Type of Crochet: Irish Crochet

I have tried and used many types of crochet. For the purpose of journaling these tries and uses I am going to start a series of posts on the types of crochet. As being immensely attracted to the Irish crochet as a way of lace making I am starting the series with it.

 

Irish crochet lace was developed in Ireland in the mid-1800s during the potato famine as a way to support families. Crocheting was a simpler way to make lace and the techniques were easy to learn.

Irish Crochet Lace is made with a very fine steel crochet hook and fine crochet cotton or linen thread. It begins with an outline of the pattern on a piece of cloth. Each motif is  crocheted separately, using cotton cord for volume and shaping. The finished motifs are then basted onto a cloth in the shape of the pattern. The motifs are then joined with a mesh of chains and sometimes picots. When all the motifs have been joined together to form one piece of lace, the basting stitch is removed from the back cloth, revealing the completed lace.

Lately I have been focusing more on Irish crochet lace, working on some flowers and leaves designs. Designing them is fun and a great way for me to wind off.

 

 

 

Irish flowers and leaves being the facets of this type of crochet, it goes without question that I have already shared a free pattern for a lovely flower.

 

Insta love: Eleven Handmade

 

Instagram is rich with phenomenal designers and Linda Skuja is one of them.

 

Today I am sharing her account. She loves playing with unusual patterns and creating mind-blowing creations.

 

Personally, I am in love with this zig-zag pattern she created - looks amazing on both sweaters and cardis/kimonos.

 

 

DIY: Pull Off a Handmade Bohemian Look

 

If you carry a boho sparkle in yourself, it is easy to style your bohemian looks. Pulling off the bohemian look has never been easier: you basically need a fringed top, long wavy / breezy skirt, a kimono, a scarf and a hot bag and you are all done.

 

Here are some ideas how to make your own bohemian clothes without breaking the budget.

 

 

Geneva offer a lovely tutorial how to make this dress. Isn't it amazing? I am in love!

 

 

This is a super tutorial. Turn a scarf into a top. Adventurous!!

 

 

Jess suprises with yet another phenomenal top!

 

 

If you missed this, a couple of weeks ago I had shared a fringed granny top.

 

 

Next, we have kimonos in line. The crochet one is quite practical because it can  be worn throughout the year. The sewn kimono - quite a big hit several summers in a row.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, I have included my repurposed bag into the selection. If you have an old pair of jeans, turn them into a boho beach bag.

 

Mix & Match: Sherbet Necklace

I played mix & match with my stash again and this is the result. I didn't use as many elements as I did for my Kahlo necklace, and this is a proof that a beautiful necklace can be made with just a couple of things.

For the Sherbet necklace I chose a mandala, a tiered flower and this wooden necklace.

As I planned to make it a bib necklace, I folded the mandala at the top an sewed it. Next, placing the necklace around it, I sew it on.

To make the ties of the necklace thicker and give them structure, I picoted half way through and single crocheted it to the end where I placed to beads to beautify the closure.

The little flower was placed at the center and I added tubular beads to make the centerpiece more interesting.

To spice things up, I outlined a portion with black floss and threw in some French knots. They do make a striking difference to the piece!

It is for sale and you can find on TLT or Folt Bolt.

Insta love: Bohemian Brides by ImmaClé Novias

 

ImmaClé is a love story.
Their love story nurtures on vintage fashion, love of silks, plumeti tulle, lace and pastel colors. Their heart beats in all the immaculate little details, every single wave of the ruffles, soft rustle of the silk and luscious feel of lace.

Their photoshoots reveal thousands of stories and each leaves a strong imprint on the viewer, making sure they are not forgotten. Desired and cherished.

 

Crochet Round Hemp Bag

 

 

Hi guys! Happy Friday! We are still on holiday. Week two rolling in so the days blend into each other. I've been working on several projects at a time and I recently finished this bag.

 

This is a sample bag I made using hemp. Working on it was challenging. When I first started it I thought and felt I was going to bring my fingers to blood. Never before have I used hemp to crochet with, so it was difficult at first but after the first round side was made I got used to it and everything went smooth afterwards.

 

 

I wanted to add wooden handles but I didn't buy them prior our holiday so I crocheted them too and I also added tassels to decorate it. I had it envisioned something different but had to work with what I had on hands.

 

I am on my second bag as I write this. It goes much faster and needless to say I am addicted :)

 

Next I want to use some jersey yarn for this exact bag pattern. I think it would be awesome!

 

 



DIY: Mini Succulent Clay Bowls

In our garden we have pots and pots of sempervivum succulents literally pouring down from said pots and I got an idea to make them little houses out of clay.

For this project I used ordinary clay and tempera colors, although I believe they would be much more attractive with acrylic ones. I also used transparent varnish to give them shine.

Here's how it goes:
Take a piece of clay and sculpt a mini bowl which would be 5  or 6 cm in diameter. Put the clay ball into your palm and pushing with your thumb knuckle - make it a nest, i.e. a bowl.

 
Work with fingers to make it deeper.

Leave to dry. Although the weather is scorching hot in my corner of the world, I left them to dry for a day. Color them. Doddle or draft a pattern. Apply varnish.

Add soil and stick the succulents in.

 

They make such a lovely splash of joy.

White Wine Spritz

 

 

The weather being heavy and scorching hot with obvious intentions to throw tantrums in the shape of thunderstorms, I decided to make this white wine spritz that is just perfect to cool off with in hot summer nights.

 

And there is another reason for this. You see, today is my 46th birthday so I wanted to make this easy and refreshing drinks for the family.

 

You need:

 

* 2 bottles (0.75l) of semi- dry white wine

(I used local wine - Alexandria (Riesling) by Tikves)

 

* 1 bottle (1.5l) of Schweppes Bitter Lemon

(I have also used Schweppes Tonic or Sprite in several occasions and you won't be wrong whatever you choose)

 

* 2-3 medium size nectarines (or per preference)

 

* ice cubes

 

Pour the wine and the Schweppes into a large bowl. Cut the nectarines into small slices / chunks and together with a handful or two of ice cubes, put them into the mixed wine.

 

 

 

You can serve this with a plate of hard yellow cheese and crackers along with some dried cranberries and sultanas. 

 

Enjoy!

Insta Love: Morocco

 

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Morocco has been on our bucket list forever. Back in 2009 we celebrated our 10th anniversary in Tunisia. And then in 2011 we went to Tunisia again - it simply clung to our hearts. But we promised ourselves to go to Morocco when we get the chance, and I hinted to my hubs that it would be lovely if we could celebrate our 20th in Morocco. I truly hope we do.

 

 

So no wonder I am pinning and liking like crazy, images from Morocco that soothe my soul and tickle my fantasies. Here are some images that might tickle yours too. 

 

 

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