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

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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?

Cropped Chunky Granny Stitch Cardigan Crochet Pattern

There is something about a chunky granny stitch cardigan that just feels instantly wearable, isn’t there? It has that lovely handmade texture we all adore, but it still looks modern enough to throw on with jeans, wide-leg pants, a simple dress, or, if you are feeling a little festival-ready, a floaty boho skirt and boots.

This boho granny stitch cropped cardigan crochet pattern has that perfect relaxed handmade look without feeling too oversized or shapeless. The cropped length keeps it flattering, while the open granny-style stitch gives it plenty of drape and texture. I especially love it worked in a soft sage green, because it gives the whole design a calm, earthy, slightly vintage feel without looking dated.

The design features a boxy cropped body, open front styling, wide sleeves, and a textured granny-style stitch pattern that gives the cardigan its statement look. It is the kind of crochet cardigan that looks impressive but still feels approachable if you are comfortable with basic crochet stitches and joining simple garment pieces together.

This is a lovely project for crocheters who want to move beyond scarves and blankets but are not quite ready for complicated shaping. The beauty of this style is that the relaxed fit is forgiving, which makes it a good first wearable project if you have been wanting to dip your toe into crochet clothing.

The chunky texture is also a bonus for impatient crocheters — and yes, I am raising my hand here. There is nothing worse than starting a cardigan and feeling like you have committed to a six-month relationship with one sleeve. This type of open stitch pattern builds quickly and gives you that satisfying “oh look, it’s actually becoming a cardigan” feeling fairly early on.

For yarn, I would choose something soft but structured enough to hold the stitch definition. A chunky or bulky yarn in cotton blend, acrylic blend, or wool blend would work beautifully depending on the season. Sage green gives it that boho handmade look, but this pattern would also be gorgeous in oatmeal, rust, denim blue, cream, mushroom brown, or a soft dusty rose.

If you are styling it for a modern boho look, pair it with sage wide-leg pants, a simple white tank, layered necklaces, and a crossbody bag. For cooler months, it would also look lovely over a fitted long-sleeve tee with jeans and ankle boots.

What I Like About This Pattern

The cropped length makes it feel fresh and wearable.

The granny stitch texture gives it a beautiful handmade look.

The open-front shape means there is no fussing with buttons or closures.

The wide sleeves add a relaxed bohemian feel.

It is a great project for crocheters who want a wearable garment without too much shaping.

Skill Level

I would place this as an advanced beginner to intermediate crochet pattern, depending on how confident you are with garment construction. The stitching itself appears beginner-friendly if you already know the basics, but assembling a cardigan and keeping your gauge consistent does require a little patience.

If you are new to crochet garments, take your measurements before starting, check gauge properly, and don’t skip blocking. I know blocking is one of those things we all pretend we are going to do “later,” but with a cardigan like this, it really helps the stitches relax and the edges sit nicely.