Summer of Miniature Crochet

Happy Saturday!  It has been quite awhile since I last posted.  It's been a busy summer.  I have my preteen daughter home full time, and my eldest is also home from college for the summer.  We also had to move unexpectedly, which was very sad and super stressful.  I loved our farmhouse and the beautiful land it was nestled on, and I miss it very, very much.  We would get visits from all sorts of birds, and critters, including a plethora of hummingbirds, chipmunks, deer, sand cranes, and even a groundhog.  But, we found a temporary place that has (just enough) room for our chickens, ducks, and goats.  It's been a process getting everyone settled into a new routine in a new area.

I did manage to make quite the collection of miniature crochet items.  I have made a few jewelry pieces, and quite a few of the critters featured in Lunarheavenly's second book.  Quite a few of them have been given away to adorn lapels and bookbags, but I managed to hold on to a few.  Some of the items were painted using Rit Liquid Fabric Dye. . . that is until I discovered Higgins Drawing Ink.  I believe there are two different types of Higgins Drawing Ink.  At the moment, I am using the Non-Waterproof or Student Grade, but am anxious to try the other kind as well.  The colors of the Ink are very vibrant, blend well together to make an endless array of shades and tones, and dilute easily with water.  I really don't use anything else to paint Miniature Crochet anymore.  It was difficult with the Dye to make gradients and gradual color changes because the color would bleed, especially on something a tiny as a thread crochet flower.  lol 

Most of the items were made using DMC Cordonnet Cotton Special in size 80, though I used Fincrochet size 80 for a couple of them.  The very tiny,flowers were made using Aurifil lacemaking thread in sizes 40, 50, and 80.  The Aurifil size 80 is thinner than all purpose sewing thread, and takes a lot of patience and care when crocheting with it, but the little flowers it makes are just so tiny and adorable, that the hardship is worth it.

Here are a few critters I made using a combination of embroidery and crochet:

And here are some jewelry pieces I made using cute little findings I bought from Etsy.  One is a miniature hand mirror, and the other is a faux little pocket watch finding.  To the mirror I added a 6mm freshwater pearl.  The faux pocketwatch has some tiny Swarvoski rhinestones.

I also have a couple of flower arrangements I made.  I plan to sew them onto hair combs.  I sewed tiny Rocailles seed beads in shades of yellow to the center of the cherry blossoms.

This butterfly is one of my favorites.  I love the color scheme and plan on turning it into a necklace:

I recently ordered little Glass Globes from Etsy, and plan on putting little flowers into them as shown in Lunarheavenly's first book.  Here is a little Rose I made with that idea in mind:

I really enjoy making these miniature crochet items.  I plan on working on more in the near future.  For the moment, I am working on a new curtain valance for the new house, which has a lot more windows than the old one.  I am working on some needle painted flowers right now and plan to also add a bit of openwork and white work.  I don't have any pictures at the moment, but will get some very soon.

I have also been commissioned to make a curtain for a baby's room.  A friend and neighbor is having her first grandchild - a little girl - and she wants to give her something that will be one of a kind.  So she wants me to make a curtain for a small window in the baby's room.  The theme is elephants.  I will divulge more about this project as soon as I have  more details.

In the mean time, I will continue working on my own curtain.  I also recently ordered a new book. . . Whitework with Color by Trish Burr.  This book has some gorgeous projects that I can't wait to try.  So many projects, not enough time!   I hope you are all having a wonderful, creative and inspired day!  Until next time. . .
Happy Stitches!

Pinned Down

Good Morning!  The purple has been completed for a few days. . .I have it pinned, and on Sunday morning, I will unpin it, lightly steam it, and gift it to my mother-in- law for Valentine's Day.  I did put a simple edging around it, using DMC Pearl cotton size 12 in a silver color.  I also sewed some Swarvoski pearls onto it, and one large Freshwater pearl.  I also used some Ceylon white, size 15 delica seed beads, and crocheted them sporadically into netting.  I think they add a lovely touch to the silver thread.  Here a couple of photos:

I've also been working a bit on Reticello. . .just some practice.  It is very similar to Aemilia Ars, so I think sometime very soon, I will start a project.  To practice I'm using 32 count Belfast linen in cream, and for threads I used DMC Pearl cotton 12, and coton a broder size 25.  I'm enjoying the technique very much, and can't wait to start a project.  Here are a couple of snapshots of my practice cloth.

I'm also working on an Irish Crochet.cuff.  It is a bit more traditional looking, in color and style.  I don't have any photos of it, as of yet, but will take some very soon.  In the meantime, here is a picture of a pendant I made about three weeks ago,  I used Lizbeth thread, size 20, color Natural, and soft pink Toho seed beads, size 11/0, and a Rose quartz Briolette.  I like the way it came out.  It is not Irish Crochet, but a motif featured in a recent ebook I purchased.  I think the Octagon shape is interesting, don't you think?

I'm also planning some traditional Irish Crochet projects.  My eldest daughter decided that she would rather have a more modern bolero/ capelet, so all those lovely motifs that I was using are now up for grabs. . .and there are a lot of them!  I am contemplating on turning them into wedding items, such as handbags, maybe a veil, or bridal gloves.  A handbag would be easiest to start with and would still leave many lovely motifs.  I will keep you posted on this.  

Well I'm off to finish another heart, this time in blue and cream, to gift for Valentine's Day.  I hope you all have a wonderful day. 

'Till next time

Happy Stitches!

Modern Irish Crochet

Good Morning!  I hope you are all having a pleasant day.  So, let's talk about Irish Crochet. I became interested in the Irish Crochet Lace a few years ago.  I had crocheted for a long time ( since I was 6 or 7), and thread crochet had always been my favorite.  I just love lace. . .all kinds of lace.  It's beautiful, graceful, and oh so delicate.  Wearing a piece of fine lace just makes me feel sophisticated and refined - so that is why I preferred thread crochet.

Of course, Irish  Crochet is very different from thread crochet.  It is more intricate, and more difficult to make.  It is interesting to see how Irish Crochet Lace has evolved over the centuries.  The earliest Irish Crochet Lace was made to imitate needle lace - Italian needle laces.  And from there it took on a life and style all its own. . .and it is still evolving.  

Anything you can imagine can be turned into a modern Irish Crochet piece.

My latest imaginings have taken it into jewelry pieces.  Now these pieces aren't 100% Irish Crochet, but combined with Turkish Oya.   The necklace below was made using DMC Cebelia size 20 for the Irish Crochet flower, and size 30 for the beaded flower chain.  I strung some Swarovski pearls and bicones, and made a separate chain to hang just above it.  I really love how it turned out.

And, still,on the subject of Irish Crochet, I did finish the netting on the heart, and have added some pearls to the flowers.  I also plan to add an edging around it.  I will share pictures of this project as it continues to progress.  I think it turned out beautifully and kept it's shape pretty well, though I still need to block and lightly starch and steam it when it is finished.

I hope you all come back tomorrow, as I plan on sharing another jewelry piece, and hopefully, some Reticello.  Have a wonderful day and. . .

'Till next time

Happy Stitches!

Books, books and a couple more books

Good Morning!  It's been awhile since I posted, and I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. The Holidays are a wonderful, yet stressful time of year.  We also added a move into the mix, which added a bit more stress and chaos, but we are all settled in now.

I did receive some lovely Christmas gifts, . .one of them arrived yesterday from Italy.  They are Reticello books by Giuliana Buonpadre.  The best thing about these book is that they have written instructions in English ( as well as Italian and French). The works featured in the books are lovely, and inspiring.  I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to learn Reticello. 

I did start stitching a learning sampler yesterday, but I haven't gotten very far.  Iwill share its progress when I get more done.  :-)

I also ordered a few more books on Armilia Ars from Lacis.  I purchased Corso Due,  Corso Tres, and Fiore.  The books are very well illustrated, and feature beautiful designs.  I managed to stitch a couple of projects over the Holidays.

I also found two amazing Turkish Oya books on Amazon.  The books were used, but in excellent condition, and very, very inexpensive.  I've made some jewelry pieces combining the techniques from the books, and Irish Crochet.  This choker is my latest piece, and was made using Lizbeth thread in sizes 20, and 40.  It is adorned using size11/0 Toho seed beads and a small rose quartz Briolette.  I will share my other pieces with you throughout the week.

 And, in honor of Valentine's Day, I am making a modern Irish Crochet heart.  The pattern is part of the beginner video course by Irish Crochet Lab, but can also be purchased separately at www.irishcrochetlab.com.  Here are some photos of it's progress, and I will share the finished piece when it is done.  It's a really beautiful and fun project.

What projects are you working on?  I hope to see you all this week and 

'Till next time

Happy Stitches!

Blog Giveaway - Silk Tatted Lace Bracelet

Yes, it's that day!  Blog Giveaway Day, and here is the item up for grabs:

This bracelet was made using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in color Wheat Husk.  It is adorned with Swarvoski Crystal Pearls, Swarvoski Bicones, and size 11 Czech glass gold seed beads.  It closes with a gold plated lobster claw clasp.  If you would like a chance to own this item, the rules are:

1)You MUST be a follower or subscriber to this blog, in order to be eligible. 

2) Just leave a comment on this post.  The comment could be about anything, the bracelet, what you're working on, or even how day is going.  :-)

3) I will leave it open for entry until next Tuesday, November 24, 2015 12pm EST.  So just leave your comment before then, and you are entered.

4) Once the contest is closed, I will write down all of the participants names, and put them in a hat.  My daughter will pull a name out of the hat, and that will be our winner.

Simple, and easy.  I really hope this bracelet finds the owner it is meant for.  I would much rather someone who was going to wear, or gift it to someone, have this, than for it to keep sitting in my stash unused.  :-(

I did finish the needle painted Rose, and have the piece soaking in cold water, and gentle detergent.  I plan to start the actual sewing tomorrow.  I will share some photos of the finished Rose tomorrow.

Today, I plan on working the Schwalm Sampler.  Maybe I'll even get it finished today.

Well, I have a hot cup of chai green tea waiting for me!  Good luck, and have a great day!

'Til Tomorrow

Happy Stitches!

Crochet Jewelry Pieces and Future Projects

Yesterday I spent some time working on the vintage style Irish Crochet Capelet that I started last winter.  All the motifs are made, and have been sewn onto fabric, and the netting started.  I decided to go with a clones knot netting, using Fincrochet size 80, in color Ecru, with hook size .4mm. . . needless to say, this is not an easy task, but I think it is coming along quite nicely.  I haven't taken any photos of it recently to share, but I plan on it very soon.

I also completed a needle painting/long and short stitch project I had been working on.  A couple of months ago, I purchased a fantastic book called Needle Painting Embroidery - Fresh Ideas for Beginners by author Trish Burr.  I absolutely love it.  Trish takes you step by step (including fabric, thread and needle choices) in needle painting.  In order to perfect my technique, I completed a Long and Short stitch project generously taught in great detail by Mary Corbet of Needle n Thread.  Anyone looking to learn and perfect their long and short stitch shading would greatly benefit from this project.  Now that I feel more comfortable with the long and short stitch, I've decided to make my first project using one of the designs from Trish Burr's book.  It won't be anything huge, just a small pincushion, since one can never have too many places to put their pins!  Here a couple of photos of the violet that I completed from the book:

The sampler was stitched on Southern Belle cotton muslin, and DMC embroidery floss.  I think it came out pretty good.  For my next project, I've chosen to use Shadow Work Linen by Legacy Linen, with Southern Belle cotton muslin as a backing fabric.  I'll keep you posted as I work on it.

And as promised, here are some photos of the crochet jewelry pieces I made over the summer.  The first is a pink and lime green collar, that I designed.  I just chose a lacy crochet pattern that was easy to modify to increase and decrease, and added a simple picot border with beads.  The thread I used was Lizbeth size 20, and I used Toho size 11 seed beads.  I prefer DMC or Fincrochet thread to crochet with, but Lizbeth's selection of colors can't be beat.  They have every color you could want in different sizes.

The second piece is a simple Cream Necklace.  The flower motif is a pattern from a Japanese Irish Crochet book, and I just used a simple chain stitch embellished with beads for the necklace part.  I also made a couple of beaded crochet buttons and added an antique rose gold plated clasp.  I used DMC cordonnet special, size 10 in Ecru, Toho seed beads in size 8 and 11, and a Swarvoski Crystal Pearl.

 This last piece is one of my own design.  I just started crocheting and adding beads, and before I knew it I had a simple crochet cuff.  I added a couple of scalloped edgings, and a few flowers and beaded crocheted buttons to embellish it.  I used DMC Cordonnet special in size 20, color Ecru, Toho size 11 seed beads in different cream finishes and Swarvoski Crystal Pearls.  I also used some vintage buttons for closures.  I really like the way this one turned out.

I hope you enjoyed the photos, and can find some inspiration from them.  I love making fiber jewelry. . . it's a quick and fun way to come up with your own designs and techniques.  I plan on working more pieces in the near future. 

Well, it's time for me to go and sift through  my fiber jewelry stash and see which piece I will be gifting for my next blog giveaway.  'Til tomorrow, 

Happy Stitches!