• Home
  • Crochet Patterns
  • Crochet Tutorials
  • Crochet Books
  • Collaborate

Oombawka Design Crochet

Free Crochet Patterns and Tutorials

Browse hundreds of free crochet patterns.
Subscribe to the Oombawka Design Newsletter!
  • Start Here
  • Crochet Patterns
  • Crochet Tutorials
  • Crochet Books
  • Work with me
You are here: Home / Reviews / Book Review / Colorful Crochet Lace | Review and Interview

Colorful Crochet Lace | Review and Interview

Hundreds of Free Crochet Patterns and Crochet Tutorials - Learn to Crochet with Oombawka Design Crochet
599 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print

Book Review No Affiliate LinksColorful Crochet Lace | Review @OombawkaDesign

Colorful Crochet Lace: 22 Chic Garments & Accessories
By Mary Jane Hall
Interweave/F+W; $24.99
http://bit.ly/1JmdUp8

Colorful Crochet Lace: 22 Chic Garments & Accessories

“I don’t know about you,” asks Mary Jane, “but lace appeals to my feminine side as well as reminding me of old-fashioned things like antique furniture, our great-grandparents, romance, and eras gone by of a slower life. Crocheted lace makes me feel connected in a wonderful way with my ancestors, and I love the nostalgic feeling that goes along with it.”

This is a beautiful book – filled with stunning designs, beautiful graphics and pretty fonts. The way the book has been put together mimics the designs in the book and is both feminine and chic – you will find swirly title fonts and pretty overlays – Colorful Crochet Lace is lovely to browse through.

The pattern instructions are presented in a clean and easy to read font.

Each project is presented in a similar format beginning with a full page photograph of the design being modelled. Following this is the Project Title Page detailing the Finished Sizes, Yarn Type Recommended (and specific yarn used), any Hooks and Notions you will need, the Gauge measurement you must reach and a description of the design.

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)
  • 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)
Tres Chic Neck Warmer Colorful Crochet Lace | Review @OombawkaDesign
Tres Chic Neckwarmer
Parisian Gardens Circular Shawl | Colorful Crochet Lace | Review @OombawkaDesign
Parisian Gardens Circular Shawl
La Fleur Doily Bag | Colorful Crochet Lace | Review @OombawkaDesign
La Fleur Doily Bag

Dominique Dress | Colorful Crochet Lace | Review @OombawkaDesign
Dominique Dress Overlay
Boutique Bolero | Colorful Crochet Lace | Review @OombawkaDesign
Boutique Bolero

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.

Added Bonus Content!!

As an added bonus, Interweave has generously given me a snippet from Colorful Crochet Lace to share on my website!  Here is the gorgeous pattern I requested for you to enjoy:

Au Naturel Cropped Top Click Here for the Colorful Crochet Lace – Au Naturel Cropped Top PDF

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).
The natural color of this simple lace top worked in a cotton/linen blend yarn goes with just about anything. It will look especially good with jeans or shorts to fit into today’s styles, but would look equally stylish with a skirt for a day or evening look. The edging finishes it off and makes it extra special.

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

Loosely ch 68 (80, 92, 104, 116).

Row 1: (RS) Sc in 2nd ch and in each ch across, turn—67 (79, 91, 103, 115, 127).

Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), 3 dc in same st, skip next 5 sc, 4 dc in next sc, *ch 3, skip next 2 sc, sc in next sc, ch 3, skip next 2 sc, 4 dc in next sc, skip next 5 sc, 4 dc in next sc; rep from * across, turn—48 (56, 64, 72, 80) dc, 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) ch-3 sps.

Row 3: Ch 3, 3 dc in first dc, skip next 6 dc, 4 dc in next dc, *ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, 4 dc in next dc, skip 6 dc, 4 dc in next dc; rep from *, ending with 4 dc in top of ch-3 tch, turn—48 (56, 64, 72, 80) dc, 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) ch-3 sps.

Row 4: Ch 6 (counts as dc, ch 3 here and throughout), skip first 4 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, *4 dc in next dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sps, 4 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3; rep from * across,

Row 5: Ch 6, skip next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, *4 dc in next dc, skip next 6 dc, 4 dc in next dc, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, ch 3 skip next ch-3 sp; rep from * across, ending with dc in 3rd ch of ch-6 tch, turn—40 (48, 56, 64, 72) dc, 12 (14, 16, 18, 20) ch-3 sps.

Row 6: Ch 3, 3 dc in first dc, skip next 2 ch-3sps, 4 dc in next dc, *ch 3, skip next 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, 4 dc in next dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sps**, 4 dc in next dc; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, with 4 dc in 3rd ch of beg ch-6, turn—48 (56, 64, 72, 80) dc, 10 (12, 14, 16, 18) ch-3 sps.

Rows 7–31 (33, 35, 33, 35): Rep rows 3–6 (5 [6, 6, 6, 6] times); work evenly in pattern for 1 (3, 1, 3, 1) more rows, ending with Row 3 (5, 3, 5, 3) of patt. Pull up last lp on hook and set Back aside. Do not fasten off.

See the PDF (the link is under the image directly above the pattern) for the Stitch Key and Reduced Sample of Pattern

Front

Work same as back through Row 23 (25, 27, 25, 27). Front should measure 13 (14½, 15½, 14½, 15½)” (33 [37, 39.5, 37, 39.5] cm) from beginning. Pull up last lp on hook and set front aside. Do not fasten off.

Shape Neck and Right Shoulder

With WS of work facing, PM in center sc of last row worked. Counting outward from this sc (at marker), PM at 11th st to each side of center marker.

Sizes S, L, and 2X only

Row 1: Pick up dropped lp on Front, ch 6, skip first 4 dc, sc in next dc, *ch 3, skip next 2 dc, 4 dc in next dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sps, 4 dc in next dc**, ch 3, skip next 3 dc, sc in next dc, rep from * 0 (1, 2) times; rep from * to ** once, working last dc in first marked st, turn—16 (24, 32) dc; 4 (6, 8) ch-3 sps. Row 2: Ch 3, 3 dc in first dc, skip next 6 dc, 4 dc in next dc, *ch 3, sc in next sc, ch 3**, 4 dc in next dc, skip next 6 dc, 4 dc in next dc; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, skip next 3 ch, dc in next ch, turn—16 (24, 32) dc; 4 (6, 8) ch-3 sps.

Row 3: Ch 3, 3 dc in first dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sps, 4 dc in next dc, *ch 3, skip next 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc**, 4 dc in next dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sps, 4 dc in next dc, rep from * 0 (1, 2) times; rep from * to ** once, dc in top of ch-3 tch, turn—16 (24, 32) dc; 4 (6, 8) ch-3 sps.

Row 4: Ch 6, skip next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, *ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, 4 dc in next dc, skip next 6 dc, 4 dc in next dc**, ch 3, skip next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, rep from * 0 (1, 2) times; rep from * to ** once, working last 4 dc in top of ch-3 tch, turn—16 (24, 32) dc; 4 (6, 8) ch-3 sps.

Rows 5–8: Rep Rows 1–4 once. Fasten off.

Shape Neck and Left Shoulder

Row 1: With WS facing, skip 11 sts to the left of last st of right shoulder, join yarn in next marked st, ch 3, 3 dc in first dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sps, 4 dc in next dc, *ch 3, skip next 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc**, 4 dc in next dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sps, 4 dc in next dc, rep from * 0 (1, 2) times; rep from * to ** once, dc in top of ch-3 tch, turn—16 (24, 32) dc; 4 (6, 8) ch-3 sps.

Row 2: Work same as Row 4 of right shoulder.

Row 3: Work same as Row 1 of right shoulder.

Row 4: Work same as Row 2 of right shoulder.

Rows 5–8: Rep Rows 1–4 once. Fasten off.

For Medium, 1X, and 3X only

Row 1: Pick up dropped lp on Front, ch 3, 3 dc in first dc, skip next 2 ch-3sps, 4 dc in next dc, *ch 3, skip next 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, 4 dc in next dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sp**, 4 dc in next dc; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 4 dc in 3rd ch of ch-6 tch, turn—24 (32) dc; 4 (6) ch-3 sps.

Rows 2–8: Starting with Row 3 of patt, work evenly in patt. Fasten off.

Shape Neck and Left Shoulder

Row 1: With WS facing, skip 11 sts to the left of last st of right shoulder, join yarn in next marked st, ch 3, 3 dc in first dc, skip next 2 ch-3sps, 4 dc in next dc, *ch 3, skip next 3 dc, sc in next dc, ch 3, skip next 2 dc, 4 dc in next dc, skip next 2 ch-3 sp**, 4 dc in next dc; rep from * across, ending last rep at **, 4 dc in 3rd ch of ch-6 tch, turn—24 (32) dc; 4 (6) ch-3 sps.

Finishing

Sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams, leaving 6 (6½, 7, 7½, 8)” (15 [16.5, 18, 19, 20.5] cm) armhole openings.

Bottom Edging

Rnd 1: With WS facing, working across opposite side of foundation ch, join yarn with sl st in first ch to the left of one side seam (this will be at the base of the first 3-dc group), ch 1, sc in same ch, ch 3, skip next 2 ch, ** *shell in next ch, ch 4, skip next 4 chs, sc in next ch, ch 3, skip next ch, sc in next ch, ch 4, skip next 4 chs, rep from * across to within 8 ch sts of next side seam, skip next 4
chs, shell in next ch, ch 3, skip next 2 chs, sc in next ch (at base of last 4-dc group), ch 3, skip seam**, sc in next ch; rep from ** to ** once, join with sl st in first sc, turn.

Rnd 2: (RS) Sl st in first ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp, *ch 1, [sc in next dc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-1 sp] twice, sc in next dc, ch 1, sc in next ch-4 sp, ch 3**, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in next ch-4 sp; rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

Neck Edging

With RS facing, join yarn in left shoulder seam of front, ch 1, sc in same sp, sc evenly across left neck edge to corner, keeping work flat, *sc in next dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) bet next 2 dc, skip next dc, sc in next dc, sc in sp before next dc, sc in next dc, (sc, ch 2, sc) in sp before next dc, skip next dc, sc in next dc*, 2 sc in each of next 2 ch-3 sps; rep from * to * once, sc evenly across right neck edge to shoulder seam, sc evenly across back neck edge, keeping work flat, join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

Armhole Edging

Rnd 1: With RS facing, join yarn with sl st at underarm seam, ch 1, sc in same sp, sc evenly around armhole working 42 (49, 55, 61, 67) sc, join with sl st in first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sl st in each of first 6 sc, *ch 3, skip next 2 sc, shell in next sc, ch 3, skip next 2 sc, sc in next sc, rep from * 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) times, sl st in each of next 6 sc, sl st in first sl st. Fasten off.

Rnd 3: With RS facing, join yarn to 2nd ch of first ch-3 at beg of last rnd, *[sc in next dc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-1 sp] twice, sc in next dc, sc in next ch-3 sp, sc in next sc, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * 4 (5, 6, 7, 8) times, sl st in 2nd ch of last ch-3 sp. Fasten off. Weave in ends. Block to correct size if needed.

See PDF (link under the photo at the beginning of the pattern) for the schematic drawing and measurements.

Colorful Crochet Lace | Review @OombawkaDesign

 

About the Author

Mary Jane Hall is a crochet designer and best-selling author of Positively Crochet! and Crochet That Fits, which was voted “Best Crochet Pattern Book of 2008!” by Crochet Liberation Front.

She is a mentor with the CGOA and speaks at various crochet gatherings and fashion shows.

Mary Jane has designed for popular magazines including Interweave Crochet, Vogue Knitting Crochet, and Fifth Avenue Magazine and has appeared on the TV show Knit & Crochet Now.

 

 

All images and excerpts are used with permission from Interweave, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
Photography © 2015 Joe Hancock. For more information about Interweave, visit their website, Facebook or Twitter!

599 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print

While you’re here, you may also enjoy these Free Pattern Friday Crochet Roundups, Free Crochet Patterns and Crochet Tutorials!

You can find me on your favorite social media sites too! Visit me on Instagram, YouTube,  Pinterest and Facebook. Or, subscribe to my free newsletter to receive my crochet patterns and post highlights straight to your inbox each week.

59 Comments | Date: 12/07/2015  | By: Rhondda

Print Friendly and PDF
Previous post
Next post

Lovely comments

  1. Rhondda says

    16/08/2015 at 3:04 AM

    Thank you for reading my review of Colorful Crochet Lace! Have fun trying the pineapple stitch 🙂

  2. Rhondda says

    16/08/2015 at 2:57 AM

    Thank you for reading my review of Colorful Crochet Lace!

  3. Rhondda says

    16/08/2015 at 2:44 AM

    I’m happy you liked the review of Colorful Crochet Lace and the pattern excerpt I selected 🙂 Have fun with the Au Naturel Cropped Top pattern!

  4. Rhondda says

    16/08/2015 at 1:16 AM

    I’m very happy you enjoyed reading my review of Colorful Crochet Lace and interview!

  5. Rhondda says

    16/08/2015 at 12:19 AM

    Crochet Guild of America: https://www.crochet.org/

  6. Rhondda says

    15/08/2015 at 11:06 PM

    Hi Charlene, I enjoyed interviewing her too 🙂 I’m happy you like the pattern I chose for the excerpt! Have fun crocheting, Rhondda

  7. Rhondda says

    15/08/2015 at 10:56 PM

    Hi Courtney, You are very welcome! I’m happy you liked the features and information I shared from the designs in Colorful Crochet Lace. I love interviews with the Designers too – it really gives you a more human perspective on them – not just as a Designer 🙂 I hope you enjoyed the full pattern excerpt I was able to share from the book! All the best, Rhondda

  8. Courtney says

    09/08/2015 at 11:35 AM

    Great review! I wasn’t sure about getting this book yet without more information about the patterns. Thank you for sharing enough to make a good decision. Also, great interview with Maty Jane Hall! I’ve always enjoyed designer interviews!

  9. Charlene Boardman says

    09/08/2015 at 4:23 AM

    Thank you so much for this lovely post. I enjoy reading all about your guests. Thank you both so much for the gorgeous pattern!

  10. Erika says

    03/08/2015 at 11:07 PM

    I’m curious about the CGOA! What is it about?

  11. Michelle B says

    03/08/2015 at 7:45 PM

    I have never heard of the Graduated Stitch Method! Thanks for the sample pattern – have definitely added it to my queue. So beautiful!

  12. Steff Walker says

    03/08/2015 at 4:15 PM

    great interview, and lovely book!!

  13. Melissa says

    02/08/2015 at 7:40 AM

    OMG! Love this. Buying the book right now!

  14. Norma Garci says

    01/08/2015 at 6:13 PM

    Love the top, I will try it for my birthday!

  15. LINDA says

    01/08/2015 at 4:42 PM

    LOVELY PATTERN! THANKS FOR SHARING!
    I’VE NEVER DONE A PINEAPPLE-TYPE PATTERN>LOOKS LIKE A NEAT CHALLENGE! THANK YOU FOR YOUR BLOG +GIVEAWAY TOO!

  16. Duwana Branch says

    01/08/2015 at 2:31 PM

    I just down loaded the Au Naturel Cropped Top pattern. Can’t wait to get started.

  17. Indoo says

    30/07/2015 at 3:24 AM

    Beautiful patterns. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  18. Jocelyn says

    29/07/2015 at 11:50 AM

    What an inspiration. I love challenges, and I think my next challenge would be the Pineapple stitch. Well done

  19. Kyra says

    28/07/2015 at 3:24 PM

    Definitely bookmarking to try it out! I haven’t ventured into lace yet…

  20. Lila Hackenberg says

    28/07/2015 at 2:49 PM

    This book sounds wonderful I am going to have to add it ti my wish list. I really appreciate the authers advice to new designers.

  21. Denise says

    28/07/2015 at 1:45 AM

    Beautiful ! And thank you for the pattern!!!

  22. Pamela T says

    27/07/2015 at 6:25 PM

    Thank you for the lovely pattern. I love how lacy it is and that we are able to make it in the larger sizes!

  23. Catharina H says

    27/07/2015 at 9:49 AM

    Water Pearl by DROPS Design Love this pattern – thank you for sharing all of your talent. I would never be able to design anything close to your pattern. You are the best.

  24. Soo Fen says

    26/07/2015 at 6:20 PM

    The lacy designs are awesome! It’s hard to find beautifully draped crocheted clothes but the designer definitely are gifted in designing beautiful modern crocheted pieces!! And thanks for the sharing of the design!
    Soo Fen ?

  25. Elonda says

    26/07/2015 at 6:01 PM

    Cannot wait to try the cropped pattern, love the selection of sizes as well for patterns in this book, just beautiful !!

  26. The Crafty Nana says

    26/07/2015 at 11:49 AM

    Love working with lacy patterns. Love the crop top. Will have to print it out.

  27. Kathie Solus says

    26/07/2015 at 11:25 AM

    Hello, I love your interview. It is so informative and inspiring. Your crochet is beautiful. Have never worked with lace before, but will certainly give it a try now. Thank you for sharing the pattern for the cropped top. It’s lovely and looks like I might be able to follow along and make it.

  28. Indoo says

    26/07/2015 at 7:38 AM

    All designs are so pretty. Love them all.

  29. Liz Hege Kaaby says

    26/07/2015 at 5:36 AM

    This article with an intervue with Mary Jane Hall was so inspiring and made me really curious of her designs. I love Lace designs but i never had The confidence to try to make some – yet! But i will definitely check out her blog and i may even buy one of her books. With good teachers it’s amazing what you can manage and get confidence from 🙂
    Loved the questions you asked her. Like what she keep in her crochet kit! That’s always interesting for me! Thanks a lot for yet another inspiring post!

  30. Gail Terrell says

    25/07/2015 at 4:51 PM

    This is so pretty!

  31. BECKY SOWELL says

    25/07/2015 at 3:54 PM

    I LOVE THIS BOOK. I WOULD LOVE TO MAKE SEVERAL ITEMS IN THIS BOOK.

  32. Sharon Knight says

    25/07/2015 at 2:29 PM

    Lovely review and interview. i will have to find this book and add it to my collection. I can’t wait to start on the pattern, that top looks yummy!!!
    Thank you!!!

  33. Sarah Braithwaite says

    25/07/2015 at 2:17 PM

    Wow can’t wait to have a go! Will take my crocheting one step further! Thank you.

  34. Xeng says

    23/07/2015 at 5:16 PM

    Love the review. I’ve never done anything lace so maybe now I’ll give it a go. Thank you!

  35. Juliana says

    22/07/2015 at 10:10 PM

    Some awesome patterns! Need to try some working with thread. What an inspiration!

  36. Tammie says

    22/07/2015 at 10:05 PM

    So beautiful!

  37. Dixie says

    22/07/2015 at 8:53 PM

    Thanks for reviewing this lovely book. I especially like the cover sweater

  38. Catie says

    22/07/2015 at 6:34 PM

    Love crochet lace especially the pineapple as it reminds me of my Nan. Thats why I crochet. Love your work x

  39. Allison Fisher says

    22/07/2015 at 6:03 PM

    Loved the interview and patterns.

  40. Renee Morris says

    22/07/2015 at 5:58 PM

    What a beautiful book!! I’ll defiantly make the free pattern top! I love it!! Thanks!

  41. Jo says

    22/07/2015 at 5:02 PM

    Lovely review and bonus pattern to try to see if I can manage to do lace crochet before getting the book. Thanks!

  42. Jeanette says

    22/07/2015 at 4:58 PM

    Great review. Will have to look for this book. Thanks for the free pattern!

  43. Marlene says

    22/07/2015 at 2:47 PM

    This looks to be a wonderful book. Pineapple are some of my favorite designs and I love the Le Fleur Bag. I love that she has included instructions for larger sized garments. I will be making the cropped top as a gift for my daughter. Thank you for an excellent review.

  44. Ari Desarro says

    22/07/2015 at 10:55 AM

    Thank you so much for the lovely pattern from this wonderful book. This book is going on my wish list!!!! Beautiful and I am interested in the Signature stitch you mentioned in your review.

  45. Linda Offutt says

    22/07/2015 at 3:19 AM

    Lovely Lacey patterns!

  46. Sharry says

    21/07/2015 at 10:10 PM

    Thank you for this review. I see another purchase in my future!

  47. Karen Bavouset says

    21/07/2015 at 7:34 PM

    Thank you so much for your comments relative to the Colorful Crochet Lace publication. I had just purchased it and now am so glad I did.

  48. kristi zemas says

    21/07/2015 at 6:56 PM

    Lovely review and really cool to see the sweater pattern, I have a weakness for lace and will have to go find this book so I can drool it.

  49. kelly perrin says

    21/07/2015 at 6:34 PM

    love your designs 🙂

  50. RK says

    21/07/2015 at 6:19 PM

    Beautiful designs! Thanks for the free pattern.

  51. Alison Routley says

    21/07/2015 at 1:16 PM

    Thank you for your thoughtful review of the book, the interesting interview with author Mary Jane Hall and the pattern. That inspired me to look for this book in my local bookstore.

  52. Elaine says

    21/07/2015 at 10:16 AM

    lovely pattern…..looks like it has lovely lines

  53. Stephanie Ware says

    21/07/2015 at 9:03 AM

    Your review and interesting interview really thrust this book to the top of my wish list! I love the design elements used in the book, and I am very interested in learning more about fitting garments with a new method.

  54. Aimee says

    21/07/2015 at 9:03 AM

    What a beautiful book! Thank you for sharing this with us. Hearing from the designer gives it a personal touch. Definitely need to add to my wishlist.

  55. Joyce Vassar says

    21/07/2015 at 8:49 AM

    I absolutely love crochet lace, and have many, many crochet lace items on my to-do list!!!

  56. Dianne says

    21/07/2015 at 7:22 AM

    Such a lovely book. I’m gonna have to try and make the top with the pattern provided. Thank you.

  57. Michelle Gill says

    21/07/2015 at 2:50 AM

    Thank you for reviewing this book. I’m waiting for delivery of one of her previous books and think this may be the next I get.

  58. Juanita Mullins says

    21/07/2015 at 2:50 AM

    Some very beautiful patterns! I love the pineapple design and have done several smalls that use the pineapple. This book inspires me to make larger items using the design!

  59. Mary says

    21/07/2015 at 2:27 AM

    Love the crop pattern

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

crochet scarf

Popular Posts


Current Giveaway!
Oombawka Design Crochet Patterns
How to Crochet a Beanie That Fits!
Scarf of the Month Crochet Along Simple Double Crochet Hat Pattern
Crochet Cheat Sheet
2022 Crochet Along List
Crochet Stitch Dictionary
Crochet Size Charts
Be a Guest Designer
Free Pattern Friday!
Aquarius Furls Hooks

Crochet Stitches and Symbols

How to Crochet

Crochet Translation Project

Current Giveaways

Become a Guest Designer

Make a PDF from Any Post

Let’s Go Shopping!

Leisure Arts • Annie’s Craft Store
WeCrochet • Lion Brand
Wool Warehouse • LoveCrafts
Creativebug  •  Red Heart
Cricut • Stampington • Amazon

When you shop using my affiliate link to make your purchase, I receive a small commission for referring you and it doesn’t cost you anything extra!

Copyright © 2022 · Oombawka Design Theme Two by Moonsteam Design on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in · Privacy Policy