Ok ladies (and gents): despite all of the trend reports identifying crochet as the hot thing in fashion, I still heard a lot of….outdated, shall we say, attitudes about crochet at TNNA. It’s not that I heard it over and over, it’s just that the few times I did hear it really irked me, because they seemed more like rehashed memorizations than actual considerations of what crochet can do. I was actually told not to take this the wrong way, but that the person I was talking to was not a hippie. What? I’m sorry, but I’m not a hippie either. Nor do I only make stuff with crappy yarn, as someone else implied that “all” crocheters do. I also think there is room for everyone in the yarn game, and some so-called “crappy” yarns are actually lovely to crochet with. Ahem. And yes, I know how to knit, but I do both. I teach both. I love both. And really, can we please stop fighting about it?  I am sick of smiling and acting nice– crochet is hot, damn it!

1. Doily Earrings / On Ravelry

When I was writing Crochet Adorned, my goal was to show people how modern and beautiful (and instantly gratifying) crochet can be, and ultimately, to lure people to crochet. For me to learn a new craft, there has to be something I want to make with it. So I wanted to make the book that would make people want to crochet. The whole idea of Crochet Adorned is that you can use the crocheted touches on knitwear, crochet wear, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking or whatever your heart desires. There’s even a stitch dictionary in the back with more trims and motifs, and 30 solid stitch patterns in case you also want to make a foundation piece, such as a scarf or bag. If you don’t like a particular color or design, that’s cool, cause I tell you all about how to make it yours!

2. Tank Top/ On Ravelry

And just so nothing gets automatically dismissed, I want to show you how very NOW these designs are. I found examples of readymade clothing that are pretty darn close to the techniques I outline in the book. So, here we go. The items on the left are available for purchase on websites right now. The items on the right are patterns in Crochet Adorned.  Links to purchase-able items below each picture (photos are from the listed websites, please don’t sue me!), links to ravelry page of projects for inspiration are on the right. (Please, please, upload your pics to Ravelry if you’ve made projects. I started a group for the book, so join us over there, too!)

3. Crochet Back Tank / On Ravelry (Yes, I realize that’s machine-knit lace, but you get the idea)

4. Inset Sleeve Trim Tee / On Ravelry (same deal about the lace)

5. Floral Cardigan / On Ravelry

6. Flower Trimmed Tank/Dress / On Ravelry

7. Trimmed Dress / On Ravelry

8. Two Pair of shoes / On Ravelry

There you have it. Crochet is fashionable, and if you tell me otherwise, I’m sending you to bed without your dinner!