Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips

(Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Includes crochet tips and encouraging words comparing crochet with handling the highs and lows of life

Features classic designs and trendy patterns seen on fashion runways

Positively Crochet lives up to its name with plenty of crochet projects and powerful messages for positive living. This playful, project-focused guide concentrates on the patterns and stitches used to design the 50+ fashionable items (featuring mother/daughter projects) inside this book, which include scarves, shrugs, sweaters, hats, purses, belts, jewelry, felted items, summer tops, capelets, and some children's garments. In addition to trendy garments (up to size 3x) and accessories, you are sure to enjoy the pairing of design tips with inspirational insight, useful for both improving crochet skills and making the most of every situation life delivers.

About the Author

Mary Jane Hall is a self-proclaimed crochet fanatic. She shares her passion for crochet by teaching and creating original crochet designs. Her designs have appeared in countless magazines, books and calendars. In addition, she manages a “free” clothing store, United Voluntary Services, in her community.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (August 29, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896895173
• ISBN-13: 978-0896895171
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,942 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #19 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Graphic Design > Commercial > Fashion Design
  #22 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Crocheting
  #43 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Fashion

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a knitter, sometime crocheter has to compliment this book, September 11, 2007

By	Anita A. Badger "Anita Badger" (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have to say up front, I've crocheted for about 35 years and knit for about 7 years. I learned to knit because I just didn't like the crochet patterns and yarns being offered to crocheters; knitters are offered better patterns, better yarns, and a better, nicer attitude from yarn shop owners, as far as my experience is concerned. I am a certified knitaholic at this point.

Mary Jane Hall's Postively Crochet! book pleasantly surprised me, so much so that I searched all the Yahoo crochet groups I'm on to find her name so I could contact her directly about it. This book might actually might make me put my knitting down long enough to actually crochet one of these projects, and that is saying something...LOL I've rarely put my knitting needles down long enough to work or eat since I've learned to knit.

As it is unusual for me to get excited about crochet patterns these days, this book has impressed me to the point that I have opted to write my first review of anything here on Amazon.

There is a nice variety of projects in it, shrugs, sweaters, scarves, hats, purses, some jewelry (wire and otherwise), and even some felted projects. They are pictured very well, and it shows the yarn size required, so you can substitute if needed. Special stitches are described and helpful hints can be found throughout this book. Diagrams are provided if needed.

I don't see anything in its' wording that gives me any negative impression at all. I think the words of encouragement given frequently throughout the book give it a unique "personality", most books just give you hook size used, yarn used, row 1, row 2 etc. and no more, but this book gives a little more than that, take what you can from that "extra bit" or leave it as you please.

Amongst the projects that are tempting me: Sari Silk bolero, the tangerine top, Swarovski crystal wring (I love wire and bead crochet), angel hair bolero, cloverleaf top, double breasted jacket purse, the cover pic (ivory shells sweater), bracelet watch (I have a hard time liking watchbands, this one I really like), the easy shrug, fun circles bag, and the circular shrug (I worked my way from back to front of the book to list these, I wish I could show you pics here so you could see the, but you will have to find a copy you can "flip" through so you can see for yourself, which I highly recommend that you do, if you are tempted by this book because of my comments above.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST have!, September 11, 2007

By	Jamie V (Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

If you like to crochet and if you like to be fashionable and consider yourself hip or even just classy,then this book is one to add to your collection. It has patterns in it for all ages but is especially attractive for teens and younger ladies (20's & 30's, 40's)(as well as the older ladies who are young at heart!)
There is not a single bad design in this book. My favorite designs are her purses. They are unique and some of the cutest purses I have ever seen. There is a felted purse in here that is to die for. There are 13 garments in this book (sweaters, tops and shrug type of patterns) and in addition to those there are hats, purses, belts and some jewelry. And a darling 2 pc outfit for a small child. But if you are into purses, this book alone is amazing with just the purses.
And the positive comments throughout the book is an added bonus! Its about time to see something like this on the shelves. If you dont particularly care to read positive or encouraging things, well, your loss, but you still get the benefit of the chic patterns...Don't miss this one.
I am waiting for Positively Crochet II:)

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Positively- GREAT, October 22, 2008

By	Crochet Freak "Crochet Freak" (oakland, CA United States) - See all my reviews

To the point- this is a fantastic book. I'm a huge fan of Mary Jane Hall. This book is well laid out and has clear pictures of the finished items. The inspirational tips are a great addition to this book.

The patterns are well written, and easy to follow- no matter what skill level. They range from women's tops - the one on the front cover is on my list of "to do's", as well as a very cute Tangerine top (also, on my list of to do's). There are a few scarf patters- but not your ordinary scarf patterns. These have some amazing embelishments that make them truly unique and inspiring. The yarns suggested in the book are main stream, affordable yarns- which is always a huge plus.

This book would make a great addition to any collection- I highly recommend it.

Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips