| Learn to Free-Form Crochet |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
Title: Learn to Free-Form Crochet 
Author: Margaret Hubert Date Published: 2010 Review Date: June 30, 2011
Who is this book for? Scrumbling, or free-form crochet is like painting with a crochet hook. If you haven’t seen the amazing original designs created using this technique, take a look at the examples on exhibit by the International Free Form Crochet Guild. A popular movement in Great Britian, Australia and among artists in the US, free-form crochet is an expressive art form that gives crocheters total control over their work. Instead of constructing works through continuous chains of stitches, free-form crochet joins separate motifs into a complete design. Free-form crocheters can use any number of fibers, shapes, colors and textures, much like painters combine color and brush strokes to create an image, illusion or effect. Crazy quilts are an apt comparison from the textile world. In this book, beginning scramblers will learn three different methods for creating free-form projects. Sample projects are included to demonstrate the construction methods, and there is a glossary with detailed instructions for over 30 motifs and textured stitches. With this book, you can learn how to create totally individual and unique projects.
What Yarn Does it Feature? Free-form crochet does not rely on gauge and often mixes several different weights of yarn in the same project. The goal is to achieve design through color and texture, and designers don’t limit themselves to a single gauge or yarn. Whatever your taste and personal style, you can create exciting projects using free-form crochet. Colorists will revel in the ability to use multiple shades in their work. Those who prefer more subdued effects can use neutral or monochromatic shades to set off spectacular textural designs. Free-form crochet can be used to embellish traditional garments as in the lace cardigan with floral accents or to create unique shapes as the “Capricious Capelet”.What's Inside It seems contradictory to write out patterns for free-form design, but Margaret Hubert includes detailed instructions for a hat and scarf, vest, capelet, pillow, bag, sweater and necklace to teach beginners the basics of free-form crochet. Three different construction methods are described: template, lining and mesh. In the template method, pieces of crochet are pinned to a template to form the desired garment or shape and then sewn together as in the floral necklace. In the lining method, motifs are sewn to each other and to the lining as in the floral pillow and handbag. The mesh method uses filet crochet to form the foundation, which is then embellished with motifs as in the floral motif sweater. Margaret Hubert also provides several hints for adapting designs, finishing details and choosing color.
Using It
Best Pattern Try the “Forget-Me-Not Vest” as a first scrumble garment. This simple mesh vest is embellished with crocheted motifs to suit your style and color tastes. Add several or just a few. Either way, the vest will be completely original.
Recommendation Free-form crochet is not just a way to use up stashed yarns; it is an expressive art form much like painting or quilting. Crocheters who want to test the bounds of their creativity will find this book a valuable introductory guide. Learning new skills is also very good for us. Mental health experts urge adults to learn continuously throughout their lifetime. Learning keeps our minds sharp and alert, and the sense of accomplishment gained from overcoming the challenges of new tasks keeps us feeling positive. Why not gather a group of friends and learn together? This book brings you all the skills you will need to create fantastic and amazing scrumbled works of art. Overall Recommendation Learn to Free-Form Crochet will take you on a fiber adventure. I recommend it at #9.
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Learn to Free-Form Crochet is recommended for intermediate level crocheters. The motifs require basic crochet and finishing skills. The patterns in the book are intended to demonstrate three construction methods and provide a library of stitch patterns for further design. Each of the projects is completely described and there are detailed directions for each motif.
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