Book Review: Crochet It. Love It. Wear It!

Crochet It. Love It. Wear It! (Leisure Arts #5058)

If you haven't met Drew Emborsky (in person or on TV), then you haven't been treated to one of my favorite people in the crochet world. Drew is someone that you connect with immediately no matter who you are, he just has that spark in him. Besides wanting to move next door to him and be his best friend (and to oggle his garden), Drew produces some of the most unique crochet designs. My favorites are always his work with cables. He amazes me with his ability to transform projects with a simple front or back post stitch.

His latest book is a little collection of women's fashion, all with those amazing cables. He has taken that once thought of stiff technique and made it wearable. My favorites are Investing and Vashti in the book (see below). In Vashti, he combined both lace and cables, fantastic!

He and I chatted a bit about the book and crochet design, and here is our chat:

RC: Crochet It. Love It. Wear It! (Leisure Arts #5058) is so unique fashion-wise, how did you come up with the concept for the book?

DE: I had Hesperas in my collection already and I wanted to build a book around it. I had never seen a strapless formal party dress in crochet before, so I knew it would be unique addition to anyone's collection. That led to wanting to create an "Ultimate Collection" of crochet designs.

RC: The drape-able cabled fabric is dreamy. I love how the cables follow the lines of the silhouette (as in Investing where they highlight the waist). Is there anything that inspires you to design in cables?

DE: The cables are a by-product of using post stitches a lot. For example with investing I wanted to create the look of a "faux lapel" and the combination of angled cables and linear post stitches did the trick.

RC: Do you have any tips for cables? Like in fiber choice or hook or methods of crocheting?

DE: Crochet cables completely disappear if you use a textured or multi-colored yarn. Smooth yarn will always make them look their best.

RC: Living in Texas, it can be amazingly hot. How do you stay motivated to design cold weather things when it is sweltering outside?

DE: I go north every year for the holidays and spend them in the mountains. I love the cold weather and that keeps me connected.

RC: On the other side, where you live also lets you have an amazing garden. Do you find your garden working its way into your design style too?

DE: I love the colors of nature and find myself observing my garden quite often. I am always amazed and just how many colors of green there are (for example) and how they look so beautiful contrasting each other.

RC: How are Chandler and Cleocatra adapting to your Crochet Superstardom?

DE: I still scoop their litter box twice a day so i don't think they've even noticed.

RC: I know I loved getting to work on Knit and Crochet Now! It was like getting to go to crochet camp for a week with our late nights and talking about yarn non-stop. What is your favorite part about working on Knit Crochet Now!

DE: My absolute favorite part is being on-set with the crew and with Brett. The energy is so high and it's like an adrenaline rush that I can't get anywhere else. Plus all that stuff you said.

RC: You have books, your own pattern line, the Purse of the Month Club, your own hooks and gloves; what is next up for the Crochet Dude?

DE: I'm going to continue to diversify my place in the craft world. The Crochet Dude has grown organically and I suspect that is how it will continue to grow. I really never know what opportunities will come up and that's exciting for me!

RC: Thank you, Drew, for letting us peek into your crochet kingdom!

If you would like to win a copy of the book, leave a comment here (or email me) and I will pick a winner next monday.