Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs

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5 responses to “Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs”

1. 

   missouri reader

   September 8, 2010

   This is a very well-produced book, with designs that I think represent some of the best in crocheted garment design today. (I have not made any of the patterns, so I can’t say how accurate they are, otherwise I would give it 5 stars.) The crocheted items are beautifully photographed. Stitch diagrams and schematics are included. To substitute yarns, info is given on the total required yardage, weight and composition of the yarn, and knitting gauge (usually found on the skein wrapper and in catalog descriptions of yarn). Information is given about the properties of the fibers used. The crocheter is encouraged to use fibers which feel good, look good, and will last a long time. This I think is good advice, but some of the recommended yarns are extremely expensive. For example, Lorna’s Laces Angel seems to sell for about $14 a 50-yard skein. The cover sweater is made in Angel and requires 21 skeins for 28″ bust ($294) and 35 for 44″ bust ($490). Besides the cost, that is a heck of a lot of ends to weave in! So, the yarn substitution info is likely to come in handy.

   There is a range of items, from revealing strapless top to the relatively covered-up sweater featured on the cover. Many tops will require a camisole underneath, but some are quite bare and would be hard to wear a foundation garment under. There are several skirts and a dress. Most are, in my opinion, beautiful designs, but a few are pretty ordinary, like the 2 boleros, a small bag and a white scarf/belt. There is one scarf made in a very fine silk (with steel 8 hook) that I think is quite pretty. Sizes range from 28″ to 50″ bust for some articles. Quite a few items use fairly fine yarn and hooks from C to G, and a few use H-J hooks.

   Most of the designs are by Amy Swenson, and other designers include Robyn Chachula, Annie Modesitt, Debora Oese-Lloyd, Amie Hirtes, Dana Codding, and Amy O’Neill Houck.
   Rating: 4 / 5

2. 

   Marie

   September 8, 2010

   This book is chock full of absolutely gorgeous designs. This is most certainly not your granny’s crochet. These are all beautiful styles that drape beautifully on the female body. I have not yet started any of the projects, so I don’t know if there are any technical errors, but the book is very well organized. If you’ve been looking to expand your crochet library–this is your book. Keep in mind this is not for someone that still needs to learn how to crochet. You should still get it for inspiration.
   Rating: 4 / 5

3. 

   J. Sorensen

   September 8, 2010

   This book offers a variety of patterns, but women who aren’t model-size may have to search carefully to find appropriate garments here. The Butterfly Cardigan is a good design for all. Stitch schematics are sometimes included and I would love to see more of them in future books — they are so much easier to follow than miles of words. The inclusion of substitute yarn info is very welcome.
   Rating: 3 / 5

4. 

   K. Bell

   September 8, 2010

   I like the patterns in this book, they don’t “look” homemade when you are done.
   Rating: 5 / 5

5. 

   Angela Applegate

   September 8, 2010

   I was very impressed with the patterns in this book (normally I like the look of knitted tops and such better than crocheted ones), there are a wide variety of styles and the layout of the book is fantastic. I am very glad I got this book, thank you Amy Swenson!
   Rating: 4 / 5

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