Contest Time
The super nice people at Potter Craft sent me an extra copy of Everyday Crochet by Doris Chan. This book is a technique book, specifically it teaches you how to crochet in the round usually from the top down. Doris also goes to great detail on how you can customize all the patterns to your specific fit. You guys already now how great I think this book really is, so I'm sharing the greatness with you all. I think its a must in every crocheter's library. I think we could use tons more technical books on crochet, but that's me.
How about you? If you could make a crochet book, what would you want to see? Technical books? Books on real- woman sizes? Books on crocheting with color? Books on granny squares? Books on toys? Really what would you like to see? Leave me a comment between now and Sunday at midnight (EST), and I'll randomly select a winner from all who leave a comment. I'll post the lucky winner next Monday, Oct29; and send you the book. Good luck.
59 comments:
I love afghan patterns, and my biggest beef is that people do not included pattern repeats in order to customize the size. I try to do the math, but sometimes I do it wrong. Other things that would be covered in the book would be color changes, alternative yarns, and the gauge would be measured on your actual afghan not a swatch (because who does those anyway). Ah....dreams...
I would love to see a book on the technical advanced aspects of design (grading patterns, figuring your yardage from your swatch, etc). While I know it might not appeal to everyone, I think there are enough budding designers out there who would love to have this info in one place (okay, maybe just me). :)
Other than that, I'd just love to see more advanced designs. It's why I love Doris Chan's work. The first comment I always get when I wear the Walking After Midnight skirt I made is "That's crochet??" Love it!
I'll really love to see more modern garment designs.
I'd like to see more advanced pattern books as well. I also love to do wearables in thread, so more on that would be nice too..
I'd love to see more books of fitted, fashionable sweater patterns. Crochet can make such beautiful fabric; crocheters deserve more ways to wear it!
Thanks~
Ooo, I would be up for the book. I've been crocheting for years, but have never actually picked up any books or anything. As a result, I've not seen very many advanced designs, nor have I learned most of the stitches. And afghans are so pretty, but they take FOREVER to knit! Anyway.
Hi. =)
I love making garments and I'd like a book to learn more about calculating different sizes for a garment pattern and also more about making designs in different weights of yarn. Thanks for the contest!
PS. What I'd really love to see in more craft books is not just "real-woman" sizes, but perhaps multiple versions laid out neatly for all the patterns in different sizes. There needs to be some sensible, minimalistic way of doing this that doesn't involve a bajillion sets of parentheses.
You can find me at http://www.lifeinlilt.com/, or at Ravelry under the username ShoelessWonder.
I'd like to see some patterns that use a fingering weight wool, or some other fine, soft yarns. All the crochet patterns for fine yarns seem to be for cotton and I'd like to see a little softness and fuzz. :)
I'm still fairly new at crocheting (2yrs so far). I've only been able to make "square" projects like scarves and cases. I've tried to crochet round pieces and I just can't so I'd like to see a book that has awesome instructions I'm able to follow. Also, i've noticed most crochet sweaters and tops are sorta "bulky" so it would be cool to see patterns and designs that look "slim".
I'd love to see pattern books which give yarn substitution tips, since in India we don't get any of the yarns available in western countries.
Then I'd love to see patterns which require minimal seaming. Sewing 4 seams on a baby sweater = NONO!
i would like to see a book like the knitter's handy book of patterns and sweater patterns but for crochet. i have a nice crochet stitch library but am unsure of how to plug the stitches into a basic sweater (or accessories).
I would just love to see more crochet books period! I love to make baby items, but I would love to see fashionable, shaped garments for all - I hope that makes sense. I really enjoy your blog. I am just taking up crochet again and really enjoying it. Thank you
I'd love to see a book that included garments for women that include all size ranges and accessories. I have tons of afgan books and don't get me wrong I love them, but I'd like to see some great updated garnments.
I would like to see a book with modern fashion designs (like Doris') with instructions written in logical plain English (no * or parens) with charts for those who need extra visual aid.
I would also like to see a book with basic fashion silhouettes (i.e, a pullover, a cardigan, etc) with the collar, sleeve, and finishing done in multiple different ways.
I think a book that had all wearable designs, that use desirable yarns and have enough detail that they could be customized according to personal preference. Is that too much to ask for? :)
OK, I'd settle crochet patterns that aren't hideous and use nice yarn.
I would love to see a book that had more on the technical aspects of design and had various projects at the advanced/experienced levels
I would like to see more clothing designs I would actually want to wear.
I have been crocheting for many years and work from patterns a lot but also do some freeform and original design.
I would love to see a book that talks about writing for crocheters. How to write a pattern, how to liiustrate it properly, software available to help with charts and illustrations for your design or instructions, copyright issues, how to figure yardage and so on.
Also, I love toys, accessories,crocheted flowers, jewelry and color. Lots of color. I would love to see a book that included all of these elements.
Another idea I have long had is that so many publications spend a lot of time going over the basics in the first pages and it seems like such a waste to me. I understand when the book is beginner stuff, but when it is all very advanced technique, my guess is that those customers already know the basics. Maybe this book should only include any special stitch instructions. Another approach I have thought of for this issue is to create a "basic crochet" leaflet that can be purchased very inexpensively along with a book that is more advanced just in case it is desired by the buyer.
I am with several of the others who have posted here in wanting more for the advanced crocheter. I love all the quick easy stuff, but it gets really boring afte a while.
Jane
I just thought of another thing I would like to see.
I LOVE rayon fiber. I buy it a lot as cone yarn and the feel and drape is gorgeous! I would love to see some advantage taken of this type of fiber in a pattern book. There is so much out there just waiting for a creative person to find and use! I have some 100% rayon "ziggy" yarn right now in a gorgeous shimmery silver lace weight just calling for a pattern to show it off! I plan to use it for the knit corsette from Anne Modsette. She calls for silk, but I see no reason not to use my rayon as it has much the same feel and drape. It also wears like iron and is very easy care and comfortable to wear.
I love crocheted and knitted bags.There are a few books that I have seen about making bags.There are books out here,I know.But,only for making regular bags and purses.I'm interested to see clutches, wristlets, handbags and fancy and elegant bags. You are very good and inventive at making and designing great garments and I'm interested to see great designed bags,too.
I would love to see a book with real-size patterns. I have a granddaughter thatr wears a size 1 and I wear much larger.I would love tohave some variation for a x-small to an 3 x
I would love a book on different motifs. Also something about mixing knitting and crochet
I think I would love to see more fitted crochet patterns for wearables. I think there are some amazing options for beautiful tank tops, lacy cardigans, etc.
I'd love to see more modern, fitted crocheted sweaters and cardigans.
I love these suggestions.
I want sock books! Sock books with patterns that use fingering weight yarn and are not hideous. I am teaching myself how to knit solely for the purpose of making some of the beautiful lacy socks I've seen out there...but why aren't there more sock patterns for crocheters? I've been making the same socks over and over.
I would love to see an all inclusive kind of book. From color charts and theory to encyclopedia style stitch instructions. Also larger pictures of stitches so you can see what it actually looks like as a piece of fabric.
I'd love a copy of this book, but I have already blown my crochet budget for this month.......:(
I long for a book that shows how to convert knit patterns to crochet alternatives. I also love seeing beautiful crochet and not the square line, single/double crochet stuff that I see over and over again in the book stores. I want creativity! I want people to know that those who crochet are creative. I also think it would be great if all crochet pattern books had a ruler printed on the spine or front/back inside cover so that we could measure our swatches even if we forget our rulers!
Oh to crochet, perchance to make and open-lace work sweater with a snowflake motif...
I love holiday items, and now that crochet patterns for garments have become modern, perhaps holiday patterns can too.
Christmas stockings, trick-or-treat bags, easter bunnies. I love to make them, but all the patterns are so corny!
I'd like to see more wearables that you don't have to wear OVER something. Also, I'd like to see patterns with little modifications, such as a top pattern that shows how to do it with nice long sleeves, 3/4, short, or sleeveless.
I'd also like to see a section in a book on how to adjust your gauge. And not in a "change your hook size" kind of way, but suggestions on how to get your stitches taller to get gauge or narrower. Basically, show you how to adjust your technique so you don't have to mess with pattern adjustments.
I'd also like to see more basic clothing patterns or at least not all advanced. I know lots of people are just the opposite, but for me, it seems every clothing pattern out there is just so complicated.
Another vote for something a little more advanced - more advanced techniques, and garment shaping because I still have trouble trying to figure out which designs will suit a short pear-shaped person!
Books and magazines that have a wide range of sizing is one thing, how about showing the garment on a larger model as well? It's one thing to see a beautiful garment on a size 4 model (for example), but I've been burned too many times buying up a garments' worth of nice yarn only to find out the design really doesn't look good on a size 16 (at least, not this size 16!).
I'd love to see two types of books. One would be a book of creative patterns only for worsted weight yarns for all us cheapskates who can't really afford to spend lots on those beautiful (but very expensive) yarns.
The other book I'd love to see is the definitive crochet book that would cover everything (and I mean EVERYTHING)a beginner needs to know. There are a few books that seem to make that claim, but I still find myself having to look in several books to find answers to my questions on crochet.
Thanks for asking this question. The responses have been terribly interesting!
I love books on toys, stuffies, and cozies. I like the weekend project books. Different ways to sew together items, example...afghans, amigurumi pieces, purses. Helpful hints and shortcuts are always welcome...I guess I just want it all!!! LOL
I would like to see a crochet book that focuses on the architecture of crochet design. Crochet is more sculptural than knitting and as such it can be exploited to create garments and accessories with more texture and depth. Design templates would be of interest. Also a book with vintage crochet designs that are updated.
I'd also love a book of patterns for different holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween) that are not insanely kitsh. I'd also love a book with detailed instruction for the advanced beginner : I find it is a large step from the first sc, dc, granny square to making complex garnments.
I'd love to see a book that is bulging with up to the minute wearable and fitted fashions, for kids (not just babies), manly-men and women of all body types-
no more scarves, ponchos and hats-
AND without half of the book being about "how to crochet".
Giveme some new... something exciting... something we can actually wear...something that blows away garments found in department stores and gives us the extreme bragging rights of "I MADE THAT" and to bask in the joy of the envy of others and thrill in the delight of inspiring them to learn to crochet....I want...I want...I want it ALL!
(And preferably made with the less expensive fibers or alternative fiber suggestions.)
Yeah, I'm hard to please, but you did ask. =)
I would like to see more on the technical aspect, like designing and customizing patterns and how to increase and decrease for shaping. Also, lots and lots of charts. Since I always change something I usually chart the pattern out before I make it and that's a real pain! And more top-down designs. I do not like to seam!
Im with you on the advance pattern books I would love them to make more of them and for stores to carry more of them. I have looked for this book in the stores and havent been able to find it or anything like it anywhere. I did get a pamplet the other day to make more advanced sweaters for to donate to the ladies at the va hospital as they love to get the more fashionable stuff rather than the plain jane ones.
Sorry edited for bad grammer!
A contest?? What I didn't see this till now??
I am such a book hound~
I'd like a book that shows me different uses for the same pattern. Varying legnths, etc... More practical items that we will wear for years to come.
Also a help guide with different color choices. I'm sorta color blind. I think that comes from sketching. I know the one in 200 blocks is very helpful to me with all projects.
Oh... and anything made by you of course!
Oho, a contest, and for a book that I want to get.
I'd like to see a book with a pattern for a draped neckline. I think they are so flattering. I'm not sure if this can be done in crochet without going to lace weight yarn.
I'd also like the patterns with set-in sleeves to have the top of the sleeve at the shoulder bone, not drooping down about 2 or 3 inches. I've been disappointed with books and magazines showing otherwise cute tops that don't fit.
Clothes for over-sized women are always nice, and not just the ugly boxy styles. To quote from "Big Girl Knits" if you want a tent, join a circus. "Big Girl Crochets" would be a winner.
I love trying new patterns! I would love to see pics that follow the progress of the pattern. That way if I get stuck with a part of the pattern I don't understand, I think the picture would help out a whole bunch!
Great blog by the way!
Oh, I love Doris Chan's patterns! I made her Cat's Cradle topper from the January 2007 Crochet! magazine and LOVE it. When I was on a cruise, I think I could have sold a dozen or so of them. :)
I've been wanting this book because Doris's designs are exactly the kind of thing I want to see in crochet -- adapting "older" stitch patterns into fresh forms.
Fitted, fashionable designs that don't look like granny's afghan made into a sweater, things that use finer-gauge yarns, that's what I want to see more of.
I would like to see a book with patterns for real woman, not everyone is a size 2.
Plus more advanced patterns with lots of detail.
No more paper sacks, lol
I'm up for a freebie contest too. :) Very nice of you to host it.
I've made very few wearables. I am so intimidated by most of the patterns. I'm not a novice crocheter...just skeered of most wearable patterns! They need to really be easy for me to give it a try lol
Oh, I have several wishes...I would like to see more "shaped" garments with good how-to's on shaping. I don't need bigger patterns, but I would like realistic patterns...you know, something I would actually wear, not a garment that is only suitable on emaciated models walking down a runway.
I would like to find crochet designs that are as lovely and tasteful as all the knitting designs that are available. Truly, this has improved in the last few years, but we still have a ways to go.
I agree with Tracie, a book on the technical aspects of designing your own patterns would be nice.
Patterns that give several options on fiber choices would be nice...or more instruction on substituting yarns. (I know that may not be in the financial interests of the yarn companies, but it would be nice for US!)
I would also love to see some of those beautiful Japanese books translated, or similar designs done in an English book. For instance, there are only 2 or 3 books around on amigurumi in English. But not only amigurumi. There are many other Japanese books I have seen online wich such lovely aesthetics for home items and garments.
I would love more detailed & pictured patterns for larger sizes, saying it goes up to 2x and giving the amounts needed is nice, but it would be even better to see it on a live model as a better guage of fit.
I also love amigurumi and more books/patterns in english would be absolutely fantastic.
I would dearly love to see sweaters that have the kind of drape you can get from knitted sweaters. So many crochet ones are really stiff and bulky, and I wish there were more that are soft and curvy.
As well, much clearer pictures in books are necessary!
Heather
flattering patterns for plus size girls
i'd like an inspirational book about crochet, with photo of catwalk like here.
or
here
But organized by style or thematic in the spirit of detournement de mode. So this help analyse the style we like or it fits us, and undersatand what created this style using crochet. Because one cas make so many beauctifull things with crochet, with very different look.
I have been thinking a bit about your question here and have another book idea I would love to see. Crochet as an art form.
I would love to see a book that discusses crochet not as a way to create wearables and blankets but as a way to create sculptural work, wall hangings, furniture and so on. Maybe even discuss the people in this field, interview them, allow them to write segments of the book.
As far as I can tell, nothing like this has ever been published and I have searched. I did find one book, which I own, from the 70's that idscusses crochet as a sculptural form. I would love to see more.
I just wanna see more crochet patterns!!! I'm not hard to get along with!! lol
I'd really like to see more crochet patterns for men, that way I could make something for my husband! Maybe using classic colors in dk and worsted weight. I can relate to the comment from the woman in India. We live in Hong Kong, so I have less access to all the cool yarns that I see in books by American designers.
And of course, more non-bulky, cutting edge designs that would look good on my broad shouldered, long-armed, long waisted body (I guess we've all got issues...). I've just started my first top-down design from Doris Chan's new book, and have high hopes.
I'd like to see crochet books that are more advanced, either have more advanced patterns or deal with more advanced concepts. Where is the crochet equivalent of the more advanced knitting books that you can get? While I know there may not be direct translations (like steeking) certainly the complexity of making Fair Isle or Aran sweaters, toe-up socks, and lace shawls has some equally complex or difficult crochet equivalent.
The same holds true for classes. I'd rather learn something like how to take a crochet stitch pattern and alter it to make a shaped sweater than how to crochet with beads. That concept can be learned from a book and minor trial and error.
I would like to see clear instructions based on the stitch pattern for fitting. One of my main objections to crocheted clothes is the lack of direction for fitting the garment. Maybe I haven't looked at enough books but if the directions were in a technical guide it would make it easier to adapt old patterns.
I know I'm late, but basically what I'd like to see is Elizabeth Zimmerman for crocheters. A book that goes over the basic ways to make something so you can do your own patterns, adjust them as you see fit, and choose your yarns from whatever you have around you. That's essentially it.
Being a lefty, I'd like to see ALL how-to books and patterns include us. At times I have tried more complicated patterns than I was used to and quite often gave up because because the instructions didn't make sense and I wasn't experienced enough to figure it out. I still have trouble. I quit crocheting for years because of I thought I was too stupid to understand the patterns, but being too young and inexperienced, I didn't realize it was my leftiness (as I call it)not the patterns that was the problem. Even now, knowing this, some patterns defeat me. I now have the confidence to find out how to convert the patterns and stitches through books and sites that do include lefties. The other thing I would like to see more of in crochet books is history. Donna Kool's Encyclopedia of Crochet is excellent for starters, but somewhere there is information of the beginnings of our much loved craft that we just haven't found yet. Any way, those are my thoughts and thanks for letting me share them.
I would love to see more tecniques shown. How to incorporate different stitches in a pattern for a really textural look. It would help some of us to really see how using different colors and yarns together can really add style to a garment
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