Returning to old crafts- needlepoint

It seems like literally ages have passed since I took up needlepoint. And indulging in it has been bugging me for years, as I had an idea of incorporating gobelins into /with apparel, and the idea still stands, but it needs time to ripen. However, while on holiday for Easter, I found these 2 gobelins in a small haberdashery shop. There were many designs, but not attractive and "painted" the way I had imagined, so I just settled on these two. I work on the first at work, and on the second at home, so my hands are always busy. 

I plan to make embroidery and needlepoint workshops for both kids and adults this summer, but sourcing all the materials has been a pain in the neck, because I want them with my own designs, next fabric and printing is quite expensive, also  good quality embroidery floss is so hard to find. But if the stars align, this idea will come to fruition in time. For the time being, I am happy to work on my own projects.   

Taking things easy

 A month between my posts; never planned it would take me so much, but with the anniversary of the Kocani tragedy, I didn't feel like blogging. Just took things easy. And with the world going crazy by the day, one can just hope and pray. Needless to say, crochet being my therapy,  I'd been wildly crocheting every single day. 

On a brighter note, we have had spring in full swing over here. Sunny days, birdsong and blue skies can truly lift the spirits. On my hook  you can see my new vest, which I hope to finish drafting this week, and writing the pattern soon. 

Sending hugs from my part of the world.  

Leilani Cape

Happy Sunday all! 

Let me show you my new cape.

These are the same Leilani granny squares, but here they are used to make this lovely cape. How did I end up with so many of these squares? Well, I imagined it as a big / chunky cardigan, had all the squares made, but with everything that had happened a year ago, I just didn't have the strength nor the will to bring the cardi to life, so I divided the squares into two projects - a crop top and a cape. And I still have some squares left, but I haven't decided what to use them for. 

 

Customer's gifts - woven scarves

I am blessed to have customers, many of them having become friends, who just love to bring me handmade gifts. It makes me ponder what I did to deserve them... I am always excitedly stunned, and deeply thankful.

A sweet lady who has had a personal loss, gifted these two scarves to me and Eva, for having the strength to overcome hardship. Such a sweet and heart-warming gesture!

In coping with her own grief, this lady had bought a book on weaving and started making scarves. She's become a true master. She always brings new ones to the shop for me to take pictures of them, and they are all amazing. I will cherish mine as long as I live and breathe.

Crochet Skinny Scarf - a video

I cannot believe we are in the midst of February - it blows my mind how fast time flies! Until I post all my winter knits, I am sure we'll hit spring!

 

I just posted a video for this skinny scarf today. The knit skinny scarf trend that started last year did not subside at all; as a matter of fact it is still going strong, and the same as last year, I made a skinny scarf again for us crocheters, but this time with a different pattern. If you'd like to try it, the video is here. 

Next, will be my mohair ruffled scarflette.  

Mohair: My current obssession

Mohair yarn demand has skyrocketed greatly this year. What started as a faint advent of a particular fibre last year, turned into great fireworks this winter. All thanks to social media. Of course I wasn't immune; I am elbows deep in making skinny scarves, neckerchiefs and hats. I am not ready to plunge into mohair sweater making, as they take quite a long time, and with two full months of workshops, I need short projects to unwind. 

What are you thoughts on mohair? Yay or nay? 

The Leilani Top - pattern release

What should have been a flower granny cardigan, turned into a cropped top.  

I named this Leilani after the beautiful 3D flowers, gently popping up. Flower grannies have always been my weakness, and I never grow tired of designing new ones. 

For the top I used a cotton blend that is so soft and pleasant, and works like butter.

For the flowers and a couple of rounds of the granny stripe, I used a brand that is (sadly!) discontinued, but the yarn Camilla Batik can jump right in as a substitute, while for the framing color I chose my favourite yarn - Madame Cotton. 

The pattern for this top is in my shops: ravelry, lovecrafts.  

Sunday show off: Crochets I made

Can't tell you the sense of fulfillment when I gathered all my finished crochet pieces together for this shoot. Aside for 5 pieces from these piles, everything was made in December and January. Some are personal items, like the grey mohair bolero for Eva, and a couple of vests for me, some are things I made to sell in my yarn shop, and the rest is to be published with patterns. 

There are several things in various stages of making, so I am going to spend the rest of the day working on some.

How's your Sunday going?

How to make beads with scrap yarn

I made this necklace back in 2012 and I can't believe I still have it! After 14 years, it is still going strong! Back then I was hooked on using my leftover yarn and turn it into beads, and frankly, I kind of miss indulging into this activity. 

However, one of my goals this year is to give a visual life to many of my past projects, so I've already made a video for these woollies if you'd like to try your hand at them. The video is here. 

 

First project of the year

Happy New Year! 

May this one be calmer, kinder, and more fulfilling!

Officially, this is my first project of the year. I love the 1st of January for its calmness; nothing stirs outside, no noise, no hum... Yesterday we happened to have lots of sunshine and my living room was bathed in light and warmth. Cozy and inviting to crochet. So, I started what I planned to be a vest, but seeing how beautifully it grows, I am thinking sweater maybe? 

 

I hope you are having a good and festive start of the year!