Au Naturel Cropped Top – Colorful Crochet Lace Book Review
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Au Naturel Cropped Top
FINISHED SIZES
- S/M (L, 1X, 2X, 3X). Sample shown is size S/M.
- Bust: 36 (42, 49, 55, 62)#. (91.5 [106.5, 124.5, 139.5, 157.5] cm).
- Length: 18½ (20, 21, 20, 21)” (47 [51, 53.5, 51, 53.5] cm).
YARN
- DK weight (#3 Light).
- Shown here: Juniper Moon Farm Zooey (60% cotton, 40 % linen; 284 yd [260 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): #08 all spice, 2 (3, 4, 4, 4) balls.
HOOK
- Size H/8 (5 mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
NOTIONS
- Yarn needle.
GAUGE
- 1 patt rep (12 sts on Row 1) = 3¼” (8.5 cm); 5 rows = 3″(7.5 cm).
NOTES
- Top is worked in 2 pieces with seams at the sides and shoulders.
- Beg ch is at the lower edge.
- If you prefer a looser top, use a size larger hook. Top is meant to be loose, but if you want a more fitted top, you should consider making a smaller size—see actual measurements.
- Even though this is a DK- weight yarn, there will be times it is more like a fingering yarn— thick and thin. Just make sure you don’t work your sts too tight when the thin part comes up. Keep your sts even.
- Washing or wetting linen yarn makes it much softer.
STITCH GUIDE
- Shell: (Dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in same st.
Back
Front
Shape Neck and Right Shoulder
Shape Neck and Left Shoulder
Row 4: Work same as Row 2 of right shoulder.
Finishing
Bottom Edging
Neck Edging
Armhole Edging
Book Review: Colorful Crochet Lace: 22 Chic Garments & Accessories
The next page outlines any special notes you need to know to make the project, the Stitch Guide for special stitches used in the design; followed by the Pattern itself. The pattern is available in a written format using U.S. Terms. You also receive the Stitch Pattern Diagrams and a Stitch Key for a reduced sample of the pattern and the edging.
Throughout the written pattern, you will find Tips where they are needed. These tips can be found quickly by scanning for italicized fonts within the instructions.
Each project also provides a schematic of the design with the applicable size measurements in inches and centimetres.
Colorful Crochet Lace includes 22 feminine garments and accessories. Most garments are available in sizes S-2X. Some of the designs are also available in XS and 3X. I love how many sizes are included.
The Graduated Stitch Method (GSM) – is Mary Jane Hall’s signature stitch method to create shaped crochet garments without using increases and/or decreases. This process is explained in detail on page 152. The Abbreviations, Stitch Glossary, Sources for Yarn, Acknowledgements Section and Index finish off this book. In total Colorful Crochet Lace is 160 pages in length.
Included in this publication are the following designs:
- Isabelle Sleeveless Tunic
- Monique Hooded Jacket
- Juliette Scarf
- Tres Chic Neck Warmer
- Tunique Unique Pullover
- Le Chocolat Skirt
- La Vie en Rose Rectangular Shawl
- Au Naturel Cropped Top
- Haute Couture Peplum Top
- Amelie Triangular Shawl (Child Size) (free pattern available)
- Michelle Ma Belle Shrug
- Brigette Wide Belt
- Cafe au Lait T-shirt
- Daytime in Paris Shoulder Bag (includes instructions on how to line your bag)
- Ooh La La Flared Dress
- Ma Cherie Scarf
- Dominique Dress Overlay
- Boutique Bolero
- Walk in the Park Capelet
- Magnifique Modular Tunic (includes modifications for 4 variations on the original design)
- Parisian Gardens Circular Shawl
- La Fleur Doily Bag (includes instructions on how to line your bag)
I was given the opportunity to ask Mary Jane Hall some interview questions. I would like to thank her for taking the time to answer my questions!
My Interview with Mary Jane Hall
1. What design are you most proud of in Colorful Crochet Lace?
I am most proud of the Haute Couture Peplum Top that’s on the front cover. It’s one of my favorite colors and I love feminine peplums, and fitted shapes. The top part is worked with my signature Graduated Stitch Method of making shaped garments and accessories without having to use increases or decreases, which is easy enough for a beginner. I like all the projects but my other favorites are the Tunique Unique Pullover, Parisian Gardens Circular Shawl, La Fleur Doily Bag, Ooh La La Flared Dress, Au Natural Cropped Top, Isabelle Sleeveless Tunic, Tres Chic Neck Warmer and the Juliet Scarf.
2. What was the first project you ever designed?
My first design was a poncho in 2004, which ended up in a Kooler Design Studio / Leisure Arts booklet. I had designed several ponchos and capelets, trying to come up with some updated patterns for my friends I was teaching to crochet and the first time I ever submitted a design to anyone Donna Kooler called me from Ca. and said, “We not only want to do 1 booklet of your designs but we want to do 2 booklets of your designs!” Of course I was ecstatic! They paid to have my 14 designs (7 in each booklet), overnighted to them so they could be published in June of that year.
3. What was the most challenging crochet project you ever designed?
I would say it was probably the Daisy Peplum little girls top that was in the winter 2013 issue of Interweave Crochet magazine. I submitted that proposal as an adult Peplum top and had the pattern all written out ahead of time. The editor said they wanted that design but wanted to know if I’d be willing to do it in a little girls’ size. I said “Sure”, but I was a little freaked out having to convert my pattern to fit a 10 year old girl. My mannequin is a women’s size small and I fit everything I make to my daughter and daughter in law, who are both a size small. It took a lot of time and patience, and with the help of yarn standard measurements, I got it done. Even though it came out beautiful, it wasn’t fun doing that. We follow yarn standards but I like to have an actual body to try it on as I’m working on it. The top was a perfect fit though.
4. What would we find in your crochet tool-kit?
You would find stitch markers, yarn needle, measuring tape, magnifying glass, 71 hooks of all sizes, scissors, fabric glue (for weaving in ends), blocking table, yarn swift, needle and thread, my floor lamp Opti light, and my collection of 28 stitch pattern books, which includes edgings and motifs! I keep lots of hooks on hand in case I lose one I’m using for a design that’s due and I give hooks away to people I teach. I have wood, aluminum, steel, plastic, lucite, ivory and lighted hooks, but use my Bates aluminum ones the most.
5. What type of crochet hook do you prefer to work with?
Most definitely I prefer Susan Bates hooks over any others. I have small hands and the thumb rest on this hook fits best. I use the pencil hold and my yarn doesn’t get caught with this hook.
6. What is your favourite type of yarn to work with?
I love working with smaller yarns such as fingering, sport wt and dk in fibers such as bamboo, silks, cotton or blends of these. I love yarns that are smooth in my hands as well as ones that make crochet garments soft and drapable. I have never liked any kind of yarn that has fuzz but many wools of today are nice though and not too itchy or fuzzy.
7. Where do you sit when you crochet?
I like sitting someplace that is comfortable such as a couch, a lounge chair or sitting on my bed with pillows behind me and my legs propped up.
8. What do you take inspiration from when you are designing?
Since I specialize in trendy crochet garment’s and accessories, I follow fashion blogs, runway shows and trends. I also have subscriptions to 8 fashion magazines, but I do some classic designs as well. I try to work with color trends, which means sometimes I use colors I’m not crazy about as well as my favorite colors, which are plums, greens, purples, blues, etc.
9. How did you learn to design garments?
I learned to sew when I was 12 so I’ve always had a good sense of how fabric is shaped onto the body, and I was making handmade Barbie clothes for my little sister without a pattern back then. I’ve been crocheting a long time, but just had a desire about 10 years ago to start making my own patterns. My first submissions were accepted and I had 57 designs accepted my first year of designing, so that’s why I kept it up.
10. What tools and/or resources would you recommend to a Crocheter who wished to learn how to design garments?
The first thing I would recommend is that she learns how to read patterns, then she should learn how to write them herself in the proper crochet language. To gain experience in learning how to read patterns and important to designing would be to buy some stitch pattern books. This is a great way she can learn several different stitches by doing a small swatch of any particular pattern stitch. There are many stitch pattern books out there and my favorite is the Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs by Linda Schapper. A potential designer can start out by making modular garments which are basic squares and rectangles that don’t require increases or decreases. Garments with those shapes (big wide sleeves, etc) are super popular in fashion this year!
11. What advice would you give to other Designers who are interested in publishing their own original designs with a publishing company?
I have blogged about this several times on my Positively Crochet! Blog and have mentored 3 people who had their first designs published within their first year of designing. I also have given local talks on “How to Get Your Designs Published”, if anyone is interested they can read my posts there on this. I will be adding more.
All images and excerpts are used with permission from Interweave, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
Photography © 2015 Joe Hancock.
You can purchase this book online from the following sources:
- AbeBooks
- Thriftbooks
- Better World Books
- Amazon
- Colorful Crochet Lace Book on Amazon
- Colorful Crochet Lace on Ebay
- Colorful Crochet Lace on Ebay (3 available)
Socials
Immerse yourself in the magical world of crochet lace with ‘Colorful Crochet Lace’. This must-have book not only offers stunning designs but brings to life the elegance of lace through its sophisticated typography and graphics. Each page mirrors the intricate lace patterns, creating a captivating reading experience. The cherry on top? A delightful pattern excerpt for the ‘Au Naturel Cropped Top’, is available in book review. Grab your crochet hooks and prepare for a mesmerizing journey.
Discover the Splendor of Colorful Crochet Lace. From intricate designs to stunning graphics, it’s a visual treat for all crocheters. And guess what? You get a free pattern for the ‘Au Naturel Cropped Top’ too! 💕 Sizes S/M, L, 1X, 2X, and 3X available. Dive right into it! 📖
Happy crocheting!
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Au Naturel Cropped Top is gorgeous. I’d love to make this.