Creating Crochet Fabric: Experimenting with Hook, Yarn & Stitch

Creating Crochet Fabric Experimenting with Hook, Yarn & StitchIf you've ever wanted to create your own crocheted fabric, make a major change in gauge or yarn choice, or just create something brand new; this is the book for you. Dora Orhenstein has written Creating Crochet Fabric especially for those of us who want to take crochet to the next level and start creating our own designs. She covers all the steps you will need to know to take your design or new twist on an old pattern from idea to finished product. With a focus on fabric, she helps us understand how to choose the right yarn, hook, and stitch to make that dream crochet idea come to life.Have you ever had a great idea for a crocheted garment and then found it just doesn't look right when you start making up the first sample? Do you have a fabulous yarn, but can't find the right pattern to show it off? Dora describes and illustrates the differences between different yarns and how they look when used with different hook sizes and stitch patterns.Of course, it is not possible to have samples of every yarn under the sun. But by categorizing the different types of yarn by size, weight, and texture; you can begin to see how different types of yarn work. You will learn how to get the proper hand for the project you have in mind. Which yarns create a firm fabric and which drape well? Read through the text and visuals and you begin to have an idea how your yarn will react.Do you love the yarn and the patten, but find they are just not working together? Read the section on hook sizes and learn how to alter the hand of the yarn you like to get the drape you want for a garment.And finally, learn to choose the right stitch pattern. Find out how color and texture affect the look of a stitch pattern and see examples of different stitch pattens in firm, soft, and fuzzy yarn.This is a book you will want to read cover to cover the first time around and then keep it on the shelf for reference. There are practice patterns to give you hands on practice working with different yarns, hooks, and stitch patterns. But this book's main purpose is to help you make your own ideas a reality. With the knowledge you gain from this book, you can break free of patterns and start freestyling!What's Dora's best word of advice? "Swatch" No, no, don't be put off. After reading this book, making sample swatches will no longer be something you avoid, but part of the creative process.Are there any weaknesses in this book? Yes, a few, but mainly they are editor or publisher choices; not due to Dora's content. The sample pictures are in full color and for the most part good quality. I think the publisher could have stepped up the sharpness just a bit. Sometimes the details of texture are lost because the stitches don't stand out due to soft edges. Also, the mottled background fights with some of the more subtle textures of the swatches. I found myself moving the page for better light in order to see the details of certain pieces. Maybe that's just because I am infinitely curious about the details and texture.The other thing I wish they had done is added more bullet points. I read the whole book cover to cover on the first night. The ideas were clear and easy to follow. Her point was never lost. But I wonder when I go back if I won't miss some of Dora's best points because they aren't highlighted.With this being said, no book is perfect. I highly recommend adding Creating Crochet Fabric by Dora Ohrenstein (2010, Lark Books) for your design reference library. If anyone owns or has read this book, please comment below. I'd love to hear how other people have reacted to the book and how they have used it in their work. Creating Crochet Fabric: Experimenting with Hook, Yarn & Stitch

I like everything Dora Ohrenstein writes, but I would say this one is her building up to Crochet Workshop which really teaches you how to think about designing your own patterns or pattern pieces which is my ambition. This one focuses on making you think about what you can learn from swatching and how to match yarn to stitch to pattern. Worthwhile purchase and I will be making several of the projects.

This is one of the best books on crocheting I have ever read (and on the market!). I totally saw crocheting as making a fabric and I fell in love with crocheting all over again. If you are tired of granny squares and boxy clothes and if you feel nauseated at the thought of making another shrug, but still want to crochet, OMG, buy this book. It explains drape, and how all the ways to achieve it. Your garments will look like you bought them at a high end boutique. You will never see crocheting in the same light again. This is the real thing!

This book is not your typicall stitch pattern book. The author instead is taking you on a journey of discovery with fiber and hook. The samples are well made with a wide variety and skillfully illustrate the concepts within the book. If you are an intermediate or advanced crocheter this is a great addition to your library. If you are just starting out it will inspire you to keep picking up the hook. Great Job! I'd recommend this to any fiber fiend.

The title alone is so intriguing, what would stop you from not wanting to buy this book! Aside from the fact that once you receive it, you cannot put it down. The pictures are amazing, the textures of the pieces shown make you run for your hook and yarn simply to see what you can create on your own. Your mind will be ablaze with ideas that this inspiring book will set in motion.

Another excellent book by Dora Ohrenstein.

I bought this book so I could experiment with different pattern stitches to make scarves for people and the various patterns are straight forward and easy to follow. Has nice examples of various types of stitches and patterns.

I'm very happy with this book.... no "craft yarn specials"...every thing is high end, nice design ideas, instructions clear and well laid out. Impressive high end effort. I've made 3 bobble hats and they are a huge hit.My one reservation with this book is that I really do not like presentations of finished items on racks/hangers/stands. I'd prefer to see them on human frames/heads. Especially with the hats, you really have no idea what it will look like based upon the images in this book until you make it. I was very surprised how well the bobble hat fit and you'd not get that from the photos.Other than that, very pleased with the book.

Very interesting inspirational book

This book is a huge let down for me its dated and very old fashioned!The projects are awfu nothing I would want to make. I cant agree with the other reviewers in their 5 star reviews.I just dont see it!I was looking for inspiration but I certainly didnt find it in this bookOne for the Charity shop !

Extremely good designs and easy to follow instructions. I belong to a crochet group and that's where I first saw it the teacher had bought it , because at the local boat museum we are doing a picture project in crochet so the book has proved very useful.

I think this book is perfect for those considering designing their own crochet items. It gives examples of how hook, yarn and stitch can affect the overall drape, texture etc., of a finished item and offers guidance on suitability - ie, what to look for when seeking drape etc. Highly recommended.

Dieses Buch war wirklich nötig! Es eröffnen sich viele Möglichkeiten, wenn man mit Nadelgrößen und Garnstärken spielt. Steife Häkelpullis müssen also nicht sein.