WIPs ‘N Chains

Kim Guzman, Designer

Blog Book Tour: Crochet It. Love It. Wear It!

I know that you must have heard of Drew Emborsky by now, right? How about “The Crochet Dude®?” Oh, right! You’ve heard that, haven’t you?

I’ve been following Drew’s designing progress since his wee first blog posts. He’s had a fascinating journey! I’ve been thrilled to read every word.

As with other friends, I talk about Drew frequently when my mother and I have our coffee visits in the morning. She is always so attentive when I talk about Drew and she knows how much I care about him. From the moment I met him in person for the first time a couple of years’ ago, I felt like I had found a long-lost brother.

As you may guess, my mother collects all of my books and patterns. She’s even a member of the CGOA and hopes to attend a Chain Link conference with me one year. Although that may not seem surprising, it will when you find out that she doesn’t knit or crochet. Well, that’s still not that surprising. Most mothers would collect books written by their children, wouldn’t they?

How about this one? Would it be surprising if she were to collect Drew’s books as well? I fully expect Drew’s books and crochet tool line to over-shadow my books in her collection one day! I’m working really hard to keep my work out there just so that doesn’t happen! hahaha I wonder what would happen if Drew and I were to design a book together…. Would my mother need two books? LOL

The next time I see Drew, I’m sure that I will have two of these books with me for him to sign; one for me and one for my mother. Do you honestly think she’d let me go with only one of them??!!

While browsing the other blogs on this blog book tour, I happened to notice this question posed to Drew by the awesome Marty Miller at The Crochet Doctor™.

Designers often have a “niche” – something (technique, design, yarn, etc.) that they are known for. What is your “niche”? What would you like to be your “niche”?

I don’t know if I’m known for it yet, but a common denominator in my designs is the texture of the fabric that I am creating. I rely heavily on post stitches to achieve maximum texture. I think in retrospect someday I’ll be known for textures.

And, I’ve got news for ya, buddy! The cat is already out of the bag. We know all about your fascinating textures created with post stitches. :-)

Now, about that book. Drew’s new book. I remember seeing the cover for the first time and absolutely falling in love with one of the designs. Anyone who knows my own designing style will know which design I love the most. Does it come as any surprise that my favorite is Antebellum? The give away should be the empire waist and A-line hem.

My second favorite has to be Investing, shown below. Unlike what you may normally see in a design like this, at the waist, the post stitches start curving, forming a very pleasing shape. This design is so flattering with that curve, giving it a waist-defining corset shape.

Now, this third one. Hesperas is extraordinary. I remember seeing it two years’ ago in a TNNA fashion show. I’m really glad that Drew held onto this design and found the perfect spot for it.

While browsing this book, there was something evident that I’ve not really seen in other books. This book feels like Drew was challenging himself for Fashion Week on Project Runway. Much like you would see on the final episode of a Project Runway season, there is a running theme throughout all the projects.

Everything is clearly defined by Drew’s fascination with texture. All the projects fit together perfectly. And, when he calls it a “collection”, it really IS a collection.

Congratulations, Drew! The book is fantastic!

You can find Crochet It. Love It. Wear It! at Amazon here.

Woops! Sorry, folks. No secret word today. … Or, what if there is and I’m trying to throw you off trail??!! LOL

September 20, 2010 - Posted by | Designing

5 Comments »

  1. Well of course, I need my own signed copy of Drew’s book.
    I was reviewing his new book this morning while babysitting Christian while he slept, easiest job ever. What are you thinking? I’ve already adopted Drew. Wow, a book together!Mom

    Comment by Kim's Mom | September 20, 2010 | Reply

  2. Thanks for the great review Kim! I appreciate it very much. Kim’s Mom, I am an orphan and up for adoption. I’m just saying.

    Comment by Drew aka The Crochet Dude | September 20, 2010 | Reply

    • ” Kim’s Mom, I am an orphan and up for adoption.”

      Honey, based on what I’m reading here, that is no longer the case. ;o) And, I’ve always wanted a brother! What fun!

      Comment by crochetkim | September 20, 2010 | Reply

  3. Too bad I can’t find the book here at local stores. I so badly want to make wearable crochet! Especially for men!

    Comment by Chandramouli | November 15, 2010 | Reply

    • You may want to keep trying. I know it can be hard to find the books, especially when each individual store only orders a few. Someone told me that they had to visit three different JoAnn stores in order to find my book.

      Also, Barnes & Noble will probably have the books. And, if they don’t have them readily available, they will let you order them at the counter.

      Hope that helps!

      Comment by crochetkim | November 15, 2010 | Reply


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