The New Crochet: 40 Wonderful Wearables [Hardcover]

Terry Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005

From the catwalks of Europe to the trendiest catalogs and boutiques, crochet is making a very fashionable resurgence. But even with all that popularity, there's no need to pay designer prices for chic crocheted clothes. These stylish, contemporary patterns come from a variety of artists, and they're far from those musty designs Grandma used to make. And because most use familiar and easy to learn stitches, you can easily make them yourself with the help of the well-illustrated basics section. All the classic garments--including a cloche, fringed poncho, Chanel-inspired jacket, and itsy-bitsy bikini--are created with both traditional and specialty yarns, and they feature a range of fashionable embellishments like textured bobble stitches, corkscrew fringe, and delicate edgings.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Beginners will race for the craft store when they see the array of crochet projects spun by veteran crafts author Taylor (Altered Art: Techniques for Creating Altered Books, Boxes, Cards & More). Organized into six sections, the book includes extensively illustrated instructions for staples like scarves and hats, and advanced projects for experienced crafters. Most of the instructions are accessible to novice needlers ("Make the hat first; then, with the remaining yarn, make the scarf to the desired length"), but some details for advanced projects can confuse. In addition to hats, scarves, tops and ponchos, the pages are filled with pint-sized projects perfect for getting started with crochet, like the Flirty Floral Choker and Jammin' Jeans, both of which will appeal to a youthful crowd. From the skimpy Impanema Ensemble swim suit and wrap to Not Your Granny's Halter Top, the projects are fresh, fun and stylish. Younger readers will be tempted by the Reversible Halter and Scarf while more mature readers will covet the classic Double Rectangle Top or the Snuggly Azure Shrug. This volume is aimed squarely at the center of the next generation of crocheters, but will interest anyone who likes zippy crochet projects.
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books; First edition. edition (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579906869
• ISBN-13: 978-1579906863
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,309,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Terry Taylor is an editor, jeweller and metal artist. He has authored numerous Lark books including Button! Button! 9781600591457, The New Crochet 9781600592188 and Altered Art 9781579905507, and his project designs have been published in over four dozen Lark books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These patterns really are hip!, October 28, 2005

By 

Stern Fan (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Crochet: 40 Wonderful Wearables (Hardcover)

The first pattern that caught my eye was the Silk Meringue Bolero. It's made with 1 1/2 " wide silk ribbon and worsted weight mohair. Done in a loop stitch with sleeves that are made separately and sewed in, it's a frothy topping that would probably cost a fortune if you bought it in a boutique. I have no clue as to what silk ribbon costs, I'm sure it's a little pricey, but if you want to wow them, it's worth it. Another silk yarn pattern is the Copper-Tone Silk Ribbon Tank. I swear this thing looks knit but it's done with a Q hook and a loop stitch variation that creates an elongated stitch. It's very effective and shows off the gorgeous ribbon.
Then there are patterns for embellishing clothing you already have. Quick and easy, these are good week-end projects.
There are a number of ponchos, shrugs and shawls. The shrug is a simple rectangle with a few stitches you sew up on each end to make the cuffs. Simple, but the Punta Yarn in Aqua-Mauve makes it look 4 times as complicated. I think I will make the Fanciful Mesh Sweater. It's an asymetric pullover with a scoop neck. I love how the asymetric point is practically down to your knees and there is no sewing involved. The mesh stitch works up fast.
You get a touch of freeform in the Paisley Motif Scarf, and if you wanted to felt something, there is a Frivolously Fuzzy Felted Bag for you to try.
There are plenty of scarves, bags, totes, belts,hats and yarn jewelry included. The Diamond Mesh Overskirt has an edgy look to it. There is also a bikini pattern. I like the top, but I fear the bottom may sag if it gets wet, although they do say to line it as an option. To me, a crocheted bikini is more of a sunsuit than a wetsuit.
The projects are for every skill level. Add this book to your library

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I can't believe the other ratings..., August 31, 2006

By 

Susan Fleming (Hereford, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Crochet: 40 Wonderful Wearables (Hardcover)

I had trouble swallowing the reviews that gave this book a one or two star rating. 1st of all no need to spend $25 as it can be gotten for less and 2nd of all it is worth the money. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is because I expected more clothing. I would label this more towards the wearable accessories book. A couple of hats & bags, cute bracelet, belts, scarves, ponchos(of which I am not a big fan), shawls, key chain, cute ideas for purchased clothes, stunning skirt, string bikini, toppers, shrugs, boleros and a couple of halter tops. I personally like 28 out of 40 designs. There are a few snoozers as in any pattern book. I just felt this book was rated unfairly and had to put my 2 cents in. Remember though taste is a personal thing.

31 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed- cover and 2 other outfits out of 40 are the only good ones, April 4, 2006

By 

A. Pennington (Bklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Crochet: 40 Wonderful Wearables (Hardcover)

What made me buy the book was the cover for the sarong. I thought WOW, I already had ideas. Then when I received the book, went through the pics, [which they give closeups on the stitches] I was thinking, [Ive been had] The poncho they have only 1 though I dont like the pattern it gave me ideas and the yarn Richesse et Soie impossible to get,which I want for the high content of cashmere, from K1C2, and the silk ribbon form Artemis, you can't even find I dont think they do any more. I was truly disapppointed and have entertained the idea of sending the book back. There is more accessories [wristband, small pouch bag, alot of edging] than there are clothing. I was hoping for sweaters, better designs on hats/scarves. Save your money! :(