Wrapping Up 2015 In My Crochet World!

I can't believe that this year is coming to a close! It has been a really creative year for my crochet design work, and creating new pieces for our eWoodStory line. I so happy to be doing more mixed media work than ever before, and combining techniques such as weaving, embroidery, and cross stitch with my crochet work. The photo above highlights some of my work from this year.

I was fortunate to be able to attend this year's Knit and Crochet Show in San Diego. It was my second conference, and I enjoyed it even more than the first! I was able to spend more time with the online friends I met the year before, and I was able to meet even more people that I had previously only known online. The crochet world is truly full of wonderful people. I really hope that I will have the chance to attend more conferences in the near future!

In 2016 I will be working on some new exciting things to add to the eWoodStory line, as well as creating more crochet designs. My experience in the crochet and fiber arts industry has opened up some very interesting doors recently, and I look forward to being able to share my new adventures with you! 

May 2016, be happy, healthy, productive, creative, and prosperous for all! Happy New Year to you and your families!

My Crochet Design Aesthetic

In a previous post, I began indirectly talking about my design aesthetic. Knowing your design aesthetic is a very important part of being a designer. I believe that sometimes people who follow your design work often can tell you what makes one of your designs uniquely yours, even before you can yourself! Often, a significant amount of designs need to be in your portfolio before your aesthetic becomes apparent.

I have had several people tell me that they knew a design was mine in magazines, even before they knew I had designed it! This makes me very happy. It reassures me that I do have a recognizable style, even though I feel I can't always put my finger on what that style is. I do know that there are certain design elements/ details that I like to include in my work.

In my last post, I mentioned that chain links have been a popular theme in my work. That got me thinking about what other themes/ techniques I often use in my work.

I love to mix techniques, and embroidery embellishment often finishes off my designs. My all time favorite embroidery stitch is the Lazy Daisy. It is the stitch I most often use to embellish my designs.

I put together a collage of some of my designs that feature this stitch.

Beginning from the top row, from left to right:

En Fleur Cowl - Ruffles Wristlet - Antoinette Ring

Middle row, from left to right:

Little Genevieve's Belt - Mademoiselle Necklace - Monarch Necklace - Chinois Scarf

Bottom row, from left to right:

Sunny Day Skirt - Festival Hairband Stand - Caravan Kerchief

Crochet Tool Organization!

While attending the Knit and Crochet Show this past summer in San Diego, I discovered Athena's Elements. It is a great company that sells ergonomic crochet hooks, and crochet hook cases, as well as complete crochet hook kits.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Grace Smith, the genuine and delightful owner of the company. She told me about how the cases were specially designed with a crocheter's specific needs in mind, and that design decisions for new additions to her line were heavily based on feedback she receives from customers. She is committed to customer satisfaction, which is apparent in the thoughtful note that is enclosed with her products:

Her gorgeous fabric crochet hook cases caught my eye right away.  The crochet hook case I have been using is looking a little tired. I was ready for an upgrade! I have been saving the new case because I have just been saving and admiring it. Today I decided was the day I should finally move into it! I don't know why I waited so long! I am so thrilled with it! Since buying my set of crochet hooks, I have acquired a 2mm, and a 10.5mm hook, and I didn't have space in the original case. I am ecstatic that there are enough spaces in the Athena's Elements case, to hold them all! There is also a large space between the hook slots that is perfect for scissors and a ruler. Thank you to Laurinda Reddig for the great wooden ruler, that now goes everywhere with me! I keep stitch markers and yarn/tapestry needles in the small zippered pouch. The case closes very easily with the generous fabric loop.

So, if you are in the market for high quailty, reasonably priced crochet hooks, and/or a case, Check Athena's Elements out on Amazon and Facebook. At the moment, they are doing a giveaway of a Deluxe Crochet Kit and yarns. Enter to win here.

The lovely owner, Grace Smith, in her booth

I can't wait to take my new case out and about with me and show it off!

The Architect Scarf for Interweave Crochet Accessories

The Architect scarf was designed as an experiment on how effective a piece made up of small elements can be. There are two main elements in this scarf: the blocks, and chain links. There are two sizes of chain links, so there are three different things to crochet to make the body of the scarf. The blocks are crocheted first, then the blocks are joined together with the chain links. This scarf could be unisex depending on the colors used. It is also suitable for children, as the length can be customized depending on how many blocks you make. 

An interesting cowl could be made by crocheting just a few blocks. You could also make a lovely wrap by adding another two rows of blocks. A stunning necklace could also be made using pearl cotton instead of yarn. With a foundation of building blocks, many things can be made! It is a great, "on the go" project, since all of the pieces are simple, small, and crocheted separately. 

Crocheted links have been a popular theme in my work. Below are some of my designs featuring links:

Clockwise from top left: Monarch Necklace, Bella Necklace, Charming Bracelet, Cherry Blossom Necklace, Chinois Scarf, Charming Necklace, Plaid Wristlet Purse.

My love of chain links will carry on, and I feel certain that they will be incorporated into more of my designs in the future!