al a) Soe mA Ba a E ~+Bdie Eckman, author of The Crochet Answer Book ++ CONTENTS > Imagine! iv QuickStart Guide vi Crochet Motif Workshop 4 AWord About Yarn © Sizing and Gauge © Following Instructions ® Reading Charts Getting Started ® Beginning the Round © Ending the Round © Color Considerations All Those Ends! © Joining Motifs © Principles of Flatness © Taking It to the Next Level Edgings ® Make It Your Own ¢ Designing with Motifs Squares 129 @& Unusual Shapes 167 Pppendix 193 Graphs to Get You Started 194 Arranging and Attaching Motifs 197 Basic Crochet Stitches 198 Acknowledgments 200 Index 204 Stitch Rey 202Of course, each individual learns in his or her own way, and sometimes a well-placed word is exactly what you need to un- derstand something. For that reason, standard written crochet instructions accompany each chart in this book. Use which- ever type of instruction suits you best, or use a combination. Regardless of which format you normally prefer — symbols or text — you might use this opportunity to stretch your com- fort level by attempting a new skill. If you usually follow text instructions, cover up the text and see how you manage using just the charts. If you are already an avid chart-follower, cover the chart and try following the text alone. A large part of crocheting involves judgment calls: where exactly to put the hook, which colors to use, which finishing techniques to use. The more you know, the more options you have when it's time to make these decisions. The first section, Crochet Motif Workshop, contains information that will help you to hone your understanding of motif-making, troubleshoot problems, learn tips to improve your stitching, and design your ‘own motifs. If you prefer, you can just read the Quick-Start Guide and then skip straight to stitching any of the motifs in the book. A word of warning is in order: Crocheting motifs can be addictive. Once you begin to create these little works of art exploring the possibilities afforded by playing with shape, color, and texture, you'l find it hard to stop!