Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips

I bought this book hoping for a fun crochet book with a variety of patterns, and it met my hopes marvelously. The patterns are all cute. There is a lot of variety: sweaters, lacy tunics, shrugs, purses, scarves, and jewelry, just to name a few. Everything is hip and would dress up a pair of jeans nicely.One of the best things about this book is that the author gives ample information about the materials of each project, making yarn substitution very easy. She lists the name, yardage, and colors of the yarn she used, as well as the weight of the yarn. Every project has a gauge. In several projects she even gives specific suggestions or advice for a substitution. Most of the projects are knit up in inexpensive yarn. It is clear that she has given consideration to the affordability of her projects.Unfortunately, the only pattern I've tried (Chain of Flowers Scarf), I could not get the written instructions to match the picture. It was not hard for me to adjust the pattern and the scarf came out beautifully. However, such mistakes could give the novice crocheter a good bit of a headache. Hopefully, the rest of the book is better.I should mention a few things that this book /isn't/. This book /isn't/ a learn-to-crochet book. There is absolutely no instruction on how to crochet. However, the projects are fairly simple and (given that there aren't too many mistakes) would be an ideal for a beginner who knows the rudiments and wants to do something with them.This book also /isn't/ a beautiful, heirloom quality crochet book. Nothing is particularly lovely in the classic sense. Although the patterns can be adapted, the current photography and yarn choices are aimed mainly at teenagers (funky and cute come to mind). There is no lace to speak of, only fishnet and mesh. I wouldn't count on finding anything in here for an elegant-evening-out occasion, nor anything that is anywhere near heirloom quality.As a last note, I have to say that I was very disappointed with the author's attitude in her introduction: As a young crafter who loves both knitting and crocheting, it just makes me sad when knitters or crocheters feel obliged to snipe at each other. Knitting and crocheting are both fun and beautiful. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and I don't see why anyone would want to dwarf one with the other. I encourage every crafter to learn both.All in all, a good casual accessory book, a good first book of crochet patterns, and especially good for younger people.

Some of the projects have nothing to do with crochet at all - you make jewelry with metal and wood etc - there are several wire and bead rings and things like functionless scarfs that are skinny with clover and flower patterns crocheted out and hanging off of them. Many of the projects use a wide open mesh square pattern that has to go on top of a garment and are functionless. She uses it a lot. Do you want to wear mesh over a real dress, shirts, use it for skinny scarves etc? So as you can guess, most of the projects aren't practical.Here is what I picked out that I would consider doing and some are fluff:1. Crocheted necklace - 4 rows - but I'd never wear it anywhere. I'm an adult.2. Miniture purse that goes on a key chain3. Oversized hat - basically the SC stitch for 12 inches and several rows slip stited together into a funnel and then brought together on one end to close the hat. (a take on the simplest crochet pattern you can make by using 5 weight bulky yarn)4. Tie front sweater - Mesh chain link garments this book is full of but this one is in triangle mesh so a bit less see though and yes, wear a shirt under it.5. Angel hair bolero - unlike the round ones this books tries to turn into shrugs, this one has decent arms. It's also a non-see through garment. I would use it for a base pattern and make it longer.6. Tangerine Top - would look good in pink. A few reviewers have made it and posted the picture in these reviews. I will add this pattern to my "pink" crochet collection even though it's orange as it has that girly girl feel and reminiscent of the way past(1800's) corset look.Why 3 stars? Few projects for practical wearing. There are some projects that were laughable - a granny square hat with large braids coming out each side that are about 4 feet long - yep, they nearly hit the floor. The model should get an award for looking happy and like it's no big deal.I've had other books from this author that are useful so this is a surprise. It must have been her first book.

What a pleasant book. full of a combination, of outfits and accessories to make. I was worried when I read some of the reviews on some of the negative comments, but I did look at the preview 'look inside' and was please with what I saw. I am glad I bought it, as the garments inside are lovely, and any buyer will have nothing to worry about, as the the pictures are lovely and the patterns are clear to read. A recommended buy

Very pleased with my purchase! The patterns which I chose to do are simple & easy to follow & I have succeeded in creating some lovely things! I firstly crocheted the Lacy Choker (see photo) which turned out beautifully & looks stunning on!Regarding the little positive comments within the book which some have found to be unnecessary, in my opinion, are in no way detrimental to the enjoyment of the patterns & personally----- I like them! :o)

I am a beginner crocheter and I find the instructions very easy to follow. At the moment, I am finishing the easy shrug. I am sure that I will be a better crocheter with the help of Mary Jane Hall's books. I already have her other books, Crochet That Fits and Colourful Crochet. All three are great.

This book is very poor quality. It appears to be badly photocopied. The photos are dark and slightly blurred. I have previously bought the Colourful crochet lace book by Mary Jane Hall and the quality is far superior. Very disappointed.

One of the best crochet pattern books around. Lots of gorgeous designs for clothing and accessories with easy to follow patterns.