Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs: Creative Techniques for Joining Motifs of All Shapes; Includes 101 New Motif Designs Spiral-bound – October 23, 2012

This is an incredibly beautiful and useful book for any crocheter who has advanced enough to begin to want to make things that don't come from the standard patterns, but do use motifs. I have been crocheting for over a half a century (that long?), and I still found new stuff in it. I really like the section showing both sides of join results, so you pick what you want to do. Ms. Eckman offers many new motifs (101), and my mind was busy finding ways to adapt them--finer threads, more open work, closer work, etc. This book will keep me busy for some time, as I experiment with making sweaters, hats, etc. to try out the motifs and the joinings. I recommend this book to any crocheter in intermediate stage or beyond, and if you are having trouble with written out patterns, this is a book for you. It relies heavily on symbol crochet (every pattern has both instructions!), so you can get to know the international language for crochet. That way you can get an instruction book in Russian, French, German, Japanese, whatever, and you will still be able to make the patterns because you will be able to follow international crochet instructions. (And there are some gorgeous foreign language instruction books out there!) My only complaint is that I wish there were more clothing patterns (some blouses or tunics?) included, and of course, more book! I'm getting more of her books as soon as possible.

I am so happy with this purchase, which included "Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs". Upon first impression, the book is sturdy and of course I love that it has a hard spiral binding; perfect for laying flat for reference while you work. High quality materials make for beautiful, clear and bright photos. Digging into the book I find myself impressed with Ms. Eckman's clear and concise instruction. The opening sections alone are worth the purchase, and then the motifs are fantastic. I love everything about this book and am sure it will be a valuable tool, not only for reference but for inspiration in my own process of creating appealing designs in crochet. I can see having lots of fun experimenting with different motifs in various yarn weights and types, and if that's all I did with this book it would still be worth it! I usually rely on the internet for most of my craft reference, but I can absolutely see myself adding "Around the Corner Crochet Borders" and "The Crochet Answer Book" to my library based on this purchase.

I’m more of a knitter, but was curious about the, crocheted shapes and connecting them as you go, idea.This book is inspiring, has very clear instructions and lovely creative patterns, not typical granny squares (nothing against granny squares). There are different shapes and designs. Lacy, not so lacy, etc.I would say it’s not for a complete beginner unless you have someone who can help a little, but like I said the instructions are clear so it’s worth a try.

I bought the e-book version of this book for my tablet, and I think that the physical book version would probably be better for me. I think this is more of a problem with the Kindle app on my tablet than the actual book itself.The charts are the most helpful part of the book. Although the instructions are adequate, the pattern can be understood from the chart alone. The only confusing part is that the rows are different colors to distinguish where they begin and end, but this does not indicate a color change. It seems very simple to remember, but it quickly became bothersome to zoom out of the picture of the chart to double check the written instructions for color changes.There are many beautiful motifs that have great potential as building blocks for a variety of projects. Definitely worth the money.

I found the instructions to be clear. The photos help you see the instructions. I really like how the author encourages you to take what she is showing you how to do and try your own spin on it. There are some basic joinings she shows, and then some Join as you go ones. There are also a few joining motifs. This book is a great book to have in any crochet lovers library, with good variety and beautiful photos! I like the spiral binding. My book had some minor damage to the bottom of some pages (likely from shipping with other things).

I have read this book from cover to cover and am truly impressed. There are so many different patterns to choose from.

The main object of this book is to explain how to connect the motifs. which look like it is done very well. I haven't made anything yet. I'm impressed by the book itself: very good spiral binding w hich allows using the book when it's open lying flat. All motifs are in color and instructions both written out and charted with an explanation of the chart sy mbols which are also inside the back cover. The index seems very complete so you can look up the various s hapes like octagon. Print is large and paper is fine. there are 101 new motif designs plus 11 design patterns. The motifs are also indexed in color so you can find one at a glance. Instructions are for the American user. but for chart readers you can manage well too. Eckman writes about the various connecting options such as Join as you go and also sewing or crocheting them at the end. There's a lot of good important information here but the impatient crocheter can just pull out her hook an d start working her way through.