Wooly-Wits Reviews Interweave Crochet Fall 2013

OK, while I can't promise equal time to hookers, I can give them some time - my review of Interweave Crochet Fall 2013.      

This is the cover design, Better Than His Sweater by Amy Gunderson, and it fabulously follows the rules for figure flattery.  (Just a little alliteration!)  The shawl collar and button band create strong vertical lines, as does the vertical patterning of the wiggly lines.  The fit is snug to show off her form, while still appropriate for an outerwear garment.  And, the length is great, too - just long enough to fully cover her bottom.  

The only complaint I have, and it's not a big one, is the placement of the crossing vertical lines.  As you can most clearly see on the back view, the point at which they cross is a few inches below the model's waist.  I would move them up to match my actual waist, where they would give the illusion of a more trim waist.

I love a skirt - knit or crochet, and the Asquint Skirt by Annie Modesitt is a beautiful design.  The flared A-line shape is universally flattering.  The placement of the stripes is also key to the flattery.  Any higher and they would draw attention to the width of the hips and thighs.  But, placed near the knee, their visual weight balances those broader areas.


I almost missed the subtle stripes in the upper portion of the skirt.  I am not convinced they are necessary.  You wouldn't want them to be any more contrasting, but they are so close in tone that I wonder if they are worth the effort.  They do make better use of your yarn, since that green color is hardly used in the dramatic stripe patterning.

The yarn used is Brown Sheep Wildfoote Luxury Sock, which is a great choice. A skirt done in all wool will have a tendency to 'seat out'.  That means that when you stand up, your skirt back will retain the unattractive bubble shape of your seated bottom.  That's because of the lovely memory wool fiber has when acted upon by tension and body heat.  But, add in a little bit of nylon, which has no such memory, and the wool springs back to the same shape that came off the needles.  So, sock yarn or any other wool yarn with nylon is a favorite of mine for working skirts.

There are also some lovely accessories in this issue, so it is well worth checking out.  For a quick peek without a trip to the yarn shop or bookstore, search for the issue on Ravelry:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/interweave-crochet-fall-2013.