Book Review & Giveaway: Doris Chan’s Crochet Lace Innovations

Hairpin Lace, the Crochet Speciality of the Month for May, 2015 on Underground Crafter

Welcome to my themed blog series, Crochet Specialty of the Month! Each month in 2015, I’ll feature a specialized crochet technique, stitch pattern, or project type through several posts.

As part of this month’s focus on hairpin lace, I’m sharing a review of Doris Chan‘s Crochet Lace Innovations: 20 Dazzling Designs in Broomstick, Hairpin, Tunisian, and Exploded Lace, along with a giveaway sponsored by Potter Craft/The Crown Publishing Group!

This post contains affiliate links.

Book Review

Crochet Lace Innovations by Doris Chan - book review and giveaway on Underground Crafter

Doris Chan is well known for her flirty crochet garments and her focus on lace. Crochet Lace Innovations, first published in 2010, is a pattern book that explores three specialized crochet techniques (broomstick lace, hairpin lace, and Tunisian crochet) along with what Doris calls “exploded lace” (crocheting lace patterns similar to what you would see in thread in yarns with a larger hook for a better drape).

The book opens with an introduction where Doris shares her passion for crochet. This is followed by a How to Use This Book page.

The next 3 sections, Broomstick Lace, Hairpin Lace, and Tunisian Lace, include an overview of the crochet lace technique along with a written and illustrated tutorial and a list of tips for success. The next 3 sections focus on variations of exploded lace: Exploded Motifs, Exploded Doily Lace, and Exploded Lace Trim. The book closes with a section called Garment 101, where Doris shares detailed annotated patterns for Jacket 101 and Skirt 101. Finally, there is a resources section which includes a guide to crochet stitch symbols and abbreviations, and links to yarns, tools, and crochet websites.

  • Skill level: This book is geared towards an intermediate to advanced crocheter. There are 8 easy patterns, 6 intermediate patterns, and 7 experienced patterns.
  • Techniques: There are 3 broomstick lace patterns, 3 hairpin lace patterns, 4 Tunisian crochet patterns, and 11 exploded lace patterns.
  • Project types: There are 8 top patterns (including jackets, vests, sleeved tops, and a poncho), 4 skirt patterns, 4 wraps/stoles/scarves, 2 belts, 1 dress, and 1 collar.

What I like about this book:

  • Doris has a conversational style but isn’t too chatty.
  • The designs are striking and the photos make you want to pick up your hook and start crocheting!
  • There are schematics including for the garments and there are stitch symbols for most patterns in addition to US pattern abbreviations.
  • This book allows you to explore several different crochet techniques while making women’s garments and accessories.

Some challenges about this book:

  • A true beginner to some of the special techniques may find the illustrations difficult to use as a primary learning resource. Luckily, there are many online tutorials for broomstick lace (you can find a roundup here), hairpin lace (a beginner’s roundup here), and Tunisian crochet.
  • There isn’t much discussion about under layering. It would be great if Doris would have shared more ideas about how to layer to wear these designs in real life.
  • Like all mostly pattern books, your enjoyment will be based on how many of the patterns you want to make. Check out the Ravelry source page for the book here to see thumbnails of all designs included in the book.

Overall, I would recommend this book to an intermediate to advanced crocheter (or an adventurous, confident, and patient beginner!) who enjoys crocheted women’s garments and accessories. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Giveaway

So, has this review left you itching for your own copy of Crochet Lace Innovations? To enter, visit the Ravelry source page here and leave a comment letting me know which pattern you would crochet first. This giveaway is open to U.S. readers only. Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, June 2, 2015! Please note that only entries in the Rafflecopter widget will be counted, so be sure to log your entries there.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Full disclosure: A review copy and giveaway copy of Crochet Lace Innovations were provided by Potter Craft/The Crown Publishing Group. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

18 thoughts on “Book Review & Giveaway: Doris Chan’s Crochet Lace Innovations”

  1. Thanks Marie! I would no doubt whip up the broomstick belt first, for instant gratification. Then the Rosalinda Top and the River skirt both are tugging me.
    Xoxo Esther

    Reply
  2. I would try the Kylara vest first.it is beautiful. I don’t know yet if I would keep it or make it for my daughter in Law she needs a present right now as she works hard and is getting ready for her Son’s graduation so Has been one busy lady. I don’t believe this giveaway has come up now as although I have crocheted for 50 years. I haven’t done hairpin or broomstick lace foror years. I just got my hairpin lace and broom stick out so I could try it again. I have been following your post this month to help me. I have seen many of Doris Chan books own one and they are always wonderful.

    Reply
  3. I would make the siona stole first and then one of the skirts! Thanks for the review. These patterns are just lovely!

    Reply
  4. They were all so beautiful it was hard 2 choose. It came down to 2. The Ling Collar, or Sieona Stole. Depends on the material I have @ the time. I would luv 2 do all. Wish I could be as creative. I have figured a way to work with broomstick squares. That is 1 of my favorite stitches. Kathy.

    Reply
  5. Thank you so much for the chance to participate in this give-away! I am ever so happy to have won this delightful book with so many beautiful projects. I so very much enjoy learning new techniques and trying different projects. This book has so many! And thank you for all your hard work in crafty a blog that is filled with a myriad of information, projects, tools, interviews; always something new and interesting!

    Reply
  6. I think I would start with the Kylara vest. It looks like it wouldn’t be the hardest of all the picks but not the easiest either. That way you could start and get a feel of how to do it.

    Reply

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