300 Classic Blocks for Crochet Projects

This heavy, dowdy reference book offers granny squares of similar quality. Directions take the form of both text and diagrams, and most unfortunate is the unattractive presentation in black-and-white photographs throughout. Unblocked, unpinned and unjoined, the motifs appear limp and unsymmetrical, each more drab and uninspiring than the one before. That the photos show the designs' actual size is pointless: without knowing the size crochet hook or the weight of yarn used, one cannot easily duplicate the size. Layouts are poor and confusing; amateur illustrations overwhelm the subject headings. Text for one of three techniques of joining blocks refers to ""backstitches,'' while the matching illustration is captioned ``overcasting or whipstitching.'' Schapper authored Complete Book of Crochet-Stitch Designs. Better Homes and Gardens Crafts Club selection. (February 15)