book review: creating crochet fabric
I’m starting to catch up on all the draft book reviews I want to write. This one is the most complete so I’ll throw it out there. There are over a dozen still to go and don’t worry, I won’t toss them to you all at once.
Creating Crochet Fabric: Experimenting with Hook, Yarn & Stitch
by Dora Ohrenstein
143 Pages, 15 Projects, & Stitch Dictionary
Skill level: advanced crocheter or an adventurous beginner who wants to learn more
Binding: soft cover
ISBN: 978-1-60059-331-4
I was initially drawn in by, of all things, the title. I’m really happy I listened to the siren call and discovered a beautiful new publication.
I don’t often hear many who describe what their needles or hooks create as fabric, but I’m very happy that “after several years of serious play with yarns [Ohrenstein] gained new perspectives on the interplay of yarn, hook, and stitch patterns in crochet fabric”. She terms this the fabricology of crochet. I hope that more will begin to look at their creations less as a project and more as a handmade fabric that is worked into a project.
Why does this book succeed? The same stitch pattern is shown with different yarns and the differences are described. Most samples have the pattern available in a stitch dictionary at the back, as both charted crochet and with more traditional written instructions. The photos are in focus and photographed simply showing the detail you need to understand the important concepts that Ohrenstein covers.
I do wish more attention and examples were given to drape, as I feel that is an area many crocheters need to understand to go to new places in the fabricology of crochet.
Overall I highly recommend this book so much so that I offer it a coveted spot on my reference bookshelf.