PASSION FOR FASHION

One of Leisure Arts’ most recent crochet offerings is Dora Ohrenstein’s Crochet Insider’s Passion for Fashion. This book is a real joy. The 23 designs in this book are all innovative and attractive. There are several that are on my WIM list for the near future.

Why innovative? The designer uses stitch techniques for shaping that are not often used in similar designs. The Peacock Skirt makes clever use of ripples to create a flounce on the bottom and hip and waist shaping on the top. The Mosaic Shells sleeveless top, worked from side to side has no actual shaping – but has visual shaping created by use of color and texture of the stitches. And, my favorite, the Toreador Jacket, uses an interesting yoke assembly to create shaping.

Ms. Ohrenstein demonstrates her fascination with the Catherine’s Wheel stitch, emplying it in several projects in this book. One of the most effective uses of this stitch is in the tiny, charming Preciosilla Purse where she turns the typical purse pattern on an angle to create an exquisite little bag.

Usually a lack of schematics will displease me. But, in this book, each project is pictured from several angles and close enough to see stitch detail. Thus the need for schematics is diminished.

Overall, this book is a must read. I must say that, again, I wish it has been published with a spiral spine so the pages would lie flat for easier use. But, I won’t hold that against it. The only downside to this book is the choice of some colors in the designs. My favorite pattern, the Toreador Jacket which is on my daughter’s Please Make It For Me Right Away List, is pictured in a strange and not particularly attractive color combo. I hope it was the photog’s filter rather than the designer’s eye which created this problem – but I don’t really like the combination of violet and green matched with rust. Doesn’t work for me.

Other than that, I’m all for this book. It will have a prized place in my library.

SPECS:

Leisure Arts #4542, 2008 by Dora Ohrenstein

8.5X11 inch soft cover, 189 page, lots of color pictures

ISBN 13-9781601407909 OR 10-1601407904

List Price $22.95 USD

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Craft Your Own Fashion Statement: Dive into Crochet…

Lasy month we shared the Sweet Rolls Fruit review and this month we are featuring the vivid range, just in time for NYE projects.

Introducing Premier Sweet Roll Vivid Yarn, the latest addition to the beloved Sweet Roll family! Bursting with brightness and vibrancy, Sweet Roll Vivid is an exciting and gorgeous yarn that adds a pop of color to your crafting projects.

Crafted from 100% acrylic, this yarn is soft and luxurious, making it a joy to work with. As you stitch, Sweet Roll Vivid creates a captivating self-striping effect, adding depth and interest to your creations. With its beautiful new shades, full of color and WOW appeal, this yarn is guaranteed to brighten up any project you’re making.

Each 3.5 oz. ball contains approximately 174 yards of yarn, providing you with plenty of material to bring your creative visions to life. The suggested gauge is 17 stitches and 23 rows to 4 inches on size 9 needles, offering versatility and flexibility for various knitting or crocheting projects.

Sweet Roll Vivid is perfect for crafting stand-out scarves, shawls, blankets, and any other project you can imagine. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just starting out, this yarn is sure to inspire creativity and delight.

Join the many satisfied crafters who have given Sweet Roll Vivid a 4.9 out of 5-star rating, and add a splash of brightness and color to your next knitting or crocheting adventure. Explore the possibilities and let your creativity shine with Premier Sweet Roll Vivid Yarn!

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