Black leather granny squares are anything but square, and hot pink organic hemp gives crocheted vases a decidedly modern cachet. In Uncommon Crochet, designer Julie Armstrong Holetz applies new ideas and unconventional materials--like wire, raffia, jute, sisal, recycled belts, fabric strips, and felted beads--to twenty-five patterns for bins, baskets, totes, handbags, clutches, jewelry, and more. Step-by-step instructions, detailed how-to photographs, and essential advice about creativity, design, and experi-mentation encourage you to play with fiber, add funky embellishments, and use your creative spirit to customize any pattern--even the ones in this book! From practical containers like Red's Goodie Basket (a stylish home for your WIP--works in progress) and Vintage Satchel (a sturdy retro messenger bag) to just plain fun projects like Petite Fleur Vases (tiny bud vases that hold water) and Sushi (crocheted California rolls, anyone?), Uncommon Crochet offers fresh twists on old-school techniques that turn simple projects into gift-worthy creations.
Julie Armstrong Holetz is a writer, editor, and pattern designer. Julie's most recent book, Uncommon Crochet (Ten Speed Press, 2008) encouraged stitchers of all experience levels to explore natural fibers and alternative techniques in order to create, design, and experiment with crochet. With Crochet Away! (Price Stern Sloan, 2006), Julie shared her passion for crochet with younger readers. Most recently, Julie was proud to commission patterns and articles for the Britain's only premier crochet publication Inside Crochet Magazine.
Julie has designed patterns for several popular books and magazines. Her crochet designs have been published in Stitch N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker, Alt Fiber, Crochet Me, and Get Hooked as well as Inside Crochet and Crochet Me Magazine.
Julie was also a featured guest on multiple episodes of the DIY Network's Uncommon Threads where she had the chance to demonstrate her interest in crochet with unusual materials and organic shapes.
When the children allow some free time, Julie is a freelance technical editor working for prominent craft book publishers and magazines like Interweave Crochet, Knitscene, Potter Craft, and Interweave Press.
Julie lives and plays on the Eastside of Seattle with her husband and two children.
Website: Skamama Designs
Email: jholetz@tensionmagazine.com
