Synopses & Reviews
Inspired by the lifestyle of the urban dweller, this crochet fashion collection from Shibaguyz Designs is modern, trendy, and exciting. Award-winning designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby presents 16 garments and accessories that are as fun to crochet as they are to wear. Showcasing a variety of yarn weights, the designs include the Seattle Swank Coat, Jade Jacket, Red Carpet Dress, Color Blocks Dress, Wrap Skirt, Barbarian Vest, Cross Over Vest, Downtown Boyfriend Sweater, Sleeveless Hoodie, Aran-Style Cabled Tunic, Butterfly Top (a modern twist on the poncho), boot toppers, and more. The creations fit and flatter a wide range of body types, and most patterns are written for a complete range of sizes from Extra Small to 5X. Novices and more experienced crocheters all will find selections for their skill level.
Review
andquot;The andshy;attention to detail in these garments, as well as the designs that flatter a variety of body types and generous sizing options (small to 5X), elevate this title well beyond the average collection of crochet patterns.andrdquo; andmdash;
Library Journal *andldquo;Contemporary crocheters will be delighted and grateful to have Mullett-Bowlsbyandrsquo;s guide to creating drapey, stylish garments without any of the bulk so often associated with their medium. All the garments in the book are sized from small to 5X, with detailed instructions to help change sizes. Standout projects include the beginner-friendly, bell-sleeved three-quarter-sleeve pullover and the red andlsquo;Beginner Cardi,andrsquo; created easily from six rectangles. The Three-Quarter Sleeve Cardi is a covetable design for intermediate crocheters, as is a turtleneck poncho with easy shaping and fancy color work. Advanced crocheters can show off higher-level skills (cables and lace) with a demure tunic or the challenging Motif Maxi Skirt. Most of the yarn is fingering weight, superfine, or fine, producing a finished garment that lightly hugs the body. Plenty of thought is given to the yarns, so crocheters will probably want to use the recommended fiber for each project. A final section on special techniques and finishing instructions rounds out this beautifully photographed book.andrdquo; andmdash;Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
andldquo;Mullett-Bowlsby is definitely a needlework designer to watch. Even though he claims 200 published patterns, this book will jumpstart his claim to crocheting fame. Why the acclaim? First, the 32 patterns, all classic, are created with subtle twists. Hoodies, for example, come sleeveless or long, with cloak-type head coverings or more streamlined shapes. Second, the sizing. Mullett-Bowlsbyandrsquo;s not only been more than generous in including up to (and usually beyond) 2X, his instructions also allow for a shaping and a more precise fit, no matter what the actual number. Third, heandrsquo;s not at all shy about sharing his techniques: specific foundation stitches, best seaming methods, and zipper shortening and sewing are all found in the last chapter. Finally, instructions and photographs give book-chapter-verse-sentence to every design. There are guides for pattern stitches and special techniques, schematics, stitch charts, and, always, full-color photographs of the finished apparel and stitch close-ups.andrdquo; andmdash;Booklist
Synopsis
Designer Crochet is the answer to sophisticated and figure-flattering garments with great drape and shape. Using lightweight yarns and a beautiful variety of stitch patterns and motifs, you'll create jackets and cardigans, a layering tank and a floor-sweeping skirt, and more. This is a complete wardrobe in a single book for sizes small through 5X.
Synopsis
Designer Crochet is your source for sophisticated and figure-flattering garments with great drape and shape. Using lightweight yarns and a beautiful variety of stitch patterns and motifs, you'll create jackets and cardigans, a layering tank and a floor-sweeping skirt, a convertible vest/wrap and matching winter accessory set, and more, with every design built to flatter most body types. Beginner crocheters can learn the basics using easy-to-follow tutorials while advanced crocheters will enjoy mastering special techniques. This is a complete wardrobe in a single book for sizes small through 5X.
About the Author
Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby is the co-owner and creative director of Shibaguyz Designz. He has authored five crochet pattern books and one knitwear pattern book and has had over 150 patterns published in books and magazines, including Crochet! Magazine, Crochet Today, Inside Crochet, and Knitting Today. He is a member of the Crochet Guild of America, the Knitting Guild of America, the Crochet Liberation Front, and the National Needle Arts Association, and is a Craft Yarn Council Certified Teacher. He lives in Seattle, WA.