Customer Reviews

Crochet Squared: 30 Easy Crochet Projects Made from Simple Squares

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I stumbled across Crochet Squared one day while I was engaged in a favorite pastime, perusing books on Amazon. I don't remember now how I found it, but I sure am glad I did!

This is an excellent book for three reasons: 1) It's written by an African-American woman. You know I'm so happy to see crochet books written by women like me. I'm happy to say that it's a book I can recommend for other reasons. 2) The patterns in this book are SO simple; they are all based on squares, use only single crochet, and are worked with a large hook so you can finish them in a day or two. And 3) the yarns she uses are absolutely fabulous! Ok, I know a lot of you may not have the budget for some of the yarns used in the patterns, but because they are described by type of fiber and weight, you can easily find less expensive substitutes. Her yarn combinations are very "free-formy" as well, so you get a lot of inspiration for combining different types and colors of yarn.

The pattern section includes three main categories: Body Wraps, Accessories; and Shells, Cardigans and Jackets. Because Ms. Polk includes schematics with each pattern, you have the choice of following the pattern exactly or creating your own unique version. THESE are the kinds of patterns I want to see in crochet magazines - stylish, up-to-date garments that are easy to make and adapt to your own tastes.

And if you have never crocheted before, the book includes a section of well-illustrated, basic instructions to get you started.

If you're looking for some "out-of-the-box," easy-to-make" crocheted patterns, Crochet Squared definitely fills the bill.

Enjoy!

I'm way over eyelash yarns in general but I will never be over "style". This book promotes taking a group of yarns and making the object (whether shawl, sweater or shrug) yours. It has enough directions without being a drag about following a pattern and I especially love the children's sweaters. There are a million other crochet books for dreary worn out dated garmets or "hoochie" clothes that even a 14 year old should not wear. This one has style and style never gets old.

Crochet Squared is an excellent tool to stimulate ones own creativity. The yarns in the book are expensive but half the fun is looking for beautiful, affordable substitutes or looking for yarn sales on the Internet. Choosing the fiber mix and playing with the yarn combinations make the designs your own. Ms. Polk's work reminds me of Judith Copeland's Modular Crochet. Pure inspiration!

The "squares" idea is a great concept, especially for beginners but experienced crocheters looking for a quick, not-too-challenging but good-looking project will like it too. Great photos. The only disappointment I had was that most of the projects seem to be wraps, ponchos, and shawls. I guess I was looking for more sweaters/tops. But everything in here is beautiful. Also, she is using high-end (expensive) yarns, so be ready to figure out some substitutions if you're on a budget.

This is a wonderful book for beginning or experienced crocheters. I've been crocheting for years and do not like to use complicated patterns. I also like to make interesting off-beat designs. This book teaches the reader how to think about crochet in a different way. I've been able to create some of my own pieces and also to follow Marsha Polk's clear and simple instructions. I hope she will publish another book.

I thoroughly enjoyed perusing this publication. As a person with renewed interest in fiber arts (crocheting as well as knitting) this book offers eye candy in the form of projects created with novelty yarns as well as opened my mind up to possibilities. As a financially challenged graduate student I especially appreciated the section on yarn substitution (kudos for you Ms. Polk). And the fact that she is a "sistah" as they say . . . well, yaahoooo! You get a "go girl; atta girl". I'm proud. :)

I would recommend this book and thought it cool how I had purchased it last week and just yesterday one of my spiritual sisters recommended it to me also. When I arrived home, Voila! The publication had arrived. I'm quite satisfied to add this to my growing library of fiber art publications.

I bought this book after checking it out from the library - I often do this, as it means I'm sure to get a book I want when ordering online. I thought it was very good, obviously! I am an experienced crocheter, and I usually either use my own patterns, or change an existing pattern so much it's unrecognizable to the original designer - so patterns to me are a jumping off place. On the other hand, I thought a number of the patterns in this book would be very approachable for a beginner. I like books like this as they allow space for my own creative take on what I'm making. I read the other reviews, and was a bit surprised that some weren't as happy with it as I am. I've recommended it to a few other crocheters.

As to "expensive" yarns (a complaint by one reviewer) - I have to tell you that I've come to realize the hard way that spending hours making something from cheap yarn is no bargain. I used to buy the cheap stuff and then be disappointed in my results. Once I figured out that I wasn't saving any money, and wasting my time with the cheap stuff - I have turned to better quality yarns and have never regretted it. I suppose if you're turning out dozens of items a year, then you have to save the pennies - but if you only make the occasional garment you will be much happier with using top quality yarn purchased specifically for one garment. I do shop sales, I'm not willing to just toss my money around randomly. I have found some amazing buys on yarn at thrift stores and estate sales and even that "online auction site." If I can get a good yarn for 1/3 or more off, I'm first in line - and by shopping sales I often find I'm paying the same amount for top quality as I would for mediocre or less. But, honestly, when I have gone out and bought enough yarn from a good yarn shop to make one thing - rather than buy tons of okay or cheap stuff and never used it - I find I'm actually spending less money and making better stuff.

Maybe someone else can learn from my experience on this one. That said, I think this is a fine book and if you have any doubts, check it out from your local library and see what you think - I'll bet a fair number of people would buy it after doing so.

this is a great instructional book for beginners, intermediate or advanced crocheters !! i just love the illustrations and step-by-step guides. i created quite a few of the works in this book and received wonderful feedback not to mention all the fun i had creating !

these fast and easy patterns turn out beautiful works. a "must have" for any crocheter !

Marsha has produced easy to follow instructions for making garments that are comfortable yet stunningly high fashion. And all this with the most basic crochet stitches and no shaping. Detailed instructions and photographs make it easy. There are ideas for complete beginners, but also inspiring ideas for people, like me, who have crocheted for many years. Naomi J.

I own a lot of crochet books, and a few days ago I reorganized them in the bookcase and realized once again that "Crochet Squared" is one of my absolute favorites. I am surprised at the number of people who rate it so low - it has suggestions that are relatively easy for the novice crocheter, and beautiful and creative ideas for someone with more experience. It is inspirational to me.