Crochet That Fits: Shaped Fashions Without Increases or Decreases

This is a book I've had for a while now, and I have been torn as to how to rate it. There was a time if I was going to be giving somebody a pair of mittens as a gift, it was the pattern in this book I used. I love it and the matching hat that much! I think her method makes garment work more accessible to beginning crocheters, and I love that! Totally love it.In this book there are a mix of patterns, and I think the instructions are good, I didn't find any problems on the patterns I made. For me, it was that some of these patterns just didn't call to me. I can't picture myself ever wearing a sweater top with a ribbon bow around the waist, and there's two of those in here. I also have to wear sleeves, at least cap sleeves, for religious reasons, so for some of them like the striped, sleeveless turtleneck, which I loved the look of, it's not really an option for me. Yes, I could layer a shirt underneath it, but it's already hot enough where I live, and that's to be honest, not my favorite look for that type of top. I really liked the aesthetic for her basic capelet, but I would never put puff balls on the children's capelet as is shown. That's just my personal preference, but I'm pretty sure my daughter would never speak to me again if I tried to do that to her. I think there are many people that would have no problems with those elements. The hats were simple, but visually pleasing, and I think her clutch and bag designs are cute.Overall, the patterns in here do have a more classic quality that allows them to be as useable now as when this book first came out, and I think they can provide a great introductory garment book for a beginner that wants to branch out from afghans. And it really does make things easier not having to worry about increases and decreases, so I can't say enough how much I love her idea. The patterns however may be hit or miss for you depending on your personal tastes.

I have never described my crocheting experience as being a "fun" thing until now. This book is simply that: fun! The one pattern I have enjoyed most is that used to make the hat for young girls; however, but it's the fact so many different items can be made with just one, easy and understandable method used in the hat that will fascinate you. It is used six times in the book. I have thought and you will, too, "Why didn't I think of this?" I have made 12 of the hats so far and not one of them are the same. The embellishments you can add are endless. I was introduced to crochet at age 4 by my great-grandmother, great-aunts and mother. It wasn't until I was in my early 30's that it actually "got my attention." I began when the granny square was in its glory the first time (the 1970's), and now "granny's" back and I still don't like the traditional square. When I did become serious about crocheting, the first thing I did was chunk the granny and yarn and fell in love with the old-fashioned steel hooks and cotton thread. Of course, there was little in fashion for those back then, but I didn't care and still don't. I made doilies. and one I particularly love and display in my home is a buffet runner made in filet. I have inherited all my great-aunt's patterns dating to the 1930's. If you have a change, get some of the old patterns. You'll end having a good cry when you see how far down Americans have come regarding explaining, spelling and all English when you can actually understand the instructions. Compare those from long ago to some of those written today and see what I'm referring to. You won't find that problem with Mary Jane's book "Crochet That Fits...." It is written clearly, concisely and explained in "real" English (American, that is). I guess what I'm trying to explain about this particular book is: take the author's ideas and then "fly" with them! You soon will be as I have become: an embellishor (made that word myself, I think). If I had written this, it would thrill me to know I had helped someone learn things about their abilities they had no idea existed! Thank you, Mary Jane Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips

I am so excited to have this crochet book. My great grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was 7 and I've been crocheting ever since. The non-sense that others have written is truly bogus. I will give a full review on this book:Cons:Excellent pictures. Some people need great pictures to be able to get a feel for how the item will look.Explanations and attention to details are off the hook! Seriously! Mary Jane Hall wrote this book so that a beginner could understand. She has totally put her patterns in what I like to call "layman terms". Thank you so much for all of your hard work.Patterns: There is a huge variety of patterns in this book, not only for an adult for a child, which I completely loved. Not only did she give a pattern for a toddler size hat, but she included a pattern for a doll. How sweet is that?This book by far teaches you some nifty techniques, that you can use and incorporate with other patterns. Her techniques and attention to detail allow a beginner to even grasp harder patterns such as a dress or hats.She also goes on to teach you how to line your garments and how to use a gauge, which is crucial and many designers leave this out.Not only did I learn a lot from her books, but her drive and compassion to help other fellow crocheters is very commendable. You can get a good sense of her passion, as she teaches you throughout this book. Not only am I making a few of her patterns, but I can't even put this book away. I keep looking through it, or brushing up on some of her techniques. Crochet that fits is a must have in any crocheters hand! Trust me, this book is seriously without a doubt one of my favorite go to books!!Now for the Cons:THERE ARE NONE!

I love the technique that is put forward in this book - definitely a must-have for learning side-to-side clothing construction. My only nit-pick is that there are some items in here which aren't for wearing and don't really make full use of the side-to-side method (like a boxy handbag and a wave stitch purse) so I'm not sure what they're doing in here. Seems like they were filler patterns. However, there are three good patterns in here which are on my definite make list, and a few others which are possibles.

I love this book and was my first trip into crochet some years ago, and I got this for a friend who is interested in starting out.You will need to double check the stitches required as US and UK refer slightly differently; but it's perfect and does the job without the daunting increases and decreases to get you going in the work of of crochet.

i have a number of crochet books, this one is great. You need to be able to crochet. lots of nice patterns

I have had this book for quite a while now.I bought it because learning a new way to mould a shape caught my interest.The problem I have with this book is that none of the patterns in it makes me want to start learning this new skill.

This book does exactly what it claims - teaches a graduated stitch method easily, meaning you can create beautiful garments with no fuss.The patterns are beautiful - and it is so easy to see how to develop the designs to fit your own body and adapt the method for your own use. Beautifully clear instructions - very highly recommended! I think all crocheters will love this book.