[Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes]BEYOND THE SQUARE: CROCHET MOTIFS: 144 CIRCLES, HEXAGONS, TRIANGLES, SQUARES, AND OTHER UNEXPECTED SHAPES[Paperback] ON 30 Jul,2008) Reviews

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10 responses to “[Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes]BEYOND THE SQUARE: CROCHET MOTIFS: 144 CIRCLES, HEXAGONS, TRIANGLES, SQUARES, AND OTHER UNEXPECTED SHAPES[Paperback] ON 30 Jul,2008) Reviews”

1. 

   sara

   September 22, 2010

   Review by sara for [Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes]BEYOND THE SQUARE: CROCHET MOTIFS: 144 CIRCLES, HEXAGONS, TRIANGLES, SQUARES, AND OTHER UNEXPECTED SHAPES[Paperback] ON 30 Jul,2008)
   Rating:
   There are a few things I like about this book. The fact that it is spiral bound is very nice. And naturally I was drawn to its concept: different motifs: triangles, circles, hexagons, “weird” shapes… I’m an avid square-crocheter, and I’ve been looking forward to moving into other motifs.

   My main problem with this book is its lack of examples on completed projects. The book does include a section of cute doodled examples of what to do with motifs (put them on flip-flops; sew them together for a rug; line them up across the chest of a sweater) but there is not a single photo, not a single example of an actual project completed using motifs from this book. Which is very disappointing to me. I love getting inspiration for projects by flipping through crafting books, and seeing the different colours used. This book will give you nice ideas for individual motifs and that is all.

   I think the book would have done better to acknowledge that because you’re making unusual motifs, putting them together in unusual and creative ways and combinations is part of the fun. I also did not find the author’s repetitive choice of colours inspiring. The cover picture is great, but inside I found it lacking.

   There are some nice motifs in this book, and I would suggest it to people who would like a straight-up how-to book. But if you’re looking for a book that will inspire through its use of varied colour and finished product ideas, this will leave you disappointed.

2. 

   R. Kelly Wagner

   September 22, 2010

   Review by R. Kelly Wagner for [Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes]BEYOND THE SQUARE: CROCHET MOTIFS: 144 CIRCLES, HEXAGONS, TRIANGLES, SQUARES, AND OTHER UNEXPECTED SHAPES[Paperback] ON 30 Jul,2008)
   Rating:
   I bought this book because the cover was pretty, really – and that’s not a bad reason at all, because the excellent color pictures continue inside. But there are many other reasons to like the book.

   I crochet a lot of baby afghans and wedding afghans and shawls, and yeah, I got tired of the plain old granny square oh, about 30 years ago – but I keep on doing it because it’s easy to do and because it’s a great way to use up scraps of color. Well, this book gives me lots more ways to use up small quantities of leftover yarn, and many of the motifs are as easy as granny squares, so I’ll be able to do a couple to learn them, then do them on autopilot, where I don’t need to look at the pattern any more, or even at the yarn – so I can do them in the dark, at symphony concerts and movies and on long car rides. Motifs are also handy for those kinds of times, because you don’t have a single huge crocheted something that you have to haul around with you and that starts taking up the seat next to you once you’re more than half done.

   Some of the circular motifs will become coasters without any sewing together needed, and they can also become the bottom of bottle cozies or can cozies (“koozies”), or, in a larger gauge and larger hook and cotton yarn, become trivets for your table. But the hexagons are my favorites – not only do they make good coasters, but they make lovely bedspreads with edges full of little points, like prairie points – make one just slightly larger than the top of the bed, so that the points just hang over the edge. Motif #54 is every bit as easy to do as a granny square – think of it as a granny hexagon – and think of producing a crocheted throw or spread that resembles a “grandmother’s flower garden” quilt pattern! If you want fewer color changes so you can make these while watching TV or otherwise doing two things at once, motifs 31, 32, and 33 have only two colors.

   The triangle motifs require a bit more fudging and stretching to make them have exactly straight edges and fit together the way quilt pieces would; I plan to use these triangles more in a freeform manner, with circles and odd shapes combined to make a large regular shape out of many small irregular ones.

   And – surprise! – there are squares as well, and things that have four corners although not straight sides, such as motif #94, which would fit in a square but is sort of a four-petalled flower.

   And the irregular shapes – well, my favorite is the oval #125, which looks just like a miniature braided rug, and so will make lots of cute little “mug rugs” as coasters.

   In short, a wealth of ideas, motifs from easy to advanced, sure to provide lots of satisfaction even though there are not any complete patterns for afghans or garments.

3. 

   se-so

   September 22, 2010

   Review by se-so for [Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes]BEYOND THE SQUARE: CROCHET MOTIFS: 144 CIRCLES, HEXAGONS, TRIANGLES, SQUARES, AND OTHER UNEXPECTED SHAPES[Paperback] ON 30 Jul,2008)
   Rating:
   This is a great crochet book. As an avid, experienced crocheter, most of the books I buy are so-so or plain awful. This book delivers.

   PROS:
   
   1) Easy to read and use. Clear large colorful photos (motifs made up in easy to see yarns) and large easy to read type on a spiral bound book, for flat, no flip pages. Large diagrams and well written instructions. Love having both to go by.
   
   2) Creative and unusual. Lots and lots of new motifs here in all sorts of shapes, from the traditional square to decorative motifs, like the star fish. Well organized layout by shapes.
   
   3) Nice introduction with hints for use, and even aids for making up your own motifs. Well done.
   
   4) Thankfully, the first half of the book is not dedicated to learning how to crochet. Sorry beginners, but there are tons of learn how to crochet books, and I hate spending my money on a pattern book that spends more time showing me how then letting me get at it. Yes, there are charts and a few reminders, and even a glossary, but it’s not overdone.

   CONS:
   
   Okay not cons, I love this book, more like a wish list.
   
   I wish there were more squares. I am in need of new motifs for things that must be square, (hint: Title “Beyond-the-Square”) and this book is chockfull of motifs, but fewer squares. There are a fair amount, but not as many as I would have liked.

   I wish there were photos of projects. Yes, the book will inspire you, and there are a few pages with cutesy, colored ink drawings, but no actual photos of projects. Just for the sake of eye-candy, because the colored motifs are so striking, I would have loved to have drooled over a few photos of put together projects.

   I wish the motifs had names, titles. It’s a trend in books to label patterns by number, but it is an art craft book, let’s have some names. I can remember names, but it’s hard for me to remember “Oh, yeah I want to make number 72 or was that 27?”

   Summary: Great book, creative, colorful, fun, and well written. I have made up two motifs so far, and I am very pleased.
   

4. 

   M. Poller

   September 22, 2010

   Review by M. Poller for [Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes]BEYOND THE SQUARE: CROCHET MOTIFS: 144 CIRCLES, HEXAGONS, TRIANGLES, SQUARES, AND OTHER UNEXPECTED SHAPES[Paperback] ON 30 Jul,2008)
   Rating:
   I agree with all the previous reviewers. Perhaps the description of the book by Amazon is a bit misleading as it only has crochet motifs and no projects. However, it is very inspiring and jam packed full of helpful tips and information on how to crochet the different motifs and arrange them. All the motifs are charted and written out. 28 circle motifs, 26 hexagons, 31 triangles, 33 squares and 23 unusual shapes. Indexed and page of Japanese crochet symbols which are used in the book. The book begins with a workshop but is not meant for absolute beginners. I’m looking forward to playing around with the motifs and perhaps just making some kind of weird blanket with as many as will combine. Could be a good stashbuster too. Highly recommended.

5. 

   Vulpes13

   September 23, 2010

   Review by Vulpes13 for [Beyond the Square: Crochet Motifs: 144 Circles, Hexagons, Triangles, Squares, and Other Unexpected Shapes]BEYOND THE SQUARE: CROCHET MOTIFS: 144 CIRCLES, HEXAGONS, TRIANGLES, SQUARES, AND OTHER UNEXPECTED SHAPES[Paperback] ON 30 Jul,2008)
   Rating:
   This is a great book! First of all, it has a spiral binding which makes it flat when you’re trying to work from it. Then it has a great tips and tricks section, as well as a how-to section that’s wonderful for beginners. It also has some suggestions on how to use all of the wonderful motifs you’re going to want to make. All of the motifs are charted and have written instructions. I pre-ordered this book, so I hadn’t seen it first and I am really glad I did get it. I am primarily a knitter, but do crochet because I love motifs and flowers and this book is really helpful!

6. 

   Gadget Guy

   September 23, 2010

   Review by Gadget Guy for Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks Gift Set, 8 Sizes
   Rating:
   I’m new to crocheting and really like the comfort I find in these hook. The case and the hooks themselves are well constructed and I expect them to last a lifetime.

7. 

   Celery

   September 23, 2010

   Review by Celery for Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks Gift Set, 8 Sizes
   Rating:
   These are my favorite crochet hooks that I’ve used so far. They were suggested in the book Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More!. At first i bought just a G hook at a local craft store and then decided the get the whole set. My main suggestion for these hooks though is that they come in different colors for each size. I couple of times i picked up the F hook and started working on something that i had previously worked with a G hook. I’ve also wished that they were a bit longer at times, but that might be because i have big hands.

8. 

   Crochet mom

   September 23, 2010

   Review by Crochet mom for Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks Gift Set, 8 Sizes
   Rating:
   Wonderful and quality product for those with arthritis or other hand issues. It makes things much easier! Shipping was prompt and the product was exactly as advertised.

9. 

   gypsy

   September 23, 2010

   Review by gypsy for Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks Gift Set, 8 Sizes
   Rating:
   Received these as a gift from my boyfriend, and am very pleased! I had wanted this set for a while, and was drawn to the larger handles since small crochet hooks are hard on your hands if you work for hours at a time.

   Pros:
   
   -Larger handles make is easier to work for longer periods of time
   
   -Convenient carry case–small enough to fit inside of my standard sized messenger bag, but large enough to find easily at the bottom. Also keeps sizes neatly laid out and easy to find. I like the flap over top to keep the hooks inside the case, as well.
   
   -Clearly marked US and mm sizes (no UK, but that’s to be expected)

   Cons:
   
   -I do wish the handles were more round–the flattened handles make for easy storage, but do not fit ideally in one’s hand.
   
   -Ugly fabric for the case (this is nitpicky and just my opinion, but I thought I’d throw it in)

   Overall, I love this set. The larger handles are much kinder to my hands and wrists, though the shape is not perfectly ideal. If you are worried about this, I recommend going to your local craft or yarn store to take a look at the handle shape first. Though, it has not significantly bothered me yet.

10. 

    C. Rolley

    September 23, 2010

    Review by C. Rolley for Clover Takumi Getaway Soft Touch Crochet Hooks Gift Set, 8 Sizes
    Rating:
    These hooks are a pain in my hand!!! If you don’t use the pencil hold (aka the dainty hold) for your hooks, these NEED to be avoided!! Not only are the “handles” too short, they are also too FLAT!!! If you have carpal tunnel or hand fatigue, these hooks will offer you no comfort whatsoever.

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