9.27.2010

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

The cover of my next book!

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.

61 comments:

Unknown said...

Ooooh lovely stuff. Especially Vashti. Want it.

Unknown said...

Great interview and a great collection of crocheted garments!

peatmoss83@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for introducing me to Drew Emborsky!! I have a "million" patterns in my stash...who cares... bring it on!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, the book looks wonderful.

Unknown said...

The designs in this book are fantastic.

natalie said...

Loved reading about the interview - Investing is my favorite too (and Laurie)! Thanks for posting the interview!!! :)

Crafty's Creations said...

Loved reading your interview with Drew! He's the funniest guy around! I'd love to win a copy of your book!

MidtownFarmGirl said...

Investing is just stunning. I really need to make that. I just love Drew.

Anonymous said...

Would love a chance to win his newest....he always does such nice work.

josephine said...

Great interview of a great guy! I learned to crochet well before I taught myself to knit, so having designs like yours and Drew's for inspiration is just wonderful! Best Wishes to you both.
jo

Kim Reid said...

I'd love a chance to enter your wonderful giveaway!
Thank you :)
kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com

QuiltyBee said...

These all look so great. I love both of you on tv and your blogs. Thanks!

Margo said...

I would welcome the chance to win a copy of Drew's new book.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win Drew's book!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love Drew's designs. Laurie is probably my favorite of the bunch. The interview was great! Thanks for posting it and for the opportunity to win this great book!

Bizenurse said...

What a great interview. Love you both on Knit and Crochet Now!

Unknown said...

Ooo, I love Drew's designs. I love the fact that both you and Drew have grown together. I enjoyed watching both of you on Knit and Crochet Now! Robyn are you planning on coming back to the show?

Cora

Melanthe said...

I LOVE, LOVE his designs.

Melanthe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melanthe said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sanjay said...

Some of my favs of yours are the Gladiolus Vest, Comfy Cardi, and the Snowflake Scarf. The snowflake scarf took me out of my comfort zone of making plain stuff my mom taught me and allowed me to grow with newly found skills. I would love the chance to win Drew' book. I have been drooling over Antebellum ever since I saw the cover!

Veronica said...

I love how modern the designs are in this book! I would love to make the Vashti skirt. just beautiful!

Angie said...

Big Drew fan here! Would be so excited to win his book. Thanks!

felinasm@gmail.com said...

I really like that all his designs also accommodate the non-size-two woman. Looking forward to trying some of these sweater patterns for myself! I'm so used to making everything for my little girl.

JennLucas said...

Great interview! I'm also glad you were on Drew's blog tour! I LOVE your designs, too.

Anonymous said...

I have been following this tour and learned SOOO MUCH! I didn't know how much I didn't know about crochet. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

love drew! and loving the book reviews so far! i would love to win a copy!

Gina Mitchell Designs said...

Love reading interviews with Drew. He has such an incredible personality. Always makes me smile!

Ellen Bloom said...

I'm TOTALLY looking forward to crocheting many items from this new book!

CrochetWit said...

This book will take me to a higher level of fashioning garments! Thank you, Robin and Drew, for your inspiring fun and creativity! Best wishes for a great run with the new book Drew! Gotta have this one!

Unknown said...

Fantastic interview!

Dorothy's World said...

Sounds like the guy I got to know a few yrs ago. I love all of Drew's patterns!!! I have known him since his beginning before he was published. :-)
I would love to have his new book!!

Unknown said...

Great interview blog and thanks for a chance to win some fantastic patterns.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
KattPhysh said...

Those are great designs Drew, I would love to win that book!

John and Sandy Locke said...

Pick me! I would love to win a copy of Drew's book. Thanks for being a part of the blog tour.

John and Sandy Locke said...

Pick me! I would love to win a copy of Drew's book. Thanks for being a part of the blog tour.

Unknown said...

I love the Crochet Dude when I see him on reruns of Knit and Crochet Today. I'd love to have a copy of his book.

Kiwibirder said...

Hi Robyn! I love Drew, too, and follow both you and Drew on Twitter, and really enjoy Knit and Crochet (Today! and Now!). Would love to win a copy of the book! Take Care,

Kelly P.
kiwibirder@verizon.net

crazymotheringchick said...

I love this book, so many beautiful things in it. I can't wait to get my own copy.

Cape Cod Purls said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cape Cod Purls said...

Drew is the BOMB!!! I get inspired to create too!

Birdman of Boca's Chick said...

I think that one of the greatest things about Drew's book (besides the great outfits) is that I'm "meeting" so many other interesting people like yourself.

Lynn said...

I need to get back into crocheting....this book would help me achieve that! SO.....pick me pick me pick me!!!!!!! Please???

Anonymous said...

I must have this book.

Please? ;)

Unknown said...

Love the navy vest.

Unknown said...

Looks great. This one's on my list of books to get.

daperfectmix said...

am i too late? this looks like a great book.

Cari said...

Love the book. Great Interview!

ponykeg said...

Have been a long time fan of the Crochet Dude. Started with his 12" squares, can't decide on which purse I want, and would LOVE to win his new book!!!!

Theresa said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Theresa said...

LOVE IT! Another great collection Drew. Keep up the wonderful work. Thank you for this great interview.

Amy said...

Cool interview! I would love to win his book. Will you be coming to his book launch party at Yarntopia in Katy on Oct. 31?

Dvora C said...

Thanks fir the great interview.

Walden said...

This looks wonderful!

Robyn said...

Amy, I would love to come back to Katy. I bet the party will be fantastic! Right now, traveling with a toddler is not on the top of my "to do" list; so I will have to sit out.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how great crochet clothing can look Always thought it was a little old fashioned but not anymore!

Me said...

Love Drew's designs, and YOURS, too!! Thanks for the giveaway!

Carolyn said...

is IS interesting to learn more and more about this book and the author. the pictures sure look great - i'd like to crochet them all. :-)

Northside Knitter said...

Fun interview by two of my favorite crochet designers.

S Franklin said...

I am really liking his blog tour as well as the designs in his book. I would love to win a copy!