It Girl Crochet: 23 Must-Have Accessories

308 Pages·2014·21.74 MB·English

by  Sharon Zientara

It Girl Crochet
23 Must-Have Accessories
Sharon Zientara

CONTENTS
Introduction
Crochet Nouveau
Chrysanthemum Capelet
Kathy Merrick
Casa Batlló Cloche
Cristina Mershon
Mes Petites Mitts
Aoibhe Ni
Tiffany Shawl
Jill Wright
Purse of Prosperity
Sarah Read
Shawl Gallé
Annette Petavy
Shawl Vigne
Natasha Robarge
It’s a Mod, Mod World
Op-Art Reversible Scarf
Robyn Chachula
Psychedelia Mitts
Brenda K. B. Anderson
Petula Purse
Robyn Chachula
Roundel Scarf
Shelby Allaho
Edie Clutch
Linda Skuja
Rocksteady Cowl
Sharon Zientara
Beatnik Cap
Yoko Hatta
A Brave New Boho
Gypsy Slouch
Beth Nielsen
Sienna Top
Mimi Alelis
Greenwich Village Tote
Yoko Hatta
Montmartre Mittens
Yoko Hatta
Bon Vivant Stockings
Brenda K. B. Anderson
Haute Hippie Belt
Beth Nielsen
Boho Blooms Wrap
Yumiko Alexander
Charlie the Owl Cowl & Mittens
Anastasia Popova
Abbreviations
Glossary
Meet the Contributors
Acknowledgments
Resources
Copyright

Introduction
When I first had the idea for this book, I knew I wanted to reference some of my
favorite eras in fashion, but at the same time to create a chic, timeless collection of
designs. To me, when an element of fashion from the past comes back around again
and again, it’s because it can transcend time and trends. The ornate embellishments of
art nouveau, bold graphics like those from Mondrian-style dresses of the 1960s, and
the flower child sensibilities of bohemian culture all pass this test. Enter any boutique
today and there are modern references to all of these eras.
In the same way that fashion has a past, so does crochet. Just as there are references
to former fashion trends, crochet influences, such as delicate thread doilies, granny
square vests, and motif-based afghans, can be found in many of today’s boutiques and
even on runways at fashion week. The crochet techniques on these pages all have a
part in crochet’s history, but I think you will also find that each project will ease you
into techniques that you may have been intimidated to attempt in a more complicated
design.
I wanted to take the best from the pasts of both crochet and fashion and create
something new, beautiful, and exciting. The projects here are handpicked for their
ability to be referential, yet timeless in nature—an element that is well worth the time
and care it takes to make by hand.
The concept of the “it girl,” a woman who possesses a certain quality that attracts
others, was popularized in the 1920s and epitomized by Clara Bow, star of the film It,
but like fashion and crochet it transcends time. Each generation redefines “it” into a
fashionable icon of the moment. Throughout this book, we’ll meet a few classic “it
girls” and other sources of inspiration for the designs in the collection. No matter
which fashion era your inner “it girl” belongs to, I hope you will enjoy making and
wearing these projects for years to come.