Book Review: Crochet Lace Innovations

Santa Kindly bought me a copy of Doris Chan's Crochet Lace Innovations. Santa also left a note in the book which reads "I like this one". I think that's a hint!!

The book legend reads 'Broomstick, Hairpin, Tunisian and Exploded Lace.' The main premise of the book is about using thicker yarn and larger size hooks than usual. My own crochet style is quite tight but I've been trying to develop a looser style for garments, so I thought this book might be helpful. It's a bit outside my comfort zone.
There is basically a chapter on each of the disciplines with a number of different garments to make.  If like me you are a bit unsure, there are some quicker makes, like belts, scarves and wraps. There is plenty of good reading if you like to curl up in bed with a good crochet book!
At the end of the book she offers a basic pattern template for a Jacket and a skirt. It is the one used for all the garments in the book. These patterns come with 'Fit Tips' so that you can add or remove sleeves, collars, tailoring etc. I really hate instructions that insist there is only one way to do things. I'm all about customising, we're all creative beings. So all this gets a big thumbs up from me!
As a dyslexic there is nothing more horrifying than page after page of abbreviated crochet instructions. Ms Chan has very cleverly kept this to minimum by offering stitch diagrams showing the basic pattern plus how it changes for increases, decreases and working in the round. 
 You don't have to have ever used any of the techniques before as there are excellent drawings to help. I thought I'd try out some of the stitch patterns.

 So working in order, this is my attempt at Broomstick lace. We all know that practice makes perfect but at first I was disappointed by my efforts. Eventually I started to get there and was inspired enough to have a go at some of the patterns in Betty Barden's Handbook Book of Crochet Stitches.

As for Hairpin lace, well I don't think it's for me! My own choice of bamboo yarn, (on the left) was probably a bad choice as it has a loose twist and splits easily.

  

Here's my attempt at Tunisian Crochet. It took quite a bit of practice to get use to handling that big long hook and I found I had to change my grip from pen to knife. Once again I had a go at some more examples this time from Robyn Chachula's 'Visual Encyclopedia'.

 The other chapters are quite straight forward, using much larger hooks than you'd expect, turning huge motifs and exploded doilies into stylish garments.
All in all Doris Chan has left me feeling inspired!
I'm afraid that was the last of my crochet inspired Xmas gifts so pop back in a fortnight for a tenuous link to spring cleaning!
(Don't forget to say Hello if you pop by!)