Loop-d-Loop Crochet: More Than 25 Novel Designs for Crocheters

by Teva Durham, Adrian Buckmaster (Photographer)

By her own admission, Teva Durham used to be a “knit snob.” No longer. Now, the influential needlecraft guru has become a “two-timer,” bringing the same ingenuity, innovative eye, and solid fashion sense that she’s always exhibited in her knitting design to the world of crochet.

In Loop-d-Loop Crochet , Durham presents more than 25 designs that are as up-to-the-minute, style-wise, as they are thoroughly steeped in crochet stitchwork tradition. Each of the projects, which range from purses, skirts, shawls, and sweaters for the whole family to a hammock and a pair of brocade boots, epitomizes Durham’s signature design sensibility, which she describes as “a tension of opposites—rough-hewn yet delicate, stark yet feminine, organic yet structured.” Decked out in evocative color photographs (by Adrian Buckmaster), a diverse cast of models show off the finished garments.

Beginner and advanced crocheters will find Durham’s novel approach refreshing and inspiring. And for newcomers just making the switch from knitting, Loop-d-Loop Crochet provides the perfect introduction to what Durham terms the “flip side” of needlecraft’s heritage. Crochet is a freeing experience, Durham says—a sentiment with which her many fans are certain to agree.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Creative, How To

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Vanessa Opal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This pattern book is filled with beautiful designs! The style is very vintage-modern, which I love; anything that I make from here I'll be keeping for myself instead of gifting, thank you very much.

My favourite pattern? I plan to have that beautiful Catherine Wheel Coat ready by October.

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really great looks in here, but for ambitious crocheters only. Most seem to be high detail, high quality yarn...not a casual crafter book.
Great photos and several of one item which is unusual.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, but really unappealing projects.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm reading this immediately after reading the author's first book, Loop-d-Loop, so I had high hopes. Disappointingly, there are only 25 designs (compared to 40+ in the first book) and of those, only two projects that I flagged for making. One is the very simple Picot Mesh Skirt (p 56), the other is the Medallion Cardigan (p 122) and I already have the alterations that I'd make for each design in mind. Photography is beautiful but, honestly, many of the usual criticisms of crochet are here, too. The entire first chapter of five projects are just fugly! I do LOVE that there are curvy models and models of color included.

[Mycala · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not inspired to make a single project while reading this book. A friend was with me and several times emitted a low "woooooow" (not in a good way) in response to certain projects.

Wow, indeed.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL photography! But really only one that I would make, and that would be for myself- I was looking at this book for something to make for teen daughter but she rejected it all.

[Venus Maneater · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, although I dislike this book, there are some really nice elements to it so let's start with those:

- The photography is insanely beautiful.
- The projects are clear, and you can easily learn the basics of crochet out of this book alone

Why I give it two stars:

- All the projects are incredibly unappealing to me. Skirts and tunics made in double crochet and pretty much only double crochet, for example.
- The final products pictured in this book sometimes look unfinished, rough around the edges and sloppy. The little girl bolero for example - the way the rows are joined and the colors are changed looks downright amateurish.

I gave the book away to a novice crocheter and she had great fun with it. :) I've seen her make and wear the boots and the wheel cape, so maybe I'm just not the right person to try Teva Durham's crochet projects.

[Holly Booms Walsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the strangest crochet book ever! It looks like a high-fashion magazine shoot, and the projects are very haute couture and elegant rather than granny squares and bright colors. I liked a few things, but I'm not sure that I can follow the instructions or that I am advanced enough to complete them. I won't be buying it for my bookshelf.

[Swirling Fi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got this book today, and so far it looks great. I skimmed through the patterns, and found several ones I'm dying to try out. This book seems to add what many other crochet books lack - cool and alternative clothing! It's also packed with lovely photographies.

[Oscar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty beautiful pattern book, with great photos of ambitious projects. Everything is extremely structured and advanced, and really I can only look rather than actually make. But it's just so pretty to look at!

[Stephanie Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are several patterns in this book that I really want to make. It has inspired me to learn how to do more than a foundation chain!

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

not too many wearable designs but there are some real gems here

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book with beautiful photography.

[CD]

Remarkable book. the photos are incredible. The models are gorgeous, and the corcheted items are to die for. Really fabulous.

[Joshua Gage · Rating 3 out of 5]

While some of these patterns were very chic, some were simply bizarre and odd. I'd only make a few of these.