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Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Crochet and AI

 

 Via
 
                                                                               Via

Via

Will you look at these stunning bouquets?!! 
 
My jaw literally dropped when they appeared in my feed. Silly as I am, prior to reading the caption, I zoomed in to see what techniques the designer used to make them, thinking "oh, she mixed them with fabric flowers,... wait this doesn't look like knit or crochet,!", and then it dawned on me that it must be an AI image. And I was right. Because the caption was clear about that.
These wonderful images were created by a truly talented designer who runs the Sprinkle of AI on instagram.
Wouldn't it be nice to have them made in reality? 

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Summer Sale!

 
Happy Sunday crafty friends!
I am having a summer sale in my etsy and ravely shops, and everything is 25% off - including physical items. No code needed. The sale is up until September 1. 

There will also be a batch of boho rings and button brooches as the one above next week, so be on the lookout if you are interested.

Friday, August 18, 2023

Crochet That Looks Like Knitting

                                          Picture and socks made by Martina with batik yarn

I love the waistcoat crochet stitch, simply because it gives the piece a knitted look. I have never tried it though, but it is on my to-do list. 
One of my young customers sent me this picture of the socks she made using cotton batik yarn. She also sent me the link to the video for these crochet socks, so if you are intrigued, and would love to make them, check it out. 
I am also entertaining the idea of introducing a new thread of posts titled "My Customers are Talented People". My customers love sharing photos of the things they made using yarn bought from my shop and they are always featured on my yarn shop FB page.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Crochet for Men - free patterns roundup



 Vintage Golf Hat  


 

 Tie

My Jacob loves sweaters. He loves hoodies too, and they are actually the first choice when he dresses for school, but when he wants to be smart he throws a sweater over a shirt. 
I have been toying with the idea of making him one and that's how I ended up perusing the internet for crochet pieces for men, and this is how this post was born. On the internet, mostly you'll find scarves, hats and socks, and occasionally a sweater - but all I have found regarding the latter is sweaters either for young boys or grown-up men. Nothing modern or hip for high-school boys. And that's the reason why I am tempted to design one myself. 
If you know of a sweater pattern for young adults, please share the link in the comments. 

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Happy Granny Square Day!

 
 
Happy Granny Square Day! 
 
This is my newest granny design I just made today to celebrate the day! It is quite big and I am going to use it for an interesting project that has been swirling in my head for a while.
This one came right off the hook and I didn't have any time (nor tools) to block it, so it looks a little bit wonky. 
I also wish I had organized a granny square party in my shop, but it had slipped my mind completely. Maybe next year!
Do you have/participate in any events to mark the day where you are? 

Monday, August 14, 2023

Sandy Shells Bag - pattern release


Happy Monday! I hope we all have a fully joyful and creative week! 
I am starting the week with my latest bag design. I love crocheting shells as they give not only an appealing texture, but also richness to the whole piece. 
For the bag's lining I used one of my vintage fabrics that I have been jealously holding onto, not wanting to waste it on a dull project, but I let it go in a heartbeat when I matched it with the crochet work. I believe I paired it perfectly.
The highlight is the covered button, and I loved how it turned out, so now I am making (covering) some more buttons with the same fabric to make a necklace!
Ok. I got distracted!
Back to the bag. The pattern with all its technicalities is listed in my shops: etsy, ravelry and lovecrafts.



 

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Velvet Yarn & Crochet Toys


 

Social media are a mind-blowing thing. Not that I just became aware of the fact, but I get flabbergasted every time a trend blows out of proportions. 
So, one of the current crochet trends popular with young people and teenagers are these cute bears, bunnies and turtles. We might throw an octopus or a whale for good measure. 
I have several regular (customers) teenagers  who love to shop the velvet yarn for these toys and some of them earn their pocket money by selling these toys. 
One of them is Theodora, my most fervent and prolific customer. She can knock several of these toys in a day!! 
Out of the 4 velvet brands that I have in my shop, Alize Velluto and Ayda Baby Vellur seem to be the most popular. 
My experience with velvet yarn is very poor, but I started a baby blanket with it and  I love it so far. What about you? Have you ever worked with velvet yarn? Are there brands you prefer?
(Click on Theodora's IG profile to check out her toys. She has every single pattern designer tagged if you wish to peruse velvet crochet toys making)