Product Description

Gather your crochet hook and some colorful yarn, and get ready to have fun with simple geometry. Designer Ruthie Marks explores 3 mathematical concepts to create more than 25 exquisite crochet designs: Dragon Curve designs include Luxury Scarf, Diamond Shawl, Craft Tote for All Reasons, Jute Doormat, Ruffles Afghan, and Labyrinth (wall hanging); Golden Ratio designs include Golden Scarf, Summer Wall Hanging, Star Afghan, Flower Power Pillow, Puzzle Placemats, and Garden Poncho; and Fibonacci Sequence designs include Scarlet Scarf, Striped Rug, Square Baskets, Afghans and Pillows, Circles Poncho, and Checkered Rug.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #551837 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Customer Reviews

Outdated/Elementary designs, Hard to follow
I purchased this book for the star pattern on the front. The directions were incomplete (perhaps poorly written "continue around" instead of continue 6 times-- this makes a difference when you are counting complex stitches and have to do something else before finishing the round). There are no drawings to explain complicated sequences, no symbols used. Except for the star afghan, the patterns are lacking in style and design. I would not reccommend.

A fun approach to crochet!
Ruthie Marks, in her new book, Geometrics, has chosen a subject close to my heart -- math, as it relates to the craft of crochet. She's taken three concepts and presented them in an accessible way that's not fussy or high-minded.

When I get a new crochet book, I often jump right to the patterns. In fact, that's what I did with Ruthie Mark's new book, but when I came back later to read the introduction, the whole book took on new meaning. Ruthie explains that she's teaching how to use three ancient, though not arcane or difficult, mathematical principles. They are dragon curves, which she found, like I did, through thrift-shop crocheted hot-pads; the Fibonacci sequence, used by knitters for eons but not applied much to crochet; and the golden ratio, which she lets on was actually discovered by Theano, the wife of famed mathematician Pythagoras, (maybe Theano was a crafter).

The book goes on to teach the concepts step by step, with fun projects that increase in complexity as you go. There are garments, accessories, and projects for the home. What I find most empowering is the ability, once the concepts are mastered, to go off and apply them to my own crocheting.

Difficult to follow, Old-fashioned designs
I bought this book with the intention of making the star afghan shown on the cover. I say "intention" because I have not been able to figure out the directions. The round instructions say "skip ch-2", but there was no ch-2 in the prior round! And to make matters worse, there is no stitch count given at round ends, so I have no idea if I'm even on the right track.

Little did I know, the star afghan is the only design in the entire book that has any appeal in today's world. Everything else would look at home in my grandmother's home, but is not for young crocheters.

Poorly written directions and out-dated designs. Would not recommend.