Mary Jane
June 20th, 2007, 02:40 PM
Hi everyone,
I've been a member of Crochetville for over a year now and have thoroughly enjoyed being here. It's fun to see all the unique things people have made and it's a great feeling knowing others have the same passion for crochet that I do.
I've had many patterns published in books and magazines over the past 2 years (including 2 Leisure Arts booklets called Crochet in Style and Crochet Young and Trendy) and am so happy to say that my real book is finally finished! It's called Positively Crochet! and is now available for pre-order on Amazon and many other websites such as Overstock.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books and Co. etc. Here's the link at Amazon so you can see the front cover of the book: (by the way, my 16 yr. old pattern tester made the sweater on the front cover with no problems)
http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Crochet-Fashionable-Projects-Inspirational/dp/0896895173/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-0023131-4699225?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182356787&sr=1-1
Just so you'll know a little about Positively Crochet, it is chock full of easy-intermediate, unique patterns - 50 in all. Most crochet books of today have anywhere from 20-30 projects and it was important to me to put as many designs in the book as possible, and I also asked the publisher to set the price as low as possible so you, the consumer could afford to buy it. The retail price is $22.95, but is available at Amazon and Overstock.com for around $15.00, which makes me happy. Projects in the book include summer tops, sweaters, long lacy tunic, shrugs, boleros, scarves, hats, purses, tote bag, iPod case, jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, watch) capelets, arm warmers, slippers, belts, a vest and a skirt overlay - for the person who wants to make a skirt but doesn't have the time it takes. There are 3 felted items, lacy projects, open weave, closed weave items, textured, 3-D, and some dangling crochet. You'll also find 2 mother/daughter projects, as well as some retro and runway inspired projects. I've tried to create some trendy, but classy wearables that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts! (many are quick) I've included women's sizes from extra small up to size 3X. Most of the yarns used are readily available, and with the more expensive specialty yarns I give another brand as a substitute yarn. (yarn weights too - such as # 2-sport wt, # 3-light worsted wt, # 4-med worsted wt, # 5-bulky and # 6-super bulky wt)
Some designs that I hope you'll find unique are a "Coffee Lover's Scarf", "Purse Lover's Scarf", little "Purse Key Chain", Granny Square Skull Cap with 3 long funky braids on each side to wrap around your neck as a scarf, a "snood" (which can be worn by anyone but especially for the person who has dreadlocks) a "Double Breasted Jacket Purse". (Plus many more!) I guess you can say I'm excited about the new and unique designs :) When I was at the photo shoot, the mother of one of the professional models commented about the summer top she was wearing and said, "That looks like something that would come out of Victoria's Secret magazine!" (very flattering)
Another thing I'm excited about is that not only are there 50 patterns , but I give positive, encouraging tips on life and relate that to crochet. There is a small paragraph on each pattern page called "Encouraging Tip", and I hope they will be powerful and meaningful to you in your everyday life. I told my publisher I want people to have the "warm fuzzies" after reading this book. My husband is a counselor and has traveled all over this country presenting his "Yes You Can", positive living type of seminar, and I have learned a lot from him over the years. I too, have spoken to many women's groups on marriage, children, and other relationships, and just felt the urge to share some of the positive principles I have learned that will help make your life better.
The items in this book are actually wearable, not weird. (although there are some funky things included) The skill levels are Beginner, Advanced Beginner and some Intermediate. Even the projects that look difficult are easy. I also have to say that people of all ages will find something they like in this book.
My publisher Krause Publications (a division of F & W Publications) has been wonderful to work with and I just can't say enough good things about them. I recently signed a contract for another major crochet book with them which will be released next summer 08'. All I can say about that one is that it's a new method of crocheting for easy crochet wearables and accessories and we are very excited about it!
Mary Jane Hall
http://www.mjcrochet.com/
I've been a member of Crochetville for over a year now and have thoroughly enjoyed being here. It's fun to see all the unique things people have made and it's a great feeling knowing others have the same passion for crochet that I do.
I've had many patterns published in books and magazines over the past 2 years (including 2 Leisure Arts booklets called Crochet in Style and Crochet Young and Trendy) and am so happy to say that my real book is finally finished! It's called Positively Crochet! and is now available for pre-order on Amazon and many other websites such as Overstock.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books and Co. etc. Here's the link at Amazon so you can see the front cover of the book: (by the way, my 16 yr. old pattern tester made the sweater on the front cover with no problems)
http://www.amazon.com/Positively-Crochet-Fashionable-Projects-Inspirational/dp/0896895173/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-0023131-4699225?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182356787&sr=1-1
Just so you'll know a little about Positively Crochet, it is chock full of easy-intermediate, unique patterns - 50 in all. Most crochet books of today have anywhere from 20-30 projects and it was important to me to put as many designs in the book as possible, and I also asked the publisher to set the price as low as possible so you, the consumer could afford to buy it. The retail price is $22.95, but is available at Amazon and Overstock.com for around $15.00, which makes me happy. Projects in the book include summer tops, sweaters, long lacy tunic, shrugs, boleros, scarves, hats, purses, tote bag, iPod case, jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces, watch) capelets, arm warmers, slippers, belts, a vest and a skirt overlay - for the person who wants to make a skirt but doesn't have the time it takes. There are 3 felted items, lacy projects, open weave, closed weave items, textured, 3-D, and some dangling crochet. You'll also find 2 mother/daughter projects, as well as some retro and runway inspired projects. I've tried to create some trendy, but classy wearables that you'll be proud to wear or give as gifts! (many are quick) I've included women's sizes from extra small up to size 3X. Most of the yarns used are readily available, and with the more expensive specialty yarns I give another brand as a substitute yarn. (yarn weights too - such as # 2-sport wt, # 3-light worsted wt, # 4-med worsted wt, # 5-bulky and # 6-super bulky wt)
Some designs that I hope you'll find unique are a "Coffee Lover's Scarf", "Purse Lover's Scarf", little "Purse Key Chain", Granny Square Skull Cap with 3 long funky braids on each side to wrap around your neck as a scarf, a "snood" (which can be worn by anyone but especially for the person who has dreadlocks) a "Double Breasted Jacket Purse". (Plus many more!) I guess you can say I'm excited about the new and unique designs :) When I was at the photo shoot, the mother of one of the professional models commented about the summer top she was wearing and said, "That looks like something that would come out of Victoria's Secret magazine!" (very flattering)
Another thing I'm excited about is that not only are there 50 patterns , but I give positive, encouraging tips on life and relate that to crochet. There is a small paragraph on each pattern page called "Encouraging Tip", and I hope they will be powerful and meaningful to you in your everyday life. I told my publisher I want people to have the "warm fuzzies" after reading this book. My husband is a counselor and has traveled all over this country presenting his "Yes You Can", positive living type of seminar, and I have learned a lot from him over the years. I too, have spoken to many women's groups on marriage, children, and other relationships, and just felt the urge to share some of the positive principles I have learned that will help make your life better.
The items in this book are actually wearable, not weird. (although there are some funky things included) The skill levels are Beginner, Advanced Beginner and some Intermediate. Even the projects that look difficult are easy. I also have to say that people of all ages will find something they like in this book.
My publisher Krause Publications (a division of F & W Publications) has been wonderful to work with and I just can't say enough good things about them. I recently signed a contract for another major crochet book with them which will be released next summer 08'. All I can say about that one is that it's a new method of crocheting for easy crochet wearables and accessories and we are very excited about it!
Mary Jane Hall
http://www.mjcrochet.com/