Thursday, March 29, 2012

Refreshing jewelry


I've been sorting through my jewelry boxes a lot lately and making some alterations of design or small refreshments. Take this lovely pendant for example. At the time I came into possession of two necklaces with similar pendants whose chains were getting rusty and broken. I had the chains replaced by thin cords. However, I wanted a change and more color (the cords were dark grey and black, respectively) so for this one I decided to crochet a chain and add a leaf or two for effect, oh yes, and some tiny flowers. Good thing with this is that I can change the chain anytime and add a ribbon instead if I need to adjust it to my current mood or selection of clothes


Talk to you later.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Flowers, flowers, flowers



at my Crochet Florist Shop.

Do you enjoy spring? It is in full swing over here, and we already took out the summer wardrobe, although the nights are still chilly and sometimes cold. The cherry trees started blooming and I do wish to have an outing soon. Under one such tree preferably.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Bloom Collection - Crochet bracelet



One of the bracelets from the "Bloom Collection". The perfect thing for romantic souls.
I loved working on it. It fills my heart with happiness whenever I look at it.

More here.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Alabama Chanin - Sustainable Style





Whenever I think of Alabama stitching my heart skips a bit. The reverse applique technique could not make clothes more beautiful and unique. The process of stitching is long and hard but certainly worth it! The sustainable style in the title implies that recycled cotton jersey is used, although I bought some more jersey to try this. To be honest I've been preparing to do this since last spring, so I may be lucky this one?!

The genius behind Alabama stitching is Natalie Chanin, a former costume designer and fashion stylist, who is the founder and head designer of Alabama Chanin.

I've set my eyes on the coats. I would love to have them in my wardrobe!



To see more gorgeousness visit the Alabama Chanin Studio and their blog.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Blooming rings




Just in time for the arrival of spring, I've crocheted these lovely flower rings as part of my spring collection simply called "Bloom".

They are just listed in my shop here

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Forget me not - {a flower pattern}


We are in full swing getting ready for spring. I am in preparation of my spring collection of crochet accessories, so to spice things up a bit here on the blog, this is a lovely flower pattern you simply must make!

"Forget me not"

Pattern:

Ch 4 and join with sl st to make ring.
Round 1: 4 sc in ring, sl st with last sc to join
Round 2: *ch 4, 2tr, ch 4, sl st* in same stitch
Round 3: repeat round 2 for all 5 petals

Cut yarn, weave ends.

I worked with 100% mercerized, gassed cotton and used 3 mm hook.
{Follow the instructions on hook sizes on the yarn label)

Talk to you soon!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Last minute gifts -Organza rose {a tutorial}


Ok. I have been making a lot of these beautiful organza roses lately, so I thought why not share the how- to here.

{Organza rose}

You need:
* organza
* green fabric leaves
* pins, needle, thread
Step 1
Cut a long piece of organza; mine was 1 meter / 39.4" long and about 15 cm / 5.9" wide.

Step 2
Fold in half - the face of the fabric should be inside.
Pin and sew {*}

Step 3
Turn the piece inside out.
Ruffle it! {*}

Step 4
Make the knot and roll.

Step 5
Secure it at the back.

Step 6
Sculpt the rose.

Step 7
Secure with a pin again so that it does not get loose. Thread a needle and sew through the layers. When done, take the pins out. sew some green fabric leaves onto the back. Attach a brooch pin, and that's it!


Enjoy your beautiful organza rose. It makes a great last minute gift and you can use these for numerous projects. The below picture shows a rose made in the same way, only with sturdier and shorter piece.



{*} Here you can find the instructions on how to sew a ruffle .
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Cork Necklace - Satellite Necklace 2



I have been slowly working on my cork project simply because I usually juggle 3-4 projects simultaneously. Anyway, today I managed to finish this one and put it in the shop.
The cork is embroidered with DMC cotton embroidery floss in gold and teal.

For anyone interested in making these, the tutorial is already scheduled with the Etsy blog in April and I'll let you know when it goes live.

Here's "Satellite Necklace 1" in case you were wondering about the title :)
And some more cork gorgeousness here and here

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Pink House

Ever since I received the "Pink House" catalog, I have been restless.
I was quite oblivious of the brand until a friend sent it over knowing my style and preferences when it comes to dresses and skirts, and especially ruffles. Why restless? Because every single piece is gorgeous. I mean "eye-widening, heart thumping and mouth drooling gorgeous", if you know what I mean.

Fabulous! The ruffled denim jacket paired with the dress is quite eye-catching!

Look at the stunning lace on the shirt and cape!


As a person dangerously obsessed with ruffles, and a heavily tilted on the romantic side, this is my haven.
I selected the ones I like the most and really, honestly believe {and hope} to make at least one of these for the upcoming spring.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Vintage buttons


I love vintage buttons.
I am always drawn to big, intricately ornamented buttons, especially metal antique ones. But I do not restrict my taste only to metal; I love them made of wood, plastic and fabric.


Here's a glimpse of the most precious buttons for me mostly due to their emotional value.
Some belonged to my grandmothers (found in their stash);



some to my mother , some are from my clothes when I was little (the red, strawberry resembling ones above).

Most of them are pairless, but I will never throw them away. Even if I never use them in a project.

Aren't they a joyful lot?

Thursday, March 1, 2012

{Mini crochet flower and leaf pattern}


Well, since today is the 1st of March, I thought it would be nice if we could celebrate it with beautiful things, so I have prepared a crochet mini flower and leaf photo - tutorial for you.

There is no schematic because I didn't have time to draw it, however I have taken pictures of the steps. The pattern is for beginners and quite easy to make.

Here it goes:

{Mini flower}
You need:
Scraps of yarn
Hook according to yarn size




{ Leaf Pattern}