Sari Silk Bolero in Positively Crochet!

Sari Silk Bolero, in my book, Positively Crochet!

 This colorful bolero is crocheted into 2 circles, (left and front) and a seam is sewn in the back, which leaves a "V" at the bottom back. Even though Sari Silk yarn may be difficult to work with, due to the inconsistiencies of the yarn, I absolutely love the vibrant colors and the work and time you put into it is well worth it! Sometimes you may even have to hold up your work to the light to see the stitches, but I just love the outcome. See my Sari Silk Purse and belt also. I ordered this gorgeous yarn on eBay, but you can buy it other places too.

Back of Bolero

Sari Silk Bolero in the book

You can see many more of my designs on Ravelry. (link to my page)

Cropped Crochet Sweater - Free Pattern

This crochet Bolero Jacket is now being offered as a FREE pattern HERE!

Crochet Bolero Jacket by Mary Jane Hall - FREE Pattern!

Even though this booklet, Top it Off by Annies Attic, was publushed several years ago, it is still being sold in some stores. I've also seen it for sale on eBay for around $2.00. There are 13 projects for you to choose from. I see it at JoAnns Fabric and Crafts all the time. If you want the free pattern for this sweater-like shrug go to the link HERE.
I was fortunate to have 2 of my designs pictured on the front cover of the book! This is always exciting as a designer and it never gets old. I'm expecially pleased because I was a fairly new designer at the time and they chose 2 of my designs over those of several other known designers that have designs in the same book. There are mostly ponchos, shrugs, capelets and wraps.

Top it Off Crochet Book with 2 of my designs on the front cover

Other crochet designers who have a design in this book are:

1. Mary Jane Hall

2. Melissa Leapman

3. Kathleen Sams

4. Bendy Carter

5. Elizabeth Ann White

6. Joyce Nordstrom

7. Emma L. Hauck

8. Judi Kauffman

9. Maria Cook

10. Shelle Cain

11. Susan Shildmeyer

For more info on this sweater  see it here on Ravelry.

Cropped Crochet Sweater - by Mary Jane Hall - FREE Pattern

Boutique Bolero in Colorful Crochet Lace

Boutique Bolero - design I am featuring today from my new book, Colorful Crochet Lace. Flattering on every body shape and size, the pattern is written for sizes xs - 2× with a choice of making shorter sleeves. The yarn I chose is Be Sweet Bamboo sport weight, which is one of my favorite yarns that drapes really well. It's so soft and has a beautiful sheen! The bolero fits in w/ today's styles being longer in the back. I love the stitch pattern, and my little dangling Bobbles make it interesting. Of course they are optional. Easy pattern!

Boutique Bolero by Mary Jane Hall in Colorful Crochet Lace

 If you're interested, you can read more about the book on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Colorful-Crochet-Lace-Garments-Accessories/dp/1620336987/ref=zg_bsnr_5132_3

Angel Hair Bolero

Angel Hair Bolero in Positively Crochet!

The Angel Hair Bolero was published in Positively Crochet! and I gave it that name because the yarn I used is the softest my hands have ever worked with. This is a yarn by Sensations, which is found at JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts. It comes in beautiful colors, and is still available.

This is an intermediate project and the pattern instructions are for sizes xsm to 2x. I just love this color. Even though the yarn has a texture, the stitches are easy to see because of the mesh stitch pattern and hook size.

By the way, if you have Positively Crochet! you may have noticed the fabulous pictures. I'm proud to say that a world famous photographer (Dave Wacker of Photography by JD) took the pictures for this book!

Aminta Moses

 He is known all over the world and if fact he travels to other countries to do workshops on photography. Take a look at the pictures and poses a little closer, especially if you are an aspiring photographer.  To see this Bolero on Ravelry, go here and you'll find projects by other crocheters.

If you don't like putting in "set in" sleeves, you'll like this pattern because the sleeves are worked right onto the armhole opening.

The book you'll find this pattern in, Positively Crochet! is in the right column. Just click on it to be directed to Amazon where you can purchase it for around $15, which is a great buy. You'll get 50 patterns for trendy crochet garments and accessories! Can't beat that!