Positively Crochet! new book published

[Mary Jane]

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/

[sonnets_and_stitches]

Congratulations on your publication! I just read through your very thorough description and it seems as though you've thought of everything! I look forward to seeing the book in person.

~ Joy

[julie5813]

The sweater on the front cover is great! I don't usually like how crocheted sweaters look, but I would think about wearing that one! I'll be sure to check it out when it's published :)

[Reneva]

Hi - I also love the sweater on the cover - It's hard to find sweaters that look as good crocheted as some the the knit ones I wish I could make. I'll definitely check this out, congratulations!!

[Loveragdolls]

Congratulations on your new book! Sounds like it is loaded with patterns - something for everyone.

[crochetangelb]

Congratulations on you new book! How wonderful !

[Aelita]

What an awesome book and I love the sweater on the front cover I would make that in a few colors. You said your 16 yr. old daughter made the sweater? Is she also the one wearing it on the cover? Congrats on your book.

[Gaby]

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you!!! Can't wait to see your book!

[monkeybabies]

Looking foward to seeing your new book! It sounds very interesting and I love the encouraging tip idea. Congrats.

[Selune]

So funny, I had that book bookmarked on Amazon a few days before I saw this post. :) Cracks me up. I bookmarked it because of the front sweater, but probably will wait until I can see it in the store or some more pictures are posted on Amazon. I don't like to base book purchases on one project. Looks promising, though.

You should do one of those descriptions on the Amazon page where it has content from the author. I'm sure people who see it online would love to have as thorough content as you've included in your description above. Will appeal to the person just browsing pattern books.

[carovan]

Congratulations on your book. :cheer It looks wonderful and all I can say is that I gotta get it. That is based on your description of what is in the book and the beautiful sweater on the cover.

[Empress Busy Bee]

How exciting for you.
I too like the sweater on the front. I'll put it in my wish list but won't order it until I can see it in a store and flip through it. Unless you have a website or blog where we can see more pictures.

:)

[Loopy71]

That is very exciting and the patterns sound wonderful. I've been wanting to try some clothing patterns and you make it sound very easy and look very fashionable. I'll definitely be picking up a copy.

I'm always inspired and amazed by everyone on this board. Thanks for all of your hardwork and creativity!

Congratulations!

[TX CrochetLover]

Congratulations! And thank you for going into detail about your new book.
I like the TIPS idea, it will make for a different kind of crochet book. Very original and very much you should be proud of!

[NexStitch]

Mary Jane,

I love that sweater on the cover! It's so cute!

[Angelhair]

Congratulations! It looks wonderful!

[Mary Jane]

Thanks so much for the congratulations from all of you. I appreciate your encouragement :) Someone asked me if that was my 16 year old daughter on the front cover. Sorry, I guess it may have sounded like the pattern tester was my daughter when I said, "My 16 year old pattern tester". No, that's not my daughter. I used 18 different pattern testers for the designs in my book, and 2 of them were age 16. One of them tested the sweater pattern. As far as the models, my publisher hired professional models from a modeling agency and the photographer did an awesome job. He is world famous and wrote a book on how to pose models.

To the person who suggested that I write my own author description on Amazon, thanks for the tip. I'll do that when I have time. Sorry I can't name everyone of you, but thanks for replying anyway!

Mary Jane

[Shellymoo]

Congrats on the book, it looks fab....:tup

[ariaya]

Oh .. your book looks great! I put it on my wishlist!

[WendyLee]

Well I don't know maybe I am silly but I pre-ordered the book. I also pre-ordered Kim Werkers new Crochet Me book. Both look like they have some good stuff in them and judging the books from the covers I should find more than one thing to make in them! Kind of like buying a CD for one song but I want that sweater!

[amigurumicraze]

:cheer :fame congrats!

[Carol]

Many congratulations!

[misssmaggie]

:yay How wonderful:yay !!! Having your own patterns published in your own book:yay !!! Thanks for sharing!

[mimicat]

Wow, congrats! I think your book is must have for avid crocheters like me :hook

[ladyluck1678]

I also pre-ordered the book. I can't wait for it to get here!!!! Congratulations!

[Kiirs]

Wow, it looks gorgeous!!! I am really thinking seriously about ordering this book which is saying a lot for me, as funds are very limited for me and unless my local library has it or can get it, I usually can't get a pattern book.

But I would like to see photos of other projects as well before I decide. Are there any other pictures anywhere?

[NexStitch]

I got a sneak peek last summer when I met Mary Jane and there's a lot of great patterns in that book. I've put it on my wish list too. ;-)

[Mary Jane]

Thanks, Amie for the good review on my book and designs! I appreciate you being a cheerleader! I'm one of your biggest cheerleaders! (remember Lily Chin's workshop we took together at Chain Link Knit and Crochet Show last week?) I had a blast, didn't you? I still haven't read your blog about the trip, but will soon! I just know that Doris Chan and Vashti said you saved the day. I'm curious to find out more :)

Yes, to those who have asked, there will definately be more photos you can see before buying my book, Positively Crochet. Dreamweaver Yarns is going to have photos soon of more designs. They are just waiting on me to email the photos. I'll post the link here as soon as I see that they have added the book and photos.

Thanks for asking and all the other comments! (from everyone) Sorry I haven't had time to email each one individually yet.

Mary Jane

[NexStitch]

The ladies of Dreamweaver are great. They're so responsive and willing to put stuff out that you don't find in other online stores and LYS's. They are the jewel in the Nile.

[dbriese]

Wow!congrats! I cannot wait to buy it! Dee

[christinascrochethaven]

congrats....the sweater on the cover is fabulous:manyheart

[hooked2]

The Dreamweaver site has a description of the book but no photos of any of the projects (as of a minute ago)!

[crochetdreams]

:cheer :clap :yay CONGRADS on the new book i 2 pre ordered it just on your description.it sounds fantistic

[Mary Jane]

Hi Ann, (and anyone else wondering)
Dreamweaver will put the photos back up again soon. They had to take them down temporarily because of legalities.

Thanks so much for all your congratulations everyone!

Mary Jane

[slicer]

Congrats! I'll have to check it out. The sweater on the cover is gorgeous!

[davesbaubie]

WOW! impressive...will order your book as soon as i can...and will look forward to the new one...i love books so i never mind buying...just more to my library...thanks...:manyheart

[faedragon]

Hi Mary Jane,
I pre-ordered your book from Amazon...can hardly wait to get it.

[cristin~FL]

What is the release date?

[tygger428]

amazon states they will ship my copy around sept 4, my price for it is $15.63. I can't wait for it. I know Mary Jane (well, in a cyber way not in person LOL) from some of my other groups and am excited about seeing her book.

[cristin~FL]

Still no pictures at Dreamweaveryarns yet.
I'll pre-order just to support my fellow C'Viller (okay and the fact that I love the sweater on the front cover) AND because it sounds like such a unique crochet book with the inspirational tid bits AND because there are so many patterns! AND I could go on and on

[mom2boys]

Congratulations on you new book!:clap :clap :clap I'm going to preorder it !:)

[mimicat]

My sister in London pre-ordered the book for me at Amazon U.K. She was told the book would be available in September :cheer
I can't wait to have it!

[maperki]

I have this one pre-ordered!! New to Crochetville and am still exploring...I'm reading your post and I'm thinking gosh I think I want this book, the title seemed familiar but that happens to me a lot. I go to amazon and find out I'm patiently waiting for it!!

Can't wait to receive it in the beginning of September!
Melissa

[HappyBunny]

:manyheart I'm going to pre-order your book too! It looks fantastic!!

Kim

[Mary Jane]

There have been many people interested in seeing some photos of designs in Positively Crochet and I just wanted to say that Dreamweaver has the photos back up. There are only 6 designs shown though. Sorry :( My publisher didn't want too many posted. I will also see about doing the "search inside book" at Amazon, so you can see more as well as the Table of Contents.

Thanks for all your support! You have been awesome!

Here's the link:
http://www.dreamweaveryarns.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1998

Mary Jane

[Lady of Shalott]

congrats! I saw the book on Amazon months ago and had it on my wish list...and when I saw this thread I was reminded of it again. I hope to get it for my birthday next month with a few hints to my husband. :lol

Sounds like a great book. :cheer

[jasmom]

How awesome:clap to have your book published. Congrats! I wanted to pre-order this book but I didn't do it.:( I looked at some of the designs, they are beautiful. I fell in love w/ the top on the cover and the 2 tops that are on the website. Love it. I just went on to Amazon to order the book.
I know I'm going to love it and I can't wait to get it! Then I'll have to decide what to crochet next! :lol

[Selune]

Looks great! The peach shirt looks exactly like this old knit pattern I have. The body was knit and the puff sleeves were crocheted. Naturally, I bought that pattern, even though I don't knit well. It will be nice to have some crochet instructions for something similar! :)

[Shelleden]

Wow! Congratulations! That's wonderful!! :cheer :clap :yay Sounds like a great value for all the patterns you're getting. I will definitely order it! :yes

[Yearnin' for Yarn]

I ordered it this weekend---it said it will ship in 2-4 weeks, and I'm looking forward to it!

Nicole

[AttoOottA]

I realy liked the cover and I pre-ordered this book since Aug 25 from amazon but they said that there will be some delay, I cant wait to recieve the book

[MyissaG]

My copy arrived yesterday!!! WOW!!! I just love this book. MJ you did a wonderful job. There are sooooo many patterns in there I want to do. I especially want to make the sweater on the front cover.

And I just LOVE your dedication in the book!!!

[Selune]

Ditto on the delay from Amazon.

[Aelita]

I know I have an order on hold at the library right now it's still 'on order' man I can't wait to get it. I saw a pic of a child's outfit in purple on the site that has six pics. I want to make the sweater on the cover as well. I hope it's not cold by the time it get's here even if it is there's always next year.

[Selune]

Hmm. Delay message today; shipped today. :) Can't wait!!

[MandahGirly]

I just wanted to tell you that I recieved your book in the mail yesterday and all I can say is OMG!!! :eek I am so excited for this book, all the patterns are absolutely beautiful and I'm so sad I won't be able to start the patterns as of yet because 1) I have to finish my 8000 christmas gifts 2) my bf won't let me start any new projects until i use most of my yarn! (I'll just have to buy more yarn when he's not looking hehe :D )

You did an amazing job and I love the book already!:manyheart

[faedragon]

Mary Jane,

Wanted to let you know that I have finally recieved my copy of the book. It is totally amazing. I want to make everything in it, but the first project will be the sweather on the cover. Hope you do another one soon.

[Murdo]

Ordered my copy yesterday. Seen some of the projects and they are beautiful :)

[HappyBunny]

It's my favorite!

Kim

[tmsmile]

I bought my book from Barnes & Noble yesterday. What beautiful patterns! I love the cover sweater, the tangerine sweater, the jewelry, the slippers....I love it all!!!!!
Can't wait to start a new project. I should complete some WIP's first.
Thanks for a beautiful book!

[Ninn]

I can't wait to get my hands on this book! I'll be off to BN this weekend to really check it out.

I loved that Amazon offers a link to look at all the customer images of items in the book. It really gives you a great first look at the patterns in there. I am going to have so much fun with this book over the winter, I may have to expand my business hours!

[Karen C.]

I love all of Mary Jane's designs! This was the first book I bought of hers and I've now added her latest one, "Crochet that Fits", keep those hip and elegant designs coming our way!