs knit and crochet garments and patterns under her label KRISTIN and distributes her own line of patterns and kits from her website, styledbykristin.com, and to yarn stores. She designs for several knit and crochet magazines and book publishers and teaches knit and crochet techniques for private lessons and workshops. She creates designs for a variety of yarn companies including Plymouth Yarn, Cherry Tree Hill, and Tilli Tomas plus has had designs in Interweave Crochet, Interweave Knits, Knitscene, Crochet Today, Crochet!, Cast On, Knit N’ Style, plus several books including Crochet Gifts (Interweave), Crochet Me (IWP), and More One Skein Wonders (Storey). She is the author of Wrapped in Crochet (Interweave, 2008).

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (July 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596681985
• ISBN-13: 978-1596681989
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kristin Omdahl designs knit and crochet garments and patterns under her label KRISTIN, and is the author of "Crochet So Fine" (Interweave, July 2010) and "Wrapped In Crochet" (Interweave, 2008). She appears in every episode of Knitting Daily TV on public television as the show's "Crochet Corner" expert, and she conducts seminars around the country on crochet and in her new DVD workshop, "Innovative Crochet: Motifs" (Interweave, 2009). Kristin's work has appeared in Interweave Crochet, Interweave Knits, Knitscene, Crochet Today, Crochet!, Cast On, and Knit N' Style, plus books including "Crochet Gifts" (Interweave, 2009) and "Crochet Me" (Interweave, 2007). She enjoys knitting and crocheting in her orchid garden in sunny, Southwest Florida. Check out what's new with Kristin at www.StyledbyKristin.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great designs, so so instructions, July 25, 2010

By 

Sharon Cheek (Lothian,MARYLAND United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crochet So Fine: Exquisite Designs with Fine Yarns (Paperback)

The designs in this book are great, no question about that; the instructions leave something to be desired as do the charts. The written instructions , in an attempt to be clear, use far too many words to explain everything, thus becoming cumbersome. The written instructions, at least in one case, do not match the charted design. The charts for some of the designs are very small and in at least one instance, do not show the complete design. Do not recommend this for a novice or inexperienced crocheter.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars errata?, October 4, 2010

By 

aileen - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Crochet So Fine: Exquisite Designs with Fine Yarns (Paperback)

Is there an errata yet? I am trying to make the petals wrap cardigan and have found numerous mistakes. I wrote directly but have not received any response. I have yet to finish it as I have had to figure out the overly complicated way in which the instructions are written. For instance, in the next space should be at the beginning and when it says once does it mean do the instructions inbetween the parentsis and then again actually making it twice. astericks, parentsis within brackets are confusing in the context of the sentence. I am experienced and I know how to follow instructions but.....
I will need to brainstorm with others to figure some of this out and probably have to make some adjustments by sewing some of the holes.

I'll write again after completion.
This is an honest and no agenda review.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely & Classic design, September 14, 2010

By 

Noel Grabow - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Crochet So Fine: Exquisite Designs with Fine Yarns (Paperback)

I don't agree with other reviewers who feel the designs are outdated and unflattering. I do agree it is not a book for beginners, but you do not need years of experience, either. If you are very new to crochet and not familiar with different stitches like double and half-double, it may be frustrating to have to look these up often - once you are familiar, this book is a fun challenge. I gave this book 4 stars due to the typs which cause confusion with the directions. Maybe the editor doesn't know about crochet? Either way, inconsistent directions are annoying, but common sense (symmetrical pattern, asymmetrical directions must be wrong) can overcome this flaw. I am willing to look past it and I love nearly every project in the book.

Not everyone has the same taste, but the garments represented in this book are, by the nature of construction from thin yarn and varied size options in the directions, able to be made as loose or form-fitting as one wants. The items feature mainly simple lines and fitting based on the article being stretchy. As far as the projects being outdated, I disagree. Lace is being represented in a lot of fashion from runways to your local Target. I have always enjoyed clothes with this type of flair and am glad to have a whole book of patterns as chunky garments worked in worsted or heavier yarn have no appeal to me.

I have only been crocheting 6 months, and had a little confusion with the directions, as well as some typos. I say, read the directions, check the chart, and be consistent. Common sense can tell you not to make only one of the patterns you have been working in a row even if the directions have the wrong numbers. The charts are helpful where the directions are confusing, and there are many closeup pictures as well. I enjoy making an item that makes me think rather than repeating the same exact stitch for hundreds of rows. So far, Crochet So Fine is satisfying my desire to be challenged by more difficult patterns, and make beautiful garments that I will enjoy wearing often.

I don't like the hats, but I have never liked hats in general. I will try to use the stitch patterns and techniques on something else, though.