Plus Size Fashions Blog Tour with Jill Hanratty & Giveaway

Oh my! I am so excited to be a part of this awesome Blog tour and to tell you about this great new crochet pattern book by Jill Hanratty!

I completely fell in love with the designs in this book!! Even though I do not wear plus size clothing anymore -Yay Me!- the majority of my family does. And I am always on the lookout for awesome designs that I can make for them. And this book didn't let me down!! Jill pays such close attention to details like shaping and necklines. I'm sure you won't be disappointed either!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jill about her book and specifically the Lightning Shell Jacket design made with Classic Elite Cotton Bam Boo yarn. Here is what she had to say:

-What made you decide to create fashions for the plus-sized woman?

The demand for plus size crochet patterns prompted a design call which caught my interest. Here was an opportunity to create a collection of timeless wardrobe staples in plus sizes! Usually, I am drawn to designing simple patterns with practicality in mind. Because I also crochet clothes for myself, I recognize that it is an investment of time to make each piece, so to me it is important for the design to have longevity. I also like to crochet things that can be worn frequently—basics that can be worn effortlessly and often, but always look good. I suspect that, regardless of size, we all have moments when we think, “I could really use a jacket in [this color or that color]”—to be able to make just what you want is great!

-What would you consider the hardest part of designing for plus-sized women?

Getting a flattering fit is the trickiest part—but that is the challenge for all sizes! As far as style goes, I do not think of plus size women as having different wants than anyone else—everyone likes clothes that fit well, are comfortable and look good on! As far as construction goes, I keep in mind that a neckline should be neither too constrictive nor too loose. The same goes for armholes—they need to be comfortable without being ridiculously large. I have also noticed that the matter of an inch or two in length can make a big difference in how flattering or unflattering a top or jacket looks when worn. It seems that many women have a tendency to try to cover everything, and that is not always the most flattering thing to do!

-I love the lighter colored accent trim on the Lightning Shell Jacket. What inspired it?

Thanks! Once I get rolling and in the rhythm of the stitch pattern, I like to be able to crochet without giving it too much thought! With this pattern, I loved that changing the color for just one row while maintaining the same stitch made such an impact! By the time you are crocheting the trim, you have the flow of the pattern in mind and can just sail along and crochet!

-I like to imagine a famous star wearing my designs. Who would you love to see wearing a Lightning Shell Jacket?

I have actually never even considered that! I usually just envision the designs on women in general, not a particular person! I get a kick out of Kirstie Alley’s exuberance, so it would be nice to see her wearing the Lightning Shell Jacket, or any other of the designs for that matter!

***a note from me...I think this jacket would look stunning in Raspberry Sorbet with Lemon Ice trim on Kirstie Alley!***

-Is there anything special you'd like crocheters to know about this pattern before they start making it?

The shells look so beautiful to me as I look at the photograph on the model! Because the shells are on a diagonal, your work may slant as you crochet in rows (less obvious when working in rounds). This will straighten out with assembly and blocking.

I'd like to thank Jill for allowing me to interview her and Annie's Attic for choosing me to be one of the hosts for this fabulous blog tour! If you've missed the previous stops, be sure to check them out:
Day 1 (Nov 15): Ellen Gormley of Go Crochet -- http://gocrochet.blogspot.com/

Day 2 (Nov 16): Rhonda Davis of This Is Crochet -- http://www.thisiscrochet.com/blog

Day 3 (Nov 17): Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby of Shibaguyz -- http://shibaguyz.com/

And tomorrow's stop:
Day 5 (Nov 19): Lisa Gentry of Hook & Needle Designs -- http://hookandneedle-designs.blogspot.com/

Now, for those of you interested, you can win a copy of Plus Sized Fashions!! Please leave a comment under this post to be entered and on Monday I will randomly choose the winner! And, if you can't wait....you can order your very own copy HERE! Thanks for stopping by!