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Monday, March 30, 2015

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

85 comments:

  1. I can't wait to try your sock pattern, MaryJane! I started making up my own pattern a few months ago, but when Life interfered, I stuck them on that proverbial back burner! So, I guess I was meant to make YOURS instead! Plus, now I have an excuse to purchase that gorgeous Panda Silk yarn--as soon as that next SS check arrives! THANKS SO MUCH!!

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    1. You're welcome Kathy! I just feel bad that I cant post the pattern yet. I haven't closed my eyes in 2 days, and just have to stop and take a nap before I finish up the tutorial for the sock pattern. So sorry!

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  2. Hoping to win a copy of your book! :)

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  3. I can't wait to try the sock pattern. A sock shaped with no increases or decreases has me intrigued. And I'd love a copy of the book. I love working with lace! Thanks so much!

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  4. I would love to win a copy of your book. You have such an elegant style. catisi@aol.com

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  5. I love it Mary Jane cannot wait to see your whole book! Please enter me!

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  6. Your designs are beautiful! I am adding your book to my wish list as just the top on the front is amazing! I am elmerkitty on Ravelry and am looking forward to following you. So glad I found you through the blog tour.

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  7. I have always been intimated by full sized garments. But your designs encourage me to go for it! They are all so pretty! Thanks for this opportunity. a_veeagain@yahoo.com

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  8. Thanks for the free sock pattern! And your new book looks amazing!! Can't wait for it to be released!
    i_love_books at aol dot com

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  9. I love your designs! Your book, "Crochet That Fits", was one of the first books I purchased when I was getting back into crochet. I made an adorable red sweater dress for my daughter from the book. Great interview on Crochetville!

    Ravelry ID: HerterDesigns

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    1. Did you post your daughters dress on Ravelry? Seems like I remember a girl with a red dress! Thank you!

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  10. I can't wait to see your new sock pattern! Thank you!

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  11. Looking forward to trying the sock pattern. Thanks for your generosity. Beautiful designs!
    Ravelry ID: greyhoundgrandma

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    1. Thank you Mona! I didn't get the sock pattern finished today, but should be finished by tomorrow. All I have left to do are the pictures for the tutorial.

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  12. Love the hat patterns. bapatrick0512@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you Beth ann. I've enjoyed designing hats but haven'the done one for a while.

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  13. Hoping to win a copy of your book. What I've seen so far is amazing!
    Ravelry ID: dsmcg

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  14. love the looks of the sock pattern, can hardly wait to try it. Having 5 grand kids to make socks for, I'm always look for a different pattern to try

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  15. I have always wanted to try to make my own socks but I am not a knitter and most of the crocheted socks I have seen are bulky and don't fit. Yours seems to flow over the foot! Thank you for offering it to us--very much appreciated! I would also like to be entered in the chance to win a copy of your new book--I love your designs ! gscanne@windstream.net

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  16. Like many here I have never crocheted socks although I knit them, it would be fabulous to win your gorgeous book and have it delived to me all the way to the UK. xx

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  17. I can't wait to try your sock pattern. Thank you. And your book sounds wonderful. I am HulaSumi on Ravelry.

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  18. Your book sounds amazing!! I recently started a lace shaw and I really like working with the lace pattern. I am looking to try more. I am eagerly awaiting the sock pattern. From the picture, it looks like something I want to wear or gift! My Raverly name is Cavegeko.

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    1. I should have the sock pattern up by tomorrow! I'm so sorry for the delay, but I want it to be perfect. The math (grading the sizes) is the part I don't enjoy, so it takes me longer than some people on the math. Plus I watched my 3 you old grade don't for 5 1/2 hours today!

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  19. I would love to receive a copy of your book. I have always loved crochet lace. I have crocheted lace to go on the hem line of a dress and I have also crocheted a five inch lace to go around the bottom of a 3/4 sleeve dress. Crochet lace is so very feminine and delicate. My name is Vanessa Smith and my email is frankbutchsmith@gmail.com

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  20. Thank you SO much everyone! I appreciate so much your kind, thoughtful words and support! You don't know how much you all mean to me. This is what keeps me going and drives me to create easy but stylish patterns!
    I'm sorry that I haven't been able to post the sock pattern yet. I was up all night and am a zombie right now! I just have to stop and take a nap, before I finish it. I should be finished by some time tomorrow though, so please come back. I just want to be thorough with the tutorial and explanations. Thank you, thank you, thank you to you all!

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  21. Anne Westbrook Mursin
    raverly: quotku
    stairwayheaven11@gmail.com
    Thanks!!!!

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  22. I'm very interested in your noon book, please enter me. Thanks!

    sarah (dot) m (dot) lawson (at) gmail (dot) com

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  23. I'm looking forward for the sock pattern, I've never tried making socks but I'm diffently going t try these, thank you, Heather Davis

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    1. Heather, guess what? I had never designed a sock pattern before! And I had made only 1 sock previously when I was helping to promote Karen Wooleys Sock book. I wanted to make at least one sock so I could give a good review. I never even made the 2nd sock but hope to someday. I hope you will like my pattern!

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  24. I hope you get some good sleep - we'll wait for the sock pattern (maybe not patiently, but what choice do we have LOL)! (asimplehomestd on Rav)

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    1. Thank you for being patient Carmen! I did get some sleep but had a bunch of other things I had to take care of today. I didn't even get a chance to work on typing up the pattern until my daughter brought my 3 yr old grandson over here for me to babysit tonight. I worked on it some while he was playing with his Ninja Turtles. I would stay up tonight and finish working on the pictures for the tutorial, but decided to go to bed and get up early so I can finish it tomorrow!

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  25. Can't wait to try the sock pattern! Would love to have your book! It is beautiful and I love anything with lace!!! Thank you! My ravelry ID is debbiethurmond

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    1. Thank you Debbie! I'm glad you like lace And hope you'll like my designs. I'm just itching to show them to everyone.

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    2. Thank you Debbie! I'm glad you like lace And hope you'll like my designs. I'm just itching to show them to everyone.

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  26. I have some beautiful yarn and thread waiting for pretty designs. Stitchytxmom on ravelry.

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  27. 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.

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  28. I am on Facebook as RevMarcia Urban. Love your designs.

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  29. I would love to have a copy of Colorful Crochet Lace to add to my crochet library along with your other books that I already own.

    Marsha (MarshaLa on Ravelry)

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    1. Awh! Thank you for supporting me Marsha! I just got an email from the publisher saying that I need to promote the pre orders, because the # of pre orders determines how well a book will do, therefor it has more advantages - maybe for a book club, bigger orders from shops and stores and so much more.

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  30. Thank you for remembering that some of us are still beginners. I've been wanting to try making socks, but found it intimidating, Thank you for sharing.

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    1. I'm always excited to make patterns for beginners! And I have a passion for making crochet easier. I think some of my patterns look difficult, but are not. Mout are so easy!

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  32. I'm on Facebook as Susan Le Geyt. Thank you for remembering that some of us are beginners. I've been wanting to try making a pair of socks, & now I can! Thank you for sharing!!

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  33. I can totally relate to the zombie feeling. I was up until 7ish this morning trying to finish a crochet project as well. ;)
    Amanda Jowers
    Email: jowersamanda@aol.com
    facebook: Amanda Musgrave Jowers
    Ravelry: jowersamanda

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    1. Amanda, I LOVE to crochet and think of new designs but the stress of working on a book is horrible sometimes. When you have a family and so many other responsibilities, it's hard. If I didn't have anything else todo, I'd do ar least 1 book a year!

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  34. I can totally relate to the zombie feeling. I was up until 7ish this morning trying to finish a crochet project as well. ;)
    Amanda Jowers
    Email: jowersamanda@aol.com
    facebook: Amanda Musgrave Jowers
    Ravelry: jowersamanda

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  35. need another book in my library
    email patti.panuccio@gmail.com

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  36. Your book looks so interesting and like something I would love to pour over! My Ravelry username is RubraBaronissa.

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    1. Shelfreadinglife, I love what we did as a theme for the book. I told my editor that I knew it wasn't possible to go to Paris for the photo shoot, but asked them if they could do some shots at a sidewalk cafe, coffee shop and out doors. They did just that! We decided to have a French theme and all the projects have French girl names or familiar quotes in french. I'm so excited about that! It was fun coming up with names!

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  37. Beautiful designs & I really LOVE your blog! :)

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    1. Thank you so much Olivia! When I started my blog my goal was to post everyday, but when I started the book, my blog really suffered. I'm trying to get caught up again!

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  38. I've tried many methods of sock construction (with limited success), but haven't done any like yours ... yet. I look forward to trying that pattern. I'll add your upcoming book to my (long) reading list as well: I love crochet lace!
    Rav: SweetSakura

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    1. Cherry, after making the sock in one piece I found another sock pattern that was 1 piece. It's a Turkish pattern. That looks easy too. The only thing is that it has increases and decreases. I'm glad you like crochet lace!

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  39. Laura Biondi
    allora619@hotmail.com
    I hope I win! Though I do already have this book on pre-order in case I don't. :) And I can't wait to try your socks pattern!

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    1. Laura, thank you so much for the pre order! I got an email from the publisher (Interweave) today saying pretty orders are very important to how successful a book is.

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  40. Waiting (im)patiently for the sock pattern! And winning this book would be amazing....princess_peach@quickclic.net

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    1. Thank you for being patient AnneKatrina! I'm trying to be thorough so it's taking me longer than I thought it would.

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  41. I love your designs. Crochet That Fits is one of my favorite book. www.facebook.com/divasfashionablecrochet

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    1. Thank you for the support and encouragement, Rhonda!

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  42. Your work is beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win your book! Carly Orris Orris810@gmail.com

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    1. You're welcome Carly! Tha know you all for buying my books!

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  43. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of your book. Can't wait to see your sock pattern, this is something I've been wanting to try but haven't been brave enough to tackle yet. Nora Helma, njh2729@comcast.net

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    1. Nora, I'm anxious to see what everyone thinks of the sock pattern!

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  44. Love your books and patterns, will be ordering a copy of your latest. email s.cowan4738@hotmail.com

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  45. So excited for this new book!! My email is thesongthesoul @ gmail.com

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  46. Wishing you great success with your book! Lace is my first love in crochet, yay!

    marierar ATsymbol yahoo dot com

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  47. MaryJane, what is your opinion on the CGOA? I was a member in the past, but couldn't afford the "dues"--is it really worth joining again? Thanks, Kathy

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    1. I think it's worth it Kathy! Especially if someone wants to get into designing. You get newsletter every month, and discounts.

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  48. I think the earlier post disappears! Just wanted to comment about how lovely your patterns are and how your favored yarns are also what I like to work in.
    Would love to win the book! 😊

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  49. Hi Mary Jane hope your are well and got some much need rest.
    Just want to say that I love your designs. Can't wait for the sock pattern, I have never done socks. I am excited about your new book.
    my email is -- myhec2@hotmail.com

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  50. MrsWilson, ýou said you like the delicateness of the sock pattern. I have an optional lace edging on the top part of the sock, in case some like lace.I think it's pretty!

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  51. Hi! I love your blog and designs! :) Your technique is really amazing! I didn't know that you could shape clothing without increases or decreases.
    email: craftywithyarn@gmail.com

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  52. I love making socks - and yes, I prefer crocheted ones to knitted ones. :) (They just seem to hug my foot better!) I'm looking forward to trying your pattern when it's ready - intrigued by your 'graduated stitches' technique for shaping.

    Thanks!
    http://www.ravelry.com/people/playingwithfiber

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  53. In case anyone is reading the comments here on my blog, I am finished with the sock pattern! I just posted it today.

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    1. I have been checking back each day, but I don't see any link for the sock pattern. I would really love to try it. Thanks!

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    2. I just found the link. I guess I'm a little slow. :)

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    3. Glad you found the pattern Edith! Let me know what you thunk!

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    4. Glad you found the pattern Edith! Let me know what you thunk!

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