I like the coral one. This shade is created by combining the two strands, so looks bright and at the same time gentle. I presume my sister enjoyed modelling it.
August 01, 2011
Crafting on holidays
Hi, Just returned from long holidays. I caught myself thinking that I could not pass by the wool shops. I have my favourite places that I always try to check while on holidays. As the result, new thread - and new necklaces. Gold and silver are always in fashion, especially for special occasions.
I like the coral one. This shade is created by combining the two strands, so looks bright and at the same time gentle. I presume my sister enjoyed modelling it.
I like the coral one. This shade is created by combining the two strands, so looks bright and at the same time gentle. I presume my sister enjoyed modelling it.
March 15, 2011
Have you tried Etsy new useful tools yet?
Just found new Etsy useful tools. Well, they might be not new as I'm not really the first one to get new widgets person. I think they are quite cute. I'll try one of them on my blog. It allows you to see 10 treasuries you've created or you are featured as a slide show, all treasuries are clickable so you can view them in details.
Widget was created by EtsyTreasuries.com Treasury Shop which let you browse hundreds of curated Treasuries at a glance through a 3D wall gallery. You can view it in 3 different ways - Top 300 Most Popular, Top 300 With Most Comments, Top 300 Newly Listed. You can quickly view treasuries with color scheme and find your style from hundreds being curated everyday.This will help buyers who especially looking for wedding items (Wedding category) where everything should match and fall under a specific color scheme and find everything they need in the treasury.
Treasury Shop also enables Search Tool where you can search by tags, title or curator and get relevant results.
Try your widget!
Widget was created by EtsyTreasuries.com Treasury Shop which let you browse hundreds of curated Treasuries at a glance through a 3D wall gallery. You can view it in 3 different ways - Top 300 Most Popular, Top 300 With Most Comments, Top 300 Newly Listed. You can quickly view treasuries with color scheme and find your style from hundreds being curated everyday.This will help buyers who especially looking for wedding items (Wedding category) where everything should match and fall under a specific color scheme and find everything they need in the treasury.
Treasury Shop also enables Search Tool where you can search by tags, title or curator and get relevant results.
Try your widget!
March 12, 2011
How to make a necklace cord
Recently I was asked to show how I make a cord for my crochet necklaces/chokers. Sorry for delay, my computer has been down for a while but now I'm ready to share with you some of my secrets :-)
I’m more used to American crochet terms, so the pattern is given in American terms.
Here is a crochet terms conversion chart to UK crochetters.
US UK
chain(ch) chain(ch)
single crochet (sc) double crochet (dc)
double crochet (dc) treble (tr)
half double crochet (hdc) half treble (htr)
triple crochet (trc) double treble (dtr)
slip stitch (sl st) slip stitch (sl st)
First of all you need to make a slip ring or a magic ring or magic circle, the same thing just having different names. I found this picture which was very helpful for myself.
But if you need more help here is a video from youtube uploaded by tjw1963
Round 1. For slip ring leaving 4” end of thread, make a loop, insert hook through loop from front to back, yarn over (see picture 1) pull through loop to form ring, yarn over, pull through loop on hook (picture 2), make chain 3 and 7 dc in a ring, pull end of the thread tightly to close ring having 8 dc including chain of 3 stitches at the beginning. Do not join rounds, continue in spiral.
Round 2. Working this round in back loops, sc in top of chain 3, sc in each dc around (8 sc). Turn stitches of rounds 1 and 2 wrong side out, bring 4” end through center of ring, Backside of stitches will be on outside of work. Stuff 4” end inside the cord.
Continue working round 2 in back loops, making sc in each stitch around, do not join rounds! Finish when you get desired length. I normally make a 20 - 21" long cord.
Last round. (Sc in next stitch and skip the next one) repeat 4 times (4 stitches left).
For the clasp make a chain of 13 stitches and slip stitch to the 3-rd stitch in previous round. For clasp bead cut 4" long tread and wrap it tightly around the beginning of the cord (1/2" from the end). Secure all ends (I use some fabric glue to keep ends safe).
For my necklaces I use 100% mercerized crochet cotton size 20 and a hook size 1 - 1.25 mm. I do my stitches quite tight, if you are used to make it a bit loose, use size 1.25 mm. I would say try and make a test piece to check you tension, if the tension is too tight use larger hook, if the tension is too loose, get a smaller hook. Do experiment! Some charts that I’ve found in the internet refer metric size 1.25 mm to size 4 (UK) and 10 (US).
Any maker of thread will do – DMC Chebelia, Aunt Lydia, Whoosh, Lesur Empress, Crochetta, Twilleys Southern Comfort, Coats. If cotton is slightly thicker (size 10) it is still fine for a necklace. I prefer mercerized cotton as the cord comes stiff enough to keep its shape.
Then just add some motiffs - flowers and leaves, make them in solid colours or variegated ones,
and your necklace is done! You’ve made one of a kind piece of handmade jewellery! It’s a perfect gift for a girlfriend, a friend or maybe a treat for yourself.
You'll find more ideas for necklace designs here or watch my video on youtube
The same cord can be used as a bag handle, depending on the size of a bag, you can make a thicker cord. I suggest using thicker thread (DK cotton) for handles, it’ll make them stiffer. If you want really thick handles, follow the above instructions but make more dc in a slip ring in round 1 and use larger hook. And then just stuff handles with toy stuffing.
I’m more used to American crochet terms, so the pattern is given in American terms.
Here is a crochet terms conversion chart to UK crochetters.
US UK
chain(ch) chain(ch)
single crochet (sc) double crochet (dc)
double crochet (dc) treble (tr)
half double crochet (hdc) half treble (htr)
triple crochet (trc) double treble (dtr)
slip stitch (sl st) slip stitch (sl st)
First of all you need to make a slip ring or a magic ring or magic circle, the same thing just having different names. I found this picture which was very helpful for myself.
But if you need more help here is a video from youtube uploaded by tjw1963
Round 1. For slip ring leaving 4” end of thread, make a loop, insert hook through loop from front to back, yarn over (see picture 1) pull through loop to form ring, yarn over, pull through loop on hook (picture 2), make chain 3 and 7 dc in a ring, pull end of the thread tightly to close ring having 8 dc including chain of 3 stitches at the beginning. Do not join rounds, continue in spiral.
Round 2. Working this round in back loops, sc in top of chain 3, sc in each dc around (8 sc). Turn stitches of rounds 1 and 2 wrong side out, bring 4” end through center of ring, Backside of stitches will be on outside of work. Stuff 4” end inside the cord.
Continue working round 2 in back loops, making sc in each stitch around, do not join rounds! Finish when you get desired length. I normally make a 20 - 21" long cord.
Last round. (Sc in next stitch and skip the next one) repeat 4 times (4 stitches left).
For the clasp make a chain of 13 stitches and slip stitch to the 3-rd stitch in previous round. For clasp bead cut 4" long tread and wrap it tightly around the beginning of the cord (1/2" from the end). Secure all ends (I use some fabric glue to keep ends safe).
For my necklaces I use 100% mercerized crochet cotton size 20 and a hook size 1 - 1.25 mm. I do my stitches quite tight, if you are used to make it a bit loose, use size 1.25 mm. I would say try and make a test piece to check you tension, if the tension is too tight use larger hook, if the tension is too loose, get a smaller hook. Do experiment! Some charts that I’ve found in the internet refer metric size 1.25 mm to size 4 (UK) and 10 (US).
Any maker of thread will do – DMC Chebelia, Aunt Lydia, Whoosh, Lesur Empress, Crochetta, Twilleys Southern Comfort, Coats. If cotton is slightly thicker (size 10) it is still fine for a necklace. I prefer mercerized cotton as the cord comes stiff enough to keep its shape.
Then just add some motiffs - flowers and leaves, make them in solid colours or variegated ones,
and your necklace is done! You’ve made one of a kind piece of handmade jewellery! It’s a perfect gift for a girlfriend, a friend or maybe a treat for yourself.
You'll find more ideas for necklace designs here or watch my video on youtube
The same cord can be used as a bag handle, depending on the size of a bag, you can make a thicker cord. I suggest using thicker thread (DK cotton) for handles, it’ll make them stiffer. If you want really thick handles, follow the above instructions but make more dc in a slip ring in round 1 and use larger hook. And then just stuff handles with toy stuffing.
July 12, 2010
Ideas for using crochet flowers in projects
Hi everyone. It's a long time since my last post. I've been working outside my hobby but managed to fulfil some of my new ideas. I'll show you them later.
Still I'm making my little flowers. Pansies are still my favourites and lately they were very popular on etsy and I got a lot of orders from the UK and USA. Actually I counted the quantity of them that I've sold and was quite surprised to find out that it was more than 1200. A couple of years ago when I got back to my hobby and picked up my hook and fine thread I was just enjoing experimenting with them, trying different combinations of colours and shades and textures and was delighted to find out that people actually liked what I made. But I never knew how they were using my flowers. But due to their feedbacks and orders I found out how creative people were.
So here are some ideas for the projects where you can use crochet flowers.
First of all crochet flowers are embellishments and are widely used to brighten your clothes especially for little ones.
This field of crochet flowers was made to order to embellish a poncho for a toddler girl.
They look stunning on your scarf and gloves
They can be widely used at home decor - to embellish lamp shades and duvet covers.
If you wear hair accessories these pretty handmade slides will make you look different.
They are also very popular among scrapbookers as the flowers are of the size which is suitable for small projects and will add special touch to your cards.
I hope my ideas inspire you in your own projects, if you crochet flowers but not sure how to use them.
If you are interested in purchasing my tiny pansies they are available in my shop on etsy. Or you can buy them here.
Size: 0.8" long and 0.8" across.
These pansies will look great as clothes accessories, especially jeans, or bag/cushions embellishments. They are ready to fulfil any of your creative ideas. You can use them as a single item or group them together.
All prices include postage fees, just choose the quantity you are interested in
Still I'm making my little flowers. Pansies are still my favourites and lately they were very popular on etsy and I got a lot of orders from the UK and USA. Actually I counted the quantity of them that I've sold and was quite surprised to find out that it was more than 1200. A couple of years ago when I got back to my hobby and picked up my hook and fine thread I was just enjoing experimenting with them, trying different combinations of colours and shades and textures and was delighted to find out that people actually liked what I made. But I never knew how they were using my flowers. But due to their feedbacks and orders I found out how creative people were.
So here are some ideas for the projects where you can use crochet flowers.
First of all crochet flowers are embellishments and are widely used to brighten your clothes especially for little ones.
This field of crochet flowers was made to order to embellish a poncho for a toddler girl.
They look stunning on your scarf and gloves
They can be widely used at home decor - to embellish lamp shades and duvet covers.
If you wear hair accessories these pretty handmade slides will make you look different.
I hope my ideas inspire you in your own projects, if you crochet flowers but not sure how to use them.
If you are interested in purchasing my tiny pansies they are available in my shop on etsy. Or you can buy them here.
A set of 25 hand crochet from cotton mercerised thread pansies in bright colours.
Size: 0.8" long and 0.8" across.
These pansies will look great as clothes accessories, especially jeans, or bag/cushions embellishments. They are ready to fulfil any of your creative ideas. You can use them as a single item or group them together.
All prices include postage fees, just choose the quantity you are interested in
May 29, 2010
My little neighbours
I've started my blog quite recently and I did it mainly for the reason to invite people to show my crafts, find out other craft blogs, new ideas and possibly new friends. Doing crafts means a lot to me as I've spent years working at the office which left me no time for hobbies. So now I'm enjoying every minute I can spend with my crochet hook and wonderful cotton thread.
Pets are my other passion. At the moment I have 2 favourites - Staffordshire Bull Terrier Missy and little budgy Billy. They are not mine :(
Missy is a lovely girl, full of energy and everyday things to do. She is busy all day but always gets some time for having a little stroke and poking her little black nose through the fence.
And Missy likes to make a mess.
Her little white patch on the neck is adorable.
While his mummy is away I'm taking care of Billy the budgy. He is a cheeky boy, pretty boy and a good boy. At least he thinks so and likes to inform everybody about it. Since his previous stay with us he learned some new phrases: Billy, what's up? and something else but I can't grasp it. He is also very curious as likes sitting on my shoulder and watch me when I am doing crafts or just chewing my earrings.
May 23, 2010
Feather earrings
Feathers are very popular in crafts. In any craft store you can find packets of different types of feathers - marabou, duck, goose, peacock. I like all of them as they are all different and bring their own attractiveness to the craft project.
Recently I've started making earrings from feathers. Pheasant feathers seem to be less popular than colourful peacock or fluffy marabou. But it all depends on your creativity and the additional materials you are using in your project.
My pheasant feathers earrings are embellished with beads.
Recently I've started making earrings from feathers. Pheasant feathers seem to be less popular than colourful peacock or fluffy marabou. But it all depends on your creativity and the additional materials you are using in your project.
I have to say if you start something new it's getting quite addictive. So after pheasant feathers I'm going to open my packets with marabou and peacock feathers.
May 19, 2010
Have you heard about Leeds Kirkgate Market?
Leeds Kirkgate Market is a market in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK. With over 600 stalls this is Europe's largest covered market. It attracts around 250,000 visitors every week.
It first opened in 1822.
It was a founding location of Marks & Spencer. Michael Marks opened his "Penny Bazaar" in the open air market here in 1884.
Since then the market has been refurbished and here is how it looks like nowadays.
Since last year it has been hosting 'How Bizaar', a big market stall, providing an opportunity for starters of new businesses to display and sell their products. Starting a new business can be risky but now having an opportunity to test demand and get market feedback before fully launching their product, service and idea, is less stressful.
'How Bizaar' provides a low risk trading opportunity for a wide range of businesses e.g. arts, crafts, clothing, food, electrical goods, toys.
You ask me why I'm giving you all this information? Because since April my crochet embellishments and jewellery are displayed in Leeds Kirkgate Market! I'm having my own display space. It's quite big but it's never enough when you start arranging it. Since it's YOUR space you can do there what you want.
This week my space is arranged this way.
I have wonderful neighbours who are displaying and selling their gorgeous products - handmade cards, clothing, bags, unusual jewellery, items of home decor. They all are of high quality and are very popular among visitors of the stall.
So please do come in to check our handmade products!
May 14, 2010
Playing with felt
I'm still trying something new. This time new type of flowers using dry felting technique. I used the same dyed in beautiful colours wool fleece as I used for my wet felt flowers. What I like in felting is that you are in total control of what you are doing and actually nothing can go wrong. The only thing is barbed needle that is used to make a dry felt. Having small experience you better be careful while punching the fleece otherwise you will stab your fingers. Yes, it hurts :(
So first I made a flower.
May 07, 2010
Show off your accessories
Summer is knocking at the door. It's time to show off your accessories. Cell phone accessories shouldn't be hidden.
These elegant crochet cell phone drawstring bags are made from cotton thread with lurex and designed to protect your phone.
They will comfortably accommodate tiny digital cameras, cell phones, iphones small to medium sized especially ones in diamond shape.
These elegant crochet cell phone drawstring bags are made from cotton thread with lurex and designed to protect your phone.
They will comfortably accommodate tiny digital cameras, cell phones, iphones small to medium sized especially ones in diamond shape.
May 02, 2010
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