When you think Vickie Howell knitting is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Well I’ll have you know Vickie is a Jill of all trades in the needle (and hook) department. I’m not highly skilled in the crochet department, but the projects in Vickie’s new book sure make me want to brush up. Pop Goes Crochet: 36 Projects Inspired by Popular Culture is cover to cover cuteness. The projects range from swimsuits to ponchos all with pop culture celebrity inspiration behind the designs.My favorite in the bunch would have to be Ester, the crocheted bikini by Jennifer Fletcher. Oh did I mention there are 20 guest contributors in Pop Goes Crochet? Look for projects by the likes of: rocker Kelly Deal, Disgruntled Housewife & Thrifty Knitter Nikol Lohr, Uncommon Thread's host Allison Whitlock and the Crochet Dude Drew Emborsky. Back to the bikini. It’s not that I have worn a bikini in years, or ever could again after the havoc my new daughter has wreaked on my thighs, but the bright blue 2 piece with it’s perky floral trim is adorable. I think the fact that the swimsuit is named after Esther Williams might also have something to do with why I love it so much.
Another favorite are the Angelina boots by Whitney Larson. Crocheted boots inspired by Jane Smith. They are very reminiscent of spats which I have thing for. Plus you rarely think of crochet as sexy and projects like these boots, purses named after Betty Page and Dita von Tease are the exception to the rule.
The range of projects in the book is also what makes Pop Goes Crochet so much fun and worth the money. There are projects for men and women, adults and kids, warm and cold – the range is as broad as the celebrity inspiration. The fun Pop Goes Crochet E-Cards prove my point with projects inspired by Dita Von Tease, Gwen Stefani, Clint Eastwood and Kate Hudson. In the realm of crochet I have only conquered a few scarves and a baby blanket, but Pop Goes Crochet sure makes me want to learn more.
Already revving up your crochet hooks? Well lucky for you we have a copy of Pop Goes Crochet to giveaway! All you have to do is leave us a crochet related comment. What’s your favorite thing to make? Do you have a favorite brand of yarn? Who are some of your favorite crochet artists? Where do you get your crochet inspiration from? Lemme know and next week we will choose one lucky winner!
Further Reading:
Send a Pop Goes Crochet E-Card
Knit Aid by: Vickie Howell
Crocheted Deer Heads
A Crochet Conflab with Vickie Howell
wow! I am first!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love to crochet. I have a couple crochet books, but nothing as cool as this one.
I love following Vickie's blog too!
thanks
I adore crochet! I find it so relaxing and l love that it is so easy to transport and do just about anywhere... train rides/car rides go by really quickly when spent crocheting! I'm still a beginner so I've made tons of scarves and I'm itching to try my hand at more advanced projects... the pictures I've seen so far from Pop Goes Crochet have me salivating!!!! I ****NEED**** this book! :)
ReplyDeleteCrochet has so far beaten me, and not for lack of trying. To date I have attempted: a hat, another hat, a third hat, two scarves, an octopus, and simple little cat toys to no avail. I'm not about to give up, though- I'm sure it'll click if I just keep trying!
ReplyDeletecorvus.melloriATgmailDOTcom
I love crocheting! Right not I am crocheting my wedding dress and flowers for the centerpieces. I am just kidding. I knit but have never crocheted. Now if I had this book, I just might.
ReplyDeleteI love to crochet shawls. I love to take old doily patterns and adapt them to shawl patterns.
ReplyDeleteI just finished a mesh market tote from knitsimple magazine. I plan on tackling baby socks and amigurumi next.
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to learn crochet, but I just haven't yet. I have a feeling that wanting to make the projects from this book will kick my butt into gear!
ReplyDeleteI make everyone I know potato chip scarves w/ the Lion Brand Moonlight Mohair yarn. They are a huge hit and work up so quickly!
ReplyDeletebookingmama(at)comcast(dot)net
My grandma cursed like a sailor, smoked like a chimney, could drink like a fish, rode to work on the back of a Harley until she was forced to retire and taught me how to crochet. She is my inspiration in how I live my life and how I get down with my yarn. There was nothing "typical" about her (ok, maybe one- she made THE BEST soup!) and so nothing I crochet is ever really "typical." These projects are all kinds of how I roll.
ReplyDeleteMy mother taught me to crochet. She was right-handed, but she took the extra trouble to teach me the left-handed way, and it made me feel very special and loved. And I crochet on in left-handed confidence!
ReplyDeleteI'm fairly new to crochet and am in love already! BTW is the answer to the purse question Dita Von Teese?
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all thes fun stories. I learned from my paternal grandmother and Vickie. I have only ever made a few scarves and a baby blanket (which will be on the blog tomorrow). I'd love to make some amigurumi animals sometime for Tallulah.
ReplyDeleteI have known how to crochet since I was 11 (almost 19 years ago..Thanks Momma Bear!), but it wasn't until recently when I found some absolutely awesome patterns that I have become addicted to my hooks again. I mainly knit, but crochet is definitely becoming competition for my craft-love of knitting.
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing this book since I first heard about it on Vickie's blog, and I would absolutely love to have it. Actually I will have it one way or another, because if I don't win it I will have to scrimp and save so I can buy it. Every project picture I've seen makes me want this more and more.
I have had a blast learning how to make amigurumi! But I also like to make prayer shawls, and hats for newborn babies in the hospital, and cancer patients. :o)
ReplyDeleteI have definitely found a new favorite yarn... it is called Cotton Fleece. My daughter and I are making a mother/daughter afghan out of it... it is WONDERFUL!!!!
~Angelina
bella_italiana@carolina.rr.com
My grandmother got me "hooked" when I was five years old. I've been loving it ever since!
ReplyDeleteLove to crochet, Love Vickie Howell...love yarn...would love to win the book. Fave yarn right now? Cascade 220...
ReplyDeleteliz
I'm on my second week of learning how to crochet. I'm usually a knitter but I never turn down learning a new craft! I don't have a "favorite" brand of yarn...I think merino and wool are my favorite yarn fibers though. I think my favorite crochet artist is Vickie because all her books have rocked and I can't wait to practice my new crochet skills on one of her patterns!
ReplyDeleteI love to crochet! My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 12 years old. My favorite things to crochet are hats for my 5 month old daughter. You should try making a few hats for Tallulah. There are some easy hat patterns on Ravelry, and baby hats work up pretty quick
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Ravelry had crochet stuff too, I thought it was just knitting. I should check that out, first I should learn some more stitches.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lot of you learned from your mom. My mom is a leftie so would have been tricky for her to teach me. Though she taught herself how reading books for right handers. Nastassja that was awfully nice of your mama :)
I'm a knitter who wants to learn to crochet more than just a chain! I am lovvin the updated designs I see in crochet these days!
ReplyDeleteguzman.jamie(at)gmail(dot)com
wow, ok, that's a HUGE compliment coming from you - thank you so much, i'm glad you love the design! i've been having a hectic day so your post put a smile on my face. :)
ReplyDeletethe photo is awesome too, i nearly squealed when vickie sent it to me.
thanks for stopping by my blog too!
xo, jen
I first learned to crochet and made lots of blankets and scarves, then moved to knitting as there weren't really any cool crochet patterns. I am really glad that is changing! Bring on the hooks!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so interesting, can't wait to get my peeps on it.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not but my favorite crochet hooks are the ones by ProvoCraft, the one with the freaky handle and the interchangable hooks.
Though I really love the handmade hooks by Jimbo too. I have 3!!
What an awesome book! My fav. thing to crochet right now is the Window Purse from another awesome crochet book, Uncommon Crochet. I love the purse so much that I'm making myself a second one, in a different colourway. It's mostly half-double crochet, and then you felt it (and cut "windows" out of the felted material! My first time cutting my work...it was scary!). I'm using Cascade220 and it felts up perfectly.
ReplyDeleteOoooh crochet by Vickie! How fabulous. I taught myself to crochet last year by watching youtube videos and a few visual books. Now I consider myself an intermediate crocheter! I've started my own Etsy shop and currently create fun projects that keep me busy during my funemployment.
ReplyDeleteMy next project is the Violet Beauregard skirt from the Happy Hooker. Or whatever else I find on Ravelry and Craftster.
Love your jewelry!!!
I love to crochet. My grandma taught me. I don't have a favourite yarn, but I'm working my way towards natural fibers. It just costs so much more - so frustrating. I like making little fingerless gloves for the Spring and Fall. In every colour!
ReplyDeleteI love Interweave Crochet Magazine.
I love to crochet beanies for the men in my life. It's a simple pattern from Happy Hooker and surprisingly they love to wear it!
ReplyDeleteThis book look super sweet! A must for my collection.
I'm a knitter who also dabbles in crochet. I'm still new to the crochet scene, but so far, I already made a rolled brim hat, a purse, a scarf, and I'm currently making a cotton hat out of some yarn that a friend got me for my birthday.
ReplyDeleteI've been crocheting for two years, and I have to say, that I find it very relaxing, much like knitting.
I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Pop Goes Crochet.
My favorite project is the granny square afghan that I am making with my sister, mom and grandma. We are all making squares and we are going to each make our own afghan with equal amounts of squares from each of us. This is going to be something I will treasure forever!
ReplyDeleteI'm great at making single crochet scarves. Hopefully, this book will make me feel a bit more adventurous.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I have a favorite item to make - I'm a beginner and having fun learning different techniques (squares, Tunisian, clothing, amigurumi, etc), and playing with different types yarn and thread. One of my favorite designers is Kim Guzman. Most of my inspiration comes from online - websites and blogs.
ReplyDeleteI love to crochet with Debbie Bliss Pure Silk. Guess I am spoiled. I really love crocheting with about any yarn, even Jelly Yarn is fun!
ReplyDeleteMy first crochet project was a vest made from one huge granny square in the front and one in the back then joining the sides and adding straps. It was a kit from Kmart. I was about 13 years old! It was so neat, I ended up making one for each of my three sisters, without the kit.
ReplyDeleteI've not crocheted much in recent years. I'm out of inspiration...but I'm looking for it again!
as a knitter who has been picking up crochet as of late i enjoy trying my hand at most all projects...but these look more cool than what i have been finding! Lately i have been using up scraps just making granny squares
ReplyDeleteI would love to have access to some better crochet patterns, stuff that I could and would actually wear. Thanks for offering this giveaway, I'm sure the copy will make someone very very happy.
ReplyDeleteI mainly knit with just the odd bit of edging, 1 blanket and a few flowers to my crochet name. I'm a bit wary of ending up a bit grannyfied with some patterns I've come across but I don't think there'd be any chance of this with this book. Let me at it!!
ReplyDeleteI started out knitting, but have since ventured into the world of crochet and I am super excited about this book. I've been following Vickie's blog for awhile now and love it too!
ReplyDeleteI just learned to crochet last year. I taught myself using Klutz Crochet Book/Kit. Don't laugh :). I know it's for kids but this adult loves it. Also I used free online videos to help when I was stuck. I first tried to learn as a young child but failed. To the poster who is sruggling with crochet. Please don't give up. I'm going to make a hat next.
ReplyDeleteBy the way Ravelry is for knitters, crocheters, dyers and spinners. Also there are groups for the other crafts. Just make sure you don't post the other craft stuff and pics on the main pages. There are also groups for almost every interest you can think of.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm pretty new to crochet (I learned from a book last Fall, after having tried and failed in the past), but now that I'm getting the hang of it, I'm loving it. I've been knitting for about 5 years and kept stumbling across cute crochet patterns in magazines along side my knitting ones, and figured I'd better get with the program!
ReplyDeleteHi! My very first crochet project was way back in the 70's and it was -suprise- a granny square afghan! Now I love to crochet scarfs, they are so quick and easy and make great gifts. Debbie
ReplyDeleteYa know I am starting to totally feel the granny square thing. I kind of really want a super colorful 70's afghan for my bedspread.
ReplyDeleteI have been knitting for about 8 years now.. and I actually learned a ton from watching Vickie on Knitty Gritty! I taught myself from books, and when I found her show I was totally relieved to know that i was doing (almost) the right thing!
ReplyDeleteI haven't really done a lot of crochet. To be honest, I have almost strictly avoided it. But, I'd love to give it a whirl. If Vickie can go from knitting to crochet, so can I!
My mum is my crochet inspiration. She used to crochet dresses for my sister and I when we were little and when we grew out of those dresses, our dolls got the privilege of wearing the outfits. I like crochet scarves and edges to knitted or crochet outfits.
ReplyDeleteDeb - debyeo@hotmail.com
I learned to crochet when I was a very little girl, maybe 6 or so. I love to crochet anything that strikes my fancy--scarves, bags, doilies, shawls, booties, anything. I just made a really quick sachet bag yeaterday to fill with lavender from my garden. I love the Esther bikini...not for me (!!!) but for my daughter who has the shape for it =-)
ReplyDeleteMy first craft was crochet, learning from a babysitter when I was 7 or 8 years old. I have also taken up cross-stitch and knitting later on, which I also enjoy. I watch Vickie Howell on all the Knitty Gritty episodes and have learned a lot of great knitting ideas. Thanks for a great book giveaway!
ReplyDeletekimberlybreid@hotmail.com
I would have too say my Mother-in-law inspires me too want to learn too Crochet and My dad was the first one to teach me too knit in the 8th grade he bought me a beginners kit. and he read the directions and showed me how, never learning him self except that day, my mother in law learned too crochet from her mom and she was even crocheting even with Dementia it soothe her. So she started doing it as a way for her too soothe her nerves also. And she started teaching me as a way to help me with my Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. So now she wants to teach my 9 yr old daughter who wants to learn too knit and crochet. I would really love too win this book. Love Vickie Howell she is the greatest. I think I have almost ever book she has except this one...
ReplyDeleteKimberly Storti
kimmee@windstream.net
I love working with baby yarn the best. It's just so soft and cuddly.
ReplyDeletersgrandinetti@yahoo.com
I would love to buy a pair of the Angelina boots! Learning to crochet is on my list but until then... Anyone have any leads or are in interested in making and selling a pair let me know!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks great!