Colorful Crochet Lace: 22 Chic Garments & Accessories Paperback – July 16, 2015

I love this book! It presents crocheted lace in a modern, fresh light with all kinds of creative options. I made the Amelie Triangular Shawl and it turned out very well; the instructions and notes were clear and helpful, and it's just the kind of lightweight shawl I need to cover my shoulders at work. I get compliments on it all the time! As background, I am a fairly experienced crocheter and usually work on projects rated "medium" difficulty. I especially appreciate that most of the patterns have tips for modifying the garment or item to have short sleeves vs. long, crop top vs. tunic, frillier vs. plainer, etc., so that you can customize with less risk. Some of the yarns used are luxury, but others are more economical. These aren't your grandma's white lace doilies, but rather stylish, colorful garments and accessories that would be signature fashion statements and earn lots of compliments. Other reviewers have commented on occasional errors in the patterns. I have yet to see ANY pattern book that doesn't have some of those, and they aren't always the author's fault--sometimes things get garbled in the publishing process. These days you can often contact the author through Ravelry and get things clarified. To sum up, this is a great addition to my crochet library. I look forward to trying more of the patterns, and frankly the book is so beautiful that I just enjoy reading it like a novel in the meantime!

This is a truly wonderful book! It is extremely unusual to find a crochet pattern book that contains so many beautiful projects that I feel eager to make. I found four garments and two shawls that I want to make for myself and several other items that I expect to make as gifts for family members. The patterns for all of the garments reflect extended size ranges going from either small or extra small to 2X or 3X and, with several projects using Mary Jane Hall’s Graduated Stitch Method, the fit is easily customizable for those of us who don’t quite fit into a standard size. The designs are exquisite and they would be genuinely flattering on a wide variety of sizes. It is also noteworthy that most of the garments include variations explaining how to modify lengths from cropped tops to tunics or dresses.I would consider just about all of the patterns in this book to be at an intermediate skill level. The patterns are well written and there are ample stitch diagrams. The notes, variations, and tips written into the patterns are well worth reading.Finally, the photography throughout the book is gorgeous and there are plentiful photos showing different views to illustrate each design. The garments reflect a varied color palette and the author encourages you to experiment in choosing yarn colors.

I love love this book! I don't understand a review someone wrote saying it is unimaginative and out of style, or something like that. Either they have no clue as to what is in style and trendy or they have eaten sour grapes! This book is right on target as far as the newest trends. and it is well written and very colorful and easy to read even for beginners. It is not your grandmother's crochet clothing styles, so if you want to make eye catching, colorful clothing that will make you look feminine and stylish buy this book. You won't be sorry. You will love all the compliments you will get! I would give it ten stars if I could.

FAB crochet book. I just received the colorful crochet lace book by Mary Jane Hall....I am so thrilled with it and just completed the Juliette scarf in a sockweight yarn. The instructions were clear and the diagram it just perfect to confirm and backup instructions. Pictures are goregous and at least 5 items i plan to make very soon. I am posting the scarf i just completed............Been a fan of Mary Jane Hall for many years and had the pleasure of chatting with her via emails. Such a lovely talented lady......The book arrived on time and wrapped well. This book is the best one yet.......I bought via husband's account but it's ann doing the review.....

It is a very pretty book. I don't think I have the level of expertise needed for the patterns. Made a great addition to my library and maybe one day I will be able to tackle some of the patterns.

I don't usually purchase hard copy books anymore. Simply because most things that I read are available digitally. However, I am SO PLEASED that I purchased THIS book!! I purchased it originally for 2 separate patterns that are in it that I couldn't find anywhere else. When I received the book I was so pleasantly surprised!!! EVERY SINGLE pattern in this book is STUNNING!!! I intend to make at least one of every pattern included. The book is lovely too....all the photos are pretty and each pattern has a written description and picture graph. Overall, I am simply DELIGHTED!!!

Just received the book today and I'm so excited. I'm an adventurous beginner and this was just what I was looking for. I'm not very interested in making afghans and hats anymore. I want to make lightweight clothing that I could wear anytime. With the clear and easy to read instructions and charts, I feel that I can make everything in the book. Can't wait to get started!

Lots of different options to make stuff. I originally purchased this book because I thought the items were to be made out of thread. While that's not the case, I'm still looking forward to making most of the items in this book, once I buy the specific yarn I need.