Customer Reviews

The New Crochet: 40 Wonderful Wearables

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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

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.

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! :(

This is a great book, even if you don't know how to crochet you will be able to learn how with this books fabulous "basics" section. And the patterns are very modernized, you get ponchos, several types of bags, felted bag, belts, a piece of jewelry, scarves etc. Another great thing is all the techniques that are covered with this book , again making it an excellent source for both the beginner and advanced crocheter.

I have to agree with the others who gave this book one or two stars. There were one or two patterns that were nice, but when I received the book and looked through the rest, I was very disappointed. 38 out of 40 of the patterns were boring, cheap-looking and beginner-level. If you're a long time, experienced crochet artist, this book is NOT for you.

The book has beautiful illustrations of some unusual designs. I haven't yet made any of the items so I can't speak to how good the directions are, but in general I'm pleased with the book and looking forward to many hours of crochet pleasure.

There are no new, hip patterns here. The only difference between these and your grandma's patterns is the yarn. Even with gorgeous yarns, these are poorly designed garments. Some are just plain not attractive.

Add to this, the misspellings (Impanema instead of Ipanema) and incorrect definitions (roving is not yarn, although it can be used to crochet with) and you have a total waste of $25.

Don't bother.

i had seen partial photos of some of the designs in the book before ordering. a couple seemed very new and interesting. when the book arrived, and i could see the ones i was interested in, they did not live up to my expectations. some of the newer ribbon type "yarns" were used but the design work just wasn't unusual enough to inspire me.

The book has very poor designs, really nothing to stop your eye on and too much to make all the big work with editing and printing a book....
Don't buy, on Internet there are free cuter designs and maybe with better explanations.
I only intented to make the Diamond Mesh Overskirt to give this book a try, but the instructions are so confusing I gave up.
Probably, I will give this book for a charity institution.

Finally, stylish crochet. NOT like your grandma's. The cover sarong is spectacular. Designer Nancy Minsky rocks! The jean skirt is so in! The designs by Nancy Minsky are stylish, trendy and hip. Her directions are easy to follow. You can see the European flair this designer exhibits. And, her suggestions are very helpful. The little green and white bag is a cute pattern also and great for jewelry while traveling. I am a novice, but can easily follow her directions as well as others in this book. Great relatively ideas from other designers in the book also. I bought this book for myself and for a couple of my friends. This book is worth adding to your library. Looking forward to seeing more fashion ideas published by this trendy designer, Nancy Minsky.