Book Review – Block by Block Crochet: Quilt-inspired patchwork blocks to mix and match

With 49 fabulous blocks to make this all-skill-level book will be adored equally by yarn lovers who are interested in pattern and by quilters who are drawn to yarn.

Block by Block Crochet

Using patchwork as her inspiration, this is a brand new, specially designed crochet block collection from the wonderfully talented Leonie Morgan. In these 49 patterns, Leonie explores visual illusion, contrast in light and shade, and beautiful geometry with designs such as Flying Geese, Hourglass, Tumbling Blocks and Log Cabin – and all of them can be put together into larger designs. Whether you are building up patterns with leftover yarn or setting out with a specific colour scheme in mind, this is a wonderfully creative process of creating a larger design from lots of smaller units.

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If you love delicate baby crochet patterns with a vintage feel, this Free Lace Christening Dress Pattern from Mary Maxim is a beautiful one to add to your list. It has all the elements that make a handmade piece feel extra special: a soft lace look, thoughtful construction, and that classic heirloom quality so many crocheters love for milestone occasions. The pattern is a free download from Mary Maxim and is designed as a delicate lace christening gown with a onesie bottom attached inside, which gives it a more practical finish for little ones.

What makes this pattern stand out is that it is not just pretty, it is also structured in a way that sounds satisfying for garment crocheters. Mary Maxim says the dress is worked from the bodice down to the body in rows and rounds, with the lace skirt worked directly onto the bodice after the body is completed. It also features a button closure at the shoulder. The recommended yarn is Premier Afternoon Cotton, a #3 sport-weight mercerized cotton, and the pattern uses a U.S. D/3 (3.25 mm) crochet hook.

For sizing, the pattern includes 0–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–18 months, and 18–24 months, which makes it useful whether you are making something for a newborn ceremony or planning ahead for a baby gift. The materials list calls for 5, 6, 7, or 8 balls of yarn depending on size, along with elastic, small buttons, and basic finishing supplies. Mary Maxim also lists the skill level through the stitch requirements, which include chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, increases, decreases, foundation single crochet, rounds, third-loop work, and V-stitch, so this feels better suited to crocheters with some garment or lace experience rather than absolute beginners.

From a blogger’s point of view, this is the kind of pattern that really shines when you want a project with emotional value. It has that handmade-for-a-special-day feel, but it also looks like the sort of garment that could be tucked away afterward as a keepsake. I think that is a big part of the appeal. So many baby crochet patterns are cute for everyday wear, but this one feels more ceremonial and memorable. That makes it a lovely choice for christenings, baptisms, naming days, blessing outfits, or even family photos where you want something classic and timeless. That is my interpretation based on the pattern description and overall design style shown on the Mary Maxim listing.

I also like that the design includes a onesie bottom attached inside. That detail gives it a more wearable finish and makes it feel more thoughtful than a purely decorative dress. It is those little practical touches that can make a special-occasion garment easier for parents to manage while still keeping the elegant lace appearance on the outside.

One thing worth noting is that Mary Maxim currently shows no reviews on the pattern page, so if you are someone who likes checking finished project feedback before downloading, there is not much user commentary there right now. The pattern is also marked as a free download, and the site notes that patterns require Adobe Reader to view.

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