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Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs
Stitch up a colorful kaleidoscope of crochet! Explore a lively twist on crocheted motifs as you shift through various shapes and color combinations. From the traditional granny square to more complex forms, these faceted motifs are the building blocks to creating unique and stunning designs. Crochet Kaleidoscope will help make your projects pop with the perfect mix of color in every stitch. Along with a collection of 100 fresh motifs, this book includes a complete guide to choosing yarn colors, what order to put them in, and how many to include. Plus, get five home decor and accessory patterns including a table runner, pillow, and rug from crochet designer and author Sandra Eng. You can shift shapes and shades to make the perfect piece for your home. Every turn of the crochet kaleidoscope allows you to get creative with color and apply your own unique personality to your crochet motifs.
- GenresCrochetCraftsNonfiction
545 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2018
89 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 6, 2018
Yes, I'm a crazy yarn person! Okay? There's nothing wrong with that, right? I love to crochet and knit in my spare time, especially while listening to a twisty mystery book. This crochet book is a manual on how to make 100 different motifs. The photography is clear and gorgeous, you can clearly see the stitches to be made just by looking. Mostly, this is a book for ideas! The beautiful color combinations and different shapes and sizes of the kaleidoscope are breathtaking.
There are 100 motifs featured, each one clearly pictured in both a photo and a drawing. The patterns are somewhat difficult for even me and I've been at this a long time! What I think most readers will find helpful is a complete glossary at the back of the book detailing all the various stitches used. The beginning of the book is dedicated to color ideas, a must read for any artist.
This is a lovely, visual book that will give any "yarn person" like me a ton of ideas!
Thanks very much to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
There are 100 motifs featured, each one clearly pictured in both a photo and a drawing. The patterns are somewhat difficult for even me and I've been at this a long time! What I think most readers will find helpful is a complete glossary at the back of the book detailing all the various stitches used. The beginning of the book is dedicated to color ideas, a must read for any artist.
This is a lovely, visual book that will give any "yarn person" like me a ton of ideas!
Thanks very much to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
July 26, 2019
A lovely motif dictionary full of colorful shapes that you can use in any crochet project! Eng provides a comprehensive dictionary of circular, square, triangular, hexagonal, and octagonal motifs complete with both charted and written directions for each motif (in US terms), as well as important notes on special stitches and techniques. Most motifs fall in the range of 3 to 5 inches in diameter, but changing yarn/hook size can easily make them bigger of smaller to fit project needs. Not only does Eng provide a lovely example motif, but in many instances she provides another motif using a completely different color palette or stripe pattern to show off just how different the same motif can look with different colors. The book finishes off with 5 patterns using some of the motifs (the table runner would also work as a colorful shawl/scarf!). I can see this being a fun dictionary to use to make you own fade or gradient projects!
Overall it’s a very colorful and inspirational source and lookbook, and one that encourages you to play around with color combinations.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
Overall it’s a very colorful and inspirational source and lookbook, and one that encourages you to play around with color combinations.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
(Cross posted on my blog.)
January 12, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publisher for this review copy, given in exchange for an honest review.
I love crochet, especially granny square type things and blankets, so I was thrilled to be given this book! It is jam packed full of 100 different motifs, including clear colour pictures, diagrams and written instructions for each one. There is also some examples of what you could make with these motifs such as cushions and shawls. There is a good glossary in the back, and explanation of the different types of stitches used. Be aware though if in the UK, this book uses US terminology so you need to remember to change the stitches (i.e. dc to tr stitches etc.)
It really is a truly delightful book, and I know I would make so much use of this book trying out each and every motif.
I love crochet, especially granny square type things and blankets, so I was thrilled to be given this book! It is jam packed full of 100 different motifs, including clear colour pictures, diagrams and written instructions for each one. There is also some examples of what you could make with these motifs such as cushions and shawls. There is a good glossary in the back, and explanation of the different types of stitches used. Be aware though if in the UK, this book uses US terminology so you need to remember to change the stitches (i.e. dc to tr stitches etc.)
It really is a truly delightful book, and I know I would make so much use of this book trying out each and every motif.
August 25, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. This book will become a resource on my shelf. The patterns are well written and easy to follow, whether you prefer written step by step instructions or a chart. I tried several of the motifs from the book and they hook up beautifully with the well written instructions. In addition to the over 100 patterns in a variety of shapes including circles, squares, hexagons and triangles, there is helpful information about color theory. For many of the motifs shown in the book, there are two samples, usually in very different color palettes to inspire the reader to go beyond their comfort zone with color. I am inspired to keep on hooking more of these delightful motifs just for the fun of it. Beautifully done!
January 28, 2018
This is an excellent book for a beginner to get the basics of crochet as well as it contains many patterns for even those a bit more advanced. For those who struggle to find colors that compliment each other well, there is quite a bit of information on color suggestions and color theory so that the reader can choose for themselves as to how advanced they want to go. Each pattern the book contains comes with a color picture as well as a crochet diagram and written instructions. Most books I've found do not go this far in depth to help the reader understand the pattern. This one is nearly fool-proof. My personal favorite was the part about colors and different ways to make patterns work. I'd not seen that before in any crochet book. I would definitely recommend this for any and all who crochet.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2018
Color and crochet motifs go together like peanut butter and jelly. However, it's often challenging to visualize how different color combinations can transform a motif.
In Crochet Kaleidoscope, Eng provides clear photos of 100 motifs and explores how they look with different choices. After learning basic color theory, you can find answers to common questions from "how many colors are too many?" to "does order matter?"
Included are several home decor and accessory projects to help you begin your color journey. All motifs include both written instructions and stitch diagrams.
This review also appeared at knitty.com.
I received an eARC of this title in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know.
In Crochet Kaleidoscope, Eng provides clear photos of 100 motifs and explores how they look with different choices. After learning basic color theory, you can find answers to common questions from "how many colors are too many?" to "does order matter?"
Included are several home decor and accessory projects to help you begin your color journey. All motifs include both written instructions and stitch diagrams.
This review also appeared at knitty.com.
I received an eARC of this title in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know.
February 9, 2018
I love to look through patterns books for knitting and crocheting. It inspires me to create, design, to play with colors, and to imagine. This book surpasses my expectations. I could easily see myself purchasing a physical copy of this book to keep on my shelf with the few other go-to crochet books on my shelf. The author describes how she chooses colors very well - it makes sense. I will use this information to help me choose in the future. The pictures of her motifs are clear enough that if you don't understand the pattern and/or graph you could very well crochet it anyhow by just looking at the photo. The stitches show very well. I like how there are notes for the pattern. I like notes in patterns no matter where they are and prefer patterns with them. The book is well done and I want to buy a physical copy for me to have on my shelf.
February 13, 2018
What gorgeous patterns! So many ideas and combinations.
Recent trends in the crochet world have brought to light all the possibilities of crochet motifs and color-play and this pattern collection gives it all. Sandra Eng gives us some wonderfully detailed and gorgeous motifs for use in pillows, blankets, or anything else your heart desires to create. It took me a while to narrow down my favorite patterns to test and I found Sandra's instructions clear and written for the beginner-intermediate level (i.e. need to know the crochet basics, know how to read a pattern, and a bit about structure).
I will definitely be plugging this book to my crochet and knitting groups.
**I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Recent trends in the crochet world have brought to light all the possibilities of crochet motifs and color-play and this pattern collection gives it all. Sandra Eng gives us some wonderfully detailed and gorgeous motifs for use in pillows, blankets, or anything else your heart desires to create. It took me a while to narrow down my favorite patterns to test and I found Sandra's instructions clear and written for the beginner-intermediate level (i.e. need to know the crochet basics, know how to read a pattern, and a bit about structure).
I will definitely be plugging this book to my crochet and knitting groups.
**I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2018
This is a wonderful resource with beautiful motifs using a variety of stitches and shapes. You will find wonderful use of color and stitch choice and placement to create texture in the designs. One standout feature is the use of two examples in motifs to show how differing color choice affects appearance. The directions include both written stitch counts and graphs to make it accessible regardless of your personal preference. If I had any complaint, I would have liked more explanation of and examples pulled from the color wheel.
This would make a perfect edition to your craft library for those that love crochet, yarn, color, or all three.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This would make a perfect edition to your craft library for those that love crochet, yarn, color, or all three.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 21, 2018
Outstanding book of motifs, with a great selection of shapes and patterns, color (and often alternate color) suggestions, clear grids, and concise pattern instructions. I like making motifs to use and gift as coasters. Coasters are color-customizable and practical.
Not for beginners, but then there are many books that have introductory level crochet tips and techniques, as well as free online written and video tutorials. This is more for someone with a good understanding of crochet basics who is looking for fun new ideas for motifs. Most of the motifs do not look too difficult.
Recommended, great fun for those who crochet.
*eARC Netgalley*
Not for beginners, but then there are many books that have introductory level crochet tips and techniques, as well as free online written and video tutorials. This is more for someone with a good understanding of crochet basics who is looking for fun new ideas for motifs. Most of the motifs do not look too difficult.
Recommended, great fun for those who crochet.
*eARC Netgalley*
January 29, 2018
4 Stars! I love the pictures & projects in this book! I had one problem though... I don’t know how to crochet! If you’re a crocheting beginner like I am, this book isn’t for you! If you know how to crochet, read the patterns & understand the directions you would probably love this book
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
February 21, 2018
Wow, the granny square reinvented. A lot of patterns to try. Everything is written clearly with photographs and diagrams. A great little book especially if you are looking to jazz up your traditional granny square with something new and different.
July 14, 2018
Inspiring crochet designs!
Beautiful colors - very inspiring. Great, simple explanation of color theory. Discusses color apps crocheters can use to design color schemes for their projects.
Beautiful colors - very inspiring. Great, simple explanation of color theory. Discusses color apps crocheters can use to design color schemes for their projects.
December 31, 2018
Great motifs for all sorts of projects
October 16, 2020
Good reference book. :D
November 23, 2024
I have to say pattern designer Sandra Eng is a wonderful fiber artist and I love her creativity. She says she has a passion for geometry and it is apparent in her work.
This pattern book is for the advanced beginner and on. I feel like there are plenty of motif patterns here to get your crochet muse going. Just browsing through this book made me want to grab my hook and yarn.
I loved the presentation throughout. The pictures are vivid and the patterns are written clearly. The designer discusses color combinations and shares ideas for colors that will compliment each other.
There are patterns for 100 motifs here, circles, squares, hexagons, triangles and other shapes. Included in the book are also patterns for five projects you can create using the motifs throughout.
I worked up a sample square and found that the pattern was easy to follow and well written. This is definitely a pattern book that you can keep dipping in and out of.
This pattern book is for the advanced beginner and on. I feel like there are plenty of motif patterns here to get your crochet muse going. Just browsing through this book made me want to grab my hook and yarn.
I loved the presentation throughout. The pictures are vivid and the patterns are written clearly. The designer discusses color combinations and shares ideas for colors that will compliment each other.
There are patterns for 100 motifs here, circles, squares, hexagons, triangles and other shapes. Included in the book are also patterns for five projects you can create using the motifs throughout.
I worked up a sample square and found that the pattern was easy to follow and well written. This is definitely a pattern book that you can keep dipping in and out of.
January 16, 2018
If you are looking for an interesting motif to crochet, this is the book for you. A lot of these designs are interesting, and the colours chosen amazing. A complete beginner can pick up some of the basic shapes, though some of the prettier ones are somewhat higher in skill level. A lot of ends to be woven in! The designs are sorted by shape, and some brief ideas given for how they can be used for projects. I would have liked to see more ideas for projects, as I can make shapes, but often lack an overall vision for colour or scope. I felt like more direction on what to do with the shapes would have been helpful. That being said, there is such variety in shape, complexity and possible colours that most people wlll likely have some idea of what project to make. I could easily see buying wool to make a motif from this book or simply using up scraps for stashbusting. It's a great launching point if you are looking for something new to try.
January 17, 2018
Colour and crochet, what a great combination for endless motif inspiration!
This book features over 100 motifs, including stitch diagrams, which I personally feel making following patterns easier. Many photos of the finished motif in a couple different colour options.
There is also many great tips on how to choose the right colours for your motif and project, then how to combine different shapes, joining different shapes and sizes into throws or whatever you want to combine into. I feel that this is an invaluable resource for all crocheters, and a must purchase for 2018.
This book features over 100 motifs, including stitch diagrams, which I personally feel making following patterns easier. Many photos of the finished motif in a couple different colour options.
There is also many great tips on how to choose the right colours for your motif and project, then how to combine different shapes, joining different shapes and sizes into throws or whatever you want to combine into. I feel that this is an invaluable resource for all crocheters, and a must purchase for 2018.
January 17, 2018
I was excited to get to review this book as I am a big crochet fan. This is one of the best reference type books I've seen in a while. There are 100 different "motif" patterns and each one is shown in more than one colorway.
It contains a section at the front providing a color wheel along with advice on how to choose the colors for your motifs. There are only a few finished product patterns but I can't wait to try them out, especially the Solstice Pillow. One disappointment is that while there are stitch instructions in the back, there are no illustrations of those steps which I always find helpful.
It contains a section at the front providing a color wheel along with advice on how to choose the colors for your motifs. There are only a few finished product patterns but I can't wait to try them out, especially the Solstice Pillow. One disappointment is that while there are stitch instructions in the back, there are no illustrations of those steps which I always find helpful.
January 19, 2018
What a wonderful crochet book. Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs by Sandra Eng.
This is book is a fabulous find for a new crocheter or an experience crocheter. If you want a book that has a lively twist on the grannies squares then to various crochet shapes with brilliant combinations for your next projects and projects in the future, which will lead to stunning designs, this is a book for you. This book had me smiling every time I turned the page, then thinking what I could make. I have only been crocheting since April 2017 and I found the illustrations - diagrams, photo's and patterns of the designs clear and easy to follow.
This book has a brilliant collection of 100 design patterns throughout and has a brilliant guide on how to choose your next colours for your next projects. The bonus of the book it had 5 home decor and accessory patterns.
The only thing I found with this book it is written in US crotchet stitch not UK crotchet stitch so be aware. But there is a guide to the US crotchet stitches at the back of the book which I found very useful. I made the table runner today and found this pattern very clearly written and easy to follow. Well done to Sandra Eng for a wonderful crochet book.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me review Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs for an honest review.
Big 5 star from me.
This is book is a fabulous find for a new crocheter or an experience crocheter. If you want a book that has a lively twist on the grannies squares then to various crochet shapes with brilliant combinations for your next projects and projects in the future, which will lead to stunning designs, this is a book for you. This book had me smiling every time I turned the page, then thinking what I could make. I have only been crocheting since April 2017 and I found the illustrations - diagrams, photo's and patterns of the designs clear and easy to follow.
This book has a brilliant collection of 100 design patterns throughout and has a brilliant guide on how to choose your next colours for your next projects. The bonus of the book it had 5 home decor and accessory patterns.
The only thing I found with this book it is written in US crotchet stitch not UK crotchet stitch so be aware. But there is a guide to the US crotchet stitches at the back of the book which I found very useful. I made the table runner today and found this pattern very clearly written and easy to follow. Well done to Sandra Eng for a wonderful crochet book.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me review Crochet Kaleidoscope: Shifting Shapes and Shades Across 100 Motifs for an honest review.
Big 5 star from me.
January 21, 2018
Great book! Each motif includes multiple coloring ideas as well as both the chart and the written pattern! A book full of beautiful color combos and a wide variety of motifs. Worth space on any crochet bookshelf!
July 4, 2018
Love this book.
Beautiful patterns. They are well written and very clear. There is so many things you can do with the motifs in the book other the patterns using them.
I enjoyed the color theory part of the book, also.
Beautiful patterns. They are well written and very clear. There is so many things you can do with the motifs in the book other the patterns using them.
I enjoyed the color theory part of the book, also.
August 21, 2018
CROCHET KALEIDOSCOPE is a collection of 100 crochet motifs using a variety of color combinations, to help crocheters think outside of the box a bit. Eng uses Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima to create the color combinations, and does note the colorway on each pattern, as well as include an index in the back reminding crocheters what the colors/colorways are.
Each of the motifs not only offers color combination suggestions but has the pattern written out as well as graphed out, so that crocheters who work better off patterns of either way are accommodated for. The book also talks about how to pair up colors so that they reach maximum visual pleasure.
The motifs alone make this a useful household book for all crocheters.
Each of the motifs not only offers color combination suggestions but has the pattern written out as well as graphed out, so that crocheters who work better off patterns of either way are accommodated for. The book also talks about how to pair up colors so that they reach maximum visual pleasure.
The motifs alone make this a useful household book for all crocheters.
February 20, 2018
This book is amazing, the layout is great, the colours are inspiring and the instructions are easy to follow.
The book covers 100 crochet motifs, square, circles, hexagons, and triangles+, and presented in colour, most have two colour examples. They are printed mostly on one page with the motif, chart and written instruction included in the layout - no more searching for what you want. The second half of the book has project made from the various motifs and they are truly amazing, I want to make all of them.
The book covers 100 crochet motifs, square, circles, hexagons, and triangles+, and presented in colour, most have two colour examples. They are printed mostly on one page with the motif, chart and written instruction included in the layout - no more searching for what you want. The second half of the book has project made from the various motifs and they are truly amazing, I want to make all of them.
February 1, 2018
Want to crochet colourful flowers? Have a look at this book.
From colour theory to different round, square, hexagonal, triagonal and other motifs and projects, everything is explained; motifs are charted and written.
From colour theory to different round, square, hexagonal, triagonal and other motifs and projects, everything is explained; motifs are charted and written.
February 1, 2018
Crochet Kaleidoscope was in interesting read. The contents helped me learn more about the art of crochet as a beginner; things I hadn't thought of yet, but that are important to the craft. I appreciate the author's views on this topic, and that it was easy to read and understand.
February 3, 2018
Crochet Kaleidoscope is a phenomenal crochet guide for both beginners and seasoned hookers. Sandra Eng provides plenty of information on selecting colors that coordinate for your projects (aka color theory - although you can ultimately crochet with any colors your heart desires!), demonstrates 100 different and totally beautiful shapes (motifs), and even includes comprehensive patterns and instructions for five (5) projects! The language is easy to read, the pictures are beautiful and crisp, and the resources section directs you to everything from programs such as Adobe CC (which you can use during the color selection process) to global yarn retailers. I'm looking forward to crocheting my own blanket from a particular hexagon motif I just LOVE.
February 3, 2018
In Crochet Kaleidoscope, Sandra Eng introduces 100 colorful crochet motifs that are pure eye candy. I am glad I found this book because Sandra made a lot of beautiful designs that I have not seen anywhere else before. Each motif comes with a beautiful color photograph, written instructions and a crochet chart. I like that Sandra presents a lot of her designs in two different colorways. For example the first colorway for motif 8 draws the eyes to the star in the center. The second colorway pulls the eyes outward towards the yellow tulip-like shapes from row 3. The title Crochet Kaleidoscope perfectly summarizes the visual impression I had when I looked through this book. As a five year old child I loved to look at the new patterns my kaleidoscope produced with every turn. Now I understand why I am drawn to crochet shapes that can be combined in a myriad of ways. The projects in this book are beautiful and easy to make. I am looking forward to using this book to conquer my yarn stash.
February 7, 2018
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley for an Honest Review.
From the beautiful cover on this book I was hooked. I have crocheted for many years and because of pain in the joints caused by arthritis I stopped. This guide has encouraged me to begin my love of crocheting again. The beautiful and colourful illustrations and the easy to follow pattern instructions, will allow any beginner or expert crocheter so make wonderful creations, even heirlooms or just for decorations for a couch or bed or just had so much needed colour to a decor.I will recommend this colourful Crocheting Guide and give it 5 stars
From the beautiful cover on this book I was hooked. I have crocheted for many years and because of pain in the joints caused by arthritis I stopped. This guide has encouraged me to begin my love of crocheting again. The beautiful and colourful illustrations and the easy to follow pattern instructions, will allow any beginner or expert crocheter so make wonderful creations, even heirlooms or just for decorations for a couch or bed or just had so much needed colour to a decor.I will recommend this colourful Crocheting Guide and give it 5 stars
February 9, 2018
This book is amazing! Providing full detailed explanations for new and experienced crocheters alike.
I liked the detailed step by step explanation section at the beginning, with beautiful pictures as a guide.
The book is in handy sections, making it easy to find what you need to look up. I liked the fact that each pattern was provided in both written and chart directions.
A fantastic book which will be referred to time and time again
I liked the detailed step by step explanation section at the beginning, with beautiful pictures as a guide.
The book is in handy sections, making it easy to find what you need to look up. I liked the fact that each pattern was provided in both written and chart directions.
A fantastic book which will be referred to time and time again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews