Introducing the Venezia Crochet Necklace!

2018 has been a great year in fiber arts for me, and I am so happy that I was able to design one more pattern before the year end! This year, I have been trying to pinpoint the areas of fiber arts that I enjoy most, and I decided that I need to get back to designing more crochet jewelry, as that is what I love most! So, I began with the Stone Necklace Trio, and am now releasing the Venezia Necklace pattern, which was inspired by my recent interest in macrame, and my lifelong love of vintage jewelry! Clothes come and go from your wardrobe, but accessories are something you hold onto, and enjoy for years and years! Crochet jewelry also is great for gifts as it is quick to make and you can customize it to the preferences of the person you are giving it to.

I chose to make the sample for this necklace in the "Magnolia" shade of Lionbrand's Cotton Bamboo yarn, as a nod to the macrame inspiration, and to give the impression of a blank canvas. You could crochet the various elements of the necklace in different colors, add metallic yarn accents or even crochet the entire necklace in a metallic yarn for full glitz!

This pattern is enjoying and satisfying to make, as it is created in parts and then you get to see it come to life as it is assembled! 

I am looking forward to what will hopefully be a productive 2019 for all and I want you to know how much I appreciate your support and visits to my blog!

Celebrating the Mademoiselle Crochet Necklace!

I am celebrating crochet jewelry design this week, with the first pattern I ever designed for the Berroco Yarn Company. It was also the design that made me realize that designing crochet jewelry patterns was something I really needed and wanted to do more of!

The Mademoiselle Necklace is an adventure in crocheting beads and in embroidery embellishment. An elegant and truly fun accessory.

You can find this pattern for free, here on Berroco's website. Berroco Comfort Sock yarn is really the perfect yarn to use for this pattern. Check out all of the beautiful colors it comes in! The sample above was crocheted in "Dunedin", which I love. The colors running through it are like natural stones. The sample on Berroco's website was crocheted in "Fruit Cocktail" which I also love. Any of the variegated Comfort Sock yarns would be beautiful to use! 

Bella Necklace Trio Pattern Sale!

This week I am celebrating my crochet jewelry designs by featuring the Bella Necklace Trio! This collection started out with one necklace that I enjoyed creating so much, that I kept going to create 2 more versions. 

I originally designed the trio for the UK magazine, Inside Crochet, and I have since rewritten the patterns in US crochet terms. It is a great collection of patterns to crochet small gifts for people, not to mention how fun they are to make!

From today through December 8th, I am offering this pattern collection at a 50% discount, so you can download all three patterns for just $2.47! Click here to take advantage of the offer and purchase the trio!

Loopy Trim Tutorial- Another Use For the Weaving Shed Stick!

I love experimenting with multiple ways to use my patterns and fiber arts tools, and recently I came up with another use for the shed stick in our eWoodStory Weaving Kit.

SUPPLIES
Yarn
Shed Stick/ paint stirring stick
Tapestry Needle
Scissors

Steps 1-3: Make a slip knot and slip onto the shed stick. Tighten the loop so that is tight, but it can still move on the stick, because you will be sliding the loops off of the stick at the end. Next, you will fill the shed stick with loops as in the single cast on method for knitting. See this link for how to do part one, substituting the shed stick for the knitting needle. When the stick is full of loops, cut the yarn from the ball, approximately 5 times the length of the shed stick and thread the tapestry needle with the tail end of the yarn.

Make a slip knot

Slide slip knot onto shed stick and tighten the loop

Add loops to shed stick using the single cast on method

Add loops to fill the shed stick, and cut yarn and thread the tapestry needle

Step 4: Now you will stitch through the small loops on the top of the stick in an "s" pattern. Insert the needle from right to left through the first loop and pull yarn through. Then insert it from left to right in the next loop and pull yarn through. Continue stitching alternating right to left and left to right to the end of the loops on the shed stick.

Working in an "S" pattern, Insert needle from right to left

Insert needle from left to right in next loop

Continue stitching, alternating from right to left and left to right, until you reach the end of loops on the stick

Step 5:  Now you will over stitch over the small loops by inserting the needle from right to left in every small loop until you reach the other end of the loops. Make a knot in the last stitch to secure the stitching.

Stitch over the small loops by inserting the needle from right to left in each small loop to end of loops

Make a knot in the last stitch by inserting the needle in the loop twice before tightening to secure the stitches

Step 6: Gently slide the loops off of the shed stick, and weave the tail end into the small loops for about an inch, then cut off the tail end.

Gently slide the loops off of the shed stick

Weave the tail end into the small loops about an inch and cut off the tail

When you first remove the loops from the Shed Stick, they will be a straight fringe, then when you stretch it out slightly, the loops will come to life and become fuller.

Stay tuned for my post on how I use this trim in my weaving!

Getting My Studio Organized!

It has been a long time coming, but I finally get to experience the joy of having a studio! For the first time in my life, I have a dedicated room for my work! I can't tell you how amazing it feels to have all of my things at my fingertips in one room! I am so used to working at the dining room table, that I am having trouble believing that I have an actual office to work in! Every week I try to add something new to make it better than the week before. Recently for my birthday, my husband built me a book shelf to go above my desk. I can't believe how many books I have, and how I really haven't been using them, because they were packed away upstairs. Since the shelf has been installed I have been referring to them daily! Organization really improves my work experience and each new addition to the studio is so exciting! Next on the list are more shelves, and under shelf lighting!

Celebrating with the Raindrops Necklace Crochet Pattern!

I am continuing the crochet jewelry celebration by featuring my Raindrops Necklace Pattern! It is a really fun piece to crochet and is sure to be a conversation starter wherever you wear it! From today through November 18th, I will be offering this pattern for 50% off ($1.49).

To take advantage of this offer, go to this Ravelry link

I would love to see different color variations made up, so if you make one, please post a photo on Ravelry for all to see!

Celebrating Crochet Jewelry!

Now that I have decided to focus more on creating crochet jewelry patterns, I will be featuring one of my jewelry patterns every week to celebrate! This week, I am featuring the Crawford Necklace. It was originally featured in Inside Crochet magazine, and I have since converted the pattern to US terms. It is a versatile pattern, and it would also be lovely in one color, or you could use a shaded yard if you want colors but not the color changes.

For one week, through November 10th, I am offering a 50% discount on this pattern in my Ravelry store. So, for the next week the pattern will be $1.49!  To purchase the pattern, click on this link which has the coupon code already entered. 

I am really excited to get back to doing what I love best, and I would love to hear what type

of jewelry you like to crochet best! 

New Collection of Crochet Necklaces!

Fall is a great time for new projects and recently, I was inspired to create a collection of ready to wear necklaces for the museum shop for the Sadu House in Kuwait. My idea was to create mixed media/technique pendants with a Sadu theme.

I decided to use eWoodStory Modern Stitchable Pendant shapes, and reduce them in size to make mini versions! 

I painted some and stained some to coordinate with Sadu Colors, then got to work crocheting the backgrounds. Without having any set designs in mind, I stitched the backgrounds into the pendants, creating mini canvases. Each pendant is one of a kind and I don't usually plan them out before I start stitching. I have a page of sketches that I refer to for inspiration, then I begin embroidering, adding stitches here and there until I feel they are finished. The outcome of each finished pendant is really a surprise! I loved watching the collection build as the patterns and colors complement each other to create a tapestry of sorts. 

I really enjoyed working with a theme in mind, and I would love to create another collection based on a completely different theme!

These necklaces will be for sale soon in the Sadu House Shop!

Close-up of the detail in the pendants

Some of my favorites

Finished pendants waiting for chains

How to Use a Novelty Ladder Yarn!

Many of us have purchased these beautiful ladder yarns, not knowing how we would use them. I tried crocheting and knitting with them, and felt that the yarn lost its beauty in the process. The ladder yarn just sat in my stash for a few years... until recently when I was searching for yarns for a new weaving. This ladder yarn went so beautifully with the other yarns that I wanted to include. I wanted something thicker though, so I decided to take one of my bulky yarns and weave it through the ladder. This technique keeps the beauty and integrity of the yarn, so I was very pleased with the result! I ended up using it to make a long tassel for the weaving pictured below. I also plan to try weaving it in a future piece!

How do you use ladder yarns, I would love to hear your ideas!

Handy Crochet Hooks!

In my last post I talked about how handy I find crochet hooks, and that I am always finding new uses for them. It occurred to me how great it would be to have some on my keychain. Hoping that something like that existed, I did a quick online search and found these. I don't know if I was more excited that they actually exist and I could order them right now, or that there was someone out there who also thought this was a fantastic idea! So handy.  One more thing to add to my bag of tricks... I mean purse. :-) I'll be there whenever there is a sweater snagged near me!

Another Use For Crochet Hooks!

In working on various projects and in daily life, I often come across new uses for my crochet hooks. Recently, I was putting the finishing touches on a new weaving and I needed a tapestry needle to string up some wooden beads. I was searching for just the right size, one that had a large enough eye to be easy to thread, but not so large that it wouldn't fit through the hole in the bead. I didn't happen to have the right size with me, as I was out of the house, but I really wanted to finish the project! Since I had my crochet hook set in my bag, I had the idea to use one of them instead. It worked so well that I actually wished I had more beads to string up! 

It is much more enjoyable to work with a crochet hook. Luckily, my 2mm Etimo hook was the perfect size! There was just something so satisfying about putting the string through with a hook. Next time you want to string up some beads, give it a try!

The Finished Weaving

New collection of Crochet Patterns: The Stone Necklace Trio!

As it comes time for a new school year to start, I always feel a sense of a new beginning and I have been thinking about my goals. I love anything to do with yarn, and have been working in so many areas of the fiber arts lately. This year I have decided that I need to focus on the things that I like to do the most. I love it all, but something I really enjoy and am known for, are my crochet jewelry designs. 

I  am planning to design and release more jewelry patterns this year on Ravelry, and to kick start my new goal, I have just released a new trio of necklace patterns! I love the idea of jewelry made with natural stones, but sometimes they can be heavy, and since no two rocks are the same, it would be difficult for people to create the necklace as designed. I always keep a skein of Berroco's Comfort Sock yarn, in Dunedin, because it is lovely to work with, and it is perfect for making natural looking stones! I wanted the stones to be 3-D, and I didn't want the supply list for the necklaces to be too extensive, so instead of stuffing them with fiberfill, they are stuffed with crocheted pieces. They are the perfect shape, and add just enough weight to the pendants so they hang nicely. 

I started with one design, and I just couldn't stop there! I have previously designed another trio of necklaces, the Bella Necklace Trio, and it has done so well on Ravelry, that I thought it was time for another trio to join my pattern collection!  Each one has its own personality and would make a unique gift. You can choose to embellish the stones with embroidery, or let the crochet and beauty of the yarn speak for itself! 

I am gathering more inspiration for future jewelry designs and I look forward to a new year in crochet design!

Me on the Yarn Thing Podcast!

I am excited to tell you that I will be Marly Bird's guest this week on the Yarn Thing Podcast! It will be a live interview from her studio in Colorado to my studio in Kuwait! I have had the pleasure of meeting Marly at the Chain Link Conference, but we have never had the chance to have a good chat, until now! I have been listening to her podcast for years, and her friendly voice has filled my home so many times, I am looking forward to being more than a listener this time! 

I will be talking about crochet and our eWoodStory line. There will be a giveaway as well! I will be giving away one of our new Mini Weaving Kits, and the winner's choice of 3 of my crochet patterns.

The show will be this Tuesday, August 28th at 10am MST. You can catch the show live, or anytime after the show via Marly Bird's You Tube channel. I hope you can all join us! 

Chain Link Crochet Conference 2018!

With the Laurinda Reddig, and Carissa Jane Reid, the amazing women of the Ficstitches Yarn Kit Club

I just got back from a great trip to Portland, Oregon, where I was attending the Crochet Guild of America's annual conference. I was so happy that the conference was held just 2 hours from my hometown of Eugene!

It is always great to meet up with old friends and there were also so many wonderful new people to meet!

I took two classes from the amazing Lily Chin: Fine Shaping in Stitch Patterning and Two Color Tunisian Crochet in the Round. Lily is really brilliant and I loved her style of teaching. She blends storytelling with tips and tricks, technique practice, and a show and tell of samples demonstrating the techniques she is teaching. She is a true inspiration, and one of the most dynamic teachers I have learned from!

Lily Chin in action!

So amazing to work in the round with a double ended hook!

I also took a Pleats and Darts class from the legendary Pauline Turner. She is an encyclopedia of knowledge and she allowed us to ask her about anything we could think of on the subject of crochet!

Our instructor Pauline Turner had one of the attendees model a beautiful crocheted dress with darts and a pleated skirt.

Close-up of the pleats

There were lots of fun activities like the fastest fingers crochet contest, and the yarn tasting. They had a selection of yarns from the vendors at the show for us to try out. My daughter loved this idea, and couldn't resist trying out her favorites!

This was my favorite!

Deciding which yarn she likes best!

Attending a book signing with Suzann Thompson, author of the adorable book, Cute Crochet World!

Our eWoodStory stitchable frames and Weaving Kits were for sale in the Ficstitches booth, and I had the pleasure of demonstrating crochet based weaving AKA "weavrochet" on our looms in the booth!

Weavrochet purse in progress

Summer of Fiber Arts Began at Black Sheep!

The end of June is one of my favorite times to visit Oregon because I am fortunate to be able to attend the Black Sheep Gathering! An amazing event for all things fiber related. They put together an extensive collection of classes taught by very experienced instructors. This year, I decided to buy a spinning wheel, as last year I felt like I was the only one there who didn't know how to spin on one! Shortly before I arrived in Oregon, I ordered a Spinolution Worker Bee. I unboxed it, just a few days before Black Sheep and tried to get the hang of spinning on it. I enrolled in a Beginning Spinning Class, so I was trying to get a head start. We spent about 5 hours on our wheels, and that was the concentrated time I needed to get to know the wheel and actually make some yarn! I was able to spin up most of the fiber you see in the photo below. Spinning is one of those things you should probably never start if you don't have time in your schedule, because once you do, you won't want to stop!

It just so happens that my 12 year old daughter is in love with spinning also. We are sharing the wheel, and since we have taken it out of the box, we have been taking turns! She really clicked with spinning while at Black Sheep, and was so happy to be able to spin in the "Spinner's Circle" with the other spinners. The magic of being around so many fiber enthusiasts! 

I also took a Blending Board class, which was such fun. I just loved creating little works of art to roll up and spin. It is a surprise for me to see how each one will spin up!

After the classes were over, my daughter and I shopped in the Marketplace for spinning materials. One of our favorite booths had baskets full of dyed locks that you could choose and buy by the ounce. We were almost tempted to take home a whole basket because each hand-dyed lock you pick up is more beautiful than the last!

Of course, we couldn't go home without making friends with an Alpaca :-) We have more fun each year we attend, and are already thinking about next year!