Tale of a Woven Sadu Necklace

In my quest to make functional items from the samples I am weaving in my Sadu Weaving classes, I had the ultimate challenge of making something out of a 2 1/2" piece of weaving. I intended on weaving two longer strips, but a little cutting accident while removing the pieces from the loom, resulted in this little piece needing to become something nice. I am a firm believer that some of the most creative projects begin as accidents. Challenging yourself to work with what you have makes your brain work in a different way. Of course the first thing that came to mind was a piece of jewelry, because that is what I like to make most of all!

The biggest trick was how to make the top of the pendant look finished and not like a chopped off sample strip. I gathered the top in, to make a pompom on top, I added some more yarn strands to make it fuller. It seemed like too much fringe at the bottom, so I rolled up the white strands on the ends and couched them into scrolls. Then the little chopped off strip of weaving became a sculptural piece, worthy of being a pendant. I finished off the piece with a crocheted cord and bobble and loop fastening at the back. Crochet always saves the day on finishing!

My main goal was to transform the piece into something that looked like it was meant to be, instead of an accident. I am now thankful for the accident, and planning to weave some more small pieces on purpose to create with!

With the Help of Crochet: Small Sadu Weaving Projects

I recently started taking traditional Sadu Weaving courses through the Insij program at the Sadu House in Kuwait. It is a 5 level program, and I have completed the first 2 levels. I have always wanted to learn how to do Sadu Weaving and the program began at just the right time for me! While we are learning the weaving patterns, we are weaving lots of long strips. It is my goal to make something functional out of each strip! In order to do this, the process often includes crochet. Crochet can make strong seams, fill in gaps, add surface detail, and make handles. The hook is so versatile, you can stick it anywhere in the weaving!

The first project that I want to share with you is a little basket that I made out of a small strip of weaving. I overlapped the ends and made the seam a feature. I added a small cascade of tassels to finish it off!

I decided to crochet the bottom of the basket, but I didn't crochet a separate piece. I began crocheting into the woven strip and decreased with each round until I closed up the center. Then I wove in the black detailing with a yarn needle. Thanks to crochet, this woven strip became a functional piece of home decor!

Free Yarn from Yarn Canada!

Yarn Canada is giving away $4000 worth of yarn for your charitable projects!

They know so many wonderful people knit and crochet for good causes and they would love to hear your stories and help out. They have partnered with Bernat and Patons yarn to give 12 individuals and groups a total of $4000 worth of yarn to use towards their good works/ charitable projects. Since they get requests from all over, and they would like to do something nice for their neighbours, this is open to Canadians and Americans. 

Here is the yarn they will be giving away:

-$1000 of yarn to a Canadian group who knits or crochets for a good cause

-$1000 of yarn to an American group who knits or crochets for a good cause.

-10 x $200 of yarn to Canadian or American individuals or groups who knit or crochet for a good cause

The details and application page are here.

Exciting News! Crochet for Me Special Pattern Bundle!

Spring has sprung, and while I don’t ever want to put my crochet hook down, about the last thing I want to be working on is a blanket. So my thoughts turn to lace! Lace to make – challenging stitches, airy patterns, gorgeous lightweight yarns – and lace to wear – the perfect items to get me from Spring to Summer or Summer to Fall.

 

In honor of Spring I joined 34 of my crochet designer colleagues and created the Crochet for Me Lace Bundle. It’s chock full of 46 individual patterns, never before offered in a bundle or for free, that will give you a wide range of patterns that will suit your lacy fancy.

 

All sorts of patterns are included from hats and headbands, to tees and shawls, to a dress and jewelry, and even a lacy pillow for your lounging pleasure.

I contributed 3 of my popular patterns to the bundle. The Gloria Headband, Venezia Necklace, and Julia Necklace.

Gloria Headband

Venezia Necklace

Julia Necklace

You get all 46 patterns featured in this bundle for only $25. That’s less than 55 cents per pattern! But the offer is only available through April 21, 2021, 11:59 PM Eastern, and it absolutely will not be extended nor repeated.

 

Want to see what else is included? Have a look at this video featuring designs from the bundle.

 

If you purchased these patterns individually they would cost you well over $200. And by buying from a coalition of designers like this instead of a huge publisher, you know that your money is going where it’s needed – into the pockets of your favorite designers so they can keep on creating the patterns you love to make.

 

If all of that is not enough to convince you you need this bundle here’s one more great thing. Once you gain access to the patterns you ALSO get a file with extra discount codes for additional products offered by some of our amazing designer friends. And there’s a 15 day money back guarantee so you have absolutely nothing to lose.

 

So support the community that you love, rejoice in the fact that you are a clever bargain hunter, then put your feet up and crochet something light and lacy as you watch the flowers bloom! Enjoy all of these things – and the lovely Spring weather – while they last.

 

BUY NOW

 

New Crochet Pattern Release: This and That Scarf!

I am excited to announce the release of the This and That Scarf. It is all about having fun with basic stitches to create texture and interest! Every row is different from the last and the scarf is made in panels, so it is a nice take along project that will keep you interested and wanting to see what it next to crochet. The stitch combination looks very different but is equally beautiful on both sides of the scarf. Your choice of colors can transform the look of the scarf, so it is a good idea to make a color swatch to know the best order of the colors. I am especially looking forward to seeing some finished projects on Ravelry, so if you make the scarf I would love to see what you do with your color choices!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Hooks Required: G/4.00mm & H/5.00MM

Yarn: King Cole Merino Blend DK

 ***To celebrate the launch of The This and That scarf, I am offering a special 50% discount on this pattern to my readers through May 31st! Just use the code: ThisThat50 at checkout.***

 I am honored to announce that this week there is an interview on Marly Bird's blog all about how I got started in fiber arts and about my eWoodStory and Spinerations family collaborations.  If you would like to know more about my adventures and journey in fiber arts, check out the interview written by Kathryn Vercillo.

New Free Pattern: Queen of Hearts Crochet Necklace

 Are you looking for a fun little project to crochet in time for Valentines Day? I designed the Queen of Hearts Necklace pattern to celebrate one of my favorite necklace themes, the heart! My most favorite jewelry pieces are those featuring hearts. Visions of hearts trigger positive happy feelings, so I always love wearing them.

This heart necklace has some unique details and make it satisfying to crochet and a special piece to create.  Along with loving hearts I have long had an obsession with bows, so I thought why not combine the two! 

I used metallic yarns to create this necklace, but any DK weight yarn will do. It just takes a bit of yarn, so you just might have some small bits in your stash that would be perfect for this necklace!

The pattern is available to download for FREE in my Ravelry store. If you make the necklace, I would love so much to see you post project photos on Ravelry!

Happy Crocheting everyone!