Author, Mary Jane Hall on Colorful Crochet Lace!
Colorful Color Crochet: 22 Chic Garments & Accessories, By Mary Jane Hall (Interweave/F+W; $24.99)
Colorful Crochet Lace – book by Mary Jane Hall
Welcome to the first stop on my blog tour! First of all I want to thank Vickie for giving me this fabulous opportunity as her guest blogger making it possible to share my newest book, Colorful Crochet Lace with all her friends in the crochet world! I have followed Vickie for years and was able to meet her at TNNA as she was just beginning to promote her yarn, Sheep(ish) (such a cute name!) But even before that I was fortunate enough to have Vickie choose my scarf for her book, Pop Goes Crochet which by the way was an awesome book with a unique idea. It’s a really cool book with projects that are still stylish today! Look for my scarf she titled Heidi, named after super model, Heidi Klum. Another connection I feel with Vickie, is that she is a fellow Texan!
Some of you may know me from my previous books, Positively Crochet and Crochet That Fits. After CTF, I had to take a few years off from designing due to some circumstances in my life that I almost did not recover from. But after finally realizing the only thing that would help me heal was to put my focus back onto something I really loved and could get excited about, which was my designing career. Not only does the motion of working the hook and yarn calm and soothe our senses as it’s forming into something incredible, but our minds were made to create, which gives us such a sense of accomplishment. One of my deep rooted satisfactions in life is helping people in any way I am able and I really enjoy the thought of helping to make crochet easier for anyone out there who may struggle from time to time, so I always have that in the back of my mind as I’m writing my patterns.
Parisian Gardens Circular Shawl
Colorful Crochet Lace is a book I’ve been wanting to write for a very long time because making crochet lace garments and accessories is my very favorite way to showcase this amazing craft. The book is “laced” with 22 stylish projects of garments and accessories with a Parisian theme.
Even though I have always loved lacy Victorian things, fans and shell stitches, I wanted to create some garments that would appeal to a variety of people. Some of the designs are lacy and feminine, such as the Au Naturel Cropped Top with a delicate edging, the Parisian Gardens Circular Shawl (see above), the Juliette Scarf, the Ooh La La Flared Dress, the La Fleur Doily Bag and of course my favorite, the Haute Couture Peplum Top, which has no increases or decreases in the upper body part. The Brigitte Wide Belt is a feminine piece, but one person has already made the comment that she was reminded of the “Steampunk” style when she saw the belt! Then there are other projects a little less frilly such as the Tunique Unique Pullover, the Cafe Au Lait T-shirt, Magnifique Modular Tunic, Tres Chic Neck Warmer and Boutique Bolero.
La Fleur Doily Bag
Many people have asked what my motivation was in coming up with the Parisian theme. I was born near San Antonio, TX and am in love with the Riverwalk adorned with sidewalk cafes that remind me of places in Europe. It’s been a life long dream of mine to go to Paris! You should see my Pinterest board titled “Paris”, where I have pinned photos of beautiful scenery, ornate buildings, balconies with hanging flowers, sidewalk cafes and especially the Eiffel tower. I asked the publisher (Interweave Press /F+W) if we could do the photo shoot with a Parisian theme and find an ornate sidewalk cafe and a beautiful garden. They loved the idea and found those places in Denver where the photo shoot took place. I think they did a fantastic job and I am thrilled with the photos and the fact they loved my ideas!
I would be honored for you to check out my new book, Colorful Crochet Lace and hope you find something you just have to make! I love seeing your projects so please post them on Ravelry, and you may get a request for your project to to be featured on the pattern page!
For the full schedule of the Colorful Crochet Lace blog tour, check out my blog.
Mary Jane Hall, Author
http://positivelycrochet.com/
I just love your use of color in your designs. I turn to crochet and knitting when Im really struggling with something in my life. Most of the time, it works better than taking an anti anxiety or anti panic med. and it most certainly helps me deal with my chronic pain issues. Ive actually gotten into the idea of crocheting for myself!!! Gasp* I know. So Ive just put that purple sweater on my to do pile!! That with a pair of leggings or nice pants would be perfect party wear for the holiday season. If youd like to give away your book. Please consider me. Im very social via the internet with crocheting ladies and can spread the word for your awesome work and your book. Please keep up the good work!!! Susan
Hi Susan!
Thank you so much for your comment. It is really nice to hear feedback from people on the book and it makes me happy you enjoyed seeing the designs here! I’m very sorry for your health problems as I know it is so difficult to live with pain everyday of your life. Someone in my household is going through the exact same thing right now and I live everyday wishing I could help ease their pain.
Good luck with the plum top! Just want you to know there is a slight error on the sleeve part, but you can see the correction on my blog and in my Positively Crochet Ravelry group!
I will be sure to put your name in a drawing. Thanks for making my day! Mary Jane
Thanks for the review of the book. I am following the blog tour and the interviews and reviews are so helpful. This has giving me a desire to go get some yarn and the book and start working! This book is going on my list, hope to get a copy soon! If you do give away a copy I would love to be considered as well! Thanks so much!!!
Thank you Katelyn! Happy you like the book!
Mary Jane