Book Review: Rustic Modern Crochet by Yumiko Alexander

February 28, 2014
Rustic Modern Crochet by Yumiko Alexander

I don’t know when I have been as excited about a crochet fashion pattern book as I am about Yumiko's new book Rustic Modern Crochet! I can’t wait to get started making many of the designs within, and I have put the Driftwood wrap at the top of my to-do list. Its shimmery drape is so interesting with alternating sections of fan lace and chains. This wrap will shout "elegance" as you step into the room at your next social soiree'!

Driftwood

As we have come to expect from Interweave, this is a lovely and colorful book on quality paper stock. The full-color illustrations are abundant, and symbol crochet is included along with the written instructions. Not everyone wants to use symbol crochet, but it is nice to have the choice. For me, symbol crochet enhances the written instructions and they are a helpful, visual way to confirm instructions. A key to the symbols is included for those who have never tried this method.

Water Lily

The Water Lily scarf is a great place to start if you've never tried symbol crochet. It uses chunky yarn, size M hook, and the motifs are "join as you go"

All 18 designs in the book appeal to crocheters who seek an upscale look in their garments. Refined, Yumiko’s designs feature eye-catching construction based on simple lines that come together in unexpected ways. Lace Reflections fingerless gloves are so hip and my daughter is going to love them! They are cleverly made with two layers and should be super warm!

Lace Reflections

Originally from Japan and now residing in Chandler, Arizona, Yumiko was exposed to the fiber arts at a young age. Her grandparents owned a tailoring business and she learned to appreciate fine handwork. When she came to live in Arizona with limited English, she found that crochet and knitting were universal languages that helped her make acquaintances easily.

In this Rustic Modern Crochet, Yumiko takes her cue from the natural world – tide-swept sand, shells, coral, shale rock formations and colorful sunsets. Her stitch patterns have a central focus as the silhouettes or shapes are kept simple to emphasize the delicate crocheted fabric. Yumiko says of her designs, “I want to create things I can be proud to wear and use, both functional and fashionable.”

Hot off the presses in January 2014, Rustic Modern Crochet is available at http://www.interweavestore.com/rustic-modern-crochet and is on sale for $17.36.

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