Double Stitch [Paperback]

Erika Simmons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2008

The simple techniques shown in this guide together with the flirty, sassy designs will have even beginners crocheting in no time. Projects are divided into two collections, with "Out and About" featuring casual daytime fashions to layer over T-shirts or wear with jeans, a look that migrates from a downtown coffeehouse to the beach with ease. From the webbed halter dress and hooded poncho to the remix T-shirt with crocheted sleeves, all these pieces radiate an irresistible bohemian charm. The evening collection, "Paint the Town," emphasizes unusual detailing, open-weave crochet, and playful colors in designs for a feather choker and matching cocktail bag, a gothic shawl, a glamorous full-length peek-a-boo dress, a slinky tailored shrug, and a corset with satin ribbon ties.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School—This book brings grandmother's crochet to the high-fashion world with more than 20 patterns for everything from leg and neck warmers to dresses. The authors deserve credit for the sheer creativity of the designs, even if they're not always practical (one choker necklace pattern incorporates feathers into the stitching, and others weave ribbons and buttons into patterns). Some of the ideas border on the ridiculous—the "hip hanger" looks like a sideways knitted apron worn over pants, and the patterns for fringed halters and bikinis are a little over-the-top even for those with the body confidence to pull off such a look. Projects are packaged and modeled by young "downtown" type women, giving this book a feel that is very different from the majority of craft books for young people these days—think club wear and hip-hop-inspired designs rather than the indie-hipster looks in books such as Amy Spencer's Crafter Culture Handbook (Marion Boyars, 2006). As such, it will appeal to different readers and crafters, and the wide range of projects guarantees that anyone will find at least a couple of patterns worth trying out. A caveat: Double Stitch has limited introductory instructions for absolute beginners.—Caitlin Fralick, Ottawa Public Library, ON
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Review

"These fashions will freshen a stale wardrobe and likely change how you think about crochet garments."  —Monsters and Critics.com

"Elegantly flirty, authoritatively saucy, these projects take full advantage of crochet's openwork and show a whole lot of skin."  —Yarn Market News

"Takes crochet to new levels with the edgy, body-shaping designs the Chicago designers are known for creating."  —Ebony

"The Double Stitch sisters have terrific, glamorous style that's shown off in this book. I'd call it the first really sexy, chic, club girl crochet."  —Crochet Insider

"Wear an item made from a pattern in this book, and truly be prepared to stop traffic. The projects are modern, flirtatious, and fun."  —Suite101.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596680636
• ISBN-13: 978-1596680630
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best crochet books in a long time, May 31, 2008

By 

Virtuous Woman (Redondo Beach, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Double Stitch (Paperback)

Love this book! I read about the designers in a crochet magazine. Seeing their designs, I couldn't wait for the book. Not disappointed at all. It is gorgeous. Very colorful and funky. Erika and Monika (the authors) seem to have good spirits and are passionate about making wearable crochet fashions. The patterns are very easy. I highly recommend this book.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!, June 11, 2008

By 

I. ANAGUANO "Crochet Chic" (Medellin, Colombia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Double Stitch (Paperback)

I don't get easily excited with a crochet book because I have seen so many, I have also designed many projects by myself. But this one is amazing! I love almost everything from it, I already finished the cover shrug (actually it took me one evening to make it), but I did not sewed the feathers because I am very animal friendly crocheter... The spring issue of the Interweaven Crochet shows more photos from the book for your reference. The explications are very easy to follow, but pay attention since there are some mistakes: you better measure the garment before trusting the real stitch number given in the instructions (it refers for example to the white cover shrug, there is a pretty mess). But don't care, the book is still worth all the money it costs. Congratulations to sisters Simmons, what a great taste.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book NOW!!!!!, June 26, 2008

By 

Keisha Grant "DC Crochet Diva" (DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Double Stitch (Paperback)

I LOVE this book. I am an up and coming crochet designer as well. But when I saw this book, I was humbled. These ladies have some serious talent. I'm working on my second project out of this book. I'm making the tube Apron top for me to wear this weekend. I also made the poncho for my 8 year old daughter. There is something in this book for everyone. All you have to do is change the yarn and adjust the size. There is something in this book for old and young alike. No matter what size you are. And a lot of these items are adjustable to give you a truly custom fit... I am in LOVE!