Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

DORIS CHAN SCORES AGAIN!

by

Crochet Lace Innovations by Doris Chan

I really wanted the picture of the cover of Doris Chan’s latest book to be large enough so you could see  the lovely lace design.  This is indicative of the beautiful designs Doris has created for us!  This same design also appears as a dress in the book.  There are 20 designs in this book, incorporating a variety of crochet techniques, including broomstick, hairpin, tunisian, and Doris’ signature exploded lace.

I have yet to give hairpin lace a serious try – but the cap sleeve vest pattern in this book makes me want to go for it!  Tunisian has become a well-used technique in my crochet repertoire, although I’m still painfully slow at it.  And the whole concept of using doily patterns to make full size garments is very enchanting.

This book contains a hairpin lace tutorial that is thorough and well illustrated.  Same for tunisian.  All the designs are shown in full color pictures with both text and schematics.  In addition, Doris gives a full page of ‘Tips for Success’ for each technique – sorta like having the designer right there with  you while you’re crocheting.

Yarns in this book tend to be natural fibers, wool and silk.  Color choices are both current and classic.  Project difficulty ranges from intermediate beginner to experienced crocheter.  Scarf patterns are great ‘beginner’ projects to give the technique a test drive.  Then, a more complex pattern follows to encourage the crocheter to stretch the limits.

While every garment crochet book contains scarves, cardigans, and skirts, you’ll look far and wide to find a scarf as visually complex as the Siona Stole on page 37.  It’s made in cream and Celery green bamboo wool in strips of hairpin lace.  The visual impact is simply stunning!

This book is definitely a keeper.

BOOK STATS:

Potter Craft Books, 2010

144 pages

ISBN:  9780307463821

List price is $21.99 USD

Comments

  1. ooh…I so want this…need to work it into the budget. thanks for the review.

  2. I have your book but i have some problem with the size also with the pattern. maybe somebudy can help me?
    I am doin”Bozina Dress” page 96
    Thanke You
    Orit cohen

  3. Doris Chan has a blog but she has this posted there:
    I do not provide pattern support for my designs here on this blog. Please join me and the posse at Ravelry.com, and post your questions on the forum dedicated to my designs, Doris Chan: Everyday Crochet. Thanks.

    So, I suggest you take your specific questions to Ravelry.com. There are so many helpful crocheters on their forums. I’m sure you’ll find the help you need there.
    jd

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.