201 Crochet Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas by Melody Griffiths

201 Crochet Motifs contains over 150 original crochet blocks and motifs plus 51 gorgeous projects to inspire your creativity.

Packed with ideas to get you going, this clever directory is split into three main chapters entitled Motifs, The Projects and The Techniques. The first chapter, Motifs, is divided into five sections that cover everything from the simplest crosses and spirals to geometric shapes, pictures, lacy patterns and bold, beautiful flowers. Use them to make up your own bags, throws, scarves and cushions, designed just as you choose, or follow one of Melody's foolproof patterns in The Projects. With over 50 projects to choose from there'll be something for everyone to make, whether that is a butterfly brooch, holly greetings cards, an openwork afghan, cat cushion, button baby blanket, tie belt, cherry border cardigan or something entirely different. Each motif is displayed as a colour photograph next to easy-to-follow instructions, with stitch diagrams for more complex motifs. Melody also advises on the type of yarn to use, the tension and the size of the motif, and gives tips on how to achieve the best result. There is also advice for designing your own makes, so you can treat the motifs as a jumping-off point. Finally, The Techniques offers further explanation and guidance so that no stitch is beyond your ability.

With sketches and photos showing how the motif can be used, either on its own, with several together or partnered with other motifs, 201 Crochet Motifs will show you that the crocheting possibilities are endless.

Publisher: Ryland, Peters & Small Ltd
ISBN: 9781782495727

201 Crochet Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas is jam packed full of inspiration, projects and inspiration for a range of crochet projects. The book is split into two clear sections; Motifs and Projects. 

Motifs includes patterns  of flowers, lace, alphabet, shapes, pictures and geometric. Each sub section is full of lots of designs of various styles and technique difficulty. For example the floral section includes tiny violets, a beautiful rose which could be used as a brooch, flowers in squares, hexagonal designs and much more. There are so many different styles that the book is a go to book for inspiration or a quick project. 

The patterns are all written very clearly, each beginning with a brief description of the design in words, alongside a very clear colourful photograph. The instructions are written in English terms (i.e. dc, tr) and clearly separated into rounds. The written pattern is also accompanied by a diagram chart which is accompanied by abbreviations and a key.  I don't use charts, preferring to follow a written pattern but this book includes both and in some of the more complicated designs I can see that the chart will also help to explain the pattern.

The projects section includes patterns for clothes, hats, baby booties, afghans, cushions, gloves, scarfs and cushions, along with ideas for motifs to add to existing clothing. This section is full of great tips and tricks and inspiration for further projects where techniques learnt can be used to update items that may have been passed over due to tiny holes or lose of interest in them. The book is finished off with a brief section of crocheting techniques.

I really like this book and I think it will be one that I regularly reach to from my book shelf when I am looking for stash using projects, or motifs to finish off a project, or to update a tired jacket.

Thank you to the publishers, CICO Publishing, for sending me the book in return for an honest review.