This time I got:
Crochet Me: Designs to Fuel the Crochet Revolution by Kim Werker
Double Stitch: Designs for the Crochet Fashionista by Erika and Monika Simmons
Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs by Amy Swenson
Cool Crochet: 30 Hot, Fun Designs to Crochet and Wear by Melissa Leapman
First off, the first two books are Interweave Press books, and I LOVE anything by Interweave Press. The photographs are beautiful, and so far, all of the IWP books I have are the same 10" square size (so they all "match"). Plus, they list corrections to their books on their website.
Second off, there are a number of patterns out of all 4 books that I'd love to try. But, there are several I think are just hideous or flat out stupid. For example, in Double Stitch there's a one-armed shrug. I guess that's supposed to be very hip, but I think it looks stupid. In that same book, though, are some FABULOUS designs that I can't wait to try!
Third off, I haven't tried any of the patterns yet, but this is what I like/dislike about each book:
I really like the difficulty scale in Crochet Me. Well, actually rather than difficulty, it lists the concentration level required (from "Crochet at a party" to "Defcon 5: crochet in a very quiet room with the telephone off." This book, though, has the fewest designs I'd want to try. The silliest one is a felted, crocheted basket. Why would I make that??????
Sensual Crochet has some GREAT patterns, but it doesn't list the skill level or the time it takes to make the project. I like that it gives a little blurb about the author of the pattern.
Cool Crochet has some wonderful designs. It has a pictorial table of contents that lists the skill level of each project. There's even a sweater that has cables (probably out of my league right now, but it's an awfully cool sweater). I'll never crochet a bikini, though. And I don't like that alot of the patterns are exposed-belly-length. That makes the designs seem rather dated to me as that was the rage a couple of years ago, but now covered-bellys are the "in" thing.
Finally, Double Stitch! This book was written by twins, and has some very cool, very hip designs. Like I said before, I'd NEVER waste my time on a one-armed shrug; I would NEVER in a million years make crocheted boot covers (what the heck is THAT?); and the corset top looks like the tube dresses I used to make my Barbie with my KnitMagic machine). But... there are other designs that I would LOVE to make (like the FABULOUS deep-V halter and the t-neck top which has a zipper in the back rather than laces which I hate). I also like that most of the models are women of color which there needs to be more of.
Oh, fun, fun, fun! Now let's see if there's any room left on my bookshelf to put them!
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