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Perfect Paperback
Publisher: Leisure Arts, Inc
ISBN13: 9781601407900
Condition: NEW
Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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| Good Design Tips Plus Three Very Good Patterns Equals 3.5 Stars |
| Customer Rating: 3 out of 5 |
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The excellent description of the design process that accompanies each pattern in this book justifies the purchase price. Designer Ohrenstein explains why she chose particular stitches, what yarn characteristics needed her special attention, and what issues she faced in constructing each garment. For example, in the notes to her attractive hooded vest, she remarks: "By studying the hoods on two garments I own, I learned one thing that's odd about hoods: they can attach to a point below the neck, but must sit on the head at an angle."
The book includes patterns using (1) shell and fan stitches (capelets, bracelet, shrug, sweaters, bikini, long vest, jacket); (2) diamond and wheel stitches (ruana, scarf, hat, purse); and ripple and wave stitches (hooded vest, belt, mini-dress, skirt, beach coverup, tote bag). Three of the patterns are particularly noteworthy. The bikini pattern is one of the best that I've seen--very attractive as a garment, beautifully fitted, and probably functional as a swimsuit that can go in and out of the water. The hooded vest with crosswise waves and an ample hood is probably my favorite pattern from the book--something that I'd like to make. The resort mini-dress is a pretty, eye-catching tube of feather and fan stitch that is gathered with a cord at the neckline to provide "shaping"--more of a beach coverup than a dress, but it's simple and attractive, and might also work as a skirt.
However, many of the other patterns use overlarge stitches that are out of scale on the human body (for example, the "Big Fans" vest). Garments like this will crochet up quickly, but they aren't really "fashionable". Also, many of the garments use rather garish color schemes (for example, the "Toreador Jacket" with dark red body, and sleeves and bottom edging of light purple and light green stripes). These color schemes cheapen the look of the garments. And finally, some of the garments don't really drape (for example, the "A Rose Is a Rose Jacket", which has unshaped tube sleeves, and in my opinion, makes the model look fat).
In sum, this is a very good crochet design book, but only a so-so pattern book. That's why it's not quite worth 4 stars.
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| Crochet Insider's Passion for Fashion |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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RECIEVED BOOK IN TIMELY FASHION. IT'S LIKE NEW. LOTS OF GOOD FUN STUFF INSIDE TO MAKE.
THANK YOU. A++
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| Beautiful and wearable crocheted fashions |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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With the rising popularity of crochet and the attending glut of pattern books on the market, it is refreshing to have a book become available that actually puts you inside the mind of the designer. Dora goes to great lengths to design items that will actually drape well on your body, with stitch patterns that are carefully considered with the finished item -- and the human body -- in mind. The Peacock skirt, my personal favorite, uses a stitch that fully complements the body that will be wearing it, resulting in a flattering and elegant skirt that you can wear for years to come.
Now, I'm not much of a bright color girl, but these are so well-designed, they will translate well into whatever your personal palette may be. You'll create clothing you'll wear again and again, not just stuff that sits on your shelf.
The best of it is, once you've read through the patterns and Dora's careful explanations, you will have an increased understanding of what makes great design -- very helpful if you have a yen to branch out in that direction yourself!
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| Very well done! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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I have hundreds of pattern books and I love them all but this one is done very well.
It takes you inside the designers mind and helps you understand how and why she did what she did.
I think this is a must for designers and anyone who wants to understand how to design well.
As a designer myself I really think Dora did an excellent job with this book.
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| Cute stuff but ... |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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I like this book and am currently changing one of the patterns to fit me a size 4x. It's not hard to do but it would've been nice just to fly through the pattern. Of course that means no other 4x woman will be wearing the same sweater. I am using a plastic bottle recycled yarn which feels a lot like a softer cotton/acrylic kw. I am using a larger hook and adding to the sleeve width. So far so good. I will be making a few other items from this book as gifts for the non-x family members.
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