Couture Crochet Workshop: Mastering Fit, Fashion, and Finesse - Softcover

April 2007 Chin (Knit and Crochet with Beads) has done perhaps more than any other living knitwear designer to change the stereotype of the dowdy crocheter and knitter, even appearing in her trademark miniskirt on The Late Show with David Letterman, where-billed as the world's fastest crocheter-she created a sweater (of sorts) for the television host in 40 minutes. According to Chin, true couture implies custom fitting, luxury materials, and fine finishing, all of which are attainable by crocheters determined to master the techniques she teaches. Each of her 24 designs illustrates a different aspect of the couture crochet experience, from choosing appropriate yarn and hooks to measuring accurately for fine fitting. Garments include a chevron pullover, a vest constructed from a full circle, shawls, jackets, skirts, and crocheted accessories. Enthusiastically recommended for all public library crochet collections for its combination of solid instruction and excellent selection of crochet designs. * Fiber Crafts * Jan 08 Lily Chin may well be most familiar to us as being the fastest crocheter in the world - with record-breaking speeds of 328 trebles in three minutes! What you may not know is that Lily has practically spent all her life in the fashion industry since working school holidays when she was thirteen. Her knowledge and skill are now being shared in this book. The first five chapters in the book are an invaluable 'behind-the-scenes' insight into the tricks of the trade. Lily's aim is to share "the knowledge and ability to adapt and even design from scratch." The text reads like Lily is actually sitting at your shoulder and explains the procedure, along with many other words of wisdom, in an accessible and inspirational way. The beauty of crochet is that it can be adapted as you go to fit a paper pattern which is not so easy with knitting. Once you see your crochet as fabric, then it is easy to visualise your own creations. The following five chapters are patterns to follow which demonstrate the process with simpler stitches, circular constructions, lace stitches and chevrons. The garments have a very tailored elegant look with jackets, skirts, dresses and suits and come in a range of sizes and, of course, with Lily's expert tuition you can size them up or down. * Knit Today * April 08 You expect a lot from a designer who has worked for some of the world's top fashion houses, and this book delivers. Even if you never crochet any of the stunning patterns, you'll learn to make better fitting garments as Lily Chin talks you through the steps involved in making a garment designed to fit the individual it has been created for - couture in the true sense of the word. In the first part of the book you'll learn how to adjust garments to fit as Lily walks you through the crochet design process, including candid photos of the steps along the way. The second part of the book is packed with patterns using different crochet techniques and effects from simple stitches to lace patterns. One of the things that makes this book worth the extra effort of translating the American crochet terms is that throughout the patterns and design sections, Lily talks about what she's doing. It's a crochet book you can sit down and read. We love the neat, stylish crochet designs in this collection. From elegant jackets inspired by traditional Japanese designs to pretty dresses and fun jewellery to cosy cardigans there's something for everyone - and the chance to expand your skills as you go. * Simply Knitting * No. 117, Sept 07 There's lots of good advice and theory in this combination of textbook and collection of garment patterns but if you don't like the garments and/or the colours in which they are presented, presumably aimed at the North American market, you might easily be put off what is a great introduction to designing one's own fitted garments in crochet. No more slash-necks and drop shoulders with this guide. Yarn substitution for the actual patterns might be a bit of a challenge as all the pieces are worked in branded yarns and one has to guess that the skeins are 50g in order to estimate quantities, but there is no need to rework the version shown, as Lily makes clear. She draws on a lifetime's involvement in the garment industry to produce a launch pad for crocheters who want to branch out and design their own garments that fit. Lesley Fidler * SlipKnot * Mar 10 Why settle for dowdy when you could have divine? That's the question posed by this book and it's certainly one to consider. Inside, crochet master and fashion industry insider, Lily Chin, guides you through her workshop so you too can create clothes that wouldn't look out of place on the catwalk. Lily's philosophy focuses on constructing stylish, elegant wearable items that fit well. We love the 'The lady who lunches' retro-style dress and matching fingerless gloves. Although this book is at the high-end of crochet design, it's definitely written in a down to earth way. * Knit Today *

Ditch the dowdy and focus on fashion! Crochet connoisseur Lily Chin reinvents the craft in Couture Crochet Workshop-a modern, ultra-fashionable approach to crochet that will have you running for your crochet hook and yarn. There's nothing more satisfying than creating a beautiful garment that fits like a glove. Lily shares all her inside tips and tricks for crocheting ready-to-wear clothing and jewelry while demystifying garment making with thorough explanations about choices in yarns, stitches, hooks, silhouettes, measuring accurately, and more. Lily's philosophy focuses on constructing stylish, elegant wearables that fit well. She begins with a comprehensive review of crochet techniques and how to read charts. She then jumps into instruction for making customized patterns. Crocheters start with simple styles then build their skills as they move into circular construction, manipulating lace, and working with shell stitch and chevron stitch. Step-by-step instructions, practical illustrations, and gorgeous photography round out this crochet workshop. High-fashion is brought down to earth with this divine collection of patterns that include a metallic ribbon Chanel jacket, a spangled evening bag, a lace sleeveless sheath, a beaded mesh tunic, a chevron wedding gown with matching fingerless gloves, a buttonless jacket created in textured yarns, a lace shift dress with matching mohair lace camisole, and even a twin-set with matching necklaces and bracelet. Lily's patterns will revolutionize the crocheter's approach to the craft. Even if you're a beginner, Couture Crochet Workshop with Lily Chin will have you hooked on creating these one-of-a-kind garments.