Kantha Embroidery

 

 

Via

 

Kantha is perhaps the oldest form of Indian embroidery originating from the cities of Bangladesh and West Bengal.

 

Traditionally, women would take several old and used saris, layer them together and employ different running stitches to decorate them and crate unique quilts and blankets. The word kantha refers to the running stitch used in alternate or parallel repeats.

 

The running stitch/ kantha is the source of uniqueness of this type of embroidery because  it creates a wondrous visual interest and amazing texture with the slightly wrinkled and wavy effect the fabric acquires. The kantha also emphasizes the Indian cultural principal of reusing and recycling old cloths and garments. Another interesting point is that the threads used for the embroidery are taken from the borders of saris, with which the life of used fabric is elongated and most often heirloom pieces are created.

 

 

Via

 

 

 

There are 7 different types of Kantha stitches.
The first kind is the Lep Kantha, which is used to make warm, padded quilts. Then there is the Sujani Kantha which is used to make bed covers for ceremonial occasions. Baiton Kantha is used on covers meant to wrap books and other precious objects.
Oaar Kantha is used on pillow covers, while Archilata Kantha is used for covering mirrors and usually comes with colorful motifs and borders. Durjani Kantha is small pieces used to make the insides of a wallet, and the last kind is the Rumal Kantha which is used to cover plates, and come with a lotus motif right in the center.

 

 

Via

 Via

 

Resources I used to write this post:
1. Coveting Kantha
2. Kantha
3. Kantha Embroidery

My Sweet Valentine Girl

She comes of age today!

 

We are having the family gathered for a little celebration and to you I wish a merry and joyful Valentine's!

 

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.

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.

Via



Via

Via

 

Via

 

I found some gorgeous pillows

 

 

Via

 

Via

 

Via

Via

 

 

This bag Via

 

 

and these 2 lovely scarves Via and Via



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!

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

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?

 

 

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

 

Rose Petals Scarf

 

Crochet Figs Sweater

 

Check out more on my pinterest boards!

 

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.

 

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: Via
Picture 7: ViaPictures 8 & 9: Via

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