If I had to come up with one word to describe (The Crochet Dude) Drew Emborsky’s newest title, Crochet It. Love It Wear It!, it would be this: stunning!

This is not your grandmother’s (bless her heart!) granny square poncho or double crochet shawl folks! There are actually designs in this book that anyone, crafter or non-crafter, would love to wear.Of course, everyone’s favorite design in Drew’s book has got to be “Budapest Nights,” a red floor-length coat trimmed in faux fur. I wonder how they managed to get the model to hand it back over to them after the photo shoot?

Along with the gorgeous red coat, two other pieces that popped out at me as items I would actually wear and enjoy and feel good in were the “Ruffled Cardigan” and the “Laurie.” The cardigan has a ruffled affect down the sides and lace-like stitching, very pretty and feminine.

The “Laurie” is a top that you could also wear as a light jacket. It criss-crossed and ties around the waist, so it looks like it creates a slimming affect.

The book includes a total of 13 projects: 1 coat, 1 scarf, 2 cardigans, 2 skirts, 2 pull-over sweaters, 2 dresses, 1 wrap sweater, 1 jacket, and 1 vest. All but the coat are designated as intermediate level, and sizes are included from small to X-large and 2X-large for many of the projects. (Thank you, Drew, for realizing the average woman is not a size zero!)

Let’s face it. Crochet has always had a bad rap when it comes to clothing because the stitching can just be so bulky. This can be a good thing if you are making an afghan, but who wants to wear a sweater that looks like it was made for the Michelin Man?! I have enough of my own bulk to deal with, thank you very much.

For those who have been turned off in the past to the bulk or funky retro of most crocheted clothing, Drew’s book will convince you that it is possible to make pretty crochet clothing that you will be proud to wear and feel pretty in as well.