Crochet it. Love it. Wear it! by Drew Emborsky
So, if you don’t know Drew “The Crochet Dude” Emborsky, you should. He’s a righteous crochet designer, and a good egg to boot. (And we won’t even start on what he can do with an egg….!) Anyway, Drew is a prolific designer with now 6 books under his belt. This latest one is “for the ladies”, featuring 13 designs- or, as the tagline says, it’s “The Ultimate Collection for Every Occasion.”
It certainly seems that way! Here’s my summary of the designs:
- Debra- a casual long, knee- length cardigan. There’s an optional belt closure.
- Ruffled Caridan- A long and lovely cardigan (featured in white on the cover) with a sweet, feminine ruffle. It’s more of an open-work design that would be great for all seasons.
- Pencil Skirt- Mad Men alert! Sleek and sexy. If you’ve got the figure for it, WEAR IT!
- Budapest Nights- O.M.G! An ankle-length stunner, featuring an double-breasted design with bold buttons, diamond work pattern, and *gasp* faux fur sleeves and trim. SO dramatic.
- Antebellum- a sweet, girlie-girl babydoll top with a lace-up neckline and frilly sleeves. For the young or young-at-heart. Pictured in teal on the cover.
- Quintessential- a little black dress. For real. Really. Black. Crocheted. Dress. Wow. Also pictured on the cover!
- Laurie- A cross-over cardi with 3/4 length sleeves (pictured in purple on the cover over there.) Casual, classy, universal. Drew could have called it “The Jenny” – ‘cuz I would wear that in a heartbeat!
- Angel of Music- this lovely number is a short-sleeved cardigan with a dropped shawl neckline and a bow closure. It falls at the hip, and has hip hidden pockets. There is even a little shaping with a back tab. Nice.
- Saugatuck Summer- a boat-necked, short-sleeved summery top that would be right at home at the yacht club or a picnic. Such a classic design anyone could wear it.
- …and then there’s Hesperas. Rock chic, anyone?? It’s a strapless bustier-style dress with ruffly skirt attached. I’m not sure who (over the age of 17) could pull this look off. But it’s intriguing…
- Vashti- a bohemian over-skirt of lacy openwork. I’d wear this look over a tank dress or even full pants. Very versatile & ageless.
- Investing- a button- up vest! (Hooray for the vest, let’s hope the comeback sticks!) I’d wear it. ‘Nuff said.
- Keyhole scarf- It’s a sweet, super-ruffly scarf that is so on-trend right now. This version would be right at home outside in the snow or worn as a chic fashion accessory.
WHEW! That’s a lot of goodness, right? Now, here are some of the nitty-gritty deets. First of all, I’m going to say right off the bat that I’m a beginning crocheter and I can’t make a single one of these designs. Drew has thoughtfully rated each one, and they all are “intermediate” to “advanced.” (Even the scarf is beyond me. Sigh.) However, the photos and general directions are well-illustrated so that, if you DO have a good working knowledge of crochet, this book is going to be right up your alley. And it gives newbies like me something to aspire to. (Budapest Nights, you will be mine!)
Drool. Drool. Drool.
I’m really hoping to get my hands on some of Drew’s Instructional Kits & give you the low-down on those someday soon! Lastly, if you really want to cozy up to The Crochet Dude, head on over to Facebook and be a friend. Cuz I know he likes friends!
So, now for some fun! Since I’m such a novice, I figure this book will only languish on my bookshelf until I get my skill set in order- so how would YOU like it? Just leave me a comment telling me what you’re favorite crocheted project is, and I’ll draw a winner at random on Monday, September 27th, around 1 PM EST. Wouldn’t you LOVE to have it? Leave a comment!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. SEE WHO ONE HERE!
September 23, 2010 at 9:43 am
I just want to Thank “Theresa Gilmer” for posting the Mention of HEARTMADEBLESSINGS.ORG – and making me AWARE of Them.
September 23, 2010 at 9:48 am
The cover looks awesome! Can’t wait to see the rest!
September 23, 2010 at 9:48 am
Want,want,want to make the red coat. Love it. Just finished a wedding afghan and now I’m working on shawls for christmas presents. And fingerless gloves. I’m really excited about these because I’m using patterns as a suggestion and then going on my own with the design. I love going rogue. And if it dosent work, undo and go again.
Love this book. It is so insirational. Crochet is my favorite and such a wonderful way to work and relax.
Thanks for such wonderful pieces.
September 23, 2010 at 9:52 am
I want to try the Ruffled Cardigan first, a girl can’t have too many cardigans! Then I want to try the Antebellum – that’s just cute!
September 23, 2010 at 10:00 am
I’d like to try the Antebellum first, from what I’ve seen on the covers. Looks like a fun top to wear!
September 23, 2010 at 10:34 am
I love all the ideas in this book, but I would probably start with the scarf, just to get more familiarized with the post stitching in all the patterns. I have to conquer this! :^)
September 23, 2010 at 11:08 am
I would be hard pressed to decide between making first the Ruffled Cardigan shown in white or Laurie shown in purple. I will probably begin with the scarf and then see where my fancy takes me. I have two nieces that would look great in Hesperas. I’ve seen the book, held it, looked at the patterns in detail, and. now. I. want. it. Thanks for the give-away.
September 23, 2010 at 11:52 am
I am in a crocheted sweater mood lately–maybe it will bring on the cooler weather? I can only hope!
Looks like a great book!
September 23, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I made a rug for my hallway recently and it was way out of my comfort zone but turned out great. It is now my new favorite project.
September 23, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Welp, I’m a novice knitter as well, so I’d try to tackle the scaft and work my way up onto bigger (and amazing looking) things.
September 23, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I love to crochet sweaters and hats for charity. I really want to try drews Quintessential pattern!
September 23, 2010 at 1:26 pm
The Red Coat really is breath taking. There are no coats that beautiful in the stores.
Laurel
September 23, 2010 at 1:28 pm
My favorite project is usually the one I’m working on at the moment, which presently is a deep purple lacy shawl. I love it and can’t wait to finish it!!! One of my favorites in Drew’s book is “Antebellum”. I love the LBD, too, but don’t have the figure for it, but it would be good motivation to get there!!!
September 23, 2010 at 2:42 pm
I absolutely love the pictures. I am stuck in the beginning to intermediate level of crochet. I would love to be able to make some of those items.
Thank you and God Bless.
September 23, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Love the designs I see just on the cover. The designer is easy on the eyes as well. Look forward to trying some of these
September 23, 2010 at 9:10 pm
OMG! The red coat is stunning! I want, I want, I want! Good luck everyone
September 24, 2010 at 2:25 am
The Investing – button up vest for sure. Sleek overall look, but the textured lines give it so much interest.
September 24, 2010 at 5:21 am
I’m not a very good crocheter… I usually just make afghans because then I can just go back and forth!!!!! But – I would LOVE to make that Debra sweater… wow…
September 24, 2010 at 7:50 am
I can’t wait to get a look at this book and dive into a project! Thanks for sharing!
September 25, 2010 at 3:53 am
Eager to get this one.. i’m fond of art especially crochetting n knitting.. many projects I’ve created; shawl, cardigan, vest, accessories, slippers, skirt, tissue box cover,headband etc.
September 25, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Oh, I would love working with all the posts in these patterns. I love several of the designs, but honestly… I’ve never met a pattern that I didn’t alter in some way, yet. I love the Budapest Nights, but I know I’d never wear something this long. I’d shorten it to a long sweater, mid thigh maybe. I do like Laurie, and several of the others. I am so very interested in this pattern book! Drew is awesome.
September 27, 2010 at 5:31 am
Loving this book would like to get my hands on the DEBRA pattern, need one for these for work this winter.
September 27, 2010 at 5:34 am
My favorite crocheted project I ever did was a Harlequin baby sweater for my daughter. I had to carry all the little bobbles of different colored yarn as I went, and I thought I was crazy for even attempting it, but it came out great! I’d love to get a look at that Hesperas pattern because that same daughter is now 21 and would soooooo love something like that(her favorite designer is Betsey Johnson)
September 27, 2010 at 5:34 am
A scarf is my normal comfort zone but I’m trying to move away. The red coat is wonderful but I am going to comprimise and go for the vest.
September 27, 2010 at 5:40 am
I have been following Drew’s blog tour and found this one quite enjoyable. I discovered Drew on Knit and Crochet Today (NOW!) and was happy to know he was the designer of the calendar squares I’d made for my Father-in-Law. Later, I took a cruise with CraftCruises.com and Drew was the Instructor. I learned then that I’d follow his career for a long time. He is a fantastic teacher and his designs are easily admired. Thanks for having such a fun interview.
September 27, 2010 at 5:54 am
I desperately want to make Quintessential and Budapest nights…oh yeah, and the long red coat…GORGEOUS!
September 27, 2010 at 6:03 am
I love this. So many original styles. Can’t wait to get a copy.
September 27, 2010 at 6:06 am
I love to crochet everything!! Right now I’m working on childrens hats!! I would LOVE to win this book!!!
September 27, 2010 at 6:30 am
I am amazed of Drew’s designs! I love to crochet but I haven’t tried myself in clothing items… would be nice to start with the help of his book!
September 27, 2010 at 6:31 am
So far, my favorite crocheted project is a baby blanket I did for our granddaughter. I rarely ever crochet clothing (only two pieces to date), but would love to start, especially now that I’m more than a quarter less of the person I used to be thanks to healthy eating and exercise. This book would be the perfect place to start to add to my new wardrobe!
September 27, 2010 at 6:33 am
I have yet to finish a garment for myself. Some of these look absolutely doable! Yeah!
September 27, 2010 at 6:48 am
Please enter me to win a book. Thanks
September 27, 2010 at 7:13 am
I love the Laurie top, so so cute!!
September 27, 2010 at 7:41 am
Definitely Budapest Nights…that is one GORGEOUS coat~!
September 27, 2010 at 7:41 am
Gee, I don’t know if I have a favorite crochet project. I do love to make blankets and dishclothes!
September 27, 2010 at 7:54 am
Please enter me to win the book! I would LOVE to make any of those designs!! I’ve never made an actual garment, can’t wait till I do!
September 27, 2010 at 8:00 am
I totally want to make more sweater vests. I love vests and can’t get enough of them.
September 28, 2010 at 4:08 am
I would say the little black dress. I always wanted one and I never found one that fits me perfectly. If I crochet it myself, I can make sure it does! I WOULD LOVE TO CROCHET MY FIRST LITTLE BLACK DRESS
October 6, 2010 at 6:52 am
Better late than never, just found this site and of course the drawing is over. I would however like to offer a suggestion. When reviewing a book PLEASE include the size rangeof the patterns.
Geri
October 6, 2010 at 7:10 am
Geri- thanks so much for the comment and suggestion, I can’t believe I overlooked that!!! Will do…And, just for reference, some of the patterns are S,M,L…but there are many, like the Laurie wrap cardi that go up to 2XL…nice, huh??
February 24, 2011 at 3:00 am
The Red Coat is Absolutely beautiful. . .I just love it.Great book!Thanks for sharing!