The Crochet Dude has a new book! Drew Emborsky has been so busy lately launching a pattern line and a series of branded tools. He is rocking the crochet world and it’s always fun to see his latest endeavor.

This new book, Crochet It. Love It. Wear It! from Leisure Arts has 13 patterns, most of them garments. Drew is a master of texture. Take a look at Saugatuck Summer, a boat neck blouse that uses post stitches to give stretch and shaping as well as textural interest:

Saugatuck Summer

The book has schematics, but no charts. Most patterns are listed as being for intermediate to advanced crocheters. Though there are only 13 patterns, Leisure Arts has produced this as a perfect-bound paperback, rather than a booklet. The large 8 1/2 x 11″ format allows for big type and full page pictures. The photo styling is a little old-fashioned with heavily made-up models photographed on a gray background. Nonetheless, these are projects that will certainly make crocheters want to pick up the hook.

Perhaps my favorite garment in the book is Laurie, named for Drew’s best friend.

Laurie

The sideways stitching and ballet wrap-style is classic and wearable. The open fabric looks like it has nice drape, too. Drew isn’t afraid to take risks, some of the garments, like the Heperas bustier dress verges on costume and looks awfully fun to crochet and to wear–if you’re daring. Quintissential, the black evening dress is elegant and dramatic, and would be quite an undertaking to crochet.

If you’re already a fan of The Crochet Dude, you’re not going to want to miss this latest collection. If you’re new to his designs, you may very well find a must-make project in Crochet It. Love It. Wear It!

Book Review: Crochet it. Love it. Wear it.