Creative Crochet Lace: A Freeform Look at Classic Crochet

by Myra Wood

Learn a new, freeform approach to traditional crochet openwork techniques that's easier than you can imagine! You'll discover 5 methods of crocheting lace done with a creative and fluid approach to create wonderful wearables, accessories and anything else you can imagine. No patterns necessary! First you'll discover the origins of crochet lace and then each freeform method, modified from a classic style, is explained in detail. All the basics you need to know including which materials to use, how to pick yarns and fibers and which hooks work best are explained too. There is also an in-depth discussion about "Lace Logic" and how different stitches and yarns work together. The project section goes into detail about the process used for making the pieces along with photos of the works in progress. Templates are included for many of the projects to give you a good understanding of the creative approach. Along with these excellent examples designed to spark your imagination there is a gorgeous gallery of fellow crochet artists' works. You'll also find inspiring photos of flowers and gardens to get your creative juices flowing. This book is clearly written with lots of beautiful photos to help get you started on your Creative Crochet Lace adventure.

Genres: Crochet, Nonfiction

100 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2008

Reviews

[CD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for the crocheter who wants a guiding hand to explain how to freeform. Myra Wood explains the technique behind freeform crochet and gives you some sample patterns to try out and venture forth. She breaks it down into five forms: funky filet, doodle lace, tossed salad, wild Irish crochet, and organic lace scrumbling. She shows you major projects she created with each type of freeform along with a basic outline of how it was done. She then talks about embellishment.

She goes through some more projects that vary in difficulty and then profiles different freeform masters and shows examples of their works. This is a must have book for anyone interested in freeform crochet.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book that gives information on how to do free form crochet.

[Mortalform · Rating 4 out of 5]

My introduction into freeform crochet, where you don’t follow a set pattern, instead building on pieces using several crocheting stitches and the over reaching guideline that you do what is needed to make (keep) it flat. Introducing several styles of freeform including Filet, Doodle Lace, Tossed Salad, Wild Irish crochet and Organic Lace Scrumbling, this book also has a few patterns to try, tip on making your own pattern and many images of beautiful projects that others have created for inspiration.

I feel that the author’s own style is informed to excellent effect by her background in traditional crochet motifs, this seems to allow her and the others included in this book more ability to vary their ‘scrumbles’. I’m sure part of that also comes from their having done more than the single attempt I have made to date (pretty coaster, how I love thee) but I’m not stopping yet!

[Sandra]

WARNING! DO NOT, under any circumstances, purchase this book! The author must have paid to have it published AND paid her equally-deluded friend/relative to write anything good about it. This book is poorly-written and incorrect CRAP. Imagine going to a lot of trouble to decipher the book's instructions so you can make, then wear an ill-fitting, weirdly-shaped tea cozy. This book doesn't even succeed in giving clear instructions on how to make a anything other than a laughing stock of yourself. Don't go there!!!