Sunday 12 September 2010

Crochet It, Love It, Wear It!













Another book that I really like. Crochet It, Love It, Wear It by Drew Emborsky otherwise known as the Crochet Dude. For once it is not a book filled with shawls, bags and hats. There is one scarf in it but I will allow that. It is a book of wearables.I have not used any patterns by Drew before so I can't as yet testify whether they are easy or hard to follow. I will have to advise you of that at a later date.

The first jacket 'Debra' is definitely on my to do list. It is shown on one photo in the book with a belt but I prefer it as an edge to edge jacket. I love the closed stitch effect for winter and I have a very similar colour of wool sitting in my stash that I feel sure will get made up into this jacket before very long. It is constructed all in one until the armholes so no side seams.

Although I love the Ruffled Cardigan with it's cutaway shape I think that at my age and shape that I would put a less ruffled edging on it. It has a very pretty stitch and once again it is made all in one until it divides for the armholes so no seaming which is always a bonus for me.

The Pencil Skirt has a very nice pattern stitch but is a no no for me. Not because I don't like it but the fact that it would not look nice on a short dumpy figure. On someone tall and slim it would be stunning.

I am so in love with the Budapest Nights red coat and would have had no hesitation making it for myself when I was in my 30's or 40's. I lack the social aplomb to carry it off these days but I do think it is a stunning coat with a nice crossed stitch pattern.

Antebellum is a top that I will be able to get away with wearing as it has a flattering baby doll shape which will cover a multitude of sins. Another one to add to the to do list.

What can I say about the Quintessential little black dress. Wow comes to mind. This would be another one I would have worn when I was younger and slimmer. It has a built in bra and elasticated waistline so I would imagine would make a lovely, easy to wear, addition to the wardrobe of someone younger and slimmer

Laurie is a basic wrap around cardigan that would suit most figures. It is made in lightweight lace and has a lovely shine to the yarn that is used. Drew has used a silk yarn which I think would help it to drape nicely.

I like the pattern stitch of the Angel of Music but for myself I would leave off the pussy cat bow and collar. I have an ample bosom and would not want to draw more attention to it with a big bow at the front. I do like the main part of the jacket though and sorting out the collar and bow would be an easy task. It has a little half belt at the back to pull it in slightly at the waistline.

I do like the ribbed stitch of the Saugatuck sweater and I can imagine that it would be very figure hugging and flattering to someone slimmer. I do like it but once again I think that pattern would cling to me in all the wrong places.

If I was in my 20's again or even my 30's I would make the Hesperas dress for myself. I think that Drew has shaped the bustier part of the dress beautifully. It might work for me as just a bustier top, without the skirt, with a long jacket over the top. I saw this dress on a video from the catwalk of one of the many wool shows that they have in the US.

The long Vashti skirt is pretty but not something that I would find a use for as I don't mix in the kind of social circles to wear something like this. Again it is a ageism thing as I know that I would have worn it when I was young.

Investing is a figure hugging waistcoat and for that reason alone I would never make it for myself but on anyone slimmer it would make a warmer for over a blouse in the office or over a T shirt and jeans. Again not for me but not because I don't like it. It's just the wrong age group for me.

The Keyhole scarf could look very pretty but in one colour. I know that the two colour version shows better in a photograph but I would imagine all one colour would be far more ladylike as the lace and the ruffles speak for themselves without making it duo coloured.

I have not done much of anything. I finished off one of the sleeves of Baby B's aran and so I have only got one more sleeve, bands and neckbands still to do.

I have been cleaning up a bit today. The little black cat from my neighbours did her usual appearance. Meow to be fed and then fell asleep on the rocking chair. I think I should call myself the crocheting Dr Doolittle. My son a and his wife have adopted another dog. This time a 9 week old pup called Ruby. She is a bit of a mixed breed so only time will tell how she will turn out. The other two dogs have taken to her right away which is a good sign as Buster never liked the other dog that they took in. Fortunately they managed to find a good new home for that adopted pup and he is now happily living in Yorkshire where he is the only dog of the household. They have just had all three of the dogs up on the moors for a good run so everything canine is now asleep after having paws, tail and tummy washed. Let's hope that Ruby behaves a lot better than Dillon did. Both Buster and his other dog seem to love her so that's a good sign. Buster hated Dillon and after Dillon bit Buster badly that was when he had to be found a new home. Two male dogs, even though they are neutered, don't always live happily together.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, there are several in there that I could see you making, Jan. What a fun book of patterns...

Now, where's that dang credit card?

Spundun said...

Wooh! There are several patterns there that I like, I didn't know this existed, so might have to hunt down a copy for me too.

Unknown said...

Beautiful patterns,if only I was slim enough to wear one of those lovely skirts..... :))

June said...

I really like those Jan. Wish I had the figure to wear the black dress. Waiting to see what you will make out of it.

drew emborsky said...

Hi Jan, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review of The Book. Your feedback means a lot to me and I'm so glad that you like the collection.

Have a wonderful day!
~drew~
the crochet dude

crazymotheringchick said...

Oh, so many wonderful things in this book. I so want it. Drew/Leisure Arts is giving away autographed copies of this book. The info is on his blog, and on Leisure Arts Facebook page. I'm going to be following that closely, hoping I can win.

Thanks for the review. I do love to review your reviews of books!

Anonymous said...

Ooh I've looked at this book on Amazon and have ummed and aahed over whether or not to buy it but now I've seen some of the loveley patterns I think I will go ahead and get it! Thank you for stopping by my blog - it's lovely to have to join along! :)

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Taundiiee McCallum said...

I purchased this book to make the Budapest nights coat and as I read over the pattern, I see that there is an error. The instructions for row 15 of the right side is missing.

enthusiastic crochetoholic said...

I have never made the Budapest coat so I cannot help you with the missing row. Have you tired asking on Ravelry if anyone has made it? If you can't find the answer there then maybe you could send an e mail to the designer and see if they can help you.
Sorry that I can't be more help.