Sept 13
The tagline on this book says it all - this really is the only compendium of crochet blocks you'll ever need. Crochet blocks are ideal for crafters on the move, as they're so portable. Inside the book, you'll find easy projects and advanced projects, all with variations to give you even more scope for using them. There's also top-notch, expert advice on choosing yarn and ideas for how to use your crocheted squares, plus information on basic stitches, working in the round and joining blocks together.
* Knit Today *
Mar 13
Here is an incredible 500 crochet blocks to keep you going just about forever. The front of the book includes instructions on how to crochet, showing all the stitches you need, how to read a pattern and how to finish off. Chapter 1 deals with basic stitches and there are some fabulous patterns that actually, if you don't know, you would not necessarily assume were basic. I like 'Shelley', 'Fan Stitch', 'Ripples and Waves', 'Waffle', 'Seaside' and more. Chapter 2 is all about crocheting in the round and is based on granny squares. Chapter 3 moves on to colour work and encourages you to experiment. I like 'Wedges' and 'Cornered' but thought this section was rather old fashioned. Chapter 4 is about motifs, shapes such as circles, stars, flowers and leaves. At the end of each chapter there are alternative suggestions but the type is far too small. It is small throughout the book, but really very tiny on these alternative pages. You also have to cope with the book closing whilst you are trying to work. However, this is a great book. I liked it. super for anyone wanting to have a crochet blitz and crete their own designs.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
May 13
Meet the second entry in the new 500 series - a book of crochet blocks. There is just about every block you can think of in here, plus lots of other crochet know-how. Like 500 Toys by Nguyen Le (also reviewed on this site) this is a small format but tubby book filled with 500 projects. It's proud cover boast is that this is "the only compendium of crochet blocks you'll ever need", but is this true? Let's have a look... The book starts by giving the reader the basics - what you need to buy in order to take up the hobby, basic stitches with clear diagrams and pattern reading help. Slip knots, chain, double and treble crochet are all shown clearly but I wouldn't recommend this book to the total beginner as the other stitches are just briefly described in words alone. To be fair it does not say "beginner" anywhere on the cover, so I would suggest that improvers and up would be the target audience. The bulk of this book is devoted to the blocks themselves which are divided into rough sections. There are Back and Forth, Round and Round, Color Work and Shaped Motifs which are basically all about either appearance or method of working. Each section also has a useful part at the end giving variations on the items (albeit in very tiny print) and projects are all laid out in the same manner with a full page photograph of the finished item one side and instructions plus a chart on the other, plus a basic variation to try out. There are also projects such as crocheted bunting, a floral corsage, snowflake Christmas tree decoration etc. Although I have seen many books with a wider variety of different blocks I have never seen quite so many in one place. Great value for any crochet fan (particularly those whose skills are not yet advanced), but for anybody looking for something "different" I would look elsewhere.
* Myshelf.com *
When my bloggy friend Kath over at Inverleith published her crochet compendium I knew I'd have to go and get a copy. As a newbie(ish) hooker, I'm keen to increase my skills and do more than 'just a granny square'. Thankfully the lovely people over at Search Press were more than happy to accommodate my request and sent one through post-haste.
There is so much to choose from - obviously as it's titled 500 blocks, not less, not more! The book is divided into four sections:
- back and forth
- round and round
- colour work
- shaped motifs
You get clear instructions, in both written and chart format, plus a photo on how to do each square, and here's the clever bit, you get a variation on the same thing too. At the end of each section, are more variations for you to try.
I decided to attempt the 'evening sunset' square to make a cushion from. The instructions were easy to follow, and when I did make a mistake, the photo showed me exactly where I had gone wrong.
I've made 9 squares in total and I plan to join them together and then add a simple treble border around to fit the front of the cushion before doing a plain crochet back - sounds straight forward.
If you haven't already got a crochet compendium (I love that word), then I'd definitely recommend getting this book.
* craftingnotcleaning.blogspot.co.uk *
June 13
'500 crochet blocks - the only compendium of crochet blocks you'll ever need' by Hannah Elgie & Kath Webber is a fantastic book which is full of inspiration and variations on themes. There are squares, circles, numerous colour collections and hundreds of different stitches. After each chapter there are four suggestions for variations on almost all of the crocheted blocks in different colours or with different flowers or a different charted design. I found this to be the most useful aspect of the book. You aren't just getting 500 blocks, but a lot more for your money. The book is a six inch square (15cm) which is what size the blocks come to when you have finished crocheting them. It's the size I find is most asked for when fundraising and makes adding up what size your finished afghan will be that much easier. The book begins with a fully illustrated guide on how to crochet which lasts a full seven pages so you will not be lost if you are a beginner. There are two pages on textural stitches such as bobble and puff stitches. One page is on reading a pattern and one on reading a chart; something other books or magazines don't seem to extend their help section with. There is also advice on finishing your work and sewing or crocheting the blocks together with some information on edgings you can decorate your afghan with and some essential hints and tips to finish with. There are also project suggestions next to some of the patterns. The range of stitches on offer is phenomenal. I love the lace and there are also blocks which use crocheted cables and tunisian crochet too.
* sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *
