Fashion Crochet

Oh my, it has been a wonderful crochet year! Lots and lots of exciting projects, many of them I have had to keep as an itty bitty secret for quite some time. So finally I am able to share with you the complete honour of having some patterns published in Claire Montgomerie’s new book, Fashion Crochet.

As you can see from the front cover this is a beautiful book. Claire took inspiration from all the catwalk trends of the last few seasons and each of the 30 patterns creates a wearable version of the very ‘now’ garments which are being produced by designers.  Along side each project there are Claire’s beautiful design illustrations and photos of the catwalk inspiration.

Many of my favourite crochet designers are included. I can’t cover all the designs, but if you are looking to update your wardrobe with something very fashionable and crafty, you will find something here. If you have been loving the BBC series The Paradise and obsessing over the beautiful shawlettes/capes, you will find a couple of great patterns to make your Christmas outfit zing.

Firstly from my hook are these crochet shorts. Alongside a picture of this gorgeous model was a photo of Kourtney Kardashian wearing something almost identical. That made me smile. My sister pretty much guffawed when I explained what I was making in the New Year. ‘Please tell me these are not for you!’  No, perhaps now  I will not don a crochet short, but if you have the legs to wear them, they are fab over a bikini for a hot summer holiday.

The second design, is a cheeky little skirt inspired by the work of Anna Sui and could easily be lined with a coloured slip or made in black and teamed with coloured tights. Really great fun to make.

A friend challenged me recently to wear one of my own designs to a birthday party we have been invited to at Christmas. Well Mr M, if I could look like this model in this Dolce and Gabbana inspired number designed by Claire, I might just risk it. Never dare Mrs V, she might yet surprise you!