A New Turkish Crochet Treasure

My sister-in-law recently traveled to Turkey, and knowing my passion for crochet, she is always on the lookout for unique pieces to bring me. When I saw her for the first time after she returned, she handed me a sweet little mylar envelope. Then the excitement hit me. I knew it was a special crocheted gift, and judging by what she brought me last time, I couldn't wait to see what it was! 

She said she was strolling on the sea front, and she found a bazaar with many hand-crafted items. When she saw this necklace, she said she knew it was meant for me. She knows me so well! It is made of the same lovely fine thread as the piece she brought me before. It is so nice for making jewelry, I almost think it is worth traveling to Turkey to find some. I heard there is an entire street filled with yarn shops, in Istanbul. One day I intend to visit that street!

I love the combination of the stones with the crochet. It is actually very light to wear, and will be a great statement piece to add to my collection. Now, I just have to raid my wardrobe to find the perfect top or dress that will complement it...

Crochet a Signet Ring!

I have always loved signet rings, and I thought it might be fun to try crocheting one! I used my Antointette Ring pattern (which is available as a free download courtesy of Ravelry) for the ring band, and I modified the shape of the ring top to be round instead of oval. It can be made in minutes, with just a snip of yarn! 

Here are the instructions to make the ring: 

Yarn: Katia "Gatsby"

Hook: C/2 (2.75mm)

Supplies: Yarn needle, embroidery thread, embroidery needle.

Ring Band

Using yarn A, ch 21.

Row1: Beg in 2nd ch from hook, sc in this st and foll 3 sts, ch 10, sk 12 sts, sc in last 4 sts. Ch 1, turn.

Row2: Beg in 2nd st from hook, sc in this st and foll 3 sts, ch 12, sk 10 sts, sc in last 4 sts. Fasten off. 

Ring Top

Wrap yarn twice around your finger to form a magic ring. Insert hook into ring and pull up a loop, then ch 3. 

Rnd 1: Make 9 dc into ring. Cut yarn leaving a 2" (5cm) tail. Insert hook into the back loop only of the first st in rnd, yo, and pull it all the way through loop on hook, as if to fasten off in the usual way. Insert hook in both loops of next st, yo with tail end and pull through st. Finally, insert hook in the front loop only of last st in rnd, yo, pull yarn tail down through.

Finishing 

With a yarn needle, stitch the ends of the Ring Band together. Then, neatly weave in all loose ends. With embroidery thread and needle, embroider your chosen initial with a stem stitch onto the Ring Top. Stitch the Ring Top to the middle of the Ring Band. To block the ring, spray it with water, and place it on something that is close to the size and shape of your finger. Flatten the Ring Top and straighten the Ring Band. Leave it to dry. Finally, wear and enjoy!

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A Dozen Ways to Wear the Ruffles Scarf

When I revealed the Ruffles Scarf in my last post, I promised to show you a dozen different ways to wear it. Before shipping any completed project, I take a few photos. It is nice to have them, because often the magazine styles the project quite differently. This way I am able to show more ways the piece can be worn. I had so much fun playing with this scarf. It wasn't until the scarf was finished, that I actually knew how versatile it was! The following photos are 12 ways the scarf could be worn. I am sure there are more, but this is how many I came up with while waiting for DHL to com and pick it up! 

The look changes quite a bit, based on how many times it is wrapped, which direction and where you start wrapping, if you wrap it at all! Some versions have the narrow ruffle at the bottom, some at the top. It is the perfect length for wrapping without too much hanging down. It has a lovely drape that really allows the scarf to have a life of its own. If any of you dear readers make the scarf, I would love to see the ways you find to wear it!

These 2 versions would be great on top of a plain crew neck sweater. They would transform a fall sweater  into a winter one.

For the version on the left: I would love to see a large brooch put through the two holes at the points of the "collar" that would attach to the bottom band.

This pattern is now available for download from Interweave's online store for $5.50.