Crochet Kaleidoscope Book Review
I've been a bit off the radar lately--but don't worry, all is well and I'm still busy as ever crocheting, creating, and dreaming.
One thing I've been enjoying has been my browse through a fantastic new crochet book on the scene by Sandra Eng--the creative crochet designer behind MobiusGirl Crochet Design (@mobiusgirl on IG). The book is titled Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs so you can imagine that it's right down my alley! Let me tell you about it...
As you might know, I'm a color-crazed designer myself. But you may not know how in love with motifs I am. This book ticks both boxes--color and motifs!
Sandra has not only included 100 uniquely creative motifs in circles, squares, hexagons, triangles and other shapes, but she's added five projects to make using a few of those motifs--a shawl, a table runner, a rug, this cushion, and a blanket! Can I just say that they are all incredible?!
This is one project, clevery named "The Solstice Pillow" that I'm planning on getting my hooks into first. I love the colorplay options and the graphic nature of the color-blocked circles in a square. Really, really cool! And I always love cushions! But the beauty of this book is that you can use these motifs in so many different ways--combining and playing to your heart's content.
If you are one who struggles a bit with your color choices, or maybe you just lack the confidence to reach outside your "typical go-to" colors, then Sandra provides a lovely section that teaches some color theory and helps you with your color selection--it might even make you feel brave!
Last year I had the opportunity to test an overlay motif for Sandra and was stunned at how clearly and simply she wrote her pattern. And, if you've ever tried overlay crochet before, you might know that explaining stitch placement in overlay can be challenging. She handles it masterfully. She's also included some motifs using basic overlay techniques in this book.
Each pattern has detailed notes, finished motif size, hook size, gauge, and colors used if you want to duplicate hers exactly. There is also a symbol chart for each motif if you prefer. Personally, I love a written pattern with a chart included so I can cross check and really move along my "making". Additionally, she has included an alternate colorway (with picture) of many of the motifs for additional inspiration. If you have played much with color and motifs, you know how changing a single round can sometimes drastically alter the look of the motif. (Isn't color just grand!?)
I can honestly say that this book inspires me to want to create with yarn! I love that the pages are vibrant, crisp and with enough white space that the text isn't crowded. Yep. I LOVE this book!
If you are wanting to get your hook flying with these motifs, you can find it here... Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs
.*
I'll be back with some more crochet happenings. I've got a monster blanket on my hook that is turning out to be GORGEOUS!! Until then...
| On the Board | -- Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. ~~Mother Teresa
*This post contains an affiliate link if which used by you costs you no more, but pays me a small commission which supports my blog and ability to provide free crochet patterns.
One thing I've been enjoying has been my browse through a fantastic new crochet book on the scene by Sandra Eng--the creative crochet designer behind MobiusGirl Crochet Design (@mobiusgirl on IG). The book is titled Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs so you can imagine that it's right down my alley! Let me tell you about it...
As you might know, I'm a color-crazed designer myself. But you may not know how in love with motifs I am. This book ticks both boxes--color and motifs!
Sandra has not only included 100 uniquely creative motifs in circles, squares, hexagons, triangles and other shapes, but she's added five projects to make using a few of those motifs--a shawl, a table runner, a rug, this cushion, and a blanket! Can I just say that they are all incredible?!
This is one project, clevery named "The Solstice Pillow" that I'm planning on getting my hooks into first. I love the colorplay options and the graphic nature of the color-blocked circles in a square. Really, really cool! And I always love cushions! But the beauty of this book is that you can use these motifs in so many different ways--combining and playing to your heart's content.
If you are one who struggles a bit with your color choices, or maybe you just lack the confidence to reach outside your "typical go-to" colors, then Sandra provides a lovely section that teaches some color theory and helps you with your color selection--it might even make you feel brave!
Last year I had the opportunity to test an overlay motif for Sandra and was stunned at how clearly and simply she wrote her pattern. And, if you've ever tried overlay crochet before, you might know that explaining stitch placement in overlay can be challenging. She handles it masterfully. She's also included some motifs using basic overlay techniques in this book.
Each pattern has detailed notes, finished motif size, hook size, gauge, and colors used if you want to duplicate hers exactly. There is also a symbol chart for each motif if you prefer. Personally, I love a written pattern with a chart included so I can cross check and really move along my "making". Additionally, she has included an alternate colorway (with picture) of many of the motifs for additional inspiration. If you have played much with color and motifs, you know how changing a single round can sometimes drastically alter the look of the motif. (Isn't color just grand!?)
I can honestly say that this book inspires me to want to create with yarn! I love that the pages are vibrant, crisp and with enough white space that the text isn't crowded. Yep. I LOVE this book!
If you are wanting to get your hook flying with these motifs, you can find it here... Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs
.*I'll be back with some more crochet happenings. I've got a monster blanket on my hook that is turning out to be GORGEOUS!! Until then...
| On the Board | -- Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. ~~Mother Teresa
*This post contains an affiliate link if which used by you costs you no more, but pays me a small commission which supports my blog and ability to provide free crochet patterns.
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