Mix & Match: Sherbet Necklace

I played mix & match with my stash again and this is the result. I didn't use as many elements as I did for my Kahlo necklace, and this is a proof that a beautiful necklace can be made with just a couple of things.

For the Sherbet necklace I chose a mandala, a tiered flower and this wooden necklace.

As I planned to make it a bib necklace, I folded the mandala at the top an sewed it. Next, placing the necklace around it, I sew it on.

To make the ties of the necklace thicker and give them structure, I picoted half way through and single crocheted it to the end where I placed to beads to beautify the closure.

The little flower was placed at the center and I added tubular beads to make the centerpiece more interesting.

To spice things up, I outlined a portion with black floss and threw in some French knots. They do make a striking difference to the piece!

It is for sale and you can find on TLT or Folt Bolt.

Insta love: Bohemian Brides by ImmaClé Novias

 

ImmaClé is a love story.
Their love story nurtures on vintage fashion, love of silks, plumeti tulle, lace and pastel colors. Their heart beats in all the immaculate little details, every single wave of the ruffles, soft rustle of the silk and luscious feel of lace.

Their photoshoots reveal thousands of stories and each leaves a strong imprint on the viewer, making sure they are not forgotten. Desired and cherished.

 

Crochet Round Hemp Bag

 

 

Hi guys! Happy Friday! We are still on holiday. Week two rolling in so the days blend into each other. I've been working on several projects at a time and I recently finished this bag.

 

This is a sample bag I made using hemp. Working on it was challenging. When I first started it I thought and felt I was going to bring my fingers to blood. Never before have I used hemp to crochet with, so it was difficult at first but after the first round side was made I got used to it and everything went smooth afterwards.

 

 

I wanted to add wooden handles but I didn't buy them prior our holiday so I crocheted them too and I also added tassels to decorate it. I had it envisioned something different but had to work with what I had on hands.

 

I am on my second bag as I write this. It goes much faster and needless to say I am addicted :)

 

Next I want to use some jersey yarn for this exact bag pattern. I think it would be awesome!

 

 



DIY: Mini Succulent Clay Bowls

In our garden we have pots and pots of sempervivum succulents literally pouring down from said pots and I got an idea to make them little houses out of clay.

For this project I used ordinary clay and tempera colors, although I believe they would be much more attractive with acrylic ones. I also used transparent varnish to give them shine.

Here's how it goes:
Take a piece of clay and sculpt a mini bowl which would be 5  or 6 cm in diameter. Put the clay ball into your palm and pushing with your thumb knuckle - make it a nest, i.e. a bowl.

 
Work with fingers to make it deeper.

Leave to dry. Although the weather is scorching hot in my corner of the world, I left them to dry for a day. Color them. Doddle or draft a pattern. Apply varnish.

Add soil and stick the succulents in.

 

They make such a lovely splash of joy.

White Wine Spritz

 

 

The weather being heavy and scorching hot with obvious intentions to throw tantrums in the shape of thunderstorms, I decided to make this white wine spritz that is just perfect to cool off with in hot summer nights.

 

And there is another reason for this. You see, today is my 46th birthday so I wanted to make this easy and refreshing drinks for the family.

 

You need:

 

* 2 bottles (0.75l) of semi- dry white wine

(I used local wine - Alexandria (Riesling) by Tikves)

 

* 1 bottle (1.5l) of Schweppes Bitter Lemon

(I have also used Schweppes Tonic or Sprite in several occasions and you won't be wrong whatever you choose)

 

* 2-3 medium size nectarines (or per preference)

 

* ice cubes

 

Pour the wine and the Schweppes into a large bowl. Cut the nectarines into small slices / chunks and together with a handful or two of ice cubes, put them into the mixed wine.

 

 

 

You can serve this with a plate of hard yellow cheese and crackers along with some dried cranberries and sultanas. 

 

Enjoy!

Insta Love: Morocco

 

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Morocco has been on our bucket list forever. Back in 2009 we celebrated our 10th anniversary in Tunisia. And then in 2011 we went to Tunisia again - it simply clung to our hearts. But we promised ourselves to go to Morocco when we get the chance, and I hinted to my hubs that it would be lovely if we could celebrate our 20th in Morocco. I truly hope we do.

 

 

So no wonder I am pinning and liking like crazy, images from Morocco that soothe my soul and tickle my fantasies. Here are some images that might tickle yours too. 

 

 

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Dotted Tie Headband - Crochet Pattern

 

 

 

I have a huge collection of scarves. And when I say huge I am not exaggerating. But there is just one crochet kerchief in all that enormous collection that my mom made herself and wore it as a scarf and a head wrap. So I wanted to make a couple of crochet headband / head ties that we will use for our bohemian photo shoots.

 

This one is a piece of cake, works up fast and it's handy when your hair is messy and you need the right accessory to tame it down. The pattern that goes along step by step photos is here and here.

 

 

DIY Granny Top

I have long wanted to make Eva a granny top and finally I did it! The granny square I chose is pretty easily worked and it is a big one. One square measures 17 x 17 cm.

I worked with sport yarn (1.9mm hook) and used about 50 gr of white (without the fringes)  and less then 50 gr of blue. 

Eva is size XS so we needed only 6 squares. 

The granny square pattern goes like this:

Ch 5 and join to make a ring.

Rnd 1: ch 3 (counts as 1st dc) and make 11 dc in the ring (12). Sl st to end rnd. 

Rnd 2: {work the clusters over the dcs from the rnd below} Ch3 and dc2tog (counts as 1st dc3tog cluster), ch1 and in the next st, dc3tog. Repeat this pattern around. Sl st to end rnd. 

Rnd 3: Ch3 over the clusters, sc in the st between two clusters. Repeat this pattern around. Sl st to end rnd. 

Rnd 4: on the chain space of the round below, work this pattern-  sc1, ch1, dc3, ch1, sc1. Repeat this for every chain space. We are going to refer to these as "fans".

Rnd 5: sl st thrice to get to the second of the three dcs of the round belo. In that stitch, ch3, dc2, ch3, dc3. You've just made the corner of the granny. Next, ch1 and in the 2nd dc of the "fan"pattern below, dc1, hdc2, ch1, hdc2 + dc1 in the next 2nd dc of fan.  Next, ch 1 and work the corner (dc3, ch3, dc3). Repeat the side and corner pattern accordingly. Sl st to end it.

Rnd 6: Ch3 and dc2 over the 3 dcs below. Ch 4 and dc1 over the 3 dcs below. That was the corner pattern. Next (for the side) ch 1, sk1, dc3. Repeat corner and site pattern to finish the round. 

Rnd 7: Bring yarn to the corner chain space. Ch3 and dc2 in that space, ch4, dc3 (corner done), next for the side, dc in each st - there should be 21 dcs (including the half corners). Repeat this pattern around.

Rnd 8: Bring yarn to the corner chain space. hdc4 in space (corner filled), ch3, sk2, sc in next st. Repeat this pattern until the corner. Repeat corner and side pattern to finish the round.

Rnd 9: Ch 6 (over the corner below), sk 2 of corner stitches and sc in 3rd. Ch3 over the chain below and sc as in the round below, i.e over the sc stitch below. 

Rnd 10:  In the chain space, ch3 and dc2, ch3 and make a picot, then dc3. Corner is done. Next, ch1 and sl st in the 1st chain. In the 1st chain, ch3 and dc2. Next dc3 in every chain up to the corner where you ch1, sl st in the corner chain and repeat the corner pattern. Repeat corner and side pattern to finish the round. Sl st to end the round. 

This is the front. I added a crochet button at the center.

The 1st two squares are set as diamonds. Sew squares below these two. 

This is the back. I positioned the back squares in a straight line and sew them to the sides. Now, as Eva is very slim I couldn't sew the back squares together because they would have been baggy on her, so we had to improvise. To bypass this "issue" I added buttons to the back squares too. 

We tried this top onto a medium size  friend of hers and with the back squares sewn it looks fantastic. 

You can see the buttons on this photo below.

To make the buttons ch8 and make a ring. Dc16 in ring. Next, sl st in next st, sk 1 and sl st in the next until you finish the round. 

The straps pattern: Ch5, and in 2nd ch from hook, hdc1 across (4). Ch2 and hdc in every st. There should be 4 st in each row. Make the strap as lon as you need it. When length achieved, make chains at the sides. Ch 3, sk 1. Repeat this for both sides. Sew straps on. 

When everything was sewn on, I added fringes to it. They do make all the difference, I am sure you'll agree. 

I do hope some of you guys tries this. And I would love if you could share your thoughts!