Crochet So Fine
Crochet So Fine
Crochet So Fine is a gorgeous new book by Kristin Omdahl, just released by Interweave Press. Kristin has always brought a special eye to crochet design, bringing together the beauty in geometry, great stitching technique, an artistic eye, and lovely fashion sense. It all comes together in beautiful crochet, with one smashing design followed by another. Of course, it's the use of fine weight yarns that underlies the success of these designs. We all know that many stitch patterns -- some of the oldest and most elaborate -- look best when made with fine weight yarns. Too often the industry, and we crafters, lack the patience, and the time, to undertake projects of this calibre. If anyone can convince us to make time, its Kristin!
Many of the projects take a lace weight yarn and work it in an open pattern with a large hook . This produces fabric that's super airy and drapy, more like a shawl than a sweater, whether knit or crochet. It also means that the project won't take eons to complete. For example, the Dragonfly Shawl (photo here) is made with Aunt Lydia's Crochet Thread worked with E hook. The central back panel of dragonflies is very open, with more dense lace on either side. It's like a painting out of yarn.
Orchid Circular Shawl, also on Kristin's interview page in this issue, is another stunner, an ingenious circular design where all the details are realized with great originality. The center medallion avoids looking like a doily (not that I don't love doilies, but not too wear), followed by rounds consisting of enormous chains punctuated by Clones Knots. A wide old lace edging is added all around the bottom -- this is a garment worthy of a wedding or visit to royalty!
The Broomstick Hat out of Lion Brand Microspun also looks great, with a heavier cabled edge that adds structure and warmth. There are many more wonderful designs here, clearly showing the beauty of crocheted lace and how it can be used in contemporary design without suggesting anything period or dated. Some projects are very accessible and others are more challenging. Yarns run the gamut from crochet cotton to high end alpaca and silk.
Interweave books are consistent in look, clean and attractive. The photos of designs are lovely, but Kristin's work deserves a more artistic book design. Many high end yarns made of luxurious fibers are used and I sorely miss well-lit close upshots showing the quality and sheen. Instructions are very detailed, with good stitch diagrams and schematics.
Kristin is clearly on a roll with crochet and has lots more to do and discover. It's very reassuring for the future of crochet to see a continued stream of high quality books like this one.