Convertible Crochet: Customizable Designs for Stylish Garments

Doris Chan's designs are some of the best in the crochet world, and this latest book is, in my humble opinion, the best so far. Her other books have a top-down construction--which is great way to make sure of the fit as you work--but this one has patterns using separate motifs which you join as you go, and they drape in a lovely way on the body. I'm a bit curvier than her models (and than Doris herself, ahem), and the latest designs seem to be better suited to us curvy girls. I've already finished one top and a scarf.

I love this book on so many levels--her books are so personal, and she discusses her methods of design, which I find fascinating and makes me appreciate the pieces even more. You can, of course, skip reading and go right to the patterns, but if you are serious about your craft, put down the hooks and go through the book before you begin. It will be well worth it. We spend so much money on our yarn, and we spend so much time crocheting, it's worth it to spend a bit of that time reading through the book to understand the designs thoroughly.

The patterns are easy to make whether you prefer to follow the written pattern, or the international crochet symbols, or a combination of both. But understand--this may not be a good choice for you if you are a true beginner. If you want to take your crochet garments to another level, this is a great book for you. And the only crochet book I know of that uses the word "grok." The geek in me loves it!

Maybe I should have done what I usually do, pick a pattern, get the yarn, and start crocheting. I have been crocheting for 45 years and have crocheted everything from attire to curtains to toys, so I would describe myself as an experienced crocheter. When I pick a pattern, the last thing I think about is how the pattern was created. This book, though is meant to be read. Ms. Chan's manipulation of the yarn and patterns in order to adjust for size and drape is intuitive and impressive, and she has gone into a detailed description of her methods. I haven't finished reading, but so far I am finding it a little too confusing. For example, a glance at the patterns shows that I have to refer back to other parts of the book for instructions on the different motifs. Also, I feel I have seen the patterns before and do not find them that original. If you want insight into Ms Chan's creative mind or want to create your own patterns and need some inspiration, this book might be just what you need. If you want a more straightforward pattern book, you might want to look elsewhere.

I've loved Doris Chan's earlier books, and this one is a worthy addition to anyone's crochet library. She takes several motifs and a few stitch patterns, and mixes and matches them in endless creative ways to make lovely garments. I started the Andromeda Peplum Vest within days of receiving the book! The book contains charts as well as written instructions; I love charts!

Doris Chan has done it again creating her signature lacey garments! If you are an intermediate or advanced crocheter who is looking for some new ways to use motifs, this is the book for you.

As always, I took the book to my Fiber Fun Group of beginning crocheters. The designs and motifs were a big hit, but since they are mostly beginning crocheters, they felt at this point the projects were too difficult for them to crochet on their own.

However, for an intermediate or advance crochet, these motifs present an exciting challenge. Each pattern can be assembled or styled into multiple looks. The 24 motifs are interchangeable, connectable and adaptable, creating 22 projects.

Doris provides techniques for measuring, finishing and sizing so your garment reflects the real you. There are decorator suggestions on how to crochet buttons, rope and braids to add that designer touch. I especially liked the tip to use button studs to making your garments more versatile without committing to a button hole in a certain location.

The instructions are clear and beautifully illustrated. My personal favorites are Titan Top page 75, T-Bird page 104, Kerry Top & Skirt page 120 and Andromeda Vest page 126.

Doris designs beautiful doilies that fold, drape and grow into lovely items to wear.

I'm new to crochet and knitting but the designs in this book are the reason I wanted to learn. I love lacy wraps, covers, and shrugs. I'm also a big girl so they're harder for me to find. I want to make my own.

Most of the instructions in this book go up to my size. I can't imagine crochet getting much more complicated than what's in this book but I've been working away at it and to my delight, I'm figuring it out as I go along. I'm still working on my first project from the book, a scarf, but once you figure this out the basics, it gets easier. The scarf is made with connected blocks, the block patterns alternate and you can pick which blocks you want to use. Each block I make is better than the block before it. I think I can do anything in this book after figuring out her basic approach through these blocks.

I love Doris Chan's crochet designs anyway, but this book of patterns really makes her design's shine.

There patterns in this book are a little unusual in that they are motif driven. Once you learn all the motifs in the book you can go on to create more than the designs that are in the book. You can create your own original dresses, tops, sweaters and more. I'm currently going through each pattern in the book so I can learn all I can from the concept before I start to create my own items based off of these motifs.

You can really create your own, personalized items based off the concepts offered in this book. Have fun and create!

I love Doris Chan's crochet designs anyway, but this book of patterns really makes her design's shine.

There patterns in this book are a little unusual in that they are motif driven. Once you learn all the motifs in the book you can go on to create more than the designs that are in the book. You can create your own original dresses, tops, sweaters and more. I'm currently going through each pattern in the book so I can learn all I can from the concept before I start to create my own items based off of these motifs.

You can really create your own, personalized items based off the concepts offered in this book. Have fun and create!

I love the designs and, yes, the stitches classify as "easy". However, the instructions for joining motifs are not "easy". They are very confusing. I have over 50 years of crochet experience, so I was able to complete a garment using my own sense of how to join the motifs. I, also, found some of the terminology very unusual. For example, I have not come across "singularity" in crochet before; nor, the word "grok". After re-reading several times, I still cannot understand what it means to "cradle it, and ride freely along it". I would not recommend this book for a beginner.

It has very nice lace patterns. But I wish there are more diagrams showing how to join the pieces. And this book should be for intermediate to advance level.

the idea of this book is wonderful- - - and it more than lived up to my expectations. If you are audacious, and enjoy a bit of a challenge, and the timeless look of lace- - - you need this book. I would not recommend this book to a beginner, but yes for a medium or highly skilled crocheter.

the adaptable patterns look like a LOT of serious fun, and if you need "take- along" projects, esp motifs, this book will do it for you. There is a lot more here than just motifs, tho. This author and designer can always be counted on to dish up a winner- - - i have many many crochet books, and ms chan's are my all- time favorites.

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