Connect the Shapes Crochet Motifs: Creative Techniques for
Joining Motifs of All Shapes by Edie Eckman is the follow up to her bestselling
book, Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs. The book was a pleasant surprise for
me. I expected a short book with suggestions for interesting ways to join
crochet motifs, and what I found was a collection of over 100 crochet motif
patterns along with many tips and tricks for making more polished motifs and
joins.
The first part of the book, Techniques, is filled with ideas
for starting to crochet in the round, reading symbol patterns, starting and
ending rounds, weaving in ends, color theory, choosing yarn, planning
increases, arranging shapes, mutliple methods for joining motifs (in progress
and while they are finished), forming continuous motifs, and blocking. While
some of this information is also available in Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs,
if you love crocheting motifs and are always looking for ways to make your
projects look even better, this section will help take your motif crocheting to
the next level.
The next part of the book, Motifs and Joins, includes both
motif patterns and suggestions for joins.
Each pattern is written with both U.S. pattern abbreviations and
international stitch symbols. The patterns are organized into different
sections based on construction and appearance.
● Classic
Grannies: 3 squares, 1 circle, 1 hexagon, 1 half hexagon, 2 triangles, and 2
joins
● A Little Double
Crochet: 3 squares, 1 circle, 2 hexagons, 1 half hexagon, and 2 joins
● Gathered Chains:
2 squares plus 1 four-sided motif, 1 triangle, 1 six-sided flower, 1 circle,
and 3 joins including 1 filler motif
● Lacy Links: 1
square, 1 triangle, 2 stars, 1 circle, and 6 joins including 1 filler motif
● Layered Mesh: 4
squares, 1 hexagon, 2 circles, and 2 joins
● Sc/Dc: 3
squares, 1 circle, 2 hexagons, and 2 joins
● All Clustered: 2
squares, 3 octagons, 1 triangle, 1 hexagon, and 2 joins
● Triple Petals: 2
squares, 1 triangle, 1 six-sided motif, 2 hexagons, and 2 joins
● Start with a
Flower: 3 squares, 2 triangles, 2 hexagons, 1 circle, and 2 joins
● 3-D Fun: 2
squares, 2 hexagons, 1 triangle, 1 circle, and 2 joins
● Swirls: 2
hexagons, 1 circle, 2 squares, 1 triangle, and 2 joins
● Radiants: 2
circles, 1 hexagon, 1 square, 1 six-pointed motif, 1 triangle, and 2 joins
● Picots in
Plural: 2 six-pointed motifs, 1 eight-pointed motif, 1 triangle, 3 squares, and
2 joins
● Wheels and
Shells: 3 squares, 1 triangle, 1 hexagon, 1 eight-sided motif, and 2 joins
● Inner
Connectivity: 3 squares, 2 triangles, 1 hexagon, 1 six-sided motif, 1 circle,
and 1 join
My favorite patterns are in the Layered Mesh, Start with a
Flower, and Swirls sections.
The third part of the book, Patterns, includes 12
projects. All but one of these projects
includes new motif designs. The projects
include 9 home decor projects and 3 women’s garments (1 shawl, 1 vest, and 1
skirt). The Lacy Skirt is my favorite of these projects and would be a great
wardrobe staple.
The book ends with a motif directory which includes a
thumbnail of each motif in the second section so it will be easy for you to
locate your favorite patterns. The book is a spiral-bound hardcover, so it
stays open while you crochet.
Overall, this is a great book for crocheters who like to
make motif patterns and other portable projects. There are tips sprinkled
throughout, and while the joins work with specific motif patterns from the
book, a careful reader could learn a lot about adapting joins to different
motif patterns. I would also recommend it to crocheters who prefer
international stitch symbols, as well as beginners hoping to advance their
technical skills.
Retail price: $19.95
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