by Vickie Howell
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Lark Books (May 5, 2009)
Vickie Howell is back with a brand new book of funky, original and inspiring patterns... and this time its all about crochet! Vickie Howell’s Pop Goes Crochet pays tribute to popular-culture (past and present) with 36 projects inspired by celebrities in music, film, television and movies.
As with Vickie's books in the past, I find some of the designs a little too funky for my personal style, but all in all, there is a broad range of patterns offered. You'll find patterns for men, women and children... and they include just about everything: hats, bags, sweaters, scarves, socks, vests, skirts, wristlets - even wire jewelry!
Pop Goes Crochet is a great book for young crocheters and seems to be hitting the market at the right time, as crochet is picking up popularity. The photography throughout is bright and modern. Charts of abbreviations, yarn weights and hook equivalents are included, however the book is missing a basic crochet instruction guide. I know that nearly every knitting book includes basic instructions and am quite surprised to see this left out of one of Vickie's books. As someone who does not crochet, I find this to be unappealing to others like myself who may be interested in learning how.
About the Author Vickie Howell's projects have been featured in many newspapers, books and magazines. She also has appeared on numerous TV shows, including The Today Show. Vickie is host of DIY's Knitty Gritty and writes a regular celebrity column for Vogue Knitting's Knit. 1 magazine. Her previous books include New Knits on the Block, Not Another Teen Knitting Book and Knit Aid. A self-proclaimed crafty gRRRL, Vickie Howell has been involved in the creative arts for as long as she can remember.
*Free Pattern
Doris by Vickie Howell
Growing up, Doris Day’s wholesome movies were a mainstay in my house. Her films characterized a kinder time when high jinks happened but a happy ending was guaranteed. This silky beaded scarf personifies her smooth voice, sparkling eyes, and playful style.
Level: Beginner
Size: One Size Fits All
Finished Measurements: 3 x 43" / 8 x 109cm
Yarn: Tilli Thomas Rockstar (100% spun silk with glass beads): 1 skein, color Lime Zing - or approximately 150yd/137m of worsted weight yarn
Hook: 4mm/G-6 or sized needed to obtain gauge
Stitches Used: Chain(ch) ~ Single Crochet(sc) ~ Half double crochet(hdc) ~ Double crochet(dc) ~ Treble crochet(tr)
Gauge: 24 sts = 4"/10cm in pattern st
Ch 24.
Row 1: (Sc, ch 3, sc) in 13th ch from hook, *ch 5, skip 5 ch, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch; rep from *, ending with ch 5, skip 5, sc in last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 7, sk 1st sc, skip 5 ch, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-3 loop, *ch 5, (sc, ch 3, sc); rep from *,
ending with a ch 5, skip 5, sc in last ch, turn.
Rep Row 2 a total of 68 times; do not fasten off.
Ruffle
Next row: Ch 4 (counts as 1st tr), 4 tr in same st as ch, ch 5, skip 5 ch, 5 tr in next ch-3 sp, ch 5, skip 5 ch, 5 tr in next ch-3 sp, skip 5 ch, 5 tr in next st. Turn.
Next row: Ch 2, hdc to end. Turn.
Next row: Ch 3 and dc in same st, 2 dc in next st; rep to end. Fasten off.
Pick up st on corner of opposite end and rep ruffle instructions.
Finish
Weave in ends. Block if necessary.
*Pattern reprinted courtesy of Lark Books.
