I was thrilled to be asked to review Lark Craft's newest crochet book, Custom Crocheted Sweaters by Dora Ohrenstein. As a designer, I am always interested in learning all I can about garment construction and the best way to make them fit! Dora's new book specifically focuses on the construction and fit of crochet sweaters. But the contents of this book give readers so much more than that!
Dora starts us off with a basic "Overview of Sweater Construction" in Chapter One where she takes us through the most common construction techniques and then continues with choosing yarns for the best drape and of course, how to measure our bodies for that perfect fit!
Dora walks us through Understanding Fit, picking the right size and "Demystifying Patterns". All of this BEFORE we get to the patterns. There is so much to learn from this book, whether you are a seasoned veteran
of garment making or a beginner!
All the sweaters in this book are tailored perfectly, and contain several different and interesting stitch patterns. I love the way that Dora has designed each sweater, showing us how to "make garments that really fit."
There are so many design shaping and alteration techniques in this book. The sweater patterns each tackle a different construction or altering technique which include 17 'master class' techniques for creating garments that fit perfectly. Brilliant! Some techniques included are: an in-depth discussion on how to alter an armhole and how to do internal shaping to create a bust dart! Each crochet pattern also has beautiful stitch diagrams that are usually left out of other books of it's kind. What a great addition for the stitches who prefer diagrams! The photos throughout the book are stunning, with many close-up shots of the designs. Lark did a fabulous job on the photos; a lot of crochet EYE CANDY included!
From the publisher: "Presenting the only how-to guide to focus specifically on customizing crochet sweaters, Custom Crocheted Sweaters teaches crocheters how to create the perfect fit for every body type."
Some of my favorite sweaters include:
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| Eleganza Raglan |
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| Fiji Cardi |
| Floating Tee |
| Double Trouble Shell |
In order to be eligible for a chance to win, please comment on this post and let us know which is your favorite sweater design from the ones that are pictured on this post above. PLEASE don't forget to include your EMAIL ADDRESS! If you are the winner I cannot contact you without it!
Contest closes next Wednesday, February 1st and a random winner will be drawn then. Thank you!
THANK YOU, WE HAVE A WINNER!











26 comments:
I love the floating tee! The color isn't bad either. :o) I noticed that all pictured are for 'slimmer' women. Are there any for fuller figured women as well, or to size up a few sizes? I'd love to win this one to add to my collection. hdvixen@aol.com is my email. Thanks!
I like the Floating Tee.
carleen1978@gmail.com
I think my favorite from your pictures is the purple Floating Tee. I'm in the process of losing weight and would love to learn how to get a better fit with my clothes, and crochet! I can be reached as SpringSplndr on Ravelry and Twitter (I do not post my email publicly due to spam).
I like the Eleganza raglan, very simple lines, classy!
Julie jbkcrochet@gmail.com
I love the Fiji Cardi, so pretty!
Thank you :)
kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com
I love the Eleganza Raglan, very pretty and smart
susand1408@googlemail.com
I thinking the eleganza raglan is my style. This book would make a lovely B-day gift for me . Anyway nice review on a book I hadn't heard of yet.
brandischoch@thefiberofmybeing.net
I love the cover sweater
What a great review! My fav is the Eleganza Raglan but the Floating Tee is a close second.
daperfectmix@gmail.com
My favorite sweater is the Floating Tee. I crochet for myself and others and I would love to learn how to custom fit these sweaters to each body shape/size. My relaxation/ destressing technique is crochet. I can be reached at auntler2@aol.com. Thank you for this opportunity!
I love this pattern!
Eleganza Raglanh I think it would be a wonderful spring item to add to my almost non-existence wardrobe. I would love to own this book! Thank you for the chance to win it!
WOW, you made this really hard to enter the contest :)!! They are all so beautiful! I think that I would say the Eleganza Raglan is my favorite, but the color that was selected could be pulling me that way! :) Thanks so much for the chance to win!!!
kateyhbf@gmail.com
I like Double Trouble Shell. It looks like a great spring/summer shell!
monicalstarr@yahoo.com
How did I not hear about this book before? It looks amazing. My favorite(s) are the eleganza raglan and the floating tee. What a great giveaway!
simchasjewels@hotmail.com
I really like the Double Trouble shell.
I certainly could put to good use this book!
Thank you for the giveaway!
MarieAngel (rav id)
Love the classic style of the sweaters. It's been inspiring to explore you blog too.
Liz
I'm having a hard time deciding, but I think I'm going with the Fiji Cardi - love that look!
I like double trouble shell. Rah010155@Comcast.net
I like the double trouble shell. I have a couple of outfits it would look nice with. :)
francieg@juno.com
I love Floating Tee - the stitch pattern is very interesting and eye-catching.
linda.skuja@gmail.com
I love the fiji cardigan. The colours are calm and its very handy and looks comfortable on jeans or a pair of pants or skirt.
klise.stitches@gmail.com
The Fiji cardi is so adorable. This book would be a welcome addition to my collection! acuriousgirl13@yahoo.com
I like the Eleganza Raglan.
gloriavalenti@hotmail.com
I really like the double trouble shell. It would be great for the beach in the summer!
jencrutch at gmail dot com
My vote is with the double trouble shell, very whimsical and light, spring/summer look
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