Repeat after us: Crocheting is easy. Crocheting is fun. Crocheting is fast. Okay, got it? Great! Now forget everything else you ever knew about crocheting, because Cool Crochet takes the easy, fast fun of crochet and dumps the frumpy afghans, lumpy hats, and bumpy scarves of the past. With this book, top—selling author Melissa Leapman moves crochet light years ahead, into exciting designs, dazzling patterns, and sleek shapes that are sure to earn the approval of fashion police everywhere. Tanks, pullovers, cardigans, halters, a skirt, a dress, even a bikini—they're all just a hook and a dream away! And how about coordinating those new outfits with trendy purses, hats, and jewelry? Practical as well as good—looking, Cool Crochet includes valuable tips on assembling garments, plus an appendix of stitches and guidance on yarn and materials. Every fashionista will want to get her hooks into this book!
Some ok patterns; nothing I felt like I needed to keep on my shelf. All the information can be found elsewhere. Not bad, but I didn't find any patterns I wanted to use.
Chances of a belly-baring pattern that a shy girl like me would never wear? 45% Chances of a pattern that looks like a fantastic sweater… for an 84-year-old? 40% Chances of finding something worth your time/effort? 15% (Percentages are approximations based on my personal impressions, not actual calculations – If you'd like an actual calculation, I may do it if you ask really, really nicely.)
Those aforementioned belly-baring patterns make me feel like a tub. I cannot give a good rating to a book that makes me feel bad about myself, or a book that has such hit-or-miss pattern choices. I don't recommend this for anyone who won't wear a bikini. (I had a slightly longer, better-argued review typed up, and then my internet had a seizure and lost it. So you'll have to be content with this one.)
Actually I thought this was a good book & went on to buy it after reading the libraries edition. I really liked the fact that plus size patterns were included.
Patterns for skinny people. Too many sweaters and tops showing off bellies or hugging curves. A few cute projects (the hoodie, the bell sleeved pullover) but nothing really worth pursuing here.