Crochetville's 2016 National Crochet Month Designer and Yarn Shop Blog Tour

It's here! Today, March 8, is your next stop on the blog tour! I hope you've been following it to find all about your favorite designers, and yarn shops. If so, you've also been able to enter drawings for GIVEAWAYS and access to free patterns.

UPDATE on GIVEAWY and FREE PATTERN - The deadline to enter the drawing for the book is Monday, March 21. That is also the deadline to make a comment to receive a free pattern. I will try to send the patterns as soon as possible, by the end of the tour. I've been waiting on the individual patterns from the oublisher, but they are in a transition and so I may send my original pattern on the Little Black Dress. I have the sweater pattern too. Please leave your email in the comment, so I can send the pattern. If you do not want to do this, please contact me privately. Thanks for being patient!

As I promised, in celebrating National Crochet Month,  I am doing a GIVEAWAY for my newest book, Colorful Crochet Lace.

Win this Book!

You can enter by making a comment and stating you
want to be entered. Please leave your info on how I can contact you, such as your Ravelry ID, Facebook name or your email. If you have already bought the book I want to personally thank each and every one of you for supporting me and my designing. You don't know how much you mean to me! If you love the book please leave a review on Amazon or the Interweave website. Every review counts and I can't thank you enough for the mostly 5* reviews! If you are hearing about this book for the first time you can go to my designer friend, Natalia's Outstanding Crochet blog  to read her review of the book and see the projects on the inside.

The next thing I promised you in celebrating National Crochet Month is a free pattern. Normally, in the past, I have offered something small, like the socks last year or another accessory other years.

1st Choice for your FREE Pattern - Little Black Dress - Beginner Level!

The Little Black Dress is flattering on any size or shape. Since the beginning chain is at the side, the rows are vertical, meaning that if your gauge is off or you feel like you made the wrong size, all you have to do is add or delete rows to get a perfect custom fit! You can't go wrong with my signature Graduated Stitch Method of making garments! 100's of people have written me saying they made their first garment with this easy method (from Crochet That Fits) and they are thrilled how easy it was and how perfect their garment fits. Some of these people have been crocheting for 30 or 40 years and only made afghans and scarves before! This is the whole reason I created this method! If you've made my "Cap Sleeve Top" that was offered as a free pattern when I appeared on the Knit and Crochet Now TV show, I just want you all to know the black dress is made very similar to that.

This year I wanted to offer something a little more special. I have never done this before and got permission from the publisher. I had the delima of either offering the Little Black Dress on the front of Crochet That Fits or the Ivory Shells Sweater on the front ofPositively Crochet. Since I couldn't decide on which one, I had the idea to give you a choice of which pattern you want for free. I will only be offering the pattern for 1 week after this blog post, which will be through March 14. I realize many of you have both books so that wouldn't be a good deal for you, so if you already have those patterns please let me know, and I'll try to come up with a different free pattern. Leave a comment letting me know which pattern you want and I will send it to you by pdf through email. 

2nd Choice for your free pattern - Ivory Shells Sweater

 Ivory colored sweater at right was made with Berroco Softwist (# 4) yarn (no longer available), and blue sweater at let was worked with Caron Simply Soft, also a # 4, but in my opinion works up smaller than a # 4. Both of these sweaters were made in size small and both girls are about a size 2. If you decide to use Simply Soft (# 4) you may need to go up one size in the pattern. A much larger hook was used with the Simply Soft, so make note of that in the pattern. 

Ways you can find me on the Web

(please look me up so we can connect!)

Blog: http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.com/

Ravery: http://www.ravelry.com/people/maryjane2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryjane.perryhall

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryjanedesign/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryjanecrochet

Instagram - https://instagram.com/maryjane.hall/

Tumbr - http://maryjanehall.tumblr.com

Google+  https://plus.google.com/107516222355797139475

My Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Jane-Hall/e/B001JSB7CW/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

My Designer Fan Group - http://www.ravelry.com/groups/positively-crochet-and-crochet-that-fits-the-designs-of-mary-jane-hall

Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/cameraroll

Thanks for stopping by! 

I want to thank Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka for putting this altogether. I know they've worked all year on making it an even bigger and better blog tour.

Go to this link to see the whole schedule of designers and yarn shops featured:

/http://crochetville.com/2016-national-crochet-month-blog-tour-designer-schedule/

If the designers name is not clickable, just put their name in the search space at the top of the Crochetville.com post to obtain easy access to the post featuring them!

Designer Blog Tour 2015-National Crochet Month

Welcome Friends!

Thank you for visiting my blog today in celebration of National Crochet Month! Keep reading to see how you can enter a drawing to win a copy of my newest book, Colorful Crochet Lace! My freebe for today is a pattern for a pair of crochet socks with no increases or decreases.

If you'very been following the designer blog tour, you know that it is sponsored by Crochetville, a huge crochet community of people everywhere just as eager as ýou are with this craft. The founders, Amy Shelton and Donna Houlka, have been doing major things for years now to promote crochet. If you've never been to their site, you really need to do that! You will meet many other crocheters you can get to know, have access to free patterns, as well as finding tons of information on crochet.

Introducing my new book, Colorful Crochet Lace, 
published by Interweave / F+W. This book contains a variety of all lace projects - garments and accessories. The Fitted Pepum Top on the cover is the only one that is not entirely lace. Patterns are written for sizes xs to 2x with some in size 3x. I've included 4 garments with my Graduated Stitch Methid. For the description and how you can enter a 
drawing to win a copy, please keep reading!

During March we are also promoving CGOA (Crochet Guild of America). If you are not familiar with this National group you will want to read all about it! There are many benefits to joining and you will find a truckload of information.  You'll get a free subscription to Crochet! Magazine and also receive discounts to the annual Knit and Crochet Conference, known as Chain Link. In the past this has been held in Manchester, NJ and PA, but is being held in sunny San Diego this year, July, 2015.  I cannot tell you what a fun time this is. It has always been a highlight of my year! If you have aspirations of becoming a designer, in my opinion it is imperative that you attend this conference, where you will be able to attend informative classes. you'll get to meet other crocbeters, designers, publishers and editors. Other highlights include the fashion show on Saturday and the "market", where
vendors are set up selling yarn, books, and other gadgets.

Free sock pattern worked with my Graduated Stitch Method of making shaped garments
without using increases or decreases

This beginner pattern is super easy, with no increases or decreases and is worked in 1 piece, then seamed up the sides. My pattern, which has an optional lace edging, includes women's foot sizes 4-12 and men's sizes 6-14. It is easily adaptable for young children or a baby. Click on the link at bottom of page to receive your free sock pattern.

True color of yarn - Panda Silk by Crystal Palace

Crocheters everywhere are also encouraged to participate in Halos of Hope, an organization that collects hats for cancer patients. If you are able to crochet or knit a hat (any size) that would be very much appreciated! Click on the link for more info.

Description of Colorful Crochet Lace on Amazon

"A colorful take on crochet lace!"

Crochet lace is more popular than ever, and Colorful Crochet Lace brings it to life in living color. Designer Mary Jane Hall has created a stunning collection of 22 chic and wearable lace garments and accessories. You'll find a wardrobe's worth of colorful lace designs from chic shrugs and scarves, to cozy cardigans and tunics, to stylish dresses, T-shirts, and totes. The designs include simple, allover openwork patterns, as well as more intricate crochet lace patterns and motifs, which are worked in a variety of yarn weights and in a glorious range of colors from elegant jewel tones to earthy neutrals.

Several of the projects are constructed using the Graduated Stitch Method, a technique Mary Jane developed that allows for shaping and customized fit without increases or decreases, and many of the patterns include instructions for modifying designs and creating variations. With clear instructions, detailed stitch diagrams, and gorgeous photography, Colorful Crochet Lace makes it easy and fun to create exquisite crochet fashions.

*How To Enter The Contest For a*     
 Chance to Win A Copy!

All you have to do to enter the contest is to make a comment at the end of this post with your name and a way I can contact you, either through email, Facebook, Instant Messenger, or Ravelry, in case your name is drawn as a lucky winner! Thank you for visiting my blog today, and I hope you will comeback often!

*How to Access Your Free Sock Pattern*

Click on the link below for your free copy

http://positivelycrochet.blogspot.com/2015/04/free-sock-pattern-finished.html

National Crochet Month Info

Please come back to visit this blog on March 30, when I will be the featured designer. I'll be introducing my newest book, Colorful Crochet Lace. On that day you'll be able to sign up for a drawing to win a copy, plus I'll be giving away a free, very easy pattern for crochet socks! (March 30 only)

I am amazed and very happy that crochet continues to gain popularity. It is a huge phenomena in America and all over the world among not only women and young girls, but among guys as well. People used to think that crocheting was only associated with females, and that it wasn't manly enough for guys. I always thought "Why not? Guys work with their hands in other ways such as woodworking and cooking, so why not knit and crochet? There are many men excited about crochet now, just as women have always loved doing it. I always take a project in my bag just about everywhere I go in case I get a chance to work on it. And almost every time I am sitting in a waiting room with my hands and hook working away, a guy will say "Is that crochet?" When I tell them it is, they go on to tell me their mother or grandmother taught them to crochet."

Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka, founders of the ever so popular Crochetville, are sponsoring the blog tour again this year and they have lots of goodies in store for you. I wish I had posted about this event before it began March 1, so you could have been following the tour all along, but on second thought, the reason you are here is most likely the fact you have been following it. And you probably know Crochetville is giving away beautiful yarn everyday, donated by Red Heart Yarns. Maybe you'll be a lucky winner!

National Crochet Month Designer Blog Tour

Day 5

Welcome everyone to my blog on this journey through National Crochet Month, March 2013. I'm honored to be a part of something that has brought much joy to my life for many years. Back when I learned to crochet in college, I never dreamed crochet would take the world by storm the way it has the past few years. I've heard there are over 7 million crocheters out there and new people wanting to learn every day! It makes my heart sing to know I can be part of such an exciting movement.

Please keep reading to the end where you'll find freebies I'm offering today. Hint: crochet related printable and a free pattern never offered on this blog before!

In honor of National Crochet Month, blogs all over the world are featuring this event and each one will have some kind of freebie, special article, tutorial or discounts on patterns.  To see the entire list of participating professional designers, please visit Crochetville HERE, where Amy Shelton (CGOA President) and Donna Houlka have more info for you concerning this event. If you've never visited Crochetville, you just won't believe all the wonderful information they have there. You'll love it! Thank you Amy, for coordinating this exciting tour! It makes me feel a connection with crocheters around the world.    
                              

  

I'd like to encourage you to consider joining CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) if you're not already a member. As a member, you will receive a 1 year subscription to Crochet! magazine, as well as many other discounts. The main highlight is being able to attend the Knit and Crochet Show (called Chain Link Conference) that's held twice a year. Thousand's of crocheters come together to meet, attend valuable classes, shop at the Marketplace, attend the Sat. night Banquet and Fashion Show, and hang out with people all over the world! Anyone can attend, but as a CGOA member, you'll receive discounts on classes. The week-end is really great for anyone seeking to be a designer, as well as for established professional designers. If you just go 1 time, you'll never want to miss it again!

As professional members of Crochet Guild of America we have voted to support  Project Night Night, a charity helping homeless children. You can donate crocheted blankets, hats or money. Please consider donating and add your donation to our list of group totals. Here's the link to Project Night Night

Help support Project Night Night

 This is near and dear to my heart, because I help run a huge clothing store that clothes over 1,000 needy or homeless families each year. They are very appreciative to come in and get free clothing and household items. Anyone is allowed to come on their own, but some of the agencies who send people our way are Women's Recovery Center, Women's Domestic Violence Center, Children and Family services, Pregnancy Crisis Center, Adult Probation agency, Community Action, The Christopher House, the Red Cross and many others. Sometimes it can get overwhelming, but it's very rewarding knowing we have helped make life a little more comfortable for unfortunate people.

Get the FREE pattern today only here

  I'm giving away a cute Mountain Hat pattern with earflaps that could give you a start on a project for this charity. The free pattern is here.

Connect with me here!

Revelry (maryjane2)
Twitter (Mary Jane Hall)
Pinterest (MaryJane Perry Hall)
Facebook - (Mary Jane Perry Hall)
PositivelyCrochet! crochet group on Ravelry 

For visiting my blog on the tour I'm also sharing my Crochet Certificate as a PDF document for you to use in any way you want. I made this up a few years ago so I'd have some kind of way to honor beginning crocheters for mastering the craft of crochet. All you have to do is fill in their name. I'll send you a pdf printable copy of the Free Crochet Certificate if you send me an email requesting it. Please put the words Free Crochet Certificate in the subject, so I won't overlook it. I wanted you to be able to click the pdf  from this blog but couldn't figure out how to do that. If anyone knows how and can help me I'd sure appreciate it!

Thanks for stopping by!

 Next 2 stops on the tour (March 6) are Edie Eckman  and  Shannon Mullett- Bowlsby. Don't forget to check and see what they have in store for you tomorrow! List of all designer tour stops for the month of March are here.

National Crochet Month Treasure Hunt 2011- Sponsored by Crochetville

National Crochet Month Treasure Hunt 2011

Win a Fabulous Crochet Gift Basket! Join the fun!

In honor of National Crochet Month 2011, Mary Jane Hall, owner of this blog, Positively Crochet!, is partnering with Crochetville and a number of indie designers, spinners, dyers, and hook and toolmakers for the Crochetville NatCroMo 2011 Treasure Hunt.

Crochet That Fits on Amazon

Each indie business has donated one or more special items for a super-special crochet gift basket that will be presented to one lucky winner by March 31. I (Mary Jane) have donated one of my books, Crochet That Fits, to be part of the gift basket the lucky participant will win.

The following contest logo has been hidden somewhere on each indie business's website: Hope you don't have too much trouble finding the logo on this blog! Good luck! Hope you win!

Contest participants will have to find the logo on each indie business's website. Entry forms may be submitted from March 8 through 11:59 PM CST March 25, 2011. Participating businesses will hide the logo on their site by March 8, so please don’t begin searching until the evening of March 8.

Click here to visit the Crochetville site for complete contest details and an entry form!

 List of Participating Businesses

Crochet Renee

Cute Crochet

Edgery Doo

Fibers By Tracie

Jelly Yarns

KRW Knitwear Designs

Poetry in Yarn

Positively Crochet

DesigningVashti

Book Signing at Michaels Arts and Crafts - Beavercreek, Ohio

Most of you probably aren't interested in older events, but I just want to add them here even if they were in the past. This event at Michael's Arts and Crafts was held in Nov. of 2007. It was called the "Yarn Event" and a book signing for me. This picture was taken before I lost some weight.

Fashion Shows Featuring my Designs

In November of 2007, I held my very first fashion show and it was one of the most exciting events in my designing career! The Greene County library ordered 7 copies of Positively Crochet! for their various libraries in the county, and Karl Colon (GCPL Director) asked me if I would hold an event there, advertising my books. Of course I was thrilled and I quickly had the idea of doing a fashion show. I knew I had plenty of willing models, ages 5 - 50, who had been in my crochet classes. Some are also hired by me to test my crochet designs before publication. Some of my contract crocheters participated also.

This was such a fun event! We had lots of door prizes, and refreshments. Several of the stores in town, such as Michael's Arts and Crafts, Busy Beaver Arts and Crafts,  JoAnn Fabrics, and Fiberworks were so kind and willing to donate yarn, books or notions for the prizes we gave away.  I also did book signings. It was wonderful to see all the people from the community come out to support me. There was standing room only in a room that holds a little over 100 people. The setting was perfect with a stage and plenty of room to mingle. People have been asking me when I'm going to have my next fashion show. I have planned to do that ever since Crochet That Fits (voted "Best Crochet Pattern Book of 2008") was released, but I've had to put those plans on hold, due to some circumstances in my life. I'm not giving up on the idea though, and will try to do the show later this year.

See photos and media coverage below of the event. I will be adding photos of the fashion show over the next few days and weeks, as well as a slide show of the event that you can view. Photos of the TNNA fashion show (San Diego, Ca) my "Little Black Dress" was in will come later, so keep coming back!

8 1/2" x 11" Flier 
for the event

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.