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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The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.

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