19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Amazing book and patterns, Sep 29 2011
By Jody Couch - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Austentatious Crochet: 36 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen (Paperback)
I don't normally do this - but as i just got home and waiting for me was my new book...all i have to say is OMG it really is amazing! This is going to be the most loved book I have ever owned. I cannot wait to start....I am thinking the lovely cape...no maybe the eat your heart out sweater...or wait maybe the pj's they are really awesome too...and I see a whole bunch of all buttoned up shawls being made as gifts... All i can say is thank you ever so much to Melissa Horozewski for an amazing book! For all of you who love Jane Austen or just love the idea of modern clothing resembling that time period, what are you waiting for, CLICK that buy button now!
28 of 32 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A treat for Austin Fans, Oct 14 2011
By Marilee - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Austentatious Crochet: 36 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen (Paperback)
I received the book this past week and have been looking through it for some time. There's a lot to read and enjoy, including many interesting illustrations, excerpts, as well as some lovely garments and accessories. But I must be honest, there are a few [hopefully] minor problems too.
A pet peeve of mine and many other crocheters and knitters are the "artfully" posed photos of garments that cover important construction details. I've learned that hidden details, such as necklines covered by scarves or long hair, the artfully posed hand on a waistline holding the side in or covering a pocket, too often hide flaws in the garment and design. In AUSTENtations, we have numerous examples of hidden details. What to make of these? Do photographs hide things we ought to know before committing yarn to hook? Or are the cropped, carefully posed photos simply ART? A crochet project is a major undertaking of money and time. I, for one, don't quite trust that hidden details are going to be OK.
Let me give some specific examples in this book... on page 53, the model's hand is covering the attachment of a handle to the Legacy handbag in closeup. Why? Is it unsightly? Reading the instructions, I think so, given how the awkward addition of a fabric tab looks in the distant photo where it's not hidden. The neckline is hidden by an ascot in all the photos of the Wicked Wickham jacket, an otherwise lovely classic red jacket. Is something amiss with the neckline and collar design or the execution? The Jane Bennet skirt does not show the waist or front, only the back featuring the flirtatious ruffles. What would we see if there were photos of the entire skirt? The Mr. Knightly pajama set showcases an interesting corset look with lacing up the front, but what are we to make of the knickers? What do they look like on the model? We've no clue, thanks to a book being held on a lap by two hands covering the model's folded under legs. Is fit an issue?
On a more positive note, the lovely cover pullover is clearly shown in photos, as is the Netherfield Ball top, Pemberley dress and the Becoming Jane pullover as well as many of the accessories. The book is beautiful. Let's hope the crochet projects are as well. Because this book is obviously such a labor of love and inspiration despite the issues mentioned above, I've given it 4 stars out of 5.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
astounded by austentatious, Oct 4 2011
By Amy J. Campbell "Amy Jewel" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Austentatious Crochet: 36 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen (Paperback)
This is an amazing book. Anyone who loves Jane Austen & the style of the regency period will be more than satisfied. Very happy with my purchase. Can't wait to make all the designs! Definitely a Christmas present for my crochet friends.