Doublestitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista by Erika Simmons, Monika Simmons

From the Publisher

The simple techniques shown in this guide together with the flirty, sassy designs will have even beginners crocheting in no time. Projects are divided into two collections, with "Out and About" featuring casual daytime fashions to layer over T-shirts or wear with jeans, a look that migrates from a downtown coffeehouse to the beach with ease. From the webbed halter dress and hooded poncho to the remix T-shirt with crocheted sleeves, all these pieces radiate an irresistible bohemian charm. The evening collection, "Paint the Town," emphasizes unusual detailing, open-weave crochet, and playful colors in designs for a feather choker and matching cocktail bag, a gothic shawl, a glamorous full-length peek-a-boo dress, a slinky tailored shrug, and a corset with satin ribbon ties.

Ebony

Takes crochet to new levels with the edgy, body-shaping designs the Chicago designers are known for creating.

Suite101.com

Wear an item made from a pattern in this book, and truly be prepared to stop traffic. The projects are modern, flirtatious, and fun.

Yarn Market News

Elegantly flirty, authoritatively saucy, these projects take full advantage of crochet's openwork and show a whole lot of skin.

Monsters and Critics.com

These fashions will freshen a stale wardrobe and likely change how you think about crochet garments.

School Library Journal

Adult/High School

This book brings grandmother's crochet to the high-fashion world with more than 20 patterns for everything from leg and neck warmers to dresses. The authors deserve credit for the sheer creativity of the designs, even if they're not always practical (one choker necklace pattern incorporates feathers into the stitching, and others weave ribbons and buttons into patterns). Some of the ideas border on the ridiculous-the "hip hanger" looks like a sideways knitted apron worn over pants, and the patterns for fringed halters and bikinis are a little over-the-top even for those with the body confidence to pull off such a look. Projects are packaged and modeled by young "downtown" type women, giving this book a feel that is very different from the majority of craft books for young people these days-think club wear and hip-hop-inspired designs rather than the indie-hipster looks in books such as Amy Spencer's Crafter Culture Handbook (Marion Boyars, 2006). As such, it will appeal to different readers and crafters, and the wide range of projects guarantees that anyone will find at least a couple of patterns worth trying out. A caveat: Double Stitch has limited introductory instructions for absolute beginners.-Caitlin Fralick, Ottawa Public Library, ON

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