Custom Crocheted Sweaters: Make Garments that Really Fit
is one book that has been laying on my table for so long it felt like it lives there. I received Dora Orhenstein's book right when I was in the middle of writing my book
. I was so freaked out that by the title alone they were too similar to me, I buried it under yarn and did not crack it open until now. I am so easily influenced by things I read I was so worried I would somehow use some idea of hers in my book
that I literally hid it out of sight. Then I told Dora, I am a nut and did just that. We got a laugh out of my crazy. Of course, then I forgot all about it! Doh! Now that my book is nearly ready to be ready for the galley edit, I thought it was safe to open and dive in.
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| Floating Tee |
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| Eleganza Raglan |
Dora approached the subject of garment crocheting from a technical point of view. Inside you will find a primer on garment crochet with then 10 projects to test your skills. She spends the front part of the book explaining all the basics of garment construction from style to drape to yarn choice. She goes into how to use your gauge and math to get the fit you want. The projects all have clear instructions and a stitch diagram for the gauge swatch and any confusing bits on the project (very helpful!) The best part of the book in my opinion is the lessons after the projects. Each project has an in depth lesson on how you might add length to the body or sleeves for example or substituting yarns. It is as helpful as crocheting the project! A few of my favorites you can see here. I love the texture on the floating tee (so much that I just realized I designed a sweater recently in a really similar stitch pattern- too funny! That's what happens when you hide your books!) Honestly, Dora did a great job with this book. It is extremely in depth on how to do garment crochet for your body. If you have been looking for a reference this is a book for you.
To enter to win a copy of the book, leave me a comment (or email/ twitter) on what you find the most challenging part of crocheting sweaters. I will pick a winner on Thursday and get in contact with the winner (so be sure to have a way to contact you: facebook, email, twitter, or ravelry id are all fine with me!)
18 comments:
I have never tried to crochet a sweater. I am still a beginner at knitting sweaters. I would love to learn to crochet one.
The most challenging part of crocheting a sweater for me is the all important measurements you really need to take of yourself before you start, particularly if like me you are a little larger than you actually believe you are! Oh and also adjusting body and sleeves to be short enough for a hobbit!
For me, it's choosing a fiber & color! LOL I work in an LYS part-time and there are TOO MANY OPTIONS!!! ;)
I've only made one sweater (milobo's Chevron Lace Cardigan), because I'm intimidated by seaming, maintaining gauge, blocking, etc.
I've never crocheted a sweater, but I would love to learn how. This book looks like a great place to start. jeneer on ravelry
Just one problem? I have made 4 garments: one fit perfectly, one was much too small, one was much too big and the last fit perfectly but then stretched and now is not wearable.
Maybe I'll get it right one day!
xXx Helen
Getting the proper fit. I'm a bit "fluffy", but short so if I buy sweaters to fit me around, often the sleeves are down to my knees.
For me, getting the gauge of a patterned sweater is a challenge...I don't know how it is going to drape or pull, so I usually end up starting too big and then restart after I figure out how it is going to "lay" on my body! I really need this book!
For me crocheting a sweater is tuff cuz I can never get the drape just right. Gotta pick the right pattern. These look great!
The crocheting part is fine- it's the fitting that I have trouble with!
ACK- I LOVE Dora's stuff. She is such an amazing teacher. The hardest part of sweaters for me is the arms. I have large upper arms, and getting the right fit with the armhole/arm circumference and then NOT having a ginormous baggy cuff... It usually requires a LOT of tweaking. Usually more than I'm successful at. :/ jenmo42 on Ravelry
As I live in the UK I generally can't get the yarns that are in all your lovely pattern books! So although I'm desperate to do a project that I can wear, I. E jumper or cardigan I stick to scarves and afghans as I find substituting a yarn too hard to work out and an expensive mistake. :-(
Just getting started. I haven't made a sweater yet.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
I have no problem working on these beautiful sweaters. I have lupus and my fingers don't work sometimes. These sweaters are an inspiration.
My main challenge with crocheting sweaters is keeping myself going. I have to have short quick projects on the go at the same time so I don't give up before I've finished
My challenge is t fit and drape, they ever seem to sit right
For me, as a relative beginner, it's all about fit. I lucked out with my first attempt from the S'n'B Crochet book but I'm intimidated to try another!
dyedinthewoolster AT gmail DOT com
I haven't yet attempted to make a sweater, however I would think making a sweater that actually fit my long torso may be tricky to do while mainting appropriate shape and pattern if any.
Kaitlavin @ gmail
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