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-Â 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!)
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!
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Heidi Leeck says
Anything Interweave rocks! sweater and hats now.
Tiffany G says
reading this blog was like ready a very delicious menu and it just made me hungrier for the book! LOL! I would love to wim it! I’m so itching to Budapest Nights!
Alesha Walker says
Right now I’m on a hat making kick…
Kristy says
My favorite crochet items are socks for the whole family, cardies for my kids & nice sweaters for fall for me. I am looking forward to trying my hooks at making my daughter a winter dress/skirt. I just love to crochet & have been doing so since I was 5. All 4 of my love to crochet or are just learning the art.
Jackie Watson says
I would love to have this book – I have to say I’ve probably done more scarves than anything else and the reward is quick!
Daisy says
I mainly make baby blankets and accessories, but the Ruffled Cardigan would be for me. Very sweet, and perfect for our Arizona moderate weather…or when my hubby cranks up the A/C too high.
Theresa Gilmer says
Favorite item… not one but many ANYTHING that I can do to help our Veterans. I do hats, scarves, wheel chair totes, lapghans to just name a few. Easiest and fastest reward however is squares to go with other for ghans for our Veteran’s families via HeartMadeBlessings.org
Amanda Bush says
Wow!! Gorgeous!! My favorite projects right now are baby clothes (we’re expecting). They’re so adorable and quick – but yes, I’m drooling over those book pictures!
Michelle Thon says
I’m partial to afghans, but make a lot of bags and purses too. I think I may have gotten into purses because almost everyone I know already had one of my afghans. (Working on an afghan now that is one of Drew’s designs)
Louise Marsalko says
lovely book. I crochet just about anything. clothing mostly, if it looks good. the ones in this book look really good!
Charity says
What I love is that RED COAT wow! Ok and I love Drew.. Just not when he cooks and tweets about it, because I find myself starving afterward.
Melinda Ortiz says
I love the styles!!! Very original…
Jill Dupre says
My favorite projects by far right now are accessories. I am a college student at the moment and this leaves me little time to make larger projects currently. I love to make things that one can wear and once I am done with my classes in May I plan to resume making larger wearable projects like tops, jackets, and dresses. Hopefully I will be able to afford the nicer yarns by that time as well. Starving college student at the moment…LOL
Cathy Phillips says
I would have to say that my favorite project was a pink, white and stone colored ruffled baby blanket made using the snapdragon stitch.
I also love making bags, hats and scarves.
I would love Drew’s book to see if I could give any of the patterns a try. I love the baby doll top.
Ivon Granaldi says
I love to crochet wearables. If I had to give you just one type as my favorite, it would have to be scarves.
Kristen Hadley says
Right now I’m working on a sock yarn ends stash buster granny square blanket LOL. I’m super excited because it’s so soft.
Victoria McFadden says
I so want to make the Antebellum top! If I get the book I might even be persuaded to make Budapest Nights for a certain blogger?!? Thanks!
Carol Anderson says
If I had this book, I think I would try the “Antibellum” top first.
Kathy Ross says
I’ve had my eye on this book for a while now. I want to make the “antebellum” top. My favorite crochet projects are afghans and scarves.
Sharon says
Hmm, my favorite project. Well, there’s the favorite I make and there’s the favorite that I haven’t been “brave enough” to attempt. I love making afghans–baby sized and people sized. Then theres the persistent yen I have to make a sweater for myself but I haven’t been daring enough to do yet. Take care…Sharon
Carla S says
I love to make thingsI can wear, so this book would be so awesome!
Theresa Kremer says
I love the coat too,but the ruffle cardigan would be wonderful addition to my pray shawl offection. I prefer to make my shawls with sleeves so those using canes or walkers don’t have to worry about the shawl falling off. Drews designs are so beautiful,the cardigan is more feminine than a crochet rectangle.
Mikaela Hanley says
Drew’s designs are really fantastic.
Susan Spiers says
Without a doubt-Budapest Nights-what a WOW project! Luv the faux fur trim! What a great book to add to my collection-so many uniquely beautiful patterns! Thank you Susan
lestari suharman says
Just finished making a vest from japanese pattern,it more challenging but the result is very satisfy me. Can’t wait to start another project. I think this book will give me a lot of inspiration 😀
Sandy Johnson says
I would love to have the book so I can venture into some clothing making (Antebellum will be first!) . .I always make baby afghans. My favorite project so far has been my recreation of the quilt pattern “jack in the box” in crochet blocks of all purple shades. I could not find a pattern anywhere so I found a quilt pattern and decided to create it myself. It is turning out to be a really nice afghan. 🙂
Robin sandwick says
I’ve long been a drew fan. L have all his purse patterns and have even found the time to do several of them
Kathleen Walton says
I really like the wrap cardigan for me. My teen-age daughter would look amazing in Hesperas, and she might even wear it if I made it for her!
Melissa D says
I love them all but keep going back to Laurie. I think the wrap-style sweater would make the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe!
Swapna says
There are several doilies I’ve made that I’m proud of, and display under the plastic sheet on my dining table. There’s a vintage pattern available online from several sources called Stardust Filet which has a unique shape, that I really enjoyed making.
Christie Ackerman says
It looks like an awesome book and I would love to try out the designs! My favorite projects are designs for my daughter but I would love to make myself some clothes!
Crafty Cori says
I really really want to make the Antebellum!!!
Stephanie R says
I am currently working on a granny-hex cardigan that is turning out to be just so cozy, I can’t wait until it’s done!
In Drew’s book, I would die for Budapest Nights, but I think it’s beyond my patience, even if it is FANTASTIC. However, I think I could definitely tackle Antebellum or the ruffle cardigan. Beautiful, and definitely wearable!
Connie Fish says
I love all the designs in this book & I have purchased patterns from his site before, so I know how “doable” his designs are, but I think the first thing I would try is the Saugatuck top. I love things you can wear everyday.
Gina M says
Would love to have this book. PS. Love your site too. Very nice!
Gina M says
Sorry forgot to add that I am a novice crocheter but am currently working on a baby hat. My favorite in Drew’s book is the “Laurie”
Kimberly R. says
I am making scarves at the moment and would love to crochet something more challenging – a cardigan perhaps 🙂
Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!!
Heather B says
I’ve just started teaching myself to knit because Drew showed continental knitting on PBS. I have done several blankets; but, my daughter wants me to do something lacey for her to wear. 😀 Drew’s book sure would help me with my daughter’s goal/hope!!!
Janet Sall says
I’ve only crocheted blankets, but am going to try one of the designs in the book and really looking forward to it!!! 🙂
Sarah Jones says
I absolutely love making things for my kiddos and family. But mostly, I love dresses and patterns with intricate designs. I would love the chance to win this book! Thank you for the opportunity 🙂
Even though a book is labeled intermediate and advanced, you still should give it a shot. I’ve been crocheting for a while, but the patterns labeled as intermediate or advanced are the best to work up! I love a challenge 😉
Maria says
I love, love, love the Budapest Nights, but I live in Florida…so maybe it can be made shorter?
Jane D says
Love to crochet anything. On a binge with baby clothes for the grandchildren, afghans for my kids (I have two sons in the service so they really go through them), sweaters for my mother…need I go on. Pretty much anything I have made goes to someone else. Haven’t done anything for myself but that red coat looks awesome.
Kathy Ambrosi says
I love all of Drews work. I’ve enjoyed watching him on television!
Marcena Flynn says
I would LOVE to try Budapest Nights, Looks like way too much fun !!! Everything is just so Beautiful!!! Thanks for this awesome chance !!! :o)
TerryAnn Porter says
I enjoy crochet (and knitting). It helps thru chronic pain and I love the creativity involved. I can say “I made that” with a smile when finished. I teach others to knit and crochet and am always looking was ways to improve my skills. My current project is a Lacy Duster by Caron Simply Soft that I am looking forward to wearing soon. The last picture you show of the long red coat looks like a project I’d be tempted to try.
Sherri B says
So many items, so much yarn… and not enough time to make everything.
I can see making and wearing, or gifting many of these items.
Cari says
Afghans are my favorite at the moment, but I would sure love to try one of the patterns in this book.
Mable Friedman says
Right now, I’m on a baby item kick, since my little boy is due to make an appearance Octover 11. Most of the time, I love making clothes (most of my summer tops are ones I’ve crocheted), so Drew’s new book is right up my alley.
Jenn Harden says
I really, really love Quintessential and am so glad, Drew’s Crochet Soiree introduced me to CTD! Now I can enjoy your site, too!
Becky says
I like the little black dress – so sexy! I usually make hats scarves and baby booties. They are small and complete-able!!!
Auntie Shan says
I just want to Thank “Theresa Gilmer” for posting the Mention of HEARTMADEBLESSINGS.ORG – and making me AWARE of Them.
Vivian says
The cover looks awesome! Can’t wait to see the rest!
Emily Vaughan says
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.
Sandy Locke says
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!
Crow says
I’d like to try the Antebellum first, from what I’ve seen on the covers. Looks like a fun top to wear!
Veronica Suarez says
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! :^)
Mary Ann says
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.
lila says
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!
Kristin says
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.
Danna BC says
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. 😀
Michele says
I love to crochet sweaters and hats for charity. I really want to try drews Quintessential pattern!
Laurel Roberts says
The Red Coat really is breath taking. There are no coats that beautiful in the stores.
Laurel
WendyWeb says
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!!!
Sandra Inberg says
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.
Paula says
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
Bevsyarncrazy says
OMG! The red coat is stunning! I want, I want, I want! Good luck everyone 🙂
Linda says
The Investing – button up vest for sure. Sleek overall look, but the textured lines give it so much interest.
Lisa says
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…
Kelly Toncre says
I can’t wait to get a look at this book and dive into a project! Thanks for sharing!
Dhikrotul Izzah says
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.
Felina says
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.
Tracie says
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!
Darla says
Loving this book would like to get my hands on the DEBRA pattern, need one for these for work this winter.
Kathy says
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)
Rachee says
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.
Laura says
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.
Kristin says
I desperately want to make Quintessential and Budapest nights…oh yeah, and the long red coat…GORGEOUS!
kris says
I love this. So many original styles. Can’t wait to get a copy.
Tonya says
I love to crochet everything!! Right now I’m working on childrens hats!! I would LOVE to win this book!!! 🙂
Maarti says
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! 😀
Paula l says
I have yet to finish a garment for myself. Some of these look absolutely doable! Yeah!
Carol Anderson says
Please enter me to win a book. Thanks
Tamara Mendoza says
I love the Laurie top, so so cute!!
donna carlen says
Definitely Budapest Nights…that is one GORGEOUS coat~!
Karey says
Gee, I don’t know if I have a favorite crochet project. I do love to make blankets and dishclothes!
Crafty Cori says
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!
Amber P says
I totally want to make more sweater vests. I love vests and can’t get enough of them.
Darine says
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 🙂
Geri Gale says
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
Jenny says
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??
mil@crochet designs books says
The Red Coat is Absolutely beautiful. . .I just love it.Great book!Thanks for sharing!