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!

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!

Tatted Silk Cuff Winner

Good Afternoon!  Yesterday was a busy day.  We did some Spring cleaning, as well as some yard maintenance.  We are getting ready to plant some vegetables and herbs. . . I am so happy Winter is over, and I'll be able to start spending more time in the great outdoors.  :)

And of course, a winner for the tatted silk cuff was picked!  I wrote the names down, on carefully cut out pieces of paper (so they were the same size), and put them into a hat.  I had my 7 year old close her eyes, and spun her around 3 times, and pick a winner. . . 

Congratulations, JLH!  You are the winner of the tatted silk cuff.  I am so glad that this piece will finally have an owner that will love, wear and cherish it.  :-)  I am going to rewash and pin it today, and get it ready to send out to you.  Please email me at tatsallgina@gmail.com with your mailing info.  I will also send care instructions with the cuff.  Again, congratulations!

Thank you all who entered, and please don't forget there are lots more blog giveaways to come!  I will be hosting another one in the next week or so. :-)

Even with the housework, and gardening, I found time to play around with some Irish Crochet and Swarvoski pearls, bicones and Czech glass seed beads.  Here are some photos of the results:

Those are size 11, cream pearl Czech glass seed beads, and 4mm light cream rose
Swarvoski crystal pearls.

The little beaded center of this leaf motif was pretty simple to make.  I just crocheted a regular circle with a couple of rounds of single crochet stitches, and added the size 11 seed beads using a bead embroidery method.  I used size 100 Fincrochet in Ecru to sew the beads on.  I picked up 2-3 seed beads with my beading needing, layed the beads down to place them, and secured them with a backstitch.  Then I just sewed the little crocheted beaded circle to the center of the motif.  I'm not certain if this one will make it onto the capelet, as I am waiting for some size 15 rocailles that I ordered from Fusion Beads.  I think I will use size 11 and 15 seed beads to make these little beaded buttons for the capelet.  Here is a close up of the beaded center:

This little rose was super simple.  I strung 14 size 11 seed beads onto some ivory nymo beading thread, and kept threading through the beads until my beading needle wouldn't fit anymore.  Then I secured the thread ends with a square knot, and cut the tails off.  Then I made an Irish Crochet rose, starting with 5 chains, every two seed beads.

This adorable little flower is courtesy of Irish Crochet Lab.  I love this particular pattern, and will making lots more of them for the capelet.  I put a 4mm light cream rose Swarvoski crystal pearl in the center.

This little circle was made the same way as the seed bead rose circle, but I alternated 3mm Swarvoski light cream rose pearls, and 2.5 mm Golden Shadow Swarvoski bicones.  I attached it to the motif using couching stitches, and ivory colored nymo beading thread.

 And here is another rose made using a beaded center.  Those are 3mm Swarvoski light cream rose pearls, and 3mm Golden Shadow Swarvoski bicones.

It's been awhile since I played around with my jewelry making goodies, and I almost forgot how much I enjoy it.  I'll play around some more when my purchase from Fusion Beads arrive.

I spent the morning outside, so this afternoon will be devoted to some needle work.  Maybe I'll get a chance to work on some needle lace.  What are your plans for today?

Whatever they may be, I hope you all have a wonderful day!  'Til tomorrow. . . 

Happy Stitches!

Swarvoski Pearls and Seed Beads

Good Afternoon, everyone!  I've been going through my beads and pearls stash, trying to pick some to add the Irish Crochet Capelet. . . I decided to go with Swarvoski Crystal Pearls in color light Creamrose.  As for seed beads, I have a plethora of size 11 delicas, and Czech glass rounds, but am very limited of size 15.  Fincrochet cotton is thinner and more delicate compared to DMC cordonnet size 50, so in my opinion, a size 11 seed bead is too big for such delicate lace.  So. . . I had no choice but to order some new beads!  lol  I purchased a few different types of round rocailles and size 15 delica seed beads in different colors and finishes.  I enjoy shopping for new beads and pearls, almost as much as I enjoy shopping for new thread. lol

Here are some photos of the motifs while I was playing around with the pearl selection.

I almost went with a very light gold, but then decided to keep the whole of the capelet Cream and Ivory.  Maybe for my next project, I will go with a gold and cream color scheme. :)

I also managed to get a little more done on the round Aemelia Ars motif.  It is coming along nicely.  When I've had a bit more practice in this technique, I will start adding some bead work to it.  Wouldn't a little pearl look good in the center of the motif?

For those of you who have entered for the giveaway, my daughter and I will be picking a winner tomorrow at 3pm EST, and I will announce the winner April 12.   There is still time to enter, if anyone would like to do so.  When I was going through my bead and crystal stash, I found a few more pieces of silk jewelry, including a couple of necklaces/collars, so more giveaways will be on their way in the next couple of months. :)

I hope you are all having a great day!  'Til tomorrow,

Happy Stitches!

Blog Giveaways and Schwalm Sampler Update

After writing about Organization and Storage yesterday, it prompted me look through my supplies, as well as through past projects.  I have quite a few pieces of tatted silk jewelry remaining in my inventory.  I love tatting silk jewelry, but sadly I don't really wear jewelry. lol

So I thought, why not try and find some of these things a new home where they might be worn, or gifted, or maybe even passed down to daughters and granddaughters.  The next few weeks, I will be hosting Blog Giveaways for the following pieces:

This tatted silk cuff was created using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk thread in Subtle Elegance.  It is a gorgeous, gently variegated cream/ivory silk thread.  It is adorned with opal silver lined size 11 delica seed beads, and has a gold plated lobster claw clasp.

This tatted bracelet was also made using Valdani Pearl Silk thread in color wheat husk.  It is a subtly variegated thread using cream, beige and gold colors.  It also has 3mm cream rose Swarvoski crystal pearls throughout the bracelet, and rainbow lined gold czech glass seed beads, and a gold plated lobster claw clasp.

This Irish Crochet bracelet, is also silk.  The rose was crocheted using Purely Silk thread in Ecru, and the leaves were made using Valdani Pearl silk in Herb Garden.  The rose and the buttons (rings) are decorated with rose gold colored delica seed beads in size 11.  It also has a rose gold plated clasp.

 

And last, but not least this tatted pendant, which is also silk.  I used Valdani Luxury Pearl silk in a forest green color to tat layers of ruffles around the center piece which is a circle pendant comprised of white freshwater pearls and 4mm Swarvoski bicones.  The tatted ruffles are also adorned with 4mm Swarvoski bicones.

Now the rules for the giveaways will be simple.  Just become a member or follower of this blog, and leave a comment on the day of the giveaway.  I will write down the name of all entries, fold them and put them into a hat, and have my 7 year old pick the winner.  I will contact the winner, and put their goodies in the mail.  :)  I plan on hosting the first giveaway in the next day or two.  Hopefully, these pieces will find the home and owners they are meant for.  

Even with the inventory check (and Easter Egg hunting), I managed to get some needlework done.  I finished the Square Section of the Schwalm Sampler, and got a little more done on the handkerchief border.  Here are some photos of the Schwalm Sampler:

 For the left and right square, I left 6 fabric threads and removed the 7th both warp and weft.  The first square is decorated with kloister blocks similar to those in Hardanger. 

For the center square, I carefully removed all fabric threads. . . I just purchased a brand new pair of embroidery scissors, that I plan to use solely for removing and cutting small pieces of fabric.  This way I make certain the blades stay nice and sharp.  I prefer to remove all the horizontal threads first, then I cut the vertical threads.  I find I get a nicer edge when I do it this way, with minimal tufts of threads sticking out of the stitches.

I really enjoyed this square as it reminds of Reticello, which I have been wanting to try for awhile now.  After the fabric was removed, I layed 2 threads vertically, and needle weaved between them.  This part was simple for me, because there is quite a bit of needle weaving in Romanian Point Lace.

Then I layed 2 horizontal threads and repeated the needle weaving.  Passing my needle through the back of the buttonhole stitches, I layed three threads in the little quarter squares and needle weaved between those to get this:

The last part of this section were a few coral stitch tendrils, and it was done.

Today I plan on working the handkerchief border.  I did decide that I am going to make another small piece of lace to put in the center of the fabric.  I will look through the Aemilia Ars patterns that I have, and decide on a motif later today.

What projects or ideas do you have swirling around in your head?  It always seems as if there a too many projects, and not enough time doesn't it?

Well, it's time to make my girls lunch, and then after that, perhaps, I will have some time for a little needle work.  If you like, fill out the poll on what my next project should be.  I hope you all have a wonderful day, and don't forget to check back for the blog giveaways!

Happy Stitches!