Everyday Crochet: Wearable Designs Just for You

by Doris Chan

Everyday Crochet is your new must-have collection of crochet designs. Doris Chan, the author of Amazing Crochet Lace, presents 25 patterns for fresh and fashion-forward attire, this time with a variety of customizable options.

With basic crochet skills, you can crochet tops, dresses, jackets, layering pieces, and accessories—a wardrobe of versatile garments that can be mixed, matched, and layered with the clothes women already have in the closet.

Also included are techniques for shaping stitches in pattern and a special focus on shells of all kinds. Using a variety of closed and open stitches, yarns, and colorways, you can make wearable ensembles for any season and any mood. Many patterns offer simple fitting tips and options for adjusting length, sleeve, and neckline, as well as sizing for ample figures up to 3XL—52” bust or 54” hip—to help achieve a signature look.
Whether you’re a crochet newbie seeking inspiration or an old pro looking for a new take on this fun craft, Everyday Crochet is packed full of innovative designs for stylish, up-to-the-minute crochet clothing and accessories.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2007

About the author

Throughout my childhood I’d seen my mother do needlework and learned from her by example. I can’t remember exactly why I was home from school that week. I think I might have had the mumps, or was it after I had my tonsils out. Whatever. I wasn’t allowed to go outside and ride my bike, climb trees or pet the neighbor’s pony. I’d read all the books I had at home. I was bored to tears and probably so was my mom who was stuck at home with me. So mom put me to work with knitting needles, crochet hook and yarn. Frankly I was glad to go back to school.

Fast forward to nearly a decade ago when I went into early “retirement”. The radio station at which I was employed was sold to a Spanish language company, my insistence that I could learn Spanish fell on deaf ears, and I found myself in the absurd state of having no job, an empty nest and nothing to do. I put myself to work with needles, hook and yarn. This time the crochet spoke to me.

I was just a hobbyist, a dabbler in the craft, but well on the way to becoming an obsessive fiberazzi (fiberazza?). Like you I crocheted holiday gifts for everyone, afghans for every baby shower, sweaters for the dog. One day on a whim I posted an image of myself in a shawl that I had made (I didn’t realize then that I had “designed” it) on the Lion Brand Yarn customer gallery. It got so many hits that I was asked to submit the sample and a pattern. They even offered to pay me. Money. Well HELL YES!

Since then I have designed hundreds of garments and accessories for yarn companies, most recently Caron International and Tahki Stacy Charles, for magazines and books. I joined the CGOA, one of the most brilliant things I’ve ever done because it put me smack in the middle of the action, among people who spoke my language. I’ve written three crochet design books for Potter Craft. And now I am here on Ravelry talking and posting about it. As fairytales go, mine is still being written. When I get to the happily-ever-after part, I’ll let you know.

My latest venture and the scariest thing I’ve ever done is launching my own self-published pattern line, DJC Designs. Available exclusively at DesigningVashti.com, the ultimate crochet destination and pattern boutique owned by my friend Vashti Braha, DJC Designs lets me explore territory not possible in traditional publishing venues. Coming soon is the companion line, DJC Designs, Too!, a collection of seamless garments sized for girls, tweens and teens.

Reviews

[Gus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cute sweaters, but again, they look a bit dated. There are some awesome belt patterns and a how to on making sweater clips (which I love for its retro kitsch feel!).

[Paula Battistelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I consider myself to be at the intermediate level when it comes to crochet ability. However, whenever I try to crochet any of the garments in this book, I end up feeling like I'm right back to beginner level. Something about the way the patterns are organized and explained makes it almost impossible for me to follow the instructions. I don't know if anyone else has had this issue, but it was disappointing to me because I really couldn't wait to get this book. I gave it three stars largely because of the stars.The designs are nice...I just can't execute any of them. I'll keep trying, though.

[K.V. Johansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the very detailed written patterns. I've never had the urge to crochet clothing before; some of the patterns in this book really inspired me. Ravelry's wpi system of stating yarn weight was really useful in substituting yarns for the patterns, too.

Update: Now that I've finished one project from this book and am nearly through another, I can say with more authority that it's excellent. Just read the patterns carefully. The clothing in the book is very attractive and practical; the sweaters and vests are items that will look good on most people and there are lots of adjustments for various sizes. It's all seamless, top-down construction and so straightforward, really.

[Dayini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm tempted to give this 4 stars as its one of the few crochet books that actually has items you could wear out in public without being laughed at - and for which you're likely to receive genuine compliments. That said, it didn't "wow" me, but I will be making at least a few of the garments and may purchase a copy of the book for my personal library.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some cute ideas, but I find the garments way too chunky to be anything I would actually like to wear. This could probably be fixed by using a lighter weight yarn. I like other of her pattern books better. I'm glad I just borrowed this book from the library. It had some cute ideas, but I wouldn't buy the book.

[tallulah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has the most practical designs i've ever seen in a crochet book. Unfortunately the author seems to think everyone already knows all the short hand and there is no glossary for the uninitiated like myself.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Doris Chan does her designs; I've rarely seen a piece worked from neck down, almost always it is worked from bottom up. I've started on one of her patterns and even though it is complex; I have high hopes for it.

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Doris Chan and her designs. They aren't flashy but the author pays close attention to fit and gives lots of information on how to customize the projects. It shows her considerable expertise. I flagged several projects for my to-do list but actually, most of them are things I would consider making. (The cover piece is my least favorite...) The photos show off the pieces well. There are schematics and stitch charts as needed.

[Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nov. 26, 2011
11:54 p.m.

I do love my crochet books and I'll read this one again and again.

This is one of my favorites. Will I ever crochet anything I see in this book? I don't know but I love looking at the pictures and dreaming of the day(s) I can concentrate long enough to make something nice for myself.

Possibly the Soft Serve cardigan. So cute. I'd like one in black.

Beautiful designs.

Lovely photos.

[Hennypenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My problem is that I have to skip back and forth through the pages so much to try to cobble together the correct pattern. I think this might work best as a computer program (pick the neck, pick the sleeves, pick the size at shoulders, bust, and waist and then have the correct pattern put into one set of instructions.

But the patterns are so lovely, and they actually seem wearable.

[Dolli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great patterns for crochet

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

The patterns are so beautiful. I can't wait start crocheting some of them.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting new way of designing crochet garments with drape to eliminate their typical cumbersome chunkiness. Taking off a star because the patterns are pretty hard to follow.

[Renee]

well layed out and easy to read understand and fllowl