Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs [Paperback]

Amy Swenson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008

As the millions of contemporary crochet enthusiasts explore new avenues for creative expression, they’re also creating their own special kind of couture with their hooks. And these sophisticated, high-fashion designs, inspired by runway trends, will appeal to their well-honed sense of style. Made with luxurious, sensuous fibers like silk, cashmere, and angora, the 25 projects in this alluring collection include sexy designs, such as a morning robe, a retro cocktail mini-dress, red hot halter, elegant cowl pullover, and sage corset. Beautifully photographed with moody lighting and stylish models, and featuring  step-by-step illustrations, this unique guide will appeal to the upscale crocheter eager to combine her favorite craft with her taste for all that’s chic and elegant.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling/Hollan (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402749198
• ISBN-13: 978-1402749193
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #139,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful designs in expensive yarns, April 2, 2008

By 

missouri reader (fulton MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs (Paperback)

This is a very well-produced book, with designs that I think represent some of the best in crocheted garment design today. (I have not made any of the patterns, so I can't say how accurate they are, otherwise I would give it 5 stars.) The crocheted items are beautifully photographed. Stitch diagrams and schematics are included. To substitute yarns, info is given on the total required yardage, weight and composition of the yarn, and knitting gauge (usually found on the skein wrapper and in catalog descriptions of yarn). Information is given about the properties of the fibers used. The crocheter is encouraged to use fibers which feel good, look good, and will last a long time. This I think is good advice, but some of the recommended yarns are extremely expensive. For example, Lorna's Laces Angel seems to sell for about $14 a 50-yard skein. The cover sweater is made in Angel and requires 21 skeins for 28" bust ($294) and 35 for 44" bust ($490). Besides the cost, that is a heck of a lot of ends to weave in! So, the yarn substitution info is likely to come in handy.

There is a range of items, from revealing strapless top to the relatively covered-up sweater featured on the cover. Many tops will require a camisole underneath, but some are quite bare and would be hard to wear a foundation garment under. There are several skirts and a dress. Most are, in my opinion, beautiful designs, but a few are pretty ordinary, like the 2 boleros, a small bag and a white scarf/belt. There is one scarf made in a very fine silk (with steel 8 hook) that I think is quite pretty. Sizes range from 28" to 50" bust for some articles. Quite a few items use fairly fine yarn and hooks from C to G, and a few use H-J hooks.

Most of the designs are by Amy Swenson, and other designers include Robyn Chachula, Annie Modesitt, Debora Oese-Lloyd, Amie Hirtes, Dana Codding, and Amy O'Neill Houck.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very sophisticated, December 31, 2007

By 

Marie (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs (Paperback)

This book is chock full of absolutely gorgeous designs. This is most certainly not your granny's crochet. These are all beautiful styles that drape beautifully on the female body. I have not yet started any of the projects, so I don't know if there are any technical errors, but the book is very well organized. If you've been looking to expand your crochet library--this is your book. Keep in mind this is not for someone that still needs to learn how to crochet. You should still get it for inspiration.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Most patterns suitable only for the svelte, March 9, 2008

By 

J. Sorensen (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs (Paperback)

This book offers a variety of patterns, but women who aren't model-size may have to search carefully to find appropriate garments here. The Butterfly Cardigan is a good design for all. Stitch schematics are sometimes included and I would love to see more of them in future books -- they are so much easier to follow than miles of words. The inclusion of substitute yarn info is very welcome.