The New Crochet - Fabulous and Flirty
Crocheters know her as The Sweater Babe. Her real name is Katherine Lee and she has a book out that is a must-own for every crocheter. Why is this book different than so many? It’s modern, and stylish and it isn’t the heavy clunky crochet apparel that has been so common over the years. Fabulous and Flirty Crochet is hip and young and shows just what you can do with crochet. Crochet isn’t just for doilies any more!
The common complaint of crocheters, and rightfully so in the past, is that crocheted garments were matronly and very bulky. They looked homemade instead of handmade, which is the curse of death on a garment. Perhaps crochet had a natural evolution it had to progress through; all I know is that it is a craft that is finally coming into its own, and it is because of books like this, and designers like Katherine Lee, that crochet is gaining a new respect.
The book contains 20 projects. The first section of the book presents the finished garments in a fashion magazine layout that clearly shows the piece without hidden areas that make the crocheter wonder what the designer is trying to hide. These photographs will show you exactly what the design lines of your pattern are - no surprises
as you are crocheting, which every hand stitcher will appreciate. The second section of the book has the detailed instructions that you should have no trouble following.
There is a section in the book that explains the yarn weights that are used. As yarn weights are now standardized within the industry, it will be easy to substitute yarns if you choose to use a different one or can’t locate the one used in the photograph. It is nice to also have some space dedicated in this book to crocheting and gauge; gauge instructions are almost always written for the knitter. This explains how to use gauge in crochet.
There is a table of abbreviations and symbols which is most helpful if you don’t have them all memorized. The book is spiral bound but the cover lays over the spiral so it won’t tangle in your yarn.
It is large enough to be able to read comfortably but should still fit inside most yarn totes.
The patterns are all wonderful. I really didn’t find any I didn’t like. For the plus-size lady, it will be easy to increase the size if necessary, which makes it the only downside of this book. The price is reasonable and it is a book you will use time and time again. I know Fabulous and Flirty Crochet is a definite keeper for any crocheter who would like to ramp their crocheting up a notch.





[…] I covered Katherine Lee’s “Fabulous & Flirty Crochet,” not too long ago. It is a great book. If you have a copy, you should get it signed. And if you don’t, you have a chance to pick up a signed copy at two different trunk shows in the Los Angeles area. And get one for a friend - this would make a wonderful gift. […]
By Sweater Babe’s Trunk Shows » Craftmodo - Crafts, DIY, Hobbies on July 11th, 2006 at 1:12 am