Uncommon Crochet
Uncommon Crochet
by Vashti Braha http://designingvashti.blogspot.com/
I welcomed writing a review of Uncommon Crochet because the book and I happen to be a good fit. I’ll tell you why up front so that you know where I’m coming from before I put on my more objective book reviewer’s hat. The author and I seem to have had similar crochet beginnings—we had fiberliciously experimental childhoods in the early ‘70’s, for example. “Uncommon crochet” is precisely what I seek—fresh ways of seeing, designing, and using crochet. Also, I loved the years that I lived in Seattle, and Uncommon Crochet exudes Pacific Northwest style. I feel like I’m right there in front of Pike Place Market seeing the author carry her crocheted sisal market tote of fresh produce.
Putting on my reviewer’s hat now and setting aside that very personal response, I discovered a thoroughly well-written and well-designed book. It’s tastefully designed with a modern, earthy chic. The feel of the book is wholesome, clean, reassuringly confident; the pages are of high-quality heavy stock. Even the text is printed in earth tones that are soothing to the eye and do not sacrifice readability. Nearly all of the 25 projects are usable and decorative containers of every type (baskets, vases, totes, etc.), so the book has primarily a home décor focus (even the bags and totes are stylish room accents).
Home décor project books are interesting to me on more than one level if they convey a compelling style vision, and this one does so with finesse. Values conveyed are an organic, straightforward approach, a life of richly textured simplicity, and an appreciation for low-tech craft as art.
Most crochet books follow a formula in which 30 or so pages explain the basics of crochet. Ms. Holetz displays an expertise in this section that obviously comes from real teaching experience. I’m sure it is also informed by her work as a professional technical editor of crochet books.
That’s two chapters out of six. The rest of the chapters “think outside of the box”. One focuses on crocheting with the uncommon materials used in the book, which are hemp, jute, sisal, leather, raffia, fabric strips, wire, non-craft string, and recycled materials. These are satisfyingly uncommon enough to find all in one book. All are natural materials and are fairly easy to locate; the Resources section at the end of the book is very helpful. The final three chapters organize the projects according to design complexity. Chapter Four focuses on using the simplest crochet stitches and shapes to spotlight the rich textures of the materials. Standouts for me include the dramatic juxtaposition of a chunky jute mesh with a rich fabric lining, and the Patchwork Handbag that combines patches of stylish Japanese print fabric with hemp squares.
Chapter Five is a wonderful introduction to the designing process. This chapter alone caused me to wish that I had this book as a younger crocheter. There are too many memorable designs from this chapter to go into here but I must mention the glossy red leather containers!
In Chapter Six, “Experiment,” the author explains, “The projects in this chapter …were conceptualized, designed, and mastered through random experimentation. I include my advice here so you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.” After having experimented myself with wire crochet, I can heartily recommend the “Playing With Wire” section. Also provided is refreshing advice for embellishing with beads, felting, and creating with crocheted mesh.
The scope of Uncommon Crochet is uncommonly vast, and Julie Armstrong Holetz accomplishes it masterfully.