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National Crochet Month:
Welcome to Crochetville’s third annual Designer Blog Tour, taking place all throughout March 2015 in celebration of National Crochet Month (NatCroMo). Each day on our blog, you will find 1) in-depth profile posts for two crochet designers, with a link to their blogs so you can see what specials (free patterns, discount coupon codes, tutorials, etc.) they may be offering for NatCroMo, 2) a daily giveaway post with entries open from 8:00 AM CST to 8:00 AM CST the following day, and 3) during the last week of the month, daily posts from a Crochet Guild of America board member. Join us each day for a new surprise!
Today’s Posts: Kristin Omdahl, Styled by Kristin | Mary Jane Hall, Positively Crochet! | Daily Giveaway | Kate Steinke, CGOA Board of Directors | Halos of Hope Hat Collection | Complete Designer Schedule
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Mary Jane Hall, Positively Crochet!
Crochetville is very proud to have designer Mary Jane Hall of Positively Crochet! with us today, March 30, as one of the featured designers on our 2015 Designer Blog Tour in honor of National Crochet Month (NatCroMo). Mary Jane has been a professional member of the Crochet Guild of America for nine years.
Mary Jane’s Designs:
If you’re not familiar with her work already, we’d like to share two of Mary Jane’s designs with you.
This gorgeous top, using Mary Jane’s graduated stitch height technique to achieve shaping without increases or decreases, was originally published in her book Crochet That Fits. Since that time, the design has been featured on Episode 108 of the tv series Knit and Crochet Now!
“This beach bag was published in the July/August issue of Crochet Today! magazine. I could not find plastic rings anywhere, and metal rings were way too heavy, so I made my own plastic rings with vinyl tubing that I bought at Lowe’s. They were very easy (and cheap) to make! Instructions on how to make the rings are at Crochet Today’s website here.”
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About Mary Jane:
Getting Off to a Good Start
Mary Jane taught herself how to crochet from a book when she was just a teenager. She went crazy over it, and made 10 long vests that year for her friends. She’s glad she was able to learn from a book without help because that gave her the confidence that she’d be able to read patterns as well. Mary Jane says her first project was a green potholder with big pink popcorn stitches all over it.
A Design Career Is Begun
Mary Jane’s design career got started at a young age, when she designed handmade clothes for her sister’s Barbie doll. Mary Jane was on the scene for the crochet renaissance of 2004 (the year Crochetville was born!), and she was eager to share her love of crochet with the people around her who were developing an interest in the craft. She created a crochet group and helped many of the member create ponchos.
She couldn’t find any updated, current poncho designs that she liked, so she created diagrams of eight different shapes and ways to put ponchos together. She contacted Kooler Designs to see if they were accepting new designs. They were, so Mary Jane sent in her ideas. She got a called from Donna Kooler a week later, saying she and Leisure Arts wanted to publish two booklets of Mary Jane’s designs!
Two months later, Mary Jane submitted 11 more designs to DRG (now known as Annie’s), and all were accepted. She remembers thinking, “They must think I have talent,” which gave her the confidence and desire to continue. She hasn’t stopped designing since!
Mary Jane’s Specialty
Mary Jane specializes in trendy garments and accessories. She’s well-known for her signature Graduated Stitch Method of making fitted and flattering garments without the need for increases and decreases. She introduced this method to the crochet world in her book Crochet That Fits, which was voted Best Crochet Pattern Book of 2008 in the Flamie Awards (now known as The Crochet Awards). This method makes it easy for even beginning crocheters to complete flattering garments successfully.
Sources of Inspiration
Mary Jane says, “I try to pay attention to trends by watching fashion shows and glancing through fashion magazines. Right now, I believe I have subscriptions to 8 different fashion magazines! I don’t even have time to look through them all and I’m always on the lookout for ornate patterns, which could be an iron fence, designs in fabrics or in nature. I’m sure others can relate to this, but often I cant go to sleep at night because I have designs swirling around in my head. It drives me crazy until I have to get up and start sketching! After that, I can go to sleep!”
Her Greatest Crochet Accomplishment
Mary Jane has several accomplishments of which she’s very proud. She had a book proposal accepted her second year of designing, which resulted in the book Positively Crochet! Having her book Crochet That Fits win a 2008 Flamie award was very exciting. Appearing on the TV show Knit and Crochet Now! was also a thrill. She’s currently very excited that her latest book, Colorful Crochet Lace, will be released August 7 and is currently available for pre-order on
New Book: Colorful Crochet Lace
Mary Jane’s latest book contains an entire wardrobe’s worth of colorful lace designs. You’ll find 22 chic and wearable lace garments and accessories: shrugs, scarves, cardigans, tunics, dresses, t-shirts, and totes. From simple, allover openwork patterns to intricate crochet lace patterns and motifs, you’re sure to find something to fit your personal style. The patterns are worked in a variety of yarn weights in a glorious range of colors from elegant jewel tones to earthy neutrals.
Several of the projects use Mary Jane’s signature Graduated Stitch Method of construction which allows for shaping and customized fit without increases or decreases. Many patterns also include directions for modifying designs and creating custom variations. This book will enable you to create exquisite crochet fashions.
My Recommendation: I wish I could share photos of some of the designs to be included in this book, but they aren’t cleared for publication yet by the publisher. I can tell you that I own both of Mary Jane’s books that were mentioned previously. I am a big fan of Mary Jane’s design esthetic, and really enjoy both of those books. Take a look through her Ravelry designer page. If you like her designs as much as I do, I’m sure you will want to have a copy of this book. I know I’m anxiously awaiting my copy!
PRE-ORDER Colorful Crochet Lace now on Amazon !
NOTE: Book will NOT ship until August 2015..No
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About Mary Jane’s Design Process:
Most of the time I’ll come up with an idea and do a sketch, then decide on yarn. But other times I’ll see some gorgeous yarn I can’t resist (I’m sure no one else has this problem), and it inspires me to know I just have to come up with a design to showcase its beauty!
Advice for New Designers:
You have to have a passion for what you are doing. That will keep you going which will help you succeed. Also, try to tune out negative people and don’t allow them to discourage you. When I was planning to do my first book and sought out advice from other designers and authors, they were all very supportive and encouraging, but one person said to me “You haven’t paid your dues”, which was an unnecessary and hurtful comment. I thought “What?” I had been crocheting for 38 years at the time!
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Advice for New Crocheters:
You need to have patience but don’t be afraid to ask someone for help. Rather than having someone tell you how to do something, seek out people who can show you what to do if you get stuck or just don’t understand a pattern. And, you can be making garments with my Graduated Stitch Method! Its so easy. Just read the reviews onAmazon and Ravelry!
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Some of Mary Jane’s Favorites:
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- Favorite Crochet Books: Mary Jane has over 28 stitch pattern books, but her all-time favorites are The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs, The Complete Book of Crochet Border Designs, and 300 Classic Blocks, all by Linda Schapper
- Favorite Hook: Mary Jane says Susan Bates hooks fit her hand the best. She finds her yarn doesn’t split when uses a Bates hoook.
- Favorite Yarn: Mary Jane says, “I prefer to use fingering, sport or dk wt in bamboo or silk because I love the way they feel in my hands. I also like working with mercerized cotton.”
- Favorite Thing to Crochet: Garments and accessories such as bags and scarves
Visit Mary Jane’s Blog: NatCroMo FREEBIE Sneak Peek
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You will definitely want to visit Mary Jane’s blog post today! Mary Jane will be giving away 10 copies of her book. You will need to visit her blog to sign up to enter the giveaway. Mary Jane will also be releasing a brand-new FREE easy crocheted sock pattern that uses her Graduated Stitch Method with no increases or decreases, to give you a little introduction to her method.
Find Mary Jane Online:
Ravelry: maryjane2 (must be logged in to see profile)
Positively Crochet! Blog: http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.com/
Ravelry Designer Page: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/mary-jane-hall
Ravelry Designer Fan Group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/positively-crochet-and-crochet-that-fits-the-designs-of-mary-jane-hall
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryjane.perryhall
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryjanecrochet
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryjanedesign/
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Additional Blog Tour Information:
Links to All the Info
Daily Giveaway Schedule
Daily Designer Schedule
Learn About CGOA
Halos of Hope: Make Hats
Love that you taught yourself!
Carly, I was in a needlework lab in college where we learned to knit, crochet, weave and other things and the only reason I taught myself to crochet was that I was too shy to go up front and gather around the teacher’s desk while she was showing all the other girls how to crochet! Can you believe I was that shy? So I was determined to look at the book myself and figure it out. I’m usually the kind of person who wants someone to show me! But I guess it was a blessing I did it myself because it gave me confidence in understanding patterns Without help.
Carly, I was way too shy to ask anyone for help back then! Lol
I’m looking forward to Mary’s new book!
I am very interested in her method!!
That book looks amazing
Mary Jane is truly an inspiration to me. I am so glad I read this post. I have been crocheting from other designers’ patterns, and recently have started selling my projects. I truly love the craft and my next goal is to start designing my own patterns for publication.
I’m glad I can be an inspiration Lisa! if you go to my blog you’ll find several posts on designing that I’ve shared. I have many more to share there, but am so busy. Eventually I’ll get it all done.
I hope I win your new book. Your patterns are lovely!
Did you leave a comment on my blog, Sandy? Just make sure you say how I can get in contact with you if you are a winner!
WOW! What pretty designs! Thank you.
Thank you Annette!
Very thankful for the blog tour introducing me to Mary Jane. Absolutely love her designs and the shaping techniques are intriguing.
That makes me happy Theresa!
The Graduated Stitch Method sounds very interesting!!
Thank you Bethann! I would get bored doing only 1 type of pattern. I have to have variety!
It’s so easy Jessica,
A new designer to me 🙂 and off to check out her patterns on raverly….I think I have found another designer who’s patterns I am in love with! Oh my I need 36 hours a day with all the wonderful patterns & yarn that I have and want to use.
Susan Bates hooks are amazing. I just recently started designing some tops for my kids, although I have no idea where to begin to make them in different sizes.
Lovely work! I have lond admired your designs and like you, love having reference books on hand to help turn a project into a masterpiece!
Thank you Heather!
Love her designs! Ine of her books was the first pattern book I purchased when I started crocheting again as an adult!
Thank you Ida! Ya’ll are making me feel so good!
I love the Pink Filigree Caplet and the Ivory Lace Vest!
Thank you Mona!
Love variety that you have
Thank you Bethann! I would get bored doing only 1 type of pattern. I have to have variety!
I am familiar with Mary Jane’s design via book. However, I had not seen the Sun and Sand Tote, which is fantastic.
Thank you Craftyone! I love doing bags!
Thanks for showcasing such a great designer with beautiful work. I love it. I will be visiting her blog for the pattern and chance to win. I entered, followed and shared. Thanks so much, I need the yarn. Thanks!
~Crystal
Thanks for visiting my blog crystal! I haven’t drawn the names yet, but will do that This week!
I’m curious about your Graduated Stitch Method that you mention in the advice for beginners section. Is it in a book too?
Yes, Jocelyn! I introduced my signature Graduated Stich Method of making shaped garments and accessories in Crochet That Fits, which was voted “Best Crochet Pattern Book of 2008” in the Flmie awards and I’m pretty sure it was because of this method. People who have been crocheting for many yrs (even 40 yrs), but hadn’t tried to make garments because of in and dec. It’s not that Inc and Dec are difficult, but you just have to pay more attention to your work. Some people just have a mental block toward that. I get emails constantly and comments on Ravelry, FB, in my Positively Crochet crochet group and my blog from people who are so excited about making their own garments now. And this is a method easy enough for beginners! You have no idea how thrilled i am when I hear that people are just so excited about the way this has changed their thinking about crochet. Every single one of the 33 projectso in Crochet That Fits are worked with the GSM. There are not only garments but several accessories as well. You can find this book on Amazon, eBay and many other places. Let me know if you do make one of the projects and what you think about it. Thanks for asking!
Btw, I meant to say that there are 4 lace garments in the newest book, Colorful Crochet Lace, including the top with the perfume on the front cover! the top part of it is worked with my GSM, and then the border is added.
Amazing designs!
Thank you Donna!
I already own Positively Crochet! and Crochet That Fits, and can’t wait to get Colorful Crochet Lace!
Awh, you’re so sweet Mrsha!
Your designs are unique and gorgeous.
Thank you Marcia! I am humbled.
Her tops look cool.
Thank you Stephanie! That’s my goal! 🙂
The designs are very classy
That makes me feel great Sharon, especially when you get some negative comments. There are mostly positive reviews on Amazon, but 1 person actually said my designs in the book were ugly! I cried!
You’ve inspired me to try making a sweater!
I’m so happy about that Sarah. You won’t believe how easy it is with my method!
Love you Sun and Sand Tote design, it is so unique I have never seen something like it.
Thank you Vanessa! I made the rings myself from plastic tubing I got at Lowes, because the metal ones were way too heavy and I couldn’t find plastic ones in the size I wanted. Crochet Today magazine used to have my instructions (with pictures) on their website, but they’re no longer there. I know I have that someplace stored on my computer. I just saw it the other day.
Nice, feminine designs!
Thank you Carmen. I love the feminine, but also have some designs that are a little more simple.
The crocheted top on the cover of your new book is gorgeous.
Thank you Alice! It is my favorite one in the book, so I’m glad the publisher used it for the front at my request.
Love that bag
Thank you Emily!
I keep refreshing your blog for the sock pattern!!
I’m sorry it’s not up yet! I have the pattern written out but am doing a tutorial with pictures of how to put it together. I needed to get sleep yesterday, so I didn’t finish it, and am working on it today. Hope to have it up by tomorrow!
Your designs are lovely and I am looking forward to your new book. I am also excited to learn your graduated step stitch and your sock pattern.
I’m excited for you to learn it, Marlene! I still don’t have the sock pattern all together yet. I feel bad, but I had to get some sleep yesterday, after staying up the night before working to get it done. I will have the pattern up in a day or 2!
Very nice designs!
Thank you!
The tote is beautiful and original.
Thank you Elizabeth!
Beautiful designs! Can’t wait for the new book!
Thank you Amanda! I can’t wait till you see it!
I enjoyed reading your bio & enjoyed your choice of colorful & fun designs. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with newbies like me.
You’re SO welcome Susan! Thank you!
gotta have that book
Love the Cap Sleeve Top and I must have the “Colorful Crochet Lace” book when it comes out!
Makes me happy!
Love your patterns
Thank you Penny!
Mary Jane’s designs are so beautiful! I look forward to trying her Graduated Stitch Method.
Thank you for supporting me! It means a lot!
i can’t wait to see your new book! Looks fantastic!
Thank you Marie! Hope you like it! I can’t wait to share the other designs in the book!
Beautiful designs. 🙂
Thank you Leighann!
Mary Jane was on the scene for the crochet renaissance of 2004 (the year Crochetville was born!) I am going to have to get a copy of a few of her books.
That’s exciting to me Ann!
My favorite thing to crochet is scarves. Looks like I’m in good company.
Karla, I have lots of scarf patterns! Positively Crochet, which has 50 designs in it, has 11 scarves, Crochet That Fits has a few and the newest book has 2 lacy scarves. I also have some booklets with scarves.
Your work is beautiful! I’m new to crocheting but I hope to be able to do work like this someday! I just have to teach my hands to cooperate!
Hang in thee Mary. I tell everyone who wants to crochet that it is incredibly easy! The hardest part is learning how to hold your hook and yarn. When you do that, you can make anything! It’s easier than a lot of people might think. And the garments with my Graduated Stitch Method are so incredibly easy!
Never uses mercerized cotton before, I will look into it.
Roz. I never used the smaller cotton yarns before until a few yes ago, but I really love working with ultra Pima or mercerized cotton. They have a sheen and make the garment look great.
Just want everyone to know I am finished with the sock pattern! It’s posted on my blog now. Thanks for your patience!