| Crochet Inspiration |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: Crochet Inspiration
Author: Sasha Kagan Date Published: 2010 (paperback edition) Review Date: November 11, 2010
Who is this book for? Crochet Inspiration, by celebrated designer and renowned colorist Sasha Kagan, is a book that will inspire and enthrall. Beautifully photographed and filled with new color interpretations of familiar patterns, this book will stoke the imagination of beginner and advanced crocheters alike. First published in 2007, this award winning crochet stitch compendium is newly available in paperback. Sasha Kagan’s unique sensibility is on display in the over 200 swatch designs and 11 project patterns that will inspire creative crocheters to explore color, pattern and texture. There’s adventure in every corner of this book, from the daring color choices and exquisite fibers to the clever use of texture, embellishment and design. In her introduction, Sasha tells us, “Fibers are my flexible friends, and when I took up the challenge of wiring this book they twisted and turned in the most unexpected ways, dancing with the crochet hook guiding their path.” Sasha takes readers along on a fascinating exploration of the infinite variety in crochet.
What Yarn Does it Feature? This book is much more about possibilities than making exact replicas of Sasha Kagan designs. Since Sasha lives in rural Wales she uses yarns readily available in the United Kingdom and US through the distributors listed in the resource guide. Readers are encouraged to study the swatches as samples of the wonderful variation that can be achieved through color and fiber. The projects serve as examples of how to adapt the stitch patterns for garments, and readers can choose yarns of similar weight to create their own unique interpretations.
What's Inside Crochet Inspiration assumes a basic skill level; it is not a “how to” manual. Like most stitch manuals, it is filled with stitch samples, row by row instructions and charts that simplify the written instructions. Unique to this book, readers will find super large color photos of each swatch. These photos show close-up detail not usually seen in stitch manuals. Other than a list of abbreviations and chart symbols, there is no technical advice. The focus is completely on the creative aspects of crochet, and that can be mesmerizing. Paging through the brilliantly photographed swatches suddenly starts to feel like looking through a kaleidoscope as one shape subtly melts into the next.
The pattern stitches are divided into 4 categories: crochet fabric, motifs, grannies and flowers. The longest chapter, crochet fabric, is filled with 97 stitch patterns that explore variations on single crochet, bobbles, shells and clusters, mesh, filet, texture, spikes and lace. Circular, hexagonal and triangular motifs lead into a detailed chapter that examines 33 granny square motifs. The final chapter shows 32 beautiful flowers that can be used to embellish any crochet. Directions for 11 projects are also included. The projects are all skill rated at the intermediate level, and will entice beginners to expert level enthusiasts. The Cranesbill lace wrap, crocheted in a luxurious mix of fibers like silk, wool, alpaca and cashmere is a shimmering display of color and sophistication. The Mandala Sarong features large mandala motifs joined by small square motifs. The lovely mesh tunic bedecked by tiny flowers will make a splash in any season. The projects all help to illustrate the versatile use of crochet to create fashionable, functional and classic garments.
Using It Use Crochet Inspiration to spark your imagination into the possibilities of crochet to create uniquely textured fabric and lace. Don’t expect that you will learn to crochet or that you will have a comprehensive “dictionary” of all crochet stitches on the planet. In Crochet Inspiration, with the help of a noted designer, you’ll explore color and texture.
Best Advice Highly creative people like Sasha Kagan are viewed with awe and amazement, and most of us believe we are incapable of similar creativity. Sasha speaks directly to readers, sharing some of the experiences she draws on for design inspiration. We learn that her first memory of crochet goes back to age 4 or 5! Even then she could barely put down the hook, promising herself “just one more row.” Her passion for design and self-expression through clothing led her to choose design school. It was here that she created a full length lurex gown with matching cloche cap in a mere two days. Her lifelong fascination with fashion, fiber and creativity blossomed into an acclaimed career. These experiences are not so different from many knitters and crocheters who can take the lesson to experiment and express those visions in color, texture and fiber. Recommendation Break away from copycat patterns and predictable applications of crochet by studying the innovative designs in Crochet Inspiration. Readers will learn to see texture and fabric through a different lens and see how they can manipulate stitches to create garments that convey their individual style. Use this book to inspire, energize and rejuvenate your craft. Overall Recommendation Adventurous crocheters who want to surge to a new level of creativity and individuality will treasure Crochet Inspiration. This book rates #8.
|
Did you enjoy this feature? Make sure you never miss an issue of Knitch Magazine. To receive alerts for upcoming issues:
