75 Floral Blocks to Crochet: Beautiful Patterns to Mix and Match for Afghans, Throws, Baby Blankets, and More (Knit & Crochet Blocks & Squares) Paperback – September 18, 2012

I have crocheted for twenty years; I enjoy knitting occasionally, but Betty Barnden's book is a wonderful example of why crochet will always be my first love. I found everything about this collection deeply satisfying and headily inspiring: the directory of stunning blocks arranged by color/season; the patterns given both in text and charts; the useful hints about project planning.I was most impressed by the author's amazing, gorgeous, and brilliant original block designs--based (in many cases quite closely) on the flowers she obviously loves so well--and on the careful execution of the photographed blocks. I own several books of crochet stitches, borders, and motifs, and I have frequently noticed rather shoddy workmanship in the crocheted samples. It's not the end of the world, but it's definitely off-putting. It's a question of quality: it seems to me in those cases that the author and the publishing house are more interested getting copies of their books sold than in taking the time to make sure the samples that appear in the book are neat and correct, and that makes me wonder where else corners have been cut. This is most certainly not the case in Betty Barnden's work! Her blocks are worked with admirable neatness and accuracy in a crisp, tight gauge that shows the stitches and designs to best advantage. Even better, she designed each section of block shapes the same size, so mixing and matching blocks is a breeze.I haven't yet worked any of the blocks, so I can't vouch for pattern accuracy, but given the quality of the rest of the work, it's not something I'm concerned about. I am so glad I bought this book, and very excited to start crocheting some of these beautiful blocks. Thank you, Betty Barnden!

A must have book for anyone who loves to crochet Afghans. This book deviates from the traditional block shape (although there are patterns included there are better books for block stitches) and has a variety of desgns with different shapes; circles, hexagonal, octagonal and more. Chapter one - Useful Techniques has a lot of good information. I have been knitting/crocheting for a long time and I found this chapter useful. One other plus for this book is the inclusion of charts for mixing and matching the blocks. The author also includes a great design tip - use a copier and/or a camera to print out photos of the various blocks for your design idea and then arrange them to your liking. What a time saver; no test blocks!!!

This book has a great selection of floral squares, circles, diamonds, hexagons, & triangles which you can use to make an afghan. The pictures are colorful, & bright. I like how the skill level is listed for those of us who are just learning to crochet. It gives directions for edgings that can be used for the various afghans & tells how to sew or join the pieces together.I would recommend this to a friend.

It gives a brilliant idea of how to transform crochet pieces into a sophisticated tapestry .In general, it is easy to follow. Though there are a few that needs regular check for the correct counting etc.

So long boring granny squares. This book is amazing...so many squares, so little time. The day this book arrived I was tempted to call out sick (but I didn't) because I was so excited to start crocheting. The vaiety & combinations are endless. I was so pleased with this book that I purchased one for my daughter. This book is a great addition to my crafting library!

This book is gorgeous with so much instruction as to how to make the motifs, what to do with them, and a whole intro section about gauge and yarn type, hook size, the whole shebang. This pretty book will keep your crochet mind busy for a long time. I really, really like it.

This book has really opened my horizons. If you are stuck on how to snazz up a project, get this book. So many great ideas for adding embellishment to anything or to make a whole project of just these great motifs!!

There are some really beautiful designs in this book. It covers all skill levels with both written and diagram instructions. I would recommend this book. They are like little works of art and I've put several in shadow boxes and hung on the wall.

It is a lovely and informative book, very pleased with it

Pour passionnée de crochet, un plaisir pour les yeux, et une énorme base pour faire des carrés de toutes sortes, comme on n'en voit pas ailleurs !

Has so beautiful squares within it! Have made some already