Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips

I'm pretty picky when it comes to patterns for crocheted garments...I don't like boxy, unflattering sweaters, and for a while I thought those were my only options. "Positively Crochet" showed me otherwise -- the book is full of gorgeous, stylish patterns that I can actually see myself wearing (gasp!). :) There are a lot of patterns ranging from accessories to full-blown sweaters, so even if you're not crazy about one, chances are you'll find something you like. Now, I'd recommend having a handle on the basic stitches -- chain, single, double, slip -- before picking up this book. But that aside, you shouldn't have any problem understanding the patterns. I found that they are clearly written and easy to understand. (Plus, there's a handy-dandy list of pattern abbreviations in the front, just in case you get confused!) Another really cool thing about this book are the uplifting messages that come with each pattern. These "Words of Encouragement," as they are called, offer inspirational tips and calming words for the reader. I tend to crochet in order to de-stress anyway, so I found the "Words of Encouragement" tidbits particularly heartening. One other thing that I really appreciated -- and it's a minor thing, but really helpful for me -- was that Mary Jane Hall gives suggestions for inexpensive yarns to use. I am cheap and have no problem whatsoever buying Caron Simply Soft for my garments, for example, instead of some super-expensive alpaca/cashmere/gold bullion blend that costs a dollar a yard. And it's a pain in the behind to figure out the proper substitution when that super-expensive yarn is the kind used in the pattern...I always end up forgetting to carry a 2 or something. So the fact that Mary Jane Hall uses wallet-friendly yarn in her patterns was a huge benefit for me, personally. Finally, if there IS something you don't understand in her book, Mary Jane Hall makes herself very available to her readers, and that's something I haven't seen any other pattern designer do. Her email's listed on her website, so it's super easy to drop her a line with any questions. (Note: there are clarifications and some minor errata listed on her website, so bookmark that as well.) The verdict: two thumbs positively up! ;D

If you like to crochet and if you like to be fashionable and consider yourself hip or even just classy,then this book is one to add to your collection. It has patterns in it for all ages but is especially attractive for teens and younger ladies (20's & 30's, 40's)(as well as the older ladies who are young at heart!) There is not a single bad design in this book. My favorite designs are her purses. They are unique and some of the cutest purses I have ever seen. There is a felted purse in here that is to die for. There are 13 garments in this book (sweaters, tops and shrug type of patterns) and in addition to those there are hats, purses, belts and some jewelry. And a darling 2 pc outfit for a small child. But if you are into purses, this book alone is amazing with just the purses. And the positive comments throughout the book is an added bonus! Its about time to see something like this on the shelves. If you dont particularly care to read positive or encouraging things, well, your loss, but you still get the benefit of the chic patterns...Don't miss this one. I am waiting for Positively Crochet II:)

I spent time looking through this book and I have to tell you, it is inspiring! I have two teenage daughters that love just about everything in it. I am motivated to make several of the designs for myself. But what really struck me were the "Words of Encouragement" that accompany every pattern. One in particular hit home with regards to my 13 year old who "was" having trouble with some of her strongly opinionated friends. Mary Jane refers to negative people as cactus's. They are hard to be around. The saying "Give them what they need, not what they deserve" was used as a conversation starter with my teen at dinner the last night and to my surprise, she said that she already had used that quote with her friends. The sweater on the cover is worth the price alone. Can't wait to get started! As I was paging through the book, I was forming quick opinions and saying to myself, love it, love it, love it, not sure about the "Chain of Flowers" scarf until I turned the page... "Oh, I get it and yes LOVE IT! You just have to see it for yourself!!

Positively Crochet! Preachy? If you want preachy, then you might want to go to church. This book is filled with wonderfully uplifting and encouraging bits of wisdom...certainly not fluff! It's just plain positive, and frankly a refreshing idea compared to some of the books I've seen (with nothing BUT patterns). Honestly, they can get a little boring at times. This one is definitely NOT boring! And the patterns are great!!! Sure, not every pattern is for everyone, but not every designer is for every person. I personally love this book! It's geared toward a younger crowd (20's-30's), or like someone else said, "for the young at heart," and I think it's going to be a big hit amongst them! So, if you want some fresh ideas with some refreshing thoughts to go with them, you need to get this book!