Designer Afghan for Pam Gillette - Designer Friend Battling Breast Cancer

 Pam's "Comfort Cables" Afghan

When some of my designer friends found out that a fellow designer, Pam Gillette, of Knotty Generation, had breast cancer they immediately got to work thinking about what we could do for her that would bring her comfort and help her feel loved. Tammy Hilderbrand headed up the project and came up with the idea of us going together to make a pink afghan, signifying breast cancer awareness. We all loved the idea and even though everyone is busy these days, it was important to me to be part of this special project. Since Pam loves crochet cables and even has a Crochet Cable group on Ravelry, Tammy thought we'd surprise Pam with an "all cable" afghan. As soon as Knit Picks sent us the beautiful, soft yarn they donated, we quickly got to work. We were to each come up with our own cable design in an 8" square, not knowing what the others were doing. We decided on 2 colors, pink and gray to make it a little more interesting. Then Tammy put the squares together and edged the whole thing in black. It came out much prettier than I expected, and I was amazed at the talent of these designers!

Some of the other designers who participated in this project were Vashti Braha, Ellen Gormley, Doris Chan, Drew Emborsky, Amie Bentley, (of Nexstitch) Amy O'Neil Houck, Kristin Omdahl, Robyn Chachula, Lisa Gentry, Margaret Hubert, Tammy Hilderbrand, Tracie Barrett, Jill Hanratty, Kim Kotery, Diane Moyer, Angela Best, Mary Beth Temple, Gwen Blakley Kinsler, Karen Whooly, Dee Stanziano, Bendy Carter, Marty Miller, Annette Petavy,  and Annie Modesit
You'll soon be able to see the patterns for these squares on Knit Picks website.

My cable square is the pink one at the bottom left!   See larger photo of mine below.

Read about Pam's journey with breast cancer HERE. It warmed my heart to know how much Pam appreciated our work and thoughts about her. She is an amazing person!

Mary Jane Hall's Cable Square

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FREE Cochet Pattern

Newsboy Cap Pattern in Fifth Avenue Magazine

Design by Mary Jane Hall 

 

 The pattern for this Newsboy Cap was published in the Sept 05' issue of  Fifth Ave Magazine. It was a great honor for me to have a design in a magazine that is a Fashion magazine and not even a crochet magazine. This is a very easy pattern, especially for those who do not like crocheting in the round. The method I use makes it so simple to count the stitches. You'll be surprised at how easy this is. It's one of my most popular designs on Ravelry and you can go there to see the many projects other crocheters have made form this pattern. I hope the step by step photos help!

I used plastic canvas to stiffen the brim, but you could easily make it without the stiffiner. If you prefer a Beret, just eliminate the brim altogether. See pattern below.

Puff Stitch Newsboy Cap

Design by Mary Jane Hall

 One size fits most

Skill level - Intermediate

MATERIALS

6 oz. worsted wt. yarn - Bernat Super Value in Damison (dark purple)

Crochet hooks size H/8 (5 mm) and F/5 (3.75)

Plastic canvas

Yarn Needle

GAUGE

(If your gauge does not match this, change to a smaller or larger hook. Change to a larger hook if you have more than 4 dc to 1 1/8”, or change to a smaller hook if you have less than 4 dc to 1 1/8”)

With H hook, 4 dc= approx.= 1 1/8" With F hook, 5 sc=1 1/8"

With H hook, 2 dc rows= 1 1/8" With F hook, 6 sc rows= 1 1/8"

With H hook, 1 Puff st= 1/2"

Puff st: With loop on hook, do not yarn over (Insert hook in st, pull yarn up to 1/2", yo, insert hook in same st, pull yarn up to 1/2" for the 2nd time, yo, insert in same st and pull up yarn for the 3rd time, yo and insert in same st again, pull up yarn for 4th time, yo and pull hook and yarn through all 8 loops on hook) In pattern: When you work the 1st dc immediately after puff st, you need to work the dc tightly, so puff st will stand up, but do not work the other dc's this tight.

INSTRUCTIONS: Worked in rounds

With H hook, ch 3, (counts as 1st dc)

Rnd 1: Working all sts into 1st ch, (puff st, dc) 5 times, puff st; join with a sl st to 1st dc. 6 Puff sts (see photo 1 below)

Photo # 1

This is what round 1 will look like with 6 Puff stitches

Rnd 2: Ch 3, (counts as 1st dc here and throughout) puff st in same place as joining, * (dc and puff) in ch 1 of next puff, (dc and puff) in next dc, rep from * around to last puff, (dc & puff) in ch 1 of last puff, join. (12 puff sts)

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same sp as joining, * puff in ch 1 of next puff, 2 dc in next dc, rep from * to last puff, puff in ch 1 of last puff, join. (12 puff with 2 dc between each puff st)

Rnd 4: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc, puff in ch 1 of next puff, * dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, puff in ch 1 of next puff, rep from * around, join. (12 puff with 3 dc between)

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same sp as joining, dc in each of next 2 dc, * puff in ch 1 of puff, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, rep from * around, join. (12 puff w/ 4 dc between)

Rnd 6: Repeat rnd 5, working 5 dc between each puff st. (2 dc in 1st dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, etc.)

Rnd 7: Rep rnd 5, working 6 dc between each puff

Rnd 8: Rep rnd 5, with 7 dc between each puff

Rnd 9: Rep rnd 5, with 8 dc between. Cap will still be a flat circle at this point (see photo 2 below)

Photo # 2

  Rows 1-9 will look like this when lying flat (before you start to decrease)

Rnd 10: Decrease row: Work 7 dc between each puff in this manner. Ch 3, (counts as 1st dc) 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, work 2 dc tog. in last 2 dc (this is a dec, making it 1 st) To work 2 dc together (in next to last dc, (between puff sts) work dc, leaving last loop of dc on hook, work dc in next st, and leaving last loop again, you should have 3 loops on hook. Yo and pull yarn through hook- 1 dec made) 7 dc between

Rnd 11: Rep rnd 10, with 6 dc between

Rnd 12: Rep rnd 10, with 5 dc between

Rnd 13: Rep rnd 12, with 5 dc between each puff st. (work even with no decreases) See photo 3 below

Photo # 3

 Cap starting to take shape after decrease rounds. It should look like this before you add the bands.

Another view of Photo # 3

BAND:

Rnd 14: Change to F hook. Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, sc in each sc around. Join to 1st sc. (72 sc)

Rnds 15 - 18: Repeat rnd 14. End off yarn.

BRIM: Continue with F hook (crochet tightly) With top of hat upside down in your lap, and right side (front) facing you, join yarn with sl st in a st directly above a puff st. (see photo 4 below)

Photo # 4

Attaching Brim To Band – Decide where you want center of cap to be, place marker, then count over 7 stitches to the right to begin row. The first row of brim will have 14 stitches.

 These rows will not be turned. End off each row.

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same sp as joining, sc in next 13 sts. End off yarn. (14 sc)

Row 2: With right side facing, join yarn in 1st st, 1 sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st (inc), 1 sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st (inc), 1 sc in each of last 3 sts. End off. (16 sc)

Row 3: With right side facing you, join yarn in band 2 sts from beg of brim, 1 sc in each of these 2 sts, 1 sc in each of next 4 sts of brim, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of last 4 sts of brim, 1 sc in each of next 2 sts in band. End off (22 sc)

Rows 4-9: Continue working 2 more sts of band (on each side) and 2 more sts (increases) above inc of previous row. (6 inc on each row: row 4=28 sts, row 5=34 sts, row 6=40 sts, row 7= 46 sts, row 8= 52 sts, row 9= 58 sts) Mark inc to make it easier. End off yarn.

FACING for brim: (optional) Work to correspond to brim in following manner: (rows will be turned)

Row 1: With hat upside down in your lap, and back side of brim facing up, join yarn with sl st to back loop of 1st st (sc) of brim at far right. (see photo 5 below)

Photo # 5

Facing for Brim – Place hook and yarn in back loop of stitch that is to the far right on back side of brim.

Sc in same sp, sc in each remaining back loop only of each sc across brim. (58 sc) Ch 1, turn (do not end off yarn)

Row 2: Place markers to correspond to inc on brim (this is where your deceases will be) Sk 1st 2 sc, working in both loops from here on out, sc in each sc across row, decreasing 1 st above increases on brim, and leaving last 2 sc unworked. Ch 1, turn. 6 dec (52 sc)

Rows 3-9: Repeat row 2, decreasing 6 sts on each row, making facing same size as brim.

Weave in all loose ends of yarn before sewing facing down.

BUTTON (for top)

With F hook, ch 3, join with sl st to form ring. Join next 3 rows with sl st

Rnd 1: Ch 2 (counts as hdc) 7 hdc into ring, join (8 hdc)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, working in back loop only, work 1 hdc into same sp as joining, 2 hdc into each hdc around, join.(16 hdc)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, continuing to work in back loop only, 1 hdc in each hdc around, join (16 hdc) End off yarn, leaving a 12" strand. With yarn needle, thread yarn through last rnd of sts. Pull to tighten. Sew button to top of hat with yarn and yarn needle. (Photo 6 below)

Photo # 6

Sew button to top center of cap

FINISHING:

Cut piece of plastic canvas same size as brim, and place in between brim and facing. With yarn needle and yarn, sew facing to underside of brim, holding plastic canvas in place.

For larger hat: (make changes as follows)

Rnd 10: Inc to 9 dc between

Rnd 11: Dec to 8 dc between

Rnd 12: Dec to 7 dc between

Rnd 13: Dec to 6 dc between Go to rnd 14

Band instructions for larger hat:

Rnd 14: continuing with H hook, ch 1, sc in same sp as joining, sc in each sc around, skipping the ch 1 sp at top of each puff st. (12 dec on row) Sl st to 1st sc. (72 sc)

Rnds 15 -17: Change to F hook from here on out. Ch 1, sc in each sc around.

Note: If hat is too loose on head, on rnd 17, you may want to dec 4-6 sts spaced evenly around row, placing markers before you start. End off yarn.

The hat looks good with a brooch. Another option would be to put a ribbon bow there, since bows are so popular!

 NOTE: Please do not copy or sell this pattern. If you would like to sell your own projects you make from this pattern, you are welcome to do that, as long as you give me the credit as the designer. Thank you for cooperating and enjoy the pattern! Mary Jane 

Abbreviations:

st (s) - stitches

yo-yarn over

inc - increase

sp - space

hdc - half double crochet

dc - double crochet

sl st - slip stitch

dec - decrease

rnd - round

sc - single crochet

rep - repeat

sk - skip

beg – beginning

Dayton Crochet Guild - New Location - February Meeting

If you live in the Dayton, Ohio area and have never been to our meetings, you will be welcome and don't have to be a member to attend! Our founder, Annette Stewart, posted this, so please pass the word! Bring friends too! For more info on the Guild, go here:

First Annual Design Contest - Feb. 6th, Dayton CGOA

For those of you who may live in the Dayton, Ohio area, please try to come! You don't have to be a member of CGOA to attend. For more info on the Dayton Guild go to the website here: http://www.daytoncrochet.bravehost.com/

Poster from Annette Stewart (founder of the Dayton CGOA Guild)

Coral Color Trend for 2011

To see more about fashion trends, go to Stilorama Online Magazine.

Custom Made Designer Labels

I just thought I'd share the name of the company I buy my designer labels from. I have used them for years (even in the 70's!) and have always been satisfied with their products. The name of the company is Charm Woven Labels and they carry just about any kind of sew-in label you want. In my opinion they have the best prices and biggest selection that I have found. They carry labels that are pre-designed, and all you have to do is have them add your name. When I was looking for a label I wanted to use, I couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I custom designed the label myself. See photo below. I have these labels in black, but I also ordered them in a cream color with burgundy writing.

Interview with Mary Jane Hall - Bella Online

 Below is my interview with Kate Pullen, which took place shortly after "Positively Crochet!" was released. She asked many questions about my designing career, so this may be helpful to any aspiring designers out there! The interview was before "Crochet That Fits" came out in the fall of 2008. If you prefer to read the interview online here's their website: Link

Interview with Kate

How long have you been crocheting and how did you get started? Well, I was 18 and in collage. This was 1969 when crochet was all the rage (just like today) and I wanted to learn to make those long crocheted vests. I think I made 10 of those for my friends in collage that year for Christmas. I was obsessed and you guessed it! My grades went down as a result of spending more time on crochet.

What inspired you to start designing crochet items? A little over 2 years ago (2004) several teen girls and women ages 20-60 came to me asking if I’d teach them to crochet. They had started to see lots of crochet garments in the stores, including ponchos. These eager young girls wanted to make ponchos and I could not find very many patterns on the internet at the time. I decided to try my hand at designing some that were more updated such as the shorter ponchos and capelets. Then I decided to try selling some of the patterns on eBay and I sold 150 patterns in a 2 month period. At that point, I thought I’d see if any publishers were looking for new patterns. I had contacted Kooler Designs after seeing their email in a booklet called Ruthie’s Scarves. They liked my patterns and after showing them to Leisure Arts (their publisher) Donna Kooler called me to say that they wanted to publish not only one but two booklets of my designs! I was in shock and on cloud 9! They wanted to overnight all 14 designs to California. So I guess I was at the right place at the right time J After that, I began designing more crochet wearables and accessories, and Carol Alexander chose all 11 of the ones I had emailed her. (for Crochet! magazine and other DRG books) The rest is history! I have not even taken a break from designing since that happened 2 years ago.

You have had over 150 designs accepted for publication in 18 months – which is a major success story!  That works out at almost 2 designs a week - how do you approach the design process? The 150 designs accepted for publication include designs for my 2 Kooler Design/Leisure Arts booklets, (Crochet in Style and Crochet Young and Trendy) crochet magazines, crochet books of other designers, Fifth Avenue Magazine, a calendar, tear sheets, and 2 of my own books published by Krause Publications – a division of F + W. The book released in Sept. 07’ is called Positively Crochet! The other one has not been released yet, but will be later this year. I specialize in garments and accessories, so many of the designs I’ve had published were smaller items such as scarves, and purses. There’s no way I could have designed 150 garments in 18 months!

How do you split your time between designing and marketing your designs? Since I started designing crochet garments and accessories, I went ahead with a full throttle and got into it full time. Some weeks I may spend only 18 hours designing, but other weeks, I have spent as much as 40-70 hours, depending on deadlines. Even though it can get pretty stressful, I think I work best with deadlines. I do set goals of how many designs I want to finish in a particular week or month. Sometimes I meet those goals but sometimes I don’t. For a while there my goal was 1 garment a week, or 2-3 accessories a week. I work best at night when the phone is not ringing and I have lots of peace and quiet. Since I do mostly trendy garments and accessories I do spend a lot of time researching what the latest trends are. I do this online and by looking in the most popular fashion magazines and going to stores. I know I spend way too much time researching, but I think it’s important. I also have lots of teenage girls and young women in their 20’s and 30’s around me who are a huge help in keeping me posted on what’s in style and what they want to see in crochet patterns. As far as marketing, my publisher has done most of that, but I do help by contacting stores they haven’t made a connection with, and I contact people, well…like you, Kate!

What makes a good crochet design? Oh, this is a great question and I love answering it. A good crochet design is not a garment that uses cheap, stiff acrylic yarn that makes your design stand up on it’s on or one that feels like a straight jacket when worn! Crochet got a bad reputation back in the 60’s and 70’s because of this very thing. My favorite yarns are cottons, wool, silk, or anything that is natural, but there are some very nice (and soft) acrylics today, that I like. The yarn industry has changed tremendously since those days. A good crochet garment is also not one that is made with ugly colors that don’t match. There were some pretty ugly colors put together back then. Now I love color, as you will see in my books, but there’s a fine line between gaudy and tasteful colors. I do have a background and experience in color analysis, so this really helps me. I’ve learned though, that I needed to expand my horizons so to speak where some colors are concerned. I’ve never been crazy about really dull, muted colors, or orange, but I’ve learned to appreciate those colors being appealing when they are used in the correct color scheme. Now to the real answer, in my opinion, here’s what makes a good crochet design. Using smaller yarns and larger hooks than what most crocheters have been accustomed to. I almost never use the recommended hook size that is listed on a label. For example, most labels on a worsted wt yarn say to use a G or H hook, and that’s fine if you are trying to make something sturdy, such as a purse or maybe even an afghan. But when making garments I never use a hook that small. It just won’t be soft and drapable. But it also depends on the yarn and the content. Another example is that I like to use a larger size H, I or J hook even with a fingering or sport weight yarn. This makes the garment very soft and drapeable. I have not knitted in years, but I know that it is softer and less dense than crochet, because only 1 stitch is picked up at a time. That’s why many of my designs have stitch patterns that go in one loop only, making it softer and more stretchable, therefore more flattering and drapeable.

What are your favorite designs? My favorite kinds of designs are wearables for sure, along with accessories. To me, that’s fun. If I thought I’d have to make an afghan, that would be work to me. I love wearables and accessories, but also, anything that is quick. I try to come up with ways all the time to make crochet designs that are quick and easy. There are thousands of new, young crocheters out there (maybe millions) and so even though my books have many designs that are at an intermediate skill level, I have many beginner and advanced beginner patterns. I have been able to get many people (who have only made scarves, afghans or wash cloths) motivated to make their very first garment. They can’t believe how easy it is! This gives me a lot of joy knowing they can get the same pleasures I do from crocheting.

How did you go about creating your books, your most recent book, Positively Crochet has 50 designs which is a lot!  I have hundreds of sketches for designs I’d love to do, so I never run out of ideas. Yes, 50 is a lot, but it was very important to me to create a book that had as many patterns as some of the books from the 70’s.

 Why was publishing a book with so many different patterns important to you? My goal was to have 60 designs, and even though I designed that many, we had to cut some, because of space. I was thinking about how excited I would be when I’d look in my crochet books back when I was a young wife and mother. I get a thrill knowing so many young women (and older women) are getting the same pleasures from crocheting that I did when I first started. I still get a “natural high”, each time I design and create something!

Do you have more books planned for the future? I recently finished another crochet book and I’m about to burst wanting to tell you what it’s about. Of course, I can’t. I think I can say it’s also wearables and accessories, but this book is all about a new method.

You have been crocheting for quite a few years!   How important is being a good crocheter to creating good crochet designs? Oh, it’s extremely important. If a person is sloppy with things such as weaving in ends, not counting or paying attention to row, not swatching and getting the correct gauge, all these things  can really throw off a garment. And if a person who wants to design someday doesn’t practice up and learn the standard terms, a publisher would look at their pattern, and just laugh at it. I’m pretty sure that even though I thought my first written patterns were good, the tech editor probably laughed and was frustrated with my pattern writing. I learned in a hurry though, because I was serious about designing. A person can be a good designer, but not a good pattern writer. I am so thankful that the people at Donna Kooler Designs were patient with me on my first 2 booklets (published by Leisure Arts)

Can 'anyone' design crochet patterns? What skills do you need? People say to me all the time, “You are so talented!”, or “You have a special gift”, and my response is, “Thank you so much, but anybody can do this. It just takes desire and determination.” I am the kind of person who believes that anybody on this earth can do anything they set their mind to. Of course I have had good influences in my life. At an early age when I was growing up, my sisters and I had a singing group and we sang professionally (getting paid) by being regulars on a Saturday evening show every week, called “Country Junction”. We didn’t like country back then, but we sang folk songs with our guitar. Also as teenagers, we had our own weekly radio program and we also traveled all over the state singing and campaigning for a state representative. So we were told by our parents that we could “do anything we set our minds to do.” We were very successful as singers and also made a record and appeared on TV many times. Then when I left home and got out on my own, those principles stuck with me. I continued singing professionally at fairs and festivals (as well as other events) and that principle translated into other areas of my life. I have tried to succeed in anything I do. I think it is a mind set, and a decision that you make. It just took determination and a lot of work. Another example is that people tell me all the time, “You’re such a good cook. You are so talented. I wish I could cook like you”. I just laugh and say, “Can you read?” If they say yes, then I say, “If you can read a recipe, you can cook!” When I became a realtor in the 80’s, I was top sales person of the year my first 3 years. I do not say this in any way to brag or to boast. I am not any more special than any other human being. Anyone can do those things if they set their mind to it. Another thing is that I married a guy, Terry, who is one of the most talented motivational speakers you could ever hear. He has traveled all over the country giving his “Yes, You Can!” seminars to businesses, churches, and the chamber of commerce in different cities. What he says about life is very powerful and has substance. He makes people laugh and he can bring people to tears 2 seconds later. I have been surrounded by positive thinking most of my life, and so when you asked me “Can anyone design?”, I had to give you the background on where I am coming from and why I believe anyone CAN design. In fact they can do anything they want to do, as far as it’s morally right and legal!

Is it possible to earn a living from crochet design?  That question has been discussed over and over again in many crochet groups that I belong to. Everyone wants to quit their day job to have a full time career in crochet designing. Although it’s possible for some people to earn a living from designing, most use it as a second income. The ones who make a living at it also travel around the country speaking at the many conferences and workshops on crochet, knitting and other needlework. As designers, we all believe that we are underpaid for our work, so if we were paid what we’re worth, I do believe many more would be designing for a living.

You also teach, run classes and talk to groups.  Is this interaction with other crocheters important to you in the design process?  Oh, being with other people who crochet really gives me extra energy because I get to know what each of them wants in a design. I have actually done surveys on what people what or don’t want in a crochet pattern or book. The surveys have really helped me produce some designs that have been in demand. Being with other crocheters helps give me energy!

Is this an essential part of the process or does it eat into your design time? There are times when I go to my monthly local CGOA meetings or when I go to the crochet croup/class of my own, and I’m thinking I need to be working on my own crochet. Sometimes it’s frustrating trying to teach a 7 year old or a 60 year old to crochet, but I keep telling myself, “If you give to other people (especially yourself) it will come back to you. In other words, it’s the principle of sowing and reaping, set up by the laws of nature. You will reap what you sow, even if you don’t believe in that principle. So to answer your question, yes, it does eat into my design time sometimes, but I keep telling my self, “People are what’s important, and I will naturally be blessed if I invest my time in people.”  I always manage to get everything done, even if things are stressful.

What tips would you have for would-be designers? I’d say that if you really want to design, the best advice I could give you would be to first have your friends or family try to follow one of your patterns, and see if they can understand it. If they do, that’s great, but even if they do, that doesn’t mean your pattern writing skills are up to par. You need to look at publisher’s guidelines and study how they word their patterns. Every publisher does things a little differently, so you just have to adapt to their way, when you work with them. And the main thing is that if you have the desire to design, whatever happen, just don’t give up!!!!!!! The first thing you need to do is actually take the first step in submitting a design. You’ll never know until you try. Others may give up on you but never give up on yourself. Pursue your dreams. You will never regret having tried.

What are your plans for the future? I absolutely love designing and I have made so many wonderful friends in this business. (designer friends, editors, publishers and fans) This career has really enhanced my life, and I want to do it forever. I’ll do it till I’m 100 if I can! I like submitting designs to magazines, but I also love doing books. I don’t like all the pressures, but the rewards are great. And I’m not just talking about money J

Another note about the  book, Positively Crochet: (my reasons for adding Positive, encouraging words to each pattern page)
      I have spoken to many women's groups on relationships such as parenting, friendships and marriage. The powerful principles can really help to make a person's life better. Many of the powerful principles I learned from my husband, Terry, who has a nationally known seminar called "Yes, You Can!". He is one of the best motivational speakers around and has given these seminars to businesses,  chamber of commerce in major cities, singles retreats, and churches in just about every state. In a nutshell, he gives step by step ways to accomplish any goal and helps people to "be the best they can be" in their profession or as a human being. People all over the country "rave" about how he has helped them in their lives.
     Being the "positive" person I am, (trying to see the good in everything and everybody) I wanted to share some thoughts with readers to ponder as they work on their crochet projects. I wanted them to have the "warm fuzzies" after reading the "words of encouragement." My publisher was very excited about this and they have encouraged me all along!  It has been so rewarding to get hundreds of personal emails (and 5 star book reviews) from people telling me how the words of encouragement have changed their lives. One lady wrote," I have been a loner for years and I never go out of my house, except to the mailbox or the grocery store, but your book has made me want to go out more and reach out to other people." I share the feeling of what my husband had to say about this, "Now that's worth more than money!" The comments readers have shared with me are heart warming and have brought tears to my eyes. Their comments mean the world to me and it makes all the hard work worth it!

Book Signing at Ewetopia Yarn Shop - Dayton, Ohio

This event took place in Troy, Ohio (a suburb of Dayton)

Mary Jane's display of her designs at Ewetopia

 Lori Riemer (one of the owners) took this photo of the display I did that cold day in November. I remember the big flakes of snow coming down as my friends, Victoria and Tiffany Denen, were helping me take my tubs full of designs into the store! I really appreciated these teenage girls coming along and helping me that day. They are very giving and always willing to help. I'm VERY sad to say this beautiful yarn shop had to close its doors in 2009. Below is the poster they made up for the event.

Book Signings, Crochet Talks

I'm way behind on posting information about my book signings and crochet talks. Even though these events are passed, I want to keep a log of them on this blog. I don't have any events scheduled for this year such as book signings, fashion shows, or crochet talks, due to the fact that I'm in transition. At the moment, I am packing up my things and will be moving sometime in the next 2-3 months. (maybe even sooner) You have no idea how hard it is for me to put a hold on my designing, so I will try to get a little designing done in between packing. It's what will keep me going! Knowing I can take a break to design will help energize me as far as the packing process.

I am going to try and plan another fashion show for the fall of 2011, but this will depend on my situation.

Crochet Tip: "OK To Wash It" Fabric Glue to Weave in Yarn Ends

Using “OK To Wash It” Fabric Glue

Using OK To Wash It fabric glue is great for securing loose ends. How many times have you had your ends come loose, changing the look of your finished garments? This glue is especially helpful when you are using slippery cord or yarn that splits easily. Just pull the loose end and put a tiny drop on the yarn with your fingers, placing glue on the part that will be hidden "inside" the stitches. Let go of the loose end, and it will pull itself back into the stitch where it will not show. Try not to get too much glue on the yarn, so it will not seep through.

You may not need to use this tip to secure your loose ends on a finished project, when the work is tightly woven. But sometimes when you purposely use a much larger hook and your work is loose, open or lacy, there's just not much you can to to make sure the ends you have woven in don't come out. That's why I use this fabric glue to secure the ends many times. My good friend and fellow designer, Annette Stewart, taught me this trick a few years ago and I don't know how I ever went without it! It's a must when your work is loose and open. You can buy it at any major fabric or craft store, such as Jo-Anns Fabric and Crafts.

FREE Pattern - Crochet over Bottles

 This pattern is for the oval bottle on the right in the purple multicolor yarn. You could use string, jute, or any color to match your decor. It's a quick, fun way to display crochet for you and your friends to enjoy. I got the pattern for the cream colored bottle from one of my favorite books published in the 1970's, titled McCall's Crochet Treasury. It's chock full of patterns of all kinds. I did the taller bottle with string maybe 15-20 years ago. The book has patterns for crocheting around larger bottles also.

Crochet Over Oval Bottle

Design by Mary Jane Hall

Materials

TLC Essentials Yarn in Sage Mary # 2997

Crochet Hook size H/8 (5 mm)

Yarn Needle

Oval glass bottle that is 4 1/2" tall X 5" at widest point

(bottom will be a rectangle shape)
These bottles can sometimes be found at stores like Micheals Arts and Crafts, Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts, and Hobby Lobby.

Gauge

3 sc = 3/4"      2 sc rows = 1/2"

3 dc = 1"        3 dc rows = 1 1/2"

Decrease: to work 2 sts tog - (Yo, insert hook in st, yo, draw lp through, yo, draw through 2 lps on hook) in each of the sts indicated, yo, draw through all 3 lps on hook.

Note: scroll down to see bottom of bottle.

Instructions - Worked in rounds

Rnd 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch and in each ch across, 4 sc in last ch, continuing up other side of ch, sc in each ch across, 4 sc in last st. From now on mark beg of each rnd.

Rnd 2: (Increase rnd) Sc in each st around, working 2 sc in each of 3 sc on ends - 6 sc on each end

Rnd 3: Rep rnd 2, working 2 sc in each of the 4 sc on ends - 8 sc on each end

Rnd 4: Sc in each st around, with no increases

Rnd 5: Ch 2, Hdc in each st around

Rnd 6: Rep rnd 5.

Rnd 7: Ch 3, Dc in each st around. At this point you may want to place the bottle inside work

Rnd 8: Dc in each st around, working 2 dc in each corner - 4 incs

Rnd 9: Dc in each st around - no incs

Rnd 10- 11: Rep rnd 9

Rnd 12: Dc in each st around, working 2dctog, to dec on each corner

Rnd 13: Dc in each st, with decreases where needed to pull together around smaller part of bottle.

Rnds 14-16: Sc in each st, decreasing where needed, so work will be close around neck of bottle, end off. Weave in loose ends with yarn needle.

Tie: Ch 65, end off. Weave in ends, and tie in a bow around neck of bottle

NOTE: Please do not copy or sell this pattern. If you would like to sell your own projects you make from this pattern, you are welcome to do that, as long as you give me the credit as the designer. Thank you for cooperating and enjoy the pattern! Mary Jane

Crochet and Macrame on Runway for 2011

 I am thrilled that fashion designers are doing crochet and macrame clothing for 2011!!! When crochet came back in style full force 6 yrs ago, some experts were saying, "Crochet is here to stay!" I have believed that for a long time, because the crochet garments of today are nothing like the stiff, boxy crochet of the 60's era. According to Marian Kihogo (a website on Fashion) designers such as Gucci, Dior, Cavalli and others are featuring bohemian-meets-hippie trend of the 70's. I'm happy because not only do I design crochet garments and accessories, but I was really into macrame in the 70's. I made and sold macrame tables, hanging lamps, wall hangings, hanging plant holders, purses and other items. I was obsessed with it back then! About 5 years ago when ponchos became the "in" thing, I made a beautiful macrame poncho, (out of yarn) but could not find anyone who was publishing books on this at that time. I just may try to go for it now! For sure I will be posting my macrame poncho on this blog soon!

Fashion, Home Trends, Beauty, Diet, Fitness,& Hair Trends

TOP TRENDS FOR 2011

There is a definite late Seventies/early Eighties Dynasty-style feel for 2011

Monday January 17,2011

We asked the experts to predict what styles, products and colours will be big this year

HOME

Naomi Cleaver is an interiors expert, author of The Joy Of Home and host of Channel 4’s Other People’s Houses

Back to nature

The word “earthy” is key for design in 2011 in materials and colour palette. You could call it “Good Life” design, inspired by self-sufficiency and natural materials such as earthenware and copper.

There will be a resurgence in buying British goods for our home and investing in items with humour.

Brassed off

Non-white metals will be treasured. Ikea has launched brushed copper kitchen doors and matching  handles.

Brass will shine with designers such as Tom Dixon offering an irresistible collection of furniture and lighting products featuring the gold-coloured alloy.

Funky florals

The natural world will be given a stylised twist and a darker edge. Watch out for patterns from designer Abigail Borg (mauve lily and friti cushions, both £32, abigailborg.co.uk).

FASHION

Alex Longmore is a celebrity stylist and founder of Style School, whose clients include Lisa Snowdon and Zara Phillips

The new feminine

This year is all about femininity so bin anything bulky, dark or androgynous. The ballerina look is the big trend of the season with styles featuring chiffon, pale nude colours and pleats.

Meanwhile Chloé, Bottega Veneta and Dolce & Gabbana have mixed long dresses and skirts with leotard-style Lycra tops.

Back to the Eighties

There is a definite late Seventies/early Eighties Dynasty-style feel for 2011. Off-the-shoulder dresses were seen at Fendi, Louis Vuitton offered bold halter-neck dresses while block primary colours and box jackets worn with shorts were all over the catwalks.

White out

Pure and bridal white will be huge this season. The shows were brimming with ideas for women inspired by Kate Middleton’s impending wedding, from broderie anglais and lace to long, floaty patterned dresses.

Acid brights

It may be perfect for models but neon is best worn in moderation for us mortals. Start on the beach with  Melissa Odabash’s swimwear (lime bikini, £161, fuchsia bikini, £141, odabash.com), which is perfect for showing off a tan.

DIET AND FITNESS

Diet and fitness expert Rachael Anne Hill is a TV regular and author of the GI High Energy  Cookbook

Fusion fitness

Fusion fitness is an umbrella term that combines exercises and routines to boost your cardio health while building up muscle. For example, piloxing combines Pilates and boxing.

Dare to Dukan

Launched in 2010, The Dukan Diet by Dr Pierre Dukan (£7.99, amazon.co.uk) will take off in 2011. High in lean protein it’s a more balanced version of Atkins and does not deny followers essential food groups over its course.

BEAUTY

Jayne Demuro is beauty merchandise manager at London’s Selfridges store

Purple eyes

Lilacs and purples are the colours of the moment for eyes.

All about lips

Kiss hello to sheer tones as well as bold colours in lips, so there’s something for everybody, whether it’s Chanel, YSL or Dior, which all have something new coming out. Go for a high-shine lipstick such as Chanel’s Rouge Coco Shine (£22.50, 020 7493 3836) which will be out in March.

Lipstick tints will take off as they are an easy way to wear colour without seeming too made up.

Glossy posse

This year a dewy or glossy finish on skin, eyes and lips is key. To achieve glowing skin try a serum. The highly-concentrated skin treatments were on the rise last year and sales are set to rocket in 2011.

Biotherm does the fantastic Skin.Ergetic Anti-fatigue Serum (£35, selfridges.com). Women are looking for natural anti-ageing solutions, and serums are a great alternative to Botox.

New launches

The products to snap up in 2011 include bareMinerals Skincare, a super new range launching in April. Meanwhile, look out for new shades of YSL’s Touche Eclat, Guerlain’s Rouge Automatique, Creme de la Mer Radiant Serum and Clinique’s Moisture Surge tinted moisturiser, which will all be out in the spring.

HAIR

Celebrity hair stylist Richard Ward counts Kate Middleton and Anne Robinson among his A-list clients

Understated chic

Harsh tones, super straight locks and extensions are all completely out this year. It’s much more about being understated. A high bun is a simple yet elegant look that has been re-invented for spring/summer 2011.

After blow-drying apply Richard Ward Couture Hair Memoriser Holding Serum (£17, richardward.com) and smooth hair into a high ponytail on the crown. Gently back-brush to create a subtle texture, then twist lengths and ends around the ponytail base into a knot, securing with fine pins and grips. Stop the look being too structured by pulling loose strands out to create a feminine look.

Short cut

The pixie crop will be the biggest look of 2011. Championed by Emma Watson this is perfect if you want a complete style overhaul. This is all about health, shine and texture. For a messed-up day-look apply a little clay. Sleek down with serum for a groomed-to-perfection evening appearance.

Creative colour

Hair colour trends for 2011 are all about strong vibrant tones or pretty pastel shades. Be brave and look at singers Katy Perry, Rihanna and Lady Gaga for inspiration. Whether you’re going for a two-tone effect in a bright shade or soft pastel highlights there is a colour out there this year for you.

The Kate

With the royal wedding the highlight of the year our love affair with Kate Middleton’s gorgeously conditioned hair is set to continue.  Women around the country will be requesting her glossy, layered look.

Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/223543/Top-trends-for-2011/Top-trends-for-2011#ixzz1By2fIWFl

Free Pattern - Long Beaded Necklace

Design by Mary Jane Hall

This necklace is so simple that you can make it in about 15 minutes!

Long Beaded Necklace

Skill Level – Easy/Beginner

            This necklace will only take you about 15 minutes to make. You can use any kind of bead for. Try glass, ceramic or wood beads in colors to match or for a fun look use bright bubblegum colors.  There is no right or wrong way to make this simple project!

Materials

Any  # 10 crochet thread, 3 yds

29 Beads with holes large enough to pass thread though

Steel Crochet size 5

Needle that will go through holes in beads when threaded

Instructions

When making your sl knot, leave a 5” loose end. With needle and crochet thread place beads onto thread and push far enough back so they will not fall off.  *Ch 13, pull up a bead, and tightly ch around it, rep from * until you have chained around all beads. Ch 13, end off leaving a 5” tail. Tie a knot close to last ch. Tie both ends of necklace tog and trim ends. This necklace can be worn several different ways.

NOTE: Please do not copy or sell this pattern. If you would like to sell your own projects you make from this pattern, you are welcome to do that, as long as you give me the credit as the designer. Thank you for cooperating and enjoy the pattern! Mary Jane

Copyright Laws and Guidelines

Laws Concerning Copyrights - Crochet Designs

Copying someone else's patterns/designs is illegal!  You may think nothing of photo copying a pattern to give to a friend, or post on your blog, but you need to stop and think about what you are doing. I depend on my designs as most of my income right now and if someone is stealing patterns, and sharing them, then they are compromising my lively hood. I work very hard at designing. In fact some times I spend many hours a day working on my patterns. As designers, we do not make tons of money doing this, but it's what we love to do, so please help spread the news that copying is wrong. I am very pleased that you enjoy my patterns, but I ask that you consciously respect this plea. Read some of the facts below, and if you have more questions, you can go to the copyright office online.

Craft Patterns are PROTECTED by copyrights - as with any work of art.

A pattern does NOT need to have a copyright symbol or words to that effect on it to be copyrighted. As soon as an original work is completed, the law says that the author or artist AUTOMATICALLY owns the rights to it, regardless of displaying those rights or not.

Copyrights are upheld for the entire life of the artist or author plus an additional 70 years after their death!

The person who owns the copyright is the ONLY one who can:

Reproduce/make copies of the design/pattern

Display the design/pattern publicly and

Distribute the design/pattern by sale or lending

Copyrights do NOT need to be registered with the US Copyright office in order to be official or upheld by law. That protection is automatic.

Copyrights are upheld and protected by US Federal Law.

Copyright Guidelines- 

A good guideline on copyright laws and crochet patterns. Very important for those wanting to post their own patterns or use others on the net.

 

http://crochet.about.com/library/blcopyrightguide.htm

Zig Zag Striped Scarf for Hobby Lobby - Free Crochet Pattern

Design by Mary Jane Hall

About 3 years ago, I did some freelance design work for Hobby Lobby. I really enjoyed working for them because they would send me big boxes of yarn and told me to do whatever I wanted to with it. Of course, I'd draw a sketch and make a swatch first so they could approve the designs. The pattern for this Zig Zag Striped Scarf is one of those designs. I love their yarns and they have such a huge selection, of  fibers, yarn weights, and colors! For the free pattern, click here:

Zig Zag Striped Scarf

Pattern is HERE

Zigzag Crochet Scarf

Free Pattern byMary Jane Hall

NOTE: Please do not copy or sell this pattern. If you would like to sell your own projects you make from this pattern, you are welcome to do that, as long as you give me the credit as the designer. Thank you for cooperating and enjoy the pattern! Mary Jane

Free Crochet Pattern - Quick and Easy Watchband

Design by Mary Jane Hall

This simple watchband pattern was published in the 2008 Crochet A Day Calendar.. It's made with # 18 La Espiga nylon cord. I like using nylon cord or thread because it's sturdy and great for purses, or anything that needs firmness to it. You can find La Espiga  nylon (formerly called Hilos Omega nylon), in different sizes and 75 colors at Creative Yarn Source (formerly Crochet Style, Etc). Just think - 75 colors! My friend, Mona, runs this rapidly growing business. She's a wonderful person and she'll even post photos on her website https://creativeyarnsource.com/ of your work. Check out all the yarns there! The prices are great and you won't be disappointed. Tell Mona that Mary Jane sent you!

Crochet Watch Band
Free Pattern by
Mary Jane Hall

Fits women's wrist sizes sm (med, lg )

Materials

Hilos 100% Nylon cord, # 18, in Multicolor Confetti - color # 57 (7 oz. spool)

Crochet hook size E/4 (3.5mm)

Watch Face - 1 1/8" in diameter, with bar that allows you to slip band through

Tapestry Needle

 1" piece of Velcro

Gauge

3 sc = 3/4"                      Band size =  Sm size - 3/4" wide X  8",

4 sc rows = 1'                 Med - 3/4" x 8 3/4",       Lg - 3/4" x 9 1/2"

Instructions

Row 1: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, and in next 2 chs, ch 1, turn - 3 sc

Rows 2 - 35 (38, 41) : Sc in each sc, ch 1, turn - 3 sc. Do not end off.

 Add or delete rows depending on how long you want band to be

Pointed End

Work 2sctog in 1st 2 sc, sc in last sc, ch 1, turn.

NOTE: Please do not copy or sell this pattern. If you would like to sell your own projects you make from this pattern, you are welcome to do that, as long as you give me the credit as the designer. Thank you for cooperating and enjoy the pattern! Mary Jane

2sctog in 2 sc, ch 1, turn, sl st in sc, end off.

Finishing

Weave in all loose ends. Place velcro on band and secure for closure.

Life and Crochet by Judy Drewett

I'm excited to share a short essay written by my sister, Judy Drewett. As a matter of fact, I liked it so much that I had it published in my book, Positively Crochet!, so some of you may have already read it. It could easily have been overlooked though because it's at the very back of the book. I'm very proud of my sister. Learning to crochet (as a lefty) and being excited about it is what inspired her to write this  piece.  Her experiences while teaching kindergarten for 35 years, and her driven, enthusiastic personality is what helped her to achieve her dream of becoming an author of children's books. The name of her first book is "Til The Cows Come Home", and you can find it at her website: www.judyperrydrewett.com, amazon.com, or barnesandnoble.com. Any major book store can ORDER it. It's a really cute story that teaches a lesson about life, and I'm sure your child would enjoy it! Thank you for always being there for me, Judy!

                                       Life and Crochet 

by Judy Drewett

Life is an intricate pattern, a myriad of stitches, woven one day at a time.  We anxiously begin our design with a chain of well intentions, dreaming of the product yet to evolve.  In the beginning we are full of tension, creating needless wasted energy.  As we learn to relax, we feel a surprising tranquility needed to acquire the joy for the journey.

 Life is wonderful until we hit a snag or a knot along the way. We struggle and fight.  Then we realize we must slowly work through problems and sometimes have to start over.  We want to quit, but we pick ourselves up and continue, realizing that mistakes teach us patience, and patience brings about worthwhile satisfaction.  Sometimes we forget or refuse to ask for help, and we find ourselves decreasing, when we should be increasing in our abilities.

  

Yes, life is an intricate and sometimes difficult pattern with road blocks along the way.  But we must have faith and belief that when worked with determination and confidence, the end result will be heavenly!

 Judy Drewett (Mary Jane Hall's sister)