Last minute Mother's Day gifts

There is still time to make a special gift for your mother. Here are 2 quick gifts that any mom would love.

Capiz Shell Necklace

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

Have you seen the Capiz Shell pendant lights or outdoor wind chimes?  They have a soft glow and pretty sound and always remind me of a beautiful day at the beach.  This pendant is crocheted around a large capiz shell bead (that I found at Hobby Lobby) with size 10 crochet cotton thread. The pattern for this design can be found in one of Annie's special issues - Creative Crochet in a Day - which is on newsstands now or can be purchased as an instant digital download here.

 

Another quick project idea for mom can be found in this same magazine -

 Primrose Jar Wrap.

 

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

I found these great mason jar glasses at Hobby Lobby recently.  The decorative possibilities are endless with this clear blank canvas!  For this project I used Nazli Gelin's Size 10 Egyptian cotton crochet thread and a simple flower motif.  Your mom could use this every day and be reminded of how much you appreciate and love her.

 

 

Necklaces for Mother's Day

 

After looking over some of my most recently published designs, I realized several of them would make great Mother's Day gifts.  Here are two necklaces that work up quickly and are one-size-fits-all!

 

Shannon Necklace

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

This necklace pattern can be found in the Summer 2016 issue of Crochet! magazine - it is on newsstands now and can be purchased as an instant digital download here.

 

 

It is crocheted with Nazli Gelin's Garden 3 Egyptian Cotton crochet thread (Click here to see all the great colors it comes in.) and features a simple Celtic Knot in the center reminiscent of the River Shannon and how it winds through Ireland.  A variety of beads are sewn on to give it some sparkle.

 

 

Pink Dogwood Necklace

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

I love when our pink dogwood in our front yard blooms - then I know spring has definitely arrived!  (Well, it has not bloomed yet but it should soon.)  This Pink Dogwood Necklace was fun and quick to make.  The addition of the pink-colored glass pearl beads (that I found at Hobby Lobby) makes for a very classy touch. 

 

You can also find the yarn I used at Hobby Lobby - Lizbeth Size 10 Crochet Cotton.  This was the first time I used this thread - it is often used for tatting so it holds its shape and the knots/twists in the stitches very well.

 

The pattern for this design can be found in the April 2016 issue of Crochet World  here or at your local craft or bookstore. (Just saw several copies at Michael's yesterday.)

 

 

 

 



Heart Crochet Projects for Valentine's Day

Did you know the heart symbol goes back to the 13th century?  It is one of the most widely recognizable symbols across the entire globe and I bet you see it at least once a day wherever you may go. 

I love to crochet hearts.  There are many different ways you can do it and each way has a unique style of its own.

In the current February issue of Crochet World  (available here)  there are 3 designs of mine that feature hearts.

 

The Love to Read Bookmark has a lacy heart that works up quickly - the perfect Valentine token for any book lover.

 

 

The Floating Heart Pendant uses simple crochet stitches as a frame for a pretty silver heart-shaped charm.

 

 

The Love You Teddy is snuggly and huggable with his Granny Square-style heart and paws.

 

There is still time to make one of these or all three for those you love in honor of Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

(All photos courtesy of Annie's)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 

Here is another accessory pattern to celebrate St. Patrick's Day - The Roses and Shamrock Necklace.

This pattern has been published in the February 2015 issue of Crochet World - The magazine can be purchased here.

 

This necklace uses traditional Irish crochet techniques for making roses and a shamrock.  It is made with the lovely Nazli Gelin Garden 3 Egyptian Cotton crochet thread.  Here it is shown with a simple white band that makes up the necklace length in between the motifs but I think it would also look great with simple strands of large white pearls.

Today my friend, Bonnie Barker, is one of the featured designers for the Crochetville National Crochet Month Blog Tour - be sure to check out her post.. Her new book (Contemporary Celtic Crochet) is a wonderful tribute to Ireland and filled with great instructions to make a variety of projects using crocheted cables. (See my review of this book here)


(If you are stopping by for the first time with the Blog Tour, make sure you scroll down to see the post from March 10th to find the link to a new free Celtic Knot pattern.)

 

Susan Lowman - The Crochet Architect

I met Susan almost 3 years ago at a CGOA conference. I enjoyed her gentle spirit and warm smile while we talked.  After that conference we were able to keep in touch via email and our friendship grew.   She is very generous with her time and advice about crochet, designing, publishing and being a mom.  In the photo above you will notice that both of us are wearing similar necklaces.

These are Faux Tatted Necklaces designed by Susan(www.thecrochetarchitect.com).

I took Susan's class to make this necklace at the 2014 CGOA conference in Manchester, NH and was able to wear my creation by the end of the 3-hours.  It was great to finish such a unique and pretty project with Susan's help.  I love the look of tatting but have not learned it yet so this was a perfect way to get the look by using crochet.

You can buy this pattern (which includes thorough explanations on how to do this technique) on Susan's website here.  At the class Susan had several necklaces and bracelets on display using a variety of beads, buttons and thread colors in the design.

Susan has many other beautiful patterns for sale in her shop - I especially like this one -

 The Kauni Poncho.

Today I am featuring Susan because of her giving heart and her love of crochet.  She has mentored me in many ways and serves others like me through her passion for crochet. 

Formal Jewelry by Karen McKenna

 



Today I would like to share about Karen McKenna's new book, Formal Jewelry, published by Leisure Arts. (www.leisurearts.com)

I had the pleasure of meeting Karen this past summer in Manchester, NH for the annual CGOA conference.  She is easy to talk to and so kind that you feel like you have already known her for years.  It was fun to discover that our designs were in many of the same publications and I'm glad we've kept in touch since then. 

First of all, the book is beautiful! All of the photographs (by Jason Masters and Ken West) are wonderful and perfectly highlight all of Karen's jewelry projects (which range from necklaces to barefoot sandals).  They capture the 'dreamy' quality that weddings and formal events evoke as we prepare for and experience them.

At the beginning of every project's instructions it is written to first check the Basic Technique's section at the end of the book.  This Basic Technique section is full of excellent graphics explaining all the crochet and jewelry making skills you need to complete every project.  I especially like the step-by-step photos of how to use a 'bead stop' when stringing beads and how to use an eye-pin and end cone when finishing your piece.  Knowing the proper finishing techniques makes a big difference in how good (and professional) your project will look in the end - It is great that Karen's book takes the time to explain these steps with such clear diagrams.  Another bonus  - different sizes are written with varying colors.

And if you learn better by having someone show you how to do the various crochet and jewelry techniques, then you must check out the on-line videos on Leisure Art's website.  The videos (which take you through every step of each project) are of the highest quality and very helpful.

The only thing I would have liked to see included in this book is a list of jewelry tools needed for all projects put together - perhaps in the technique section - and some photos of the thread used (in skein form).  Although, the lists of supplies and information for each project are very clear and thorough on every page.

I wanted to try a project since I love metallic thread and beads.  So, I picked the Floating Pearl Necklace found on page 20 (It's also the necklace pictured on the cover).  I used some light pink metallic thread and 6mm pink pearls that I had on hand.  I was able to complete the necklace in less than 30 minutes and I love the results! The pearls go great with the metallic thread!

I would most definitely recommend this book to any crocheter - especially one who was planning a wedding or looking to go to a fun night out in a fancy dress.  I could see a wedding party getting together to make these in the wedding colors.  Karen's simply elegant jewelry designs would be the perfect accessory.

Free Pattern - Great Last Minute Christmas Gift!

Merry Christmas!

Here is another very quick Christmas gift idea for you:



WOVEN NECKLACE


 

This necklace is a FREE pattern and can be found here at www.redheart.com.

This chunky style necklace is made with Metallic Sashay Ruffle yarn in a unique way - This yarn is usually used to make ruffley scarves but I decided to crochet with it coming right off the ball.  Then the long chains are woven together in a special pattern to make the attractive center piece.

All instructions and diagrams can be found in the pattern.

I think this could make a great Christmas gift in red and white or red and green using the beautiful Sashay yarns.