Crochet Me

by Kim Piper Werker

Featuring 18 fashionable patterns that take crochet into new territory, this beginner-friendly book of projects dispels the "unhip" reputation of crochet with designs that are edgy and stylish. Projects include jewelry, thigh-high stockings, retro bags, scarves, sweaters, shrugs, camis, and home decor objects, exploring color, texture, design, embellishment, and how to customize patterns to fit personal style. Basic crochet techniques are covered along with tutorials on sizing, design, and special techniques. Up-and-coming designers are profiled throughout the book to give an entertaining and inspiring insight into this new generation of crocheters, what inspires them, how they find community with other crocheters, and creative ideas for breaking the rules and representing their individual crochet style.

Genres: Crochet, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, How To, Art, Knitting

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Kim Werker is a writer and editor who makes something every day. She runs a project called Mighty Ugly, helping people to embrace the difficult, dark side of creativity so they can have way more fun making stuff and trying new things.

Her latest book is Make It Mighty Ugly: Exercises and Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain't Pretty. Kim was the founder of the now-extinct CrochetMe.com and was the editor of Interweave Crochet magazine from 2006-2008. She has written or co-authored six crochet books including Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution, and Crochet Visual Quick Tips.

Kim lives in Vancouver, BC, with her partner, their son, and a mutt who was named after a tree.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the cardigans and wraps in this one. Maybe one day when I am brave I will do one.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOTTOM LINE: Attempt at "trendy" doesn't quite come off, but a fun attitude and some very intriguing patterns made this fun to read, at least.

Not at all my cuppa, these designs are fairly "out there", and some are plain bizzarro IMO. But the author writes well, and this medium-sized paperback pattern book is arranged well and photographed ditto. The size and tight paperback construction make it difficult to use, but for those whose tastes reflect those of the author this would be a fun book to browse through. Author has website and/or blog, and appears to have quite a following, is also on Ravelry.

[Caissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this one from the library and immediately added it to my "must buy" list. It's a great book filled with wonderful patterns from prominent crochet designers. This is a classic book that you'll return to when you find a new, beautiful yarn and you want to know what to make with it. It's a must for the crochet garment-maker's library.

[Wendi WDM · Rating 5 out of 5]

mmmm, this book is like candy for the crochet person!! I love just browsing through the pictures and hoping that some day I'll be learned enough to be able to make some of the items in the book.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very nice book if looking for ideas in the world of crochet, the patterns shown, I found to be lacking. It is more of a introduction for specific designers than a book for workable patterns.

[Kim Clune · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than Projects

Aside from the beautiful patterns, tips and tricks, I truly enjoyed learning about the designers. Whether mixing elements from different cultures or just letting their hook lead the way, there are many springboard ideas for designing beyond the patterns and with leads to much more inspiration beyond the book.

[Nett Hulse · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid compilation with some cute items. Watch for errata, and perhaps check the book's patterns out of Ravelry to make sure you want to make them first.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A library book that I was browsing through for patterns. None grabbed me and made me feel like I just had to have or use this book. Love her Craftsy classes, though.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess it's the point of the book, but too many dresses, skirts, and tops for my taste. Crochet is essentially see-through; nothing in this about lining or additional finishing.

[Shellina Nefelibata · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 great sweater patterns, the rest was ok

[Sonja H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cute patterns. Tops up to 44" No plus sizes

[Michelle Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest.. many of the patterns werent my type.. and almost all of them werent my size.. so this book wasnt for me..

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

As per crochet book rules, some inoffensive items; some that I don't think would look good on anyone; one I loved the concept of, but hated the execution; and a couple I may attempt in the future. Nothing I fell absolutely in love with, but I'm picky. I did like the essays and articles that came after nearly every pattern. I had just mentioned to my mother that I need to relearn how to read stitch diagrams when, lo and behold! "Read Stitch Diagrams"! I was just starting to get tired of hunting through my emails and bookmarks for that "Magic Circle" link my sister sent me when, ta-da! A one-page how-to. Stick a copy on the front of a pattern binder and hunt no more! "A Different Kind of Post" is a fabulous essay because it totally validates me sometimes-desire to be a housewife. (A sometimes-desire always foiled by my lack of romantic entanglements. Oh, well. Back to the salt mines.) I mostly make blankets because gauge doesn't really matter – who cares if it's six inches longer or shorter than the pattern dictates? It still covers the bed/couch and keeps me warm. But I'm running out of room for blankets and people to give them to, so I've been thinking that I should start expanding my repertoire. Scarves are boring, I have plenty of hats (I currently wear three. At the same time. Layered together. Because it's fracking cold this year.)… It must be time for sweaters. But… Gauge? Have no fear! "A Note on Gauge" is here! (Okay, I'm weird. But that's why I'm awesome.) So the short essays and articles earned this one an extra star. Would I buy it? No. Would I visit CrochetMe.com? Perhaps. But not 'til I catch up on …everything else.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get out your hooks, Crochet fans! Kim P. Werker, editor of Interweave Crochet magazine and the founder of crochetme.com, has gathered together a group of hip designers and created a book of innovative and stylish designs. The eighteen patterns range from bags to sweaters and leave granny squares and crocheted flowers far behind.

I particularly liked the looks of both the Babydoll Dress by Amy O'Neill Houck and the Leaves Sweater by Annette Petavy. Both designs use fine yarn to accomplish a beautiful drape. In fact, there were only two designs that I saw in the entire book that used worsted weight yarns; all the others use DK weight and finer. One great feature, especially for a hand spinner, is the substitution section for each pattern that gives a guide to the actual size of the yarn used. There is a section on techniques and a list of suppliers.

One of my favorite things about this book is that each designer is profiled extensively, and most of them have blogs and web sites!

[SewUnicornish · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book you get to read other crocheters experiences and profiles. There are little pages describing the artists reason for creating the pattern. The book tries to give crocheters a sense of community and purpose. It touches on the issue of feminism and being raised in a career first society. I would say this is for more advanced crocheters. I liked it. The patterns are ok but not amazing or anything.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for beginners - but has a couple of cute projects in it. If you are interested in "going green," there is a cute project in there for a "cocoon bag" which will allow you to create a reusable bag to take to the market. I'm just learning to crochet, so this is a book to come back to after banking some experience with my hook first.

[Swirling Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got this book, and after having leafed through it and admired all the lovely patterns I know I'll be using this book a lot. There are loads of lovely items, and the instructions seem clear as well. I can't wait to get started on the blue wrap on the front cover - and there are even more goodies inside! This is indeed a book with trendy and cool patterns, and a must for all crocheters!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great crochet book with some very cool designs. I'd like to someday crochet the Style Moderne jewelry, the Comfy Cardi, and that amazing Mesmerize Sweater! Also liked the Shades of Plaid scarf which looks woven. Might want to purchase this book for its good instructions of Tunisian crochet and other more advanced techniques.

[Ames · Rating 4 out of 5]

The patterns in this book are a bit advanced, but many I want to try making when my skills are better. Making a full piece of clothing seems daunting, but there are plenty of smaller accessories to tackle. I also enjoyed that each designer has a profile included. It's not often you have the opportunity to "get to know" the amazingly talented people behind the designs in a pattern book.

[Gabriella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a variety of crochet patterns - a few tops, jewelry, a pair of stockings, a bag, a basket, a rug, and more. Most of it isn't my style, and this would be a book I would pass on if it weren't for two patterns that really caught my eye - I haven't made them yet, so I've yet to see how they work up with from the pattern.

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring, with lots and lots of models and designers profiles. The books creates a marvelous atmosphere, introducing at the same time new styles (new for me), like Tunisian crochet.A must read if you're a crochet enthusiast/designer.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are maybe 2 designs in this whole book that are both fashionable and wearable for a real woman (read someone not model sized). I was disappointed.

[Bryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Revolution"? Hyperbolic. But there are some really cool (and occasionally mind-bending) designs.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful patterns. A must-have.

[Cordelia · Rating 1 out of 5]

They didn't pick the best of the Crochet Me patterns, which can all be found for free online.

[Libraryla2]

How great crocheting is.

[Lindsay Evermore]

Hagaman

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The clothes in here is so pretty. The color choices too.

[Jen]

A couple patterns I really liked in here. I made the scarf for a friend for Christmas and it turned out really cute!

[Joshua Gage · Rating 3 out of 5]

These patterns are nice, and look very pretty, but there's nothing here I'd want to crochet. I'd recommend getting it from the library to check out the patterns before purchasing it.