Estonian lace

"Estonian lace" is the book I quite often leaf though these days.It is one precious jewel of a book with staggering patterns.

I tried a zig-zag pattern for wrist warmers and quite like the effect on them although I didn't use it sideways as the pattern suggested. Sometimes I wonder if there is anything I can follow through as it is and not drop something of my own - but I guess I am cut out like that. Anyhow. Here is a sneak peek of the warmers. I am making some for the shop too.

I really like the color combination although, upon seeing it, Eva "knowingly" told me that it is the most awful combination I could ever make. I suggested she borrow my eyes and has another go at them. And in continuation I had to explain about tastes and people being different, liking, wanting, wishing, feeling, perceiving things differently. Sometimes we forget that part. Tastes are not to be discussed. I hope she learns this soon.

Have a nice weekend wherever you are!

White?

I am not crazy in love with white fabric or yarn except if we are talking lace. So I was a bit reserved when I made this necklace, although I think the almost final result is satisfactory. You see... I couldn't just leave it all white. There are little splashes of pink and I think I might add other colors. Being in its gestation period it might transform a little more until it is born :)

MyMemories - Digital Scrapbooking Giveaway

I can only hope that you are as excited as I am!

Welcome to MyMemories Software Giveaway!

MyMemories Suite is a company that has created a fabulous software for digital scrapbooking so that you can create your own memories with the click of the mouse. And, yes it is that simple.

By using this software literally anyone can create digital scrapbooks, photo books, calendars cards and gifts from scratch. It offers a wide range of powerful design tools, a user-friendly interface, and sharing options. The best thing is that you can create one page or you can design an entire scrapbook album, with the ability to create, add, and arrange all of your pages in ONE workspace. The size and creativity of a My Memories Suite album is limited only by the imagination of the user and space on their computer.

{ This is the intro picture I made for my photo book.}

What I also love is that you can share your albums / creations in numerous ways.

You can choose between home or professional printing. You can make whole albums with wonderful photos to present to family and friends, or you can take advantage of a full suite of sharing options and turn your scrapbook into a movie to watch on a DVD-or view on an iPod.

Journal those special moments in your life ...

... to enjoy forever!

The winner of the giveaway will receive a copy of the digital scrapbook software!

What do you have to do?
Well, in order to enter the giveaway visit MyMemories and choose your favourite digital paper pack or layout and write that in your comment here.

If you like to take full advantage of the internet then visit their blog, facebook page or twitter for extra entries to the contest.

Another thing: with this special promotional code: STMMMS33674 you get $10 off the software and $10 in free merchandise.

Contest ends on Sunday, 2 Oct and the winner will be announced on Monday (3 Oct.)!
Join in the fun!

Crochet coral reef

Hello and welcome to see my crochet reef. It is slowly growing right there on the table. Its dimensions are not intimidating yet. I do not promise it'll stay like this, because right now crochet flowers are coming out of my ears.

Another thing. The best way to discover and learn new things is by mistake. You miss a stitch or just add an extra loop or stitch and there you go. Another new flower. The word 'errata' does not exist in my vocabulary. Instead it is replaced by the phrase "the never threaded road to something amazing". And when I see how beautiful it is I cannot stop with just one or two. I have to have them in every color I have in my stash. But you already know that :)

The last days of summer

Like it or not summer is packing up, waving goodbye!
I am still not ready to let it go. So we spent the weekend at the beach, enjoying the last days of summer.

We made ice cream stick family.

Played some "Bonjour Madame". It was hilarious!

Explored the underwater world.

Ate some fab vegetable salad.

Did you have a fun weekend?

Going tribal

UPDATE: The pattern for the tube necklaces is here and here.


Look at the lovelies.
While I was making the crochet tubes I constantly had in mind the gorgeous tribal necklaces worn by African women - I am crazy about those to be honest.
These are plain but I am having others adorned and they will be presented soon.



Do you like them?
While I am writing this Adele is singing her phenomenal "Someone like you" on the radio; it is so touching and emotional and a quote I have pinned comes to mind which says:

"People cry, not because they are weak.
It's because they've been strong for too long."

Be strong and enjoy your day!!

Anemone Brooch

Well, you didn't think I could stop myself with just one anemone, did you?

This is a brooch I made in two colors - flaming pink and red. The pink core transcends into layers of red tentacles. There are several layers which give the brooch a great texture, compact structure and attractive appearance. The back is lined with a woolen patch onto which a pin is fastened.





Brooches can be so versatile and personally I love them a lot and have many of them - some made, some bought and some inherited. They are the perfect accessory if you want to enliven your clothes or make your bags or belts hip!


You can buy it here.

The Anemone necklace tutorial

This for the people that enjoy crochet!
Here is the tutorial for the necklace I showed last week:

"Anemone Necklace Tutorial"

What you need:

Skill level: elementary

Time: less than an hour

Yarn and hook: any yarn scraps, a crochet hook (optional)*

Hardware: jump rings, a metal chain

Used terms: chain (ch), single crochet (sc)

Tip*: when choosing the crochet thread/yarn for your project, check the label because it contains information about the kind of thread and suggested hook size. For this project I used thin 100% mercerized and gassed cotton and the label suggested a 1.5 – 2 mm hook size. I used a 1.9 mm hook. Also, for this project I would suggest you use thin yarn and a small hook so the tentacles would acquire a tight, neat and compact appearance.

Step 1:

You start by chaining a total of 16 stitches.

When you make them, single crochet for about 13 stitches. The remaining 3 would be used for attaching this part to the necklace. Next, *Chain 16 and single crochet 15 of them leaving one stitch as a border between the tentacles*. Repeat from* to * until you get the desired number of tentacles (I made 8). This is the lowest and the widest part.


When you come to the end, chain 3 (for the attachment), cut yarn and weave ends.


Step 2: Now you have to make the other two rows.

Look closely at the picture. I have made the consecutive rows smaller. For example the lowest (the one I made first) has 8 tentacles, the middle has 7 and the one coming first has 5 tentacles. I would suggest you cut the number of tentacles as you move higher, so that the cascading rows appear attractive. Also you can use the pattern of making the tentacles as in the first one (16 st) or you may decrease the number in the next rows. I decreased them to 12 and 10 respectively. Remember to leave 3-4 stitches on both sides for attachment.

Step 3:

Here’s what you need next:

Attach the small jump rings to each side of every row.

Then put all three onto the bigger jump ring.

Attach the bigger jump ring to the metal chain and there you go!

Your necklace is ready to see the light of day!

Woodcarving

At the beginning of the summer I briefly visited a woodcarving school. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it! The inner beauty of the wood emerging by the hit of the chisel is breathtaking.
I've never tried woodcarving (I've carved only a few rubber stamps) but from what I've seen it requires excellent skills. I guess everything comes with practice.

The great thing was that almost all the students were teenagers with the exception of two ladies. I love seeing young people taking interest in crafts, especially in this delicate kind.

Here are some pictures I took there:






These will be gorgeous when finished!

Some I found on the web:

Isn't this hilarious?

These are made by the Russian sculptor Yuri Firsanov. Click here for more of his masterpieces. You won't be disappointed!

Here are some more. Enjoy and have a splendid weekend!

Crochet tube necklaces

My latest project.
Crochet tube necklaces.



Arranged with luscious marigolds.
I am almost finished with the palette.

The Anemone necklace

Tascha from TLK Designs is having a crochet week going on, so all you interested in crochet, there are great tutes, free patterns and amazing giveaways so do drop by and check it out.
I am sharing a tute for the above necklace!

What a start!

Well, being a close friend with Murphy I started September on the wrong foot. Or the sick foot to be precise, for I happened to get the stomach bug. Fast forward one week, here I am - not as good as I would like to be - but moving and breathing all right!

Little Jacob started school (boy- they grow so fast) and we were extremely excited, especially the little pupil!

You know I don't like posts with no pics, so for this one I am sharing a treasury I have prepared with wonderful items for fall. It's called Fancy in fall and for better and clearer view check it out here.

Hope you are having a great start and enjoy the summer, for it's coming to its end soon!