"The attention to detail in these garments, as well as the designs that flatter a variety of body types and generous sizing options (small to 5X), elevate this title well beyond the average collection of crochet patterns.” —Library Journal *“Contemporary crocheters will be delighted and grateful to have Mullett-Bowlsby’s guide to creating drapey, stylish garments without any of the bulk so often associated with their medium. All the garments in the book are sized from small to 5X, with detailed instructions to help change sizes. Standout projects include the beginner-friendly, bell-sleeved three-quarter-sleeve pullover and the red ‘Beginner Cardi,’ created easily from six rectangles. The Three-Quarter Sleeve Cardi is a covetable design for intermediate crocheters, as is a turtleneck poncho with easy shaping and fancy color work. Advanced crocheters can show off higher-level skills (cables and lace) with a demure tunic or the challenging Motif Maxi Skirt. Most of the yarn is fingering weight, superfine, or fine, producing a finished garment that lightly hugs the body. Plenty of thought is given to the yarns, so crocheters will probably want to use the recommended fiber for each project. A final section on special techniques and finishing instructions rounds out this beautifully photographed book.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) “Mullett-Bowlsby is definitely a needlework designer to watch. Even though he claims 200 published patterns, this book will jumpstart his claim to crocheting fame. Why the acclaim? First, the 32 patterns, all classic, are created with subtle twists. Hoodies, for example, come sleeveless or long, with cloak-type head coverings or more streamlined shapes. Second, the sizing. Mullett-Bowlsby’s not only been more than generous in including up to (and usually beyond) 2X, his instructions also allow for a shaping and a more precise fit, no matter what the actual number. Third, he’s not at all shy about sharing his techniques: specific foundation stitches, best seaming methods, and zipper shortening and sewing are all found in the last chapter. Finally, instructions and photographs give book-chapter-verse-sentence to every design. There are guides for pattern stitches and special techniques, schematics, stitch charts, and, always, full-color photographs of the finished apparel and stitch close-ups.” —Booklist
"The attention to detail in these garments, as well as the designs that flatter a variety of body types and generous sizing options (small to 5X), elevate this title well beyond the average collection of crochet patterns.” —Library Journal *“Contemporary crocheters will be delighted and grateful to have Mullett-Bowlsby’s guide to creating drapey, stylish garments without any of the bulk so often associated with their medium. All the garments in the book are sized from small to 5X, with detailed instructions to help change sizes. Standout projects include the beginner-friendly, bell-sleeved three-quarter-sleeve pullover and the red ‘Beginner Cardi,’ created easily from six rectangles. The Three-Quarter Sleeve Cardi is a covetable design for intermediate crocheters, as is a turtleneck poncho with easy shaping and fancy color work. Advanced crocheters can show off higher-level skills (cables and lace) with a demure tunic or the challenging Motif Maxi Skirt. Most of the yarn is fingering weight, superfine, or fine, producing a finished garment that lightly hugs the body. Plenty of thought is given to the yarns, so crocheters will probably want to use the recommended fiber for each project. A final section on special techniques and finishing instructions rounds out this beautifully photographed book.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) “Mullett-Bowlsby is definitely a needlework designer to watch. Even though he claims 200 published patterns, this book will jumpstart his claim to crocheting fame. Why the acclaim? First, the 32 patterns, all classic, are created with subtle twists. Hoodies, for example, come sleeveless or long, with cloak-type head coverings or more streamlined shapes. Second, the sizing. Mullett-Bowlsby’s not only been more than generous in including up to (and usually beyond) 2X, his instructions also allow for a shaping and a more precise fit, no matter what the actual number. Third, he’s not at all shy about sharing his techniques: specific foundation stitches, best seaming methods, and zipper shortening and sewing are all found in the last chapter. Finally, instructions and photographs give book-chapter-verse-sentence to every design. There are guides for pattern stitches and special techniques, schematics, stitch charts, and, always, full-color photographs of the finished apparel and stitch close-ups.” —Booklist
05/01/2015
Crocheted garments are all about texture—the nature of crochet lends itself to airy, open garments with plenty of detail. Designer Mullett-Bowlsby (Crochet Ponchos) chose lightweight yarns for the projects in this collection, which features a variety of silhouettes ranging from a body-skimming off-the-shoulder dress to a loose-fitting poncho top. While each garment is photographed on a single model, the figures differ in size, allowing crocheters to see how the clothing might appear on diverse body types. The majority of the patterns are graded for intermediate crocheters and require the ability to shape fabric with increases and decreases. Stitch charts are included as needed. VERDICT The attention to detail in these garments, as well as the designs that flatter a variety of body types and generous sizing options (small to 5X), elevate this title well beyond the average collection of crochet patterns.
