Longing for Marika or the World of Marcel Marlier

 When I was a little girl, among the most popular children's books was the Marika series (translated Marika which was originally "Martine") written by Gilbert Delahaye and illustrated by Marcel Marlier. 

I was so in love with Marika and her adventures I knew the stories by heart and could get lost for hours, reading and re-reading every single page and studying the illustrations of Marcel. That man had left a strong imprint on my childhood with his illustrations.   

The first one, Martine à la ferme (Martine at the farm), was published in 1954, followed by 59 other books, which have been translated into many different languages. The book series has sold about 100 million copies and is one of the best selling book series.
When the author Gilbert Delahaye died in 1997, Jean-Louis Marlier, the son of Marcel Marlier, continued to write the stories. I have a couple of the new ones in my possession - I bought them for my children. However, the series was interrupted in 2011 when the illustrator Marcel Marlier died at the age of 80. The last book is the 60th, Martine et le prince mystérieux, published in 2010. 

                                                                                                        
 I have managed to keep a lot of my childhood favourite books -unfortunately one or two from the Marika series (they mysteriously disappeared) so this fall when I saw a bunch of used ones in an old bookshop I decided to collect them all again. 

Until I collect them all, I feast my eyes with the beautiful drawings I pin on my board here.

Crochet Button Necklace Pattern

 

There is a enticing button necklace pattern in my shop.

The instructions will guide you in making the multiple chains, (flower) buttons and leaves. 

Find it here.

 

Mori Girl Fashion Inspiration

 

Here's again my Mori Inspiration.

A lovely lace crocheted collar is an amazing detail to add to a plain dress or a shirt.

 

I have already made some patchwork scarves and the next on my 'to crochet list' is this gorgeous granny square vest.

Romantic rose blouses and sequined flats with flouncy skirts and layered dresses...

You can read my first Mori post here.

Orange Arabesque Necklace

 

While preparing to go to Istanbul (I was already there in my mind) I couldn't shake off the oriental fever I found myself with and everything I created in the past two weeks reflects my thoughts and desires.

The crocheted lace that reminded me of the famous arabesques is the focal point of this necklace and I added some crocheted rings and beads off-center and of course this wouldn't be complete with the inevitable beads. 
 

Have a lovely week-end everyone!

Grannies in the half or a Necklace gone wild

 I love using my grannies in unorthodox ways and this wouldn't be the first time to use them for my jewelry - I hope you still remember my grannies here and also here

For this one I used a halfie and added some wooden beads. 

So this is one of the aesthetic extremes I am inclined towards - from soft, ethereal, romantic pastel feel to screaming, vibrating and vivid Bohemian flair.

I can't help it. Life is too short to live it in black and white!

Crochet Pattern Packs - shop notification

I've made some discount crochet pattern packs. Here's just a selection. All listed in my shop

Istanbul - revisited

 

We came here again to this beautiful, beautiful city! This time we had a room in the street overlooking the Aya Sofya. We stayed at the magenta one and the rooms were breathtaking - featuring traditional Turkish embroidery motifs and styles.

 

For this post I made several collages of things / places that captured my attention  and I hope you will enjoy. 

 

The wall opposite our hotel was made of broken pieces of tea cups and saucers - and it was an amazing sight - kudos to the ingenious artist / builder. 

 

Shop windows are most often an exceptional works of art.

                               

 

The treasures of the Bazaar - a remarkable experience even for the pickiest of palates. 

The irreplaceable Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque. 

Vintage Crochet Rose Brooch

I've been reducing the stash of crocheted flowers and trims and other whimsies and came upon this beautiful crocheted piece of lace I used to make this bracelet. At the time  of making it I simply fell in love with the design and crocheted a whole bunch I am now trying to match with my other creations. 

For this project I used one of the lace pieces and combined it with one of the flowers I love so much to make to get a vintage looking brooch.

Skirt to Scarf Refashion

In my pursuit of repurposing good pieces, I made another scarf from two very dear pieces. 

The skirt is a rich burgundy corduroy with lovely ruffles that made the skirt for what it was - a cutie! Eva got it as a gift, but the elastic at the waist was so tight there was no way for her to wear it. I knew that if I tried to change and insert new elastic I would ruin it since it was with one of those set-in elastics that can be removed along with a big part of the fabric. So it stayed put for many, many years. 

As for the woolen scarf - I have had it since uni. Needless to mention that it so dear to my heart  I was set to keep it until doomsday. But, it started to show the tooth of time and before it got any holes I decided to save it and hence the match. It is as good as if made in heaven. 

Luckily i didn't have to cut away the flowery ruffle and use the whole front part of the skirt without chipping at it (the skirt was slightly circular) and I needed to add / patch just a small part to use the entire length of the woolen scarf. 
 

  
And this is not all. I have some other refashioned pieces coming along nicely and in due time.

More is just enough - crocheted necklace

 

 

 

The Valentine Headband Pattern

 

Hi everyone! 

This has been a blessed Christmas week. We had a prolonged weekend due to it so we rested a lot, tried to be more outdoors and not overeat. We spent it with my in laws in Ohrid where the weather was springlike. I cannot describe how healing is for the soul and the mind to have a cup of coffee sitting outside in the fresh air- overlooking the lake. Precious!

I also tried to concentrate on my work and designed this cute headband for Valentine. Eva and I had great time taking photos using the façade of the church of St.Sophia which I could endlessly photograph. The stone walls give an edge to the pictures, don't you think?

The pattern for the headband  may look difficult, but it isn't. It doesn't get beyond chaining and double crochets with a sprinkle of trebles and a bunch of picots :)

It is in my shop.

Patchworked scarf 2

 

Here's the other scarf I made using pieces from clothes put aside for re-purposing. Actually this was the first one but unlike the pink scarf, I did not have much matching fabric to combine, so this is simpler. I am happy to report though it is quite attractive and I have already received orders from my mom and sis to patch them some :)