She comes of age today!
Thursday, February 14, 2019
My Sweet Valentine Girl
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Sugar Blossom Necklace
Whenever I am working on a tedious project, I turn to making flowers or tubes. Working on 2 big projects simultaneously, which I still don't want to reveal, has been quite challenging and in the process, as one can guess, lots of flowers were made. Tubes as well.
So I decided to do something with them and created several necklaces. This is the one I called cotton candy from the very beginning - the colors are happy and spring-like and for this one I turned again to the romantic expression and added a bit of a vintage feel to it.
Find it here.
Monday, February 11, 2019
Crochet Valentine's Projects for You to Try
Happy Monday all!
Two more days until Valentine's, eh?
Have you been caught by the V's fever? If you have the time and the itch to make this Valentine's Day a bit more special, here's my annual roundup of Valentine's inspired crochet patterns.
Crochet hearts have always been ranking high, so I chose these.
I found some gorgeous pillows
This bag Via
Friday, February 8, 2019
A Gift Necklace & Bracelet
Many, many moons ago I won an amazing giveaway on Mia's blog and as a token of my appreciation for it, in return I created a necklace and a bracelet for her. Not a set, obviously.
I didn't and still don't know anything about Mia's style - one can think one knows somebody by visiting their online journal, but in fact my assumptions were wrong when it came to her favourite colors. Her favourite colors are the ones that I never rarely use in my crochet palette so as I sent the package away, I was still worrying whether these would appeal to her.
So not knowing about her style, I made her a romantic necklace, with just small dashes of pearl beads. Then thought that if she is not the type to wear that necklace, I might venture out by making a boho bracelet where I would splash beads all over it to my heart's content.
Her response (yes, she already got them) was fantastic and I really hope she enjoys wearing them. If not, I guess, she can always give them away as gifts....
If you haven't visited her blog, be sure to. She makes amazing cards and I am sure you are going to enjoy them!
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
How to Read Crochet Charts: Valentine's Heart
This is the first chart reading in the new year, so it is bound to be fun if you are inclined to make hearts for Valentine's.
The diagram was taken from pinterest.
To make the heart I used sport yarn and 1.9 mm hook. The finished measurements of the heart is 11cm at the widest point and 8 cm center down. Please note that the chunkier the yarn you use, the bigger the heart will be.
Pattern:
Hearts Body
Foundation and Row 1: Ch19 and dc1 in the 7th st from hk. Ch1, sk1, dc1 then repeat this pattern 5 x more.
Row 2: Ch 4 and turn. Sk1,dc1 over the dc of the row below. Repeat pattern from row 1 six times.
Rows 3-6: Repeat row 2. Cut yarn.
Heart's upper right.
Round 1: insert yarn in the 5th dc (counting from left to right) and ch5. Sl st in the 3rd ch (counting from left to right), ch 3 and sl st again in the 1st dc (not counting the 4-chain at the beginning of the row below).
Round 2: Dc12 in the chain and sl st in the 2nd st (from right to left) (13).
Round 3: Ch 3 and sl st in the last dc (on the right), ch1, dc1 in the next st. Repeat this 10 times more. Then ch1 and sl to end the round.
Heart's upper left.
Round 1: insert yarn in the 4th ch-space (counting from left to right) and ch5. Sl st in the 3rd ch (counting from left to right), ch 3 and sl st again in the 1st dc (not counting the 4-chain at the beginning of the row below).
Round 2: Dc12 in the chain and sl st in the 2nd st (from right to left) (13).
Round 3: Ch 3 and sl st in the last dc (on the right), ch1, dc1 in the next st. Repeat this 10 times more. Then ch1 and sl to end the round.
Outer border: When you finish the left upper heart shape, ch 1 and sc in every stitch around the whole heart. Sl st to end it.
In the picture it is the biggest pink heart. I opted to make smaller ones so I resized the pattern. Enjoy it!
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Crochet on the Runway
I always love to see what high couture designers have to offer in terms of crochet especially for spring and summer.
Before you continue reading further, please note that I am by no means an expert on the subject of high fashion. Having grown in a household of professional seamstresses and designer(s), I have acquired and developed my sense of fashion that emerges of the style(s) I appreciate and am sworn by.
Every time I watch the fashion shows, my reactions are a mix of a complete surprise which ranges from a fervent excitement to sheer disappointment.
Thus for example I expected more from Dior but was somehow disappointed that their collection was slightly tilted towards androgenic and futuristic expressions (read: creations) though there were a couple of designs trying to caress femininity like the ones shown below:
Oscar De La Renta has imaginatively employed the use of crochet granny squares, although I am much more impressed with his other pre-fall 2019 pieces.
Grannies have to be the ones most used when it comes to the runway. I fell in love with this sweater by Ryota Murakami:
This is something I would gladly make myself, only on the practical side, it could get a little draughty wearing it, heheh...
However, my elation by the above sweater was blown out flat by the granny abuse in this one: it almost brought tears to my eyes ... "Ryota, what were you thinking??"
Last but not the least - Dolce & Gabbana.
I got all starry eyed by this dress which is not actual crochet - the center pieces I believe are cut out fabrics, while the white looks like crocheted lace. But I can - and I am sure you too - imagine this one with granny squares! What a delightful design!
Grannies again in this one too:
And this one. Not crochet but would really love to try and make me this skirt for the summer. I think it is absolutely doable!
What most of the designers had in common was netting. Not against it but not quite rooting for it either.
How about you? Do you watch the runways?
What designers do you appreciate?
Friday, February 1, 2019
What I Have Pinned Lately #15
Inspiration
Inspiration
Happy Friday guys!
I am happy to wave goodbye to January! It was filled with more celebrations and parties I could ever imagine possible and glad to say it was a tremendous fun! But also very exhausting. Or as somebody said: "January was a tough year, but we made it!"
Quite out of the ordinary, the longest I have been away from my crochet projects, which I don't regret, because I really needed the time off.
However, having survived January, I plan to get back to crochet work during the weekend as I am preparing something for you for Valentine (wink, wink).
Today, I am sharing some gems I found on the internet.
Free Patterns
Check out more on my pinterest boards!
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Bohemian Winter Brooch
Once upon a time there was a steel grey, ordinary flower brooch. It led a solitary life because of it bleakness. Other brooches said it made them depressive and always shooed it away.
"Can't they see past this stark façade of mine? Can't they see my glittered, shiny soul?", it cried.
As it was wandering the crowded corridors of the wooden jewelry box one day, it happened upon the fingers of a crafty artist. It clung onto them and begged the artist to change its fate: "Can you please crack my shell and let my bohemian heart and soul take over my barren body?"
"Well, I am sure I can do something about it", said the crafty artist. She took out her pom-poms and pearls, she worked her magic whirls and voila! The bohemian brooch was born!
"Well, now I am sure I can make somebody happy", thought the brooch happily as it went into the shop.
Monday, January 28, 2019
Instagram Inspiration for a Creative Week
Hello dear friends!
I might look like falling from the face of the Earth, but actually my absence is a result of real life and work circumstances imposing onto my digital presence.
I hope I can get back on tracks real soon and until then here's some inspiration from my IG saves.
Credits:
Picture 1: Via Picture 2:Via Pictures 3,4,5:Via Picture 6: ViaPicture 7: ViaPictures 8 & 9: Via
Monday, January 21, 2019
Annie's Signature Designs // Spring Collection
Annie's Signature Designs are soon to publish their new spring collection which is a mix of high fashion and cozy home crochet patterns.
The collection was envisioned by Annie’s Lead Designer Lena Skvagerson, who draws from her years of experience in the European yarn and crochet design markets, and Crochet! Magazine Editor Connie Ellison, who provides expertise from a successful merchandise career.
“At Annie’s, we listen to the needs of today’s crocheters and design garments and wearables that people will wear every day and that are flattering on a broad range of body types,” says Skvagerson.
The selection of designs includes cardigans, sweaters, tees, tunics, shawls, afghans, baskets and more.
Visit AnniesSignatureDesigns" to view the current collection
Friday, January 18, 2019
My Latest Interview with Fakulteti.MK
It is a web-site dedicated to high educational institutions in Macedonia and their aim is to aid future students choose their majors and direct present students towards acquiring and increasing their knowledge, skills, scholarships and jobs.
I translated it for you with some slight adaptations. Enjoy!
Maya Kuzman has been teaching ESL for 18 years in a primary school in Skopje. She is one of the first bloggers in Macedonia and the success and the incredible reaction to The Little Treasures has motivated her to create her brand which exists for almost 9 years.
Inspired by traditions and childhood memories of the talented women she grew up with, Maya Kuzman has been creating art for almost 10 years. Her mixed textile and crochet jewelry designs delight the world. One of the most prestigious, creativity inspiring magazine - Artful Blogging, invited her to tell the story of her blog and brand The Little Treasures.
Childhood Inspired
Fakulteti.mk tells her story - Maya was pleased to reminisce her childhood and her family where traditions were deeply rooted and respected and handmade work as its important and inseparable segment was of paramount importance.
The women in my family were dedicated to handmade work - whether out of necessity or pure pleasure, sweaters, scarves and hats were knit, tablecloths and doilies were crocheted and clothes were sewn. We, the children, were always intertwined in this natural process and encouraged to create and develop our skills. From my first, uneven, crooked stitches, through glass, paper and clay beads, here I am where my play never ceases and I cherish it lovingly - she says.
She is one of the first bloggers in Macedonia. The success and the great feedback of The Little Treasures have motivated her to create her brand of 9 years. Her daughter Eva is a proud brand ambassador.
In the creative community she is mostly known for her necklaces and cuff-bracelets.
I am satisfied that I already have as circle of constant clients. Today with the help of the internet, it is very easy to catch the interest of many people. Social media has been increasingly helpful and I love using them. The reactions are wonderful and they are an everlasting source of will and energy for me to continue doing what I do.
Precious stones and gold has never been her material of choice or desire to use them in her creations.
I was always attracted to handmade mixed media jewelry, a kind that carries a special story with itself and one that provokes most different feelings. I love the metal called zamak which I use in my oriental pieces, then there is my personal favourite and the most important material - the cotton thread, but I also lean towards and love using different textiles. The lace and the wooden beads are my weakness.
As a teacher she believes teachers should be inspiring with their hobbies and interests they cherish.
Both as a parent and a teacher, I believe that it is of exceptional importance the teacher to be a creative person. Creativity is the key for the emotional development of children, it invigorates innovation with children, encourages them to explore new horizons, urges them to seek new challenges and solutions. I want my classes to be creative an inspirational, so I indulge in a creative play with the younger learners where we create and express ourselves through different media, while with the senior students, the creative process is more subtle and set on a different level - she explains.
Artful Blogging is a visually-inspiring online journal. Its name says it all. Blogging qualified as art. It is a magazine dedicated to the creative blogging community, where bloggers are invited to share their stories accompanied by engaging and enchanting photography.
Currently Maya Kuzman is focused on her children's collection "Bohemian Babies", and she is designing her spring collection of jewelry and accessories inspired by the 1950s.
I appreciate it!
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