Tag Archive: crochet

Satin Cord Pendants Released Today

Today marks the official release of my satin cord jewelry! I am naming my jewelry after the women in my life. I dedicated my very first pendant to my mother-in-law, Lynne, whom I lost in March of this year.

Crochet Pendant in Camel and Jungle Green Satin Cord

'Lynne' crochet pendant in camel brown and jungle green

 

My next pendant is named for my own mother. I lost her in May 2008, the day before Mother’s Day.

Patsy Crochet Pendant in Rose and Orange Satin Cord

'Patsy' floral pendant in rose and orange

My third pendant is named for both of my grandmothers, as well as my husband’s grandmother. Mary was a popular name in the 1910′s.

Mary Crochet Pendant in Beige Avocado and Jungle Green Satin Cord

'Mary' granny square pendant in beige, avocado, and jungle green

 

My fourth pendant is named for my daughter who is almost 13.

Glynnis Crochet Pendant in Orange and Plum Satin Cord

'Glynnis' crochet pendant in plum and orange

 

My fifth pendant is named for my niece, who was married in September.

Lauren Crochet Pendant in Silver and Lavender Satin Cord

'Lauren' crochet pendant in silver and lavender

 

My favorite so far is the rose floral pendant. Which one can you see yourself wearing?

 

Satin Cord Jewelry Buzz

I am excited to announce a new line for my business. Jewelry!  My plan is to begin rolling it out October 1. This is a significant day as it would have been my in-laws’ 51st anniversary. I lost my mother-in-law back in March of this year. She loved crochet and she was the person who revived my interest back in 1994 by teaching me to crochet edgings around baby blankets. She also loved costume jewelry, so I believe she would like my new jewelry line. So I am dedicating it to her.

I am using petite satin cord, which is the smaller version of the cord I use for my baskets. My supplier is The Satin Cord Store. I am using rayon satin cord which is so soft and shiny and a joy to work with.

Satin Cord Pendants

Satin cord pendants

 

Satin Cord Pendants

 

Satin Cord Pendants

 

Satin Cord Pendants

 

Satin Cord Necklaces

Satin Cord Necklaces

 

Satin Cord Necklaces

 

Satin Cord Necklaces

 

For now I have decided to use a double strand of satin cord to hang the pendants. My other option would be to use chain.

What do you think? I really like the beautiful color and sheen of the cord. I would love any and all comments, feedback and suggestions. I am making these creations for you, so I want them to be what you want.

I hope everyone has a beautiful and blessed day!

 

Newest Satin Cord Crochet Baskets

So, how is your spring going so far? We have seen quite a bit of rain. Everything is very green and the lawn is very tall. I do have daffodils in bloom and am patiently waiting for more flowers. I am also happy it is spring so I can take my basket photos outdoors where the lighting is so much better.

Before I get to my newest baskets, I wanted to tell you why I have not been updating this blog. Tomorrow is my mother-in-law’s birthday and she would have been 71. She passed away a month ago, on March 15. As you can imagine, it has been a difficult time. I wanted to do some writing about her on her birthday, but I have been struggling with the words. If I don’t post tomorrow, then perhaps I will be able to at a later date.

As for my baskets, I have two new color combinations for my Coffee Filter baskets. The first one I created in the colors of citrus fruits.

Satin cord crochet basket in citrus colors

Satin cord basket in citrus colors

 

satin cord crochet basket felt bottom

Crochet basket with embroidered felt bottom

 

My next basket was inspired by the colors of the sea. I love the soothing blues and greens.

satin cord crochet basket in blues and greens

Satin cord basket in the colors of the sea

 

Satin cord basket in blues and greens

Another use for this crochet basket

 

You can see more views of these baskets in my etsy shop. I hope you are enjoying your spring!

 

A Crochet Basket Upgrade

I kept looking at the two baskets I created in my last post and thinking, “The way I added new colors is a mess!” So I decided to end each color before adding a new one, instead of the usual way of joining the new color to the final part of the stitch of the previous row. Take a look:

 

satin cord crochet basket in silvers and purples

Original basket with messy joins

 

satin cord crochet basket silvers and purples

Completed basket with invisible joins

 

What a difference! It does require just a bit more work, but the results are worth it. I can be a bit stubborn about changing my ways of doing things. But this time I am glad I decided to redo my work to make the result so much more professional.

You can go to my etsy shop to see other views of my basket.

 

Crochet Experiments in Color

So what is happening in my crochet studio? I’m glad you asked! I have started to experiment with more than two colors of satin cord. I am enjoying this exploration.

My first basket is in shades of silver and purple. I still have to weave in my cord ends, as well as embroider felt to the bottom, but I am very pleased with the result. Imagine how pretty this basket would be on your dresser!

basket in silvers and purples

Basket in silvers and purples

My next basket is still in the process of being crocheted. I started with navy blue and added silver, then royal blue. I like what I am seeing so far.

blues and silver basket

Navy, silver and royal blue basket in progress

One of my next projects is to prepare a color card that contains all of the satin cord colors that I have. I would love to make you a custom colored basket to match your decor.

Have a beautiful weekend!

My Crochet Heart Trinket Box

My latest design is the Heart Shaped Trinket Box. My inspiration was Valentine’s Day. I started out by making a crochet heart. The bottom of the heart is a triangle with 2 single crochet increases on every other row. The rounded tops of the heart are 2 single crochet decreases on every other row for each side. Once the heart is made, I edge it in single crochet for 5 rounds which makes the sides. For this white trinket box, I included a round of tiny mock popcorn stitches for texture.

white trinket box bottom

White Trinket Box Bottom with Tiny Mock Popcorn Stitches

white trinket box inside

View of the inside of the trinket box

Once the bottom of the box is completed, I then create the lid. I make a heart shape edged with one round of single crochet.

white trinket box lid

Lid of the trinket box

The next step is to attach the lid to the box. In the photo, I have already sewn one side and am in the process of attaching the other.

white trinket box attach lid

Attaching the lid to the box

white trinket box with lid attached

Both sides of the lid attached to bottom of box

Once the lid is attached, I cut out a piece of wool felt to embroider to the bottom of the box to protect it from scuff marks.

white trinket box with felt bottom

Embroidering felt to the bottom of the box

I sew a crochet flower with a button center to the lid of the box for an embellishment.

white trinket box with flower embellishment

Box with flower embellishment

My final step is to attach my logo to the bottom.

white trinket box with logo

Logo attached to bottom of box

Viola! There you have a heart shaped trinket box. This is an enjoyable crochet project. The fun begins with the idea and continues through the process of design. I tried to use standard size popcorns on one box, but they were too large. The tiny mock popcorns are in proportion to the size of the box. It is all about determining what works and what does not. And to keep trying and learning.

I am listing the trinket boxes in my etsy shop. I love the idea of putting tiny treasures and mementos in them. How would you use one of these boxes?

Crochet Critters on Etsy

It’s time for some adorable crochet animals on etsy!

crochet boy and girl bunny dollsValentine Love Pairs Charlotte and Charlie Dolls by Rosieok

monkey amigurumiValentine’s Day Monkey Amigurumi by Janama

cute amigurumi bearsCute Amigurumi Bears by Furinn

white little mouseWhite Little Mouse by Sabahnur

the owl and the pussycatThe Owl and the Pussycat by StitchHappens7

Have a wonderful weekend!

More Vintage Crochet from 1967

Are you ready for some more vintage crochet? I certainly am. Here we go!

pomponned shift

Pomponned Shift

Fun dress to wear to dance the night away!

lacy dress

Lacy Dress

Another party dress. Here’s the magazine’s description: “Lacy Dress is a crocheted mesh cage in smock style. It hangs from wide straps and swings full from low, ribbon-gathered neckline.”

shell patterned jacket

Shell Patterned Jacket

And for the young miss, a shell stitch sweater.

bullion infants bonnet

Bullion Infants Bonnet

This bonnet is crocheted in what is called bullion stitch. Even in 1967, it was called a little-known stitch. Bullion is one of the techniques discussed in Crochet Master Class.

four way hat

Four Way Hat

Now I would like one of these to wear while I’m working in the garden. This model was made using a product called Swistraw. Today I would use Raffia Ribbon.

graceful wrap

Graceful Wrap

This wrap is trimmed at the corners with fine gold hairpin lace edging, seed beads, pearls and bangles. It is difficult to see in the photo, but hairpin lace is a beautiful technique from the 19th century. It is also discussed in Crochet Master Class. The master of this stitch, Jennifer Hansen, has hairpin lace tutorials on her website, Stitch Diva Studios.

banded sheath

Banded Sheath

This is the dress featured on the cover. The magazine describes it in “striking loop stitch”. It does not look like the loop stitch that I am familiar with. To figure it out, I would have to sit down with the instructions, along with some yarn and a hook.

I hope you enjoyed a little blast from the past!

Vintage Crochet from 1967

I have a small collection of vintage crochet magazines and booklets. I enjoy browsing through them for fun and inspiration. I wanted to share some of my finds with you from McCall’s Needlework & Crafts, Spring-Summer 1967.

flared sleeve sheath dress

Flared Sleeve Sheath (dress on the right)

This dress is crocheted from the top down, in big picot shells. Lovely style for the era, although I would make sure it was lined or I would wear a chemise under it.

dark gold cardigan and vibrant gold suit

Dark Gold Cardigan (left) and Vibrant Gold Suit (right)

The Dark Gold Cardigan is crocheted in rows of “cobweb” lace. The yarn used was probably of fingering (sock) weight, so this little number took a while to crochet. However, I could see myself wearing an updated version. The Vibrant Gold Suit on the right is called a “costume” in the magazine. Hmmm.

Pink crocheted lace blouse and striped tank top

Pink Crocheted Lace Blouse and Striped Tank Top

I like the Pink Crocheted Lace Blouse which includes single crochet, popcorns, filets and shells. I would update the neckline, but I rather like the sleeve length. The Striped Tank buttons on the shoulder. Perhaps the opening is too small to get over your head otherwise. I don’t like the way the stripes fall across the bustline. It is not flattering.

popcorn dress in white

Popcorn Squares Dress

I do like popcorns, but this dress reminds me more of a blanket.

navy cardigan

Navy Cover-up Cardigan

It is interesting that this cardigan is labeled a “cover-up” when you can see right through it. Pretty darn blah, if you ask me.

slim line double breasted coat

Slim Line Double Breasted Coat

I never seem to tire of this design of coat. Very stylish.

crocheted bikini

Crocheted Bikini

All right, ladies, what do you think of this? It certainly is not a bikini you see these days. I’m on the fence as far as whether I like it or not. It does remind me of Marilyn Monroe, but then it also makes me think of plain old undergarments.

That sure was fun! I would love to read your comments on these finds. I do have more vintage crochet to share from this magazine. Stay tuned for my next post.

Valentine’s Day Crochet Inspiration

Love is in the air! Here are some beautiful crochet finds from etsy in shades of red.

crochet red merino hatCrocheted Red Merino Hat by KnittingGuru

very cozy bean shawlVery Cozy Bean Shawl by LovelyCrochet

deep red millefiori crochet necklaceDeep Red Millefiori Crochet Necklace by StaRoseCreations

crochet lace scarf in garnetCrochet Lace Scarf in Garnet by Ayca

artist teddy bear crochetArtist Teddy Bear Crochet by CrocheTeddyBears

I have to admit, I’m pretty crazy about that teddy bear. How adorable!

I hope you have a lovely weekend!