Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips by Mary Jane Hall
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Book Reviews of Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips
Book Review: Positively one of my favorites
Summary: 5 Stars
I ordered my book from Amazon and it came quicker then I had planned.
I was so excited to get it I opened the pack right away and started looking through the book.. I am a long time crocheter and have many many crochet books but think this one will be one of my favorites for sure... I has great usable patterns, sometimes ya buy a book and there maybe only a few you will really use... Love the way the pages were laid out with the little hints and Words of Encouragement they really add personality and warmth to the book.. It was also very interesting to read about the Author Maryjane and the Life and Crochet article...by the end of the day I received my book I had got out some yarn I had and started one of the patterns!! Think I just might wear out this book... I would strongly suggest this book to those who crochet.. Have already told a few friends, relatives about it.
Book Review: Too many scarves!!
Summary: 3 Stars
There are some great patterns and inspiring ideas, but I was disappointed because the majority of patterns are for scarves - many of which are meant as fashion statements and are not practical. Book Review: A positive experience
Summary: 5 Stars
I recieved this book as a gift. I love it. There are 3 fantastic tops all on my "to make" list! There are several creative and fun accessories. Mary Jane Hall uses a wide variety of fibres, and still gives enough information for the crocheter to make substitutions as desired. I am an avid crocheter, and have been for many years. It is a thrill to see designs with excellent shaping and drape, classic, modest and fun patterns, all in one book. I highly recommend this book!Book Review: Fun Crochet Accessory Book
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this book hoping for a fun crochet book with a variety of patterns, and it met my hopes marvelously. The patterns are all cute. There is a lot of variety: sweaters, lacy tunics, shrugs, purses, scarves, and jewelry, just to name a few. Everything is hip and would dress up a pair of jeans nicely.
One of the best things about this book is that the author gives ample information about the materials of each project, making yarn substitution very easy. She lists the name, yardage, and colors of the yarn she used, as well as the weight of the yarn. Every project has a gauge. In several projects she even gives specific suggestions or advice for a substitution. Most of the projects are knit up in inexpensive yarn. It is clear that she has given consideration to the affordability of her projects.
Unfortunately, the only pattern I've tried (Chain of Flowers Scarf), I could not get the written instructions to match the picture. It was not hard for me to adjust the pattern and the scarf came out beautifully. However, such mistakes could give the novice crocheter a good bit of a headache. Hopefully, the rest of the book is better.
I should mention a few things that this book /isn't/. This book /isn't/ a learn-to-crochet book. There is absolutely no instruction on how to crochet. However, the projects are fairly simple and (given that there aren't too many mistakes) would be an ideal for a beginner who knows the rudiments and wants to do something with them.
This book also /isn't/ a beautiful, heirloom quality crochet book. Nothing is particularly lovely in the classic sense. Although the patterns can be adapted, the current photography and yarn choices are aimed mainly at teenagers (funky and cute come to mind). There is no lace to speak of, only fishnet and mesh. I wouldn't count on finding anything in here for an elegant-evening-out occasion, nor anything that is anywhere near heirloom quality.
As a last note, I have to say that I was very disappointed with the author's attitude in her introduction: As a young crafter who loves both knitting and crocheting, it just makes me sad when knitters or crocheters feel obliged to snipe at each other. Knitting and crocheting are both fun and beautiful. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and I don't see why anyone would want to dwarf one with the other. I encourage every crafter to learn both.
All in all, a good casual accessory book, a good first book of crochet patterns, and especially good for younger people.
Book Review: Very good, but be prepared to resize
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a great book if you're not plus-sized. If you are plus-sized, or if you frequently crochet for plus-sized women, consider that you will invest extra time resizing several of the projects. I've noticed that even the largest sizes in the book sometimes do not fit the dimensions noted, even when gauge is religiously checked.
Still, the designs are beautiful and very wearable, so it is worth the money. If you buy this book and are concerned that you may need to know more about sizing, consider picking up Crochet Me and this month's Interweave Crochet, both of which have a lot of information about sizing and lots more great projects!