Contemporary Crochet: 37 European Designs

Contemporary Crochet: 37 European Designs

This book has some strong positives to recommend it:   very stylish and wearable designs for all seasons, and a large number of varied projects.  The stitching and construction are quite simple, the shaping sophisticated but not fussy, a variety of yarns and fibers are used, and the projects are nicely photographed.  Sys Fredens is a Danish designer who first published this book in a Danish edition.  Other than her instructions, the text is written by Martingale staff, in magazine-style go-go prose that supplies more hype than information. 

There are several beautiful skirts, awesome fishnet stockings in hot pink, openwork tops for layering, numerous jackets, sweaters and cardigans, shawls and bags, and a dress. The European sense of style is seen in the attractive combination of casual and chic.  Most items come in 3 sizes and none are larger than typical American large.  

This fine designer deserves to have her work shown in a more artful fashion than it is here. The design of the book is bare.  Instructions are written in a European shorthand style that some Americans will find hard to follow.  Also problematic is a statement made in the book's introduction, which claims that the models shown are

"crocheted with yarn available in Europe, but we've made it easy to find yarn beautiful yarn that's similar, close to home.  Rather than limiting you to a specific fiber and manufacturer, each project lists the type of yarn to use.  Simply refer to the "standard Yarn-Weight system. . . and you'll find the perfect materials for every piece."  

What this means is they tell you the fiber content of the yarn, and its weight by CYCA Yarn Standards number. This limited information is not sufficient for making yarn substitutions.  Yarn weights are notoriously variable, and even if one stitches to gauge the difference in the appearance can be marked if the yarn is slightly thinner or heavier.  The texture and construction of the yarn -- for example, how many plies, can also have a great effect on how stitches actually work up.  The bottom line is, substituting yarns is an art, and doing it casually without much thought to precise yarn-matching will often end in an unsatisfactory outcome, after considerable expense and labor by the crocheter.   I wish publishers would take a more honest approach to these things and help educate consumers, rather than supply the usual platitudes.

Despite reservations, I like this book for its very attractive garments that look they could be worn for years to come, and salute designer Sys Fredens for reaching out to the American public. By Dora Ohrenstein