Book Signing - Fashion Show Nov 2007

Crochet Gathering -Dayton, Ohio 2010

Our local CGOA chapter hosted a very successful event, we called the "Crochet Gathering", in March 2010. They asked me, as well as Ellen Gormley of Cincinnati to be the guest speakers.

Ellen Gormley (left), me (Mary Jane) and Pam Frye (local CGOA president)

 I demonstrated my new method of crocheting fitted and flattering crochet garments without having to use increases or decreases. I call this the Graduated Stitch Method, and that's what my book, Crochet That Fits is all about. The book has been very popular and in fact, it was voted "Best Crochet Pattern Book of 2008". I know it won because of my new method and the fact that people who have crocheted for years but only made afghans and washcloths are now making pretty garments for themselves. 

My display in the center. In this photo are Melody Kelly, her mom, Zelda, Karen Blumberg, Yvonne and Pam Frye

Ellen Gormley showed a display of her beautiful crochet designs. She too, won an award as the "Best Home Decor Crochet Designer for 2008". Since then she has had her very first crochet book released, which is called "Go Crochet!" The book is colorful and full of beautiful new afghan designs. To order the book on Amazon, click on the cover of her book.

Book by Ellen Gormley

This event was held at the Bergamo Center in Beavercreek, Oh. (a suburb of Dayton) We had a fun time with door prizes, lunch, and other talks and demonstrations. We all went home with goody bags full of yarn, patterns, etc. We had planned to make this a yearly event, but we had to skip doing it in 2011, because of busy schedules. 

Renee Huffman modeling my "Lacy Tunic" in Crochet That Fits

The Bergamo Center is a beautiful place with beautiful peaceful rolling hills and trees. They specialize in healthy lunches which are very tasty.

Ellen and me, wearing the Long Lacy Skirt form Crochet That Fits

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.

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.