Customer Reviews

Crochet So Fine: Exquisite Designs with Fine Yarns

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

I don't agree with other reviewers who feel the designs are outdated and unflattering.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.

"Crochet So Fine" is much like a fashion magazine: the garments are interesting, creative, and beautifully photographed. And, as in any magazine or catalog, not every garment will appeal to everyone--and that's okay! Because Kristin Omdahl presents such a wide variety of styles in the 21 projects, there is much to like, no matter what your taste. Fitted cardigans, flowing shawls, some hats...whichever project(s) you choose, you will find Kristin's detailed, helpful instructions to guide you.

The Petals Wrap Cardigan featured on the cover really got my attention. I love the way Kristin incorporates the motifs into this openwork sweater. Detailed row by row instructions are supplemented by charts. As a designer myself, I know that it's challenging just to figure out what software to use to create charts. Many people find the visuals helpful, and Kristin is an expert at preparing them. I can't wait to make this and wear it!

I also like the way Kristin incorporates less-well-known techniques like broomstick lace and hairpin lace into her designs. She gives crocheters good reasons to learn something new.

Large expanses of double crochet stitches strike me as "been there, done that." (I think that look is what knitters often react negatively to, and I can't say I blame them.) While I appreciate the creativity of the hem, cuffs, side gussets, and sleeve attachment technique in the Cascade Pullover Tunic, I'm not drawn to the body of the sweater or the bib additions. In contrast, Pearl's Cardigan uses double crochet stitches in a fresh way that looks fun to make and wear.

Some of the more dramatic projects, like the Orchid Circular Shawl, are not for everyday wear--but what a great choice for a special occasion. I can picture a row of bridesmaids all wearing Orchid shawls. Wow!

I recommend this book to intermediate and experienced crocheters who are looking for interesting, well-explained projects that they will get many compliments on!

the styles are attractive, and i do enjoy altering patterns to fit my likes, however, if you don't have the time or patience to do that i wouldn't suggest the book. the instructions leave a lot of key points out and an inexperienced crocheter would quickly get confused. it took me several tries to figure out what the instructions actually meant, or how to get patterns to match to pictures. i'm not saying dont buy the book, just read some of the patterns before you shell out the money or you may end up disappointed.

I like this book- mostly. I will start off with the good: I love most of the shawls, I would totally wear them, or make them as gifts (and for the record, I am 22 years old). I also like about half of the accessories and the petals wrap (featured on the cover) is stunning. I would not say that this is a book for new crocheters. Some of the techniques might be a little chalenging, as well as working with fine yarn. This is actually a plus for me since I reached crocheting ennui years ago, and really needed (and need) books and patterns to challenge me. I find it to be... fairly well written. Some errors but nothing I can't work with.

So bad stuff. Well, none of the patterns for sweaters are plus sized. And to be frank, even if they were, with the exeption of the wrap sweater on the cover I would not make them. This book has the dubious honor of having the ugliest sweater pattern I have seen published in recent years- The cascade tunic on page 107. And the other ones are not that much better. It's a matter of taste though. Mostly I am happy with my choice in ordering this book.

One thing I don't understand is why people order books and then get upset when it basicly is what it says in the title. "OMG whats with all these fine yarns and tiny hooks in Crochet so Fine, UGH!", and "I really have no need for fancy shawls and wraps, so I'm giving Wrapped in Crochet one star". My favorite was a reviewer for Amazing Crochet Lace complained that it was full of patterns that looked like huge doilies, when that was what was advertised. Read the discription for goodness sake.

I bought Crochet So Fine the minute it came out and happily started on a pattern, only to find errors in the instructions. I understand that later editions had corrections, but it really spoiled my enjoyment, since now when starting a pattern I am concerned that it may have errors not reported. The other problem is that although the designs are lovely, the very fine yarns used are not really suitable for garments like sweaters, since they're fine enough to be broken if snagged. Also, generally the yarn needed is sold in hanks, which will then need to be wound into balls before using them, so unless you have a yarn winder, buy from a shop where they will wind it for you. I'm going to try making a couple of the shawls from a DK or baby weight rather than the very fine yarns, since fit won't be a problem. All in all, though the designs are very pretty, I really wish this book had not been printed without much more careful editing.

This purchase took a little bit longer to arrive than most of my Amazon purchases, still received within a reasonable time - 5 days. The projects are delightful but a note of caution... most are for experienced crocheters. I already started to work on a shawl and the instructions are clear but the material and the crochet hook size make for a slow progress. Regardless of these little bumps, I am very pleased with the way the finished product is looking..

I am not loving this book and don't think I will ever buy one of her books again! The patterns are wrong and poorly written. No corrections have ever been posted. I usually don't use written patterns, but had to on this one. It was the only way to get thru some of the rows. BUT it is 65 rows long and chart only goes to 25! If I had known the problems with this book, I NEVER would have wasted my money!

The one thing I love about Omdahl's books are that her patterns fuel a beginner to persevere.Her designs are so fresh and exciting and I am always thrilled that she takes the time to simplify so that skill improvement is always possible .I have her book "Wrapped in Crochet" and to be very honest I have made about 5 shawls from that book alone and this was only a couple of months after I began crocheting, that book alone took my skills to a whole new level . Her new book ,once again is fresh and exciting and I look forward to these new projects .I know that many people who crochet would love this book but what I love most about her books is that even for someone who does not crochet ,it is such a great coffee table book as her pieces are so creative and beautiful .