Hip to Crochet 23 Contemporary Projects for Today's Crocheter by Judith L. Swartz Crochet is back, and it's more popular than ever. Judith Swartz, knitwear designer, teacher, and author of the best seller, Hip to Knit, transforms this traditional handcraft with 23 fashion-savvy garments and home accessories in a color palette that is cosmopolitan chic. Get started with a chapter on basic crochet stitch techniques, hook sizes, yarn gauges, and finishing techniques. Then, using fine to worsted-weight yarns of mohair, kid mohair, merino, angora blends, or linen, crochet a few simple scarves and hats before tackling more advanced projects. Presented with easy, step-by-step instructions?plus ample illustrations and beautiful photos?projects include a Bohemian Coat Sweater, a Mohair Hat (with or without cuffs), Retro Bed Slippers, a Block-on-Block Skirt, an Easy Pullover Sweater, a Timeless Tank Top, a Zigzag Scarf, Striped Mittens, and an assortment of trend-setting bags. Also included are baskets, pillows, and a throw to add a stylish twist to your home d?cor. Projects can be personalized and modified to your taste with a variety of yarn types and colors, and with your choice of embellishments. Crochet is the new knitting, and this book will get you hooked. Judith L. Swartz is a designer for yarn companies, publishers, and private clients. She is the author of the popular Hip to Knit, and Dogs in Knits (both Interweave, 2002). Judith teaches classes and workshops in knitting, crocheting, basic fibers, and art sweaters. She has designed ski hats for Smiley Hats and Roffe Skiwear, and she's created and exhibited sculptural crochet artwork. Judith lives in Spring Green, Wisconsin.