Review: Crochet Adorned

I have dreams of someday crocheting a garment for myself, but it’s really unlikely that will ever happen. I just don’t have the time to develop all the skills needed for that particular kind of craft.

But I’m super excited about Linda Permann’s new book, Crochet Adorned. Linda’s taken the genius approach of crocheting pretty trims and motifs, and then using those to customize readymade garments.

There are so many cute ideas in this book! Linda offers 20 patterns, plus a 100-stitch dictionary, so you have the raw materials to make endless wearables. And housewares! There are quite a few cute crocheted decor items, too.

How adorable is that scalloped edging? And the instructions for calculating just how long to make the trim are very clear and helpful. (This isn’t like store-bought lace, that you can cut to size. You actually need to crochet this trim to the correct lengths to edge the coat.)

I also love the many cute crochet motifs, and how they’re applied to things like bags, pillows, aprons, and such. What a simple way to dress up a plain tote like this!

There are also smaller projects like these earrings…

…And interesting dimensional stuff like this stiffened bowl. Each project has its pattern expressed in both written abbreviations and modern stitch diagrams, so any crocheter can plunge in.

There are projects that are great for beginners (like those earrings) and projects for more advanced crocheters and seamsters, like this top:

I’d say that it would probably help if you had at least some garment sewing experience before you tackled a project like this. But for a simpler idea, like adding trim to that trench coat up above, a beginner should have no problems.

Also for beginners, the basic stitches are nicely illustrated, and there’s a very clear and thorough Basics chapter.

Definitely take a closer look at this one – there are so many wonderful clothing possibilities in it!

Hey, Locals!

Come meet Linda, see the book, and get your copy signed this Thursday, 8/13 at Powell’s downtown. The fun begins at 7:30 pm.

You can also see Linda (and fondle yarn) at Yarn Garden, 1:00 pm on Saturday, 8/15.

Tagged as: craft book, crochet, review, yarn