Crochet Style

I love this book! I have crocheted since I was 14, back when nearly all patterns were for granny squares and table cloths. Crochet is often considered the step-child of knitting, and the craft and yarn companies treat it accordingly. Most "fashion" patterns for crochet are too open, not practical to actually wear. Sally Harding is one of the first to design a collection for crochet using stitches and patterns such as plaids, stripes, colorblocking, and cabling in wearable crochet "art". She also designs in Tunusian or "afghan" stitch for fair-isle and intarsia type sweaters. Although published in 1987, the designs are classic enough to be relevant for today.The book is not for beginners, however. There is an appendix with illustrated stitch diagrams and basic technique for particular patterns. To make the best use of the designs you really need a thorough foundation in the basics, which this book doesn't provide. The instructions are well written in imperial measurements(there is no conversion chart for metric).While some of the yarns used may be discontinued, a photograph of the yarns (and the gauge for each project)will help you to substitute with available materials.I highly recommend this book if you can get it; a forerunner in crochet design. In addition, I recommend Crochet With Style by Melissa Leapman, another designer who understands the dedication of crocheters.

I own this book already and it is a favorite of mine. It is all fashion-oriented and includes sweaters, jackets, vests and summer tops. If you want to crochet fashion items that don't look like afghans, try to get this one!