un jardín de hilo

Colour Texture Crochet

2011-04-01T10:53:00.000+02:00

Images clockwise from top left.

1. Olivia Royale - hand crochet mandala circle vest, one of a kind.

2. Veerlemaes

3. photography by Ryan Yoon. Source Fashion Gone Rogue.

4. Nadene - Crochet Bracelet by Even Howard

Lacey

2011-02-25T11:25:00.000+01:00

I love a bit of lacey crochet, even though I don't have the pacience to do it myself.

Here are a few images that I've come accross over the last few weeks (some of which I've already posted to Facebook).

1.A crochet doily (starched) bowl. Found here.

2. A beautiful crochet covered tree by Wooly Fabulous.

3. Crochet bed spread by Valerie Teppo. You can find the pattern here on Ravelry.

4. Blue silk crochet dress by Oscar de la Renta.

2011

2011-01-14T14:07:00.000+01:00

I've been back in Madrid for almost two weeks now from a month long winter/ summer break in Australia, but haven't yet had a chance to get back to my blog. I think this year is going to be a bit like this in general, between study (until the end of April) and the baby (due the beginning of May), but I will try and stop in occasionally to add any new patterns/ cool crochet things I come across and also show you any little things I'm working on ... I also have a long over due giveaway coming very soon!

Above are some images from a website I came across this week.

The brand is call Free People and they have some gorgeous things, including I few crochet numbers :)

I'm guessing they're not made by hand as they would be priceless!

coming up to christmas ...

2010-11-26T15:59:00.000+01:00

I've been updating my etsy shop this morning as it will only be open for one more week before I close up for the christmas break.

A new little blanket

2010-11-13T12:15:00.000+01:00

This is a new little blanket I've been working on over the last few weeks.

The overall design is based on Attic24's very Sweet Flower Granny and for the squares I used the Summer Garden Granny Square.

I had the same problem with these squares as with my last Granny Blanket, which is that they curled in the corners ... I'm not sure why I always seem to have this problem? Maybe I crochet too tightly?

Anyway I ended up adding an extra chain to all the corners and that seemed to sort things out.

Now all I have left to do is the edging.

I've been fairly absent from my blog over the last few months.

At first due to morning sickness :) which thankfully disappeared a few weeks ago.

Secondly due to a Masters in the design and development of web pages, which I started last week. It's like learning a completely new language, which is taught in a relatively new language (Spanish) ... so I think it's going to demand a fair amount of my time over the next 5 months.

I'll still be popping in here now and again to show you what I'm working on (I've already started on my next blanket ) and to post any good crochet patterns I come across.

I've been a little more active on my Facebook page ... posting patterns etc so make sure you keep in touch over there as well.

Japanese Pattern Book wish list ...

2010-10-21T10:44:00.005+02:00

I've never sewn anything from a Japanese Pattern Book so I'm not yet sure if they're gorgeous patterns/designs or the books just have great photos and styling. In any case I think I'm going to have to give it I try soon.

The above images are from my list of current favorites.
1. My First Baby Dress
2. Hand Made Gift For Baby
3. My Ordinary Natural Clothes
4. My Favorite Style

Nomada Market

2010-10-15T12:56:00.006+02:00

Here are a few photos taken by Tato of my stall at the Nomada Market over the 1st,2nd and 3rd of October.

The front of my table a decorated with a crochet garden. The leaves etc are handpainted and the title I screen printed using a paper stencil.

... and below are a few of my favorites from amoungst the other stalls.

María Delgado - Ice Cold Coolection
desietecorazones.blogspot.com

Julieta In Space - Handbags
Julietainspace.blogspot.com

eMes - by maria de miguel
screen printed and handpainted clothing
eMesbyMdM.blogspot.com

VC - Handmade
amontradovermelhocereja.blogspot.com

New Wool & blanket plans

2010-10-07T13:45:00.002+02:00

Inspired by the wonderful blog Attic24, this morning I´ve been wool shopping.

I´m giving my eyes and fingers a little break from making jewelry after the Nomada Market last weekend (photos and post coming soon) and instead planning a new crochet blanket.
I´m still not sure what form it will take? maybe something like in Image 1 below from Attic24, a mixture of little and big crochet squares (without the little flowers). Or something like in image 2 from The Light Garden, a little blanket made from four large squares ...

Image source:
1. Attic24
2. The Light Garden

a few things I´ve been working on ...

2010-09-22T15:33:00.002+02:00

A few more things for the market!
They are also available in my etsy shop here.

Designer - Mochimochi Land

2010-09-21T10:58:00.008+02:00

How cute are these!
You can see more of these cute little creations in the Gallery section of Mochimochi´s web page (click here).
There is also a how to section where you can find some tutorials and a shop where you can buy both the knitting patterns and finished tiny toys.
Unfortunately for me they´re knitted and I know I would never have the patience to make them ... but I love them all the same.

Aqua & Burnt Orange

2010-09-20T17:34:00.006+02:00

A new Etsy Treasury including a few of my new favorite finds.
Click here to go to etsy and for links to shops.

Some new earrings ...

2010-09-17T13:34:00.003+02:00

These are some new earrings I´ve recently finished.
I have lots of new this to show you!
I´ve been really busy making over the last few weeks (obviously not blogging ).

New Leaf Skeleton Earrings

2010-09-03T11:32:00.004+02:00

These are some new earrings I've been working on.
What do you think of them?
I've had them sitting on my desk for quite a while waiting for the arrival of some new earring wires (with a ball on the end).
My collection is slowly growing for the 1st of October!
Next I have to start making the display.

Natural Tones ...

2010-09-01T20:55:00.003+02:00

It's been a while since I put together an Etsy Treasury.
I really enjoy making them (other than they take a bit of time) searching through images and shops and discovering new items and makers (and sometime their blogs) ... so this is long over due.
To take a look and get the links to the items/makers/shops, click here.

Winter Woolies

2010-08-30T18:50:00.002+02:00

1. Chaqueta Etnica
2. Giant Granny Bag
3. Crochet jacket and booties in Eskimo and knitted blanket
4. shawl in ”Inka”

Here are some of my favorite crochet projects to start now for the coming winter.
Click on the coloured links to go to the free crochet pattern

Market

2010-08-23T17:54:00.006+02:00

I've been I bit absent lately, spending all my free hours making and leaving no energy or head space for blogging.
But last Friday I did take some new photos to show you a few of the things I've been working on (you can see more on my flickr page by clicking here).

Below is the poster for the Nomada Market which I will be participating in this October.
I'm very excited that I got a space in the upcoming event as it's a really popular/busy market in the centre of Madrid, which is on every few months.
So I'm going to busy up until then :)

a package ...

2010-08-17T12:51:00.005+02:00

Today I received a package full of goodies from Australia (Thanks Mum! :)
There was mountains of eucalyptus lollies (which I LOVE) and of news paper and magazine clipping that have been collected for me.
I love receiving these clippings and working my way through them on quite afternoons, sitting on the lounge with a cup of tea ... it's like reading the Sunday paper. And I'm sure I'm going to find lots of interesting things amongst them to share with you over the next few weeks.
Also amongst other bits and pieces was this beautiful tea spoon. It's made by Australian Wildflower Design (click here for a link to their web page). I haven't been able to find many examples of their work as the web page is still under construction, but judging by this gorgeously crafted little spoon I'm sure it is beautiful!

Cute Crochet ...

2010-08-11T17:08:00.008+02:00

1. Lacework petit motif
2. Playtime Poncho
3. Easy Booties

Above are some very cute crochet patterns from my 'to make' wish list.
I've been meaning to give them a try for ages now but never seem to get around to it.
That daisy would look great on a head band and how cute is that colourful poncho!

This week I've been crazily crocheting and bellow are some of the small flower like motifs I've finished so far.
Today I've been working on some more crochet balls to make a Burnt Orange Flower Necklace. I'm using #12 thread and a 1mm crochet hook, so it's very slow going and tough on the fingers and eyes ... but the result is worth :)

New colours

2010-08-06T15:09:00.004+02:00

This week I've been crazily crocheting and beading, making lots of new earrings and necklaces to build up my stock.
My eyes have been too worn out to even think about looking at a computer screen to blog.
I've also been working on a few new designs which hopefully I'll be able to show you soon.

But for now I´m off to the river :)
Happy weekend.

Crochet Garden

2010-08-03T19:06:00.004+02:00

This is my current Sunday afternoon project.
A collection of large vibrant crochet flowers...

So far they are based on the patterns in this crochet magazine.
It's one of my favorites as even though it's in Spanish it has really clear and easy diagrams to follow (I learnt to write patterns by studying these).

New pretty owl necklaces ...

2010-07-30T20:07:00.004+02:00

This week I sold the first of my 'pretty owl' necklaces in my etsy shop
and it is currently making its way to South Australia :)
This necklace is one of my favorite new designs!
and I've been having so much fun combining different little pieces of Liberty Print fabric to make three new versions (above) all of which will be available in my etsy shop very soon.

Mix and Match

2010-07-29T21:51:00.005+02:00

These are some new chunky crochet and timber necklaces
that can be worn alone or mixed and matched.
I'm still working on the ones with the lighter colours (gold and green).
They will be with lighter timber beads.

New Necklaces ...

2010-07-27T17:45:00.002+02:00

Over our holiday we did a few long drives.
I passed the time between making these crochet balls above or completely absorbed in my book (Eat Pray Love).
I was having so much fun that after an 8 hour drive a felt like I'd spent a luxurious day in bed ...
I think Alvaro (who drove) didn't quite feel the same way.

Summer Holidays ...

2010-07-26T19:17:00.014+02:00

For me the summer holidays will always symbolize the beginning of the new year.
It works so perfectly to have a long summer relaxing, mind clearing break and then return to start a fresh, new ideas, new plans, new years resolutions ... etc.

I've been trying to get my head around all those new plans and revolutions that have sprung to mind so enthusiastically over the break and it's been spinning and I've been feeling a little overwhelmed
... so in the end today has been more about grocery shopping (on bike) and washing.

I didn't pull the camera out too often over the two weeks and now I wish I'd taken shots of the very cool tiled facades/balconies and gorgeous chimney/roof details of some of the houses, the details which makes the architecture feel so different to Spain
... regardless here are a few photos from our trip.

It's been so perfect with cooler weather in Portugal, perfect for ridding and sleeping in tents.
Beautiful Atlantic beaches with waves :)

Only one flat tire ...
with a very picturesque repair job.

Chiringuitos on the beach ... lots of vegi patches :)

and then to Spain where the Mediterranean was at its best.
Crystal clear, flat and the perfect temperature to be able to stay in the water all day.

You would think I would be bored of photographing this plant (I don't even know what it's called?) but it's my favorite. It looks like it should be growing under the sea rather than in the desert.

You can find more images here :)

Higos, Brevas y el Verano

2010-07-10T14:50:00.011+02:00

I never knew before living in Spain that there were two types of figs, black figs (brevas) and green figs (higos).
I was told that the difference is that the black figs are from the first yield (in July) and the green ones are from the second (in August).
But this July we've been eating very delicious green figs from the tree outside our kitchen window, so I´m a little bit confused about the brevas/higos thing?
They have to be from different trees don´t they?
In any case I´m very happy that there´ll be a second round ripening when we get back from our Summer holiday :)

This Monday we're squashing bikes, tents, bags etc etc into the car and heading to the south of Portugal for a bit of an adventure.
I've just check to weather and in Sagres right now it's a lovely 24°C compared to 34°C in Madrid. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it will stay that way for the week as I'm not really made for Iberian dry heat!

See you in two weeks :)

New Colours ...

2010-07-06T20:14:00.003+02:00

These are the new colours for my crochet blanket.
This is all I've done in the last two weeks (the enthusiasm of buying new wool),
with 35+ degree I find that crocheting with wool is the last thing on my things I would like to do list.
My plan is to finish it (at least) before the end of next winter ;)

Something for Summer ...

2010-07-05T18:21:00.014+02:00

I've had many requests for the Syrian Loops pattern so I though (as they are perfect for summer) that it's about time I wrote it down.
There are two sizes 30mm & 25mm diameter hoops which I've found to work best and I'm going to write the two patterns down separately and you can also find the diagrams below.
They are very straight forward.

What you'll need:

1mm crochet hook

2 x 30mm (or 25mm) hoops.

No. 12 thread

Wire to make both the 3mm and 2mm rings and the tools to make them (you can also buy these pre-made)

Beads or pieces of flattened metal to dangle from the base of the earrings (I use little pieces of half flatted wire which I thread a metal bead on and finish with a little loop). I like metal as it makes a lovely tinkling sound as it rubs together.

Ear Hooks

To Make - Small (25mm)

Crochet

Join thread to left side of hoop and 55 Single Crochet (SC) around. Cut thread and sew in ends.
Join new thread to 16th SC from top of hoop (see diagram). 7SC in next 7SC. 4 Half Double Crochet (HDC) in next 4SC. 3 Double Crochet (DC) in next 3SC. 4HDC in next 4SC. 7SC in next 7SC. Join and sew in ends.
Join new thread to 3rd SC in row 2. SC, Chain(CH)3, SC in the same SC. {SC in next SC. SC, CH3, SC in next SC}. Repeat 9 times. Join and sew in ends.

Attach a 3mm ring to each of the Chain 3's at the base of the loop (11 in total).
Attach a 2mm ring to each of these (11 in total).
To these little rings attach what ever you have chosen to dangle from the base of the earring.
Attach the ear hook to the top of the hoop with a little ring.
and lastly to finish off I dab a little bit of glue at either side of the top of the hoop to attach the crochet and stop it sliding down.

Repeat for second earring.

To Make - Large (30mm)

Crochet

Join thread to left side of hoop and 65 Single Crochet (SC) around. Cut thread and sew in ends.
Join new thread to 19th SC from top of hoop (see diagram). 8SC in next 8SC. 5 Half Double Crochet (HDC) in next 5SC. 3 Double Crochet (DC) in next 3SC. 5HDC in next 5SC. 8SC in next 8SC. Join and sew in ends.
Join new thread to 3rd SC in row 2. SC, Chain(CH)3, SC in the same SC. {SC in next SC. SC, CH3, SC in next SC}. Repeat 11 times. Join and sew in ends.

Attach a 3mm ring to each of the Chain 3's at the base of the loop (13 in total).
Attach a 2mm ring to each of these.
To these little rings attach whatever you have chosen to dangle from the base of the earring.
Attach the ear hook to the top of the hoop with a little ring.
and lastly to finish off, I dab a little bit of glue at either side of the top of the hoop to attach the crochet and stop it sliding down.

Repeat for second earring.

I hope this makes sense!
(let me know if there's any problems as I'm still new to public pattern writing)

Enjoy

Please note: This pattern is for personal use only.
Thank you :)

2010-07-02T09:43:00.002+02:00

I've completely lost my blogging routine this week!
Seeing as it's Friday (already!) I thought I'd just show you a few little things I've been working on.
Above is a little Liberty Print necklace I finished this week using the colour combination's I posted the other day (+ a light purple thread).
Below is a photograph of the second Owl Necklace this time in purple, I'm just waiting on a purple glass jewel to put at the centre so I can finish it.
I'll see you next week (it's the last week before our summer holidays!)
Happy weekend

New things ...

2010-06-24T11:48:00.002+02:00

Smokey Quartz Earrings now available in my etsy shop.

Red crochet hair band. Available soon.

Blue crochet hair band. Available soon.

In the garden

2010-06-23T17:54:00.006+02:00

I've always loved the idea of living in the country.
A vegi garden, chickens, compost heap, trees for Alvaro's hammock :) ...
I also love Madrid and it's at its best in the summer.
Lots of cool parks in which it's very easy to pass the whole afternoon.
The only thing I'm missing really is the vegi garden.

1. Cherry Belle Radish Seeds from Thebearfootshaman
2. Fresh farm eggs (photo) by honey and jam photos
3. Qualicum Garden Deckchair by gallant and jones
4. Garden Tool by modern poverty

The above items are taken from my latest etsy treasury.
To see more click here.

Crochet Blanket Update

2010-06-22T13:52:00.003+02:00

I've finally finished the complete olive round that I started back in February.
I thought this was going to be the last one but now I'm thinking I'll do just one more, which will make it the perfect size for a double bed :)
I'm going to go and check out what colours there are to choose from in 'El Gato Negro' but I'm thinking the last colour will be brown ...

Bright Star & Sophie Digard

2010-06-21T16:08:00.008+02:00

Last night we watched Bright Star which is the latest film by Jane Campion.
It's set in 1818 - Hamstead, London and looks at the last two years of the life of poet John Keats and his love affair with Fanny Brawne a student of fashion who lives next door.
I liked the film alot and visually it was stunning!
Every scene was exquisitely styled and shot, luxuriously beautiful like the romantic poetry of Keats ... beauty for beauty's sake.
The costumes were also very striking, defiantly in the style of the day but at the same time very modern in their use of the fabrics and colours.
I was also very excited to see pieces worn by the two Brawne sisters where made by Sophie Digard! I discovered here work almost two years ago now in a tiny shop in Uzes, France where Mum bought a beautiful shawl of hers (you can see it here in my very first blog post) and which was my inspiration to learn how to crochet .
Anyway, it's a beautiful film and I highly recommend it :)

Colour Combinations

2010-06-17T16:34:00.006+02:00

Here are a few colour ideas for a new necklace design I'm working on.
It will be made with one Liberty Print button surrounded with crochet balls of different sizes/ colours and a cute brass bird pendant.
I've started first with the navy and pink collection ... I'll show your very soon.

... and below are images of my two latest necklaces (the sun came out today!)
I will be listing them in my etsy shop very soon.

A bad photo day

2010-06-16T19:24:00.008+02:00

This is a necklace I finished yesterday inspired by the work of Ayala Bar.
It is made of a cluster of Liberty Print fabric buttons in brass settings with tiny charms and coloured beads that dangling down.
It is designed to sit closely around the base of the neck.
Hopefully tomorrow there will be a little bit of sun shine so I can take some photos, as today it was so grey that it was impossible to capture any light.
Below you can see my very professional ironing board photo studio by the window ;)

Oak Leaves ...

2010-06-15T18:34:00.000+02:00

Something new ...

2010-06-14T17:34:00.003+02:00

This is a new necklace design based on the Crochet Sun Necklace.
It is made using a lovely antique brass round chain with a small brass flower and sprig of leaves dangling from it. It sits just around the base of the neck.
It will be available in my etsy shop very soon.

Raining

2010-06-10T09:41:00.004+02:00

I've been really enjoying the rainy days this week.
They remind me of those wet humid summer days at home that come along now and give a break from the heat.
I'm glad they exist in Madrid as well.

Below are some photos of my new red chunky necklace.
I'm very happy with how it turned out, so I think there will be some more to come.
I'm adding to my etsy shop today.

Chunky Necklaces

2010-06-07T14:05:00.004+02:00

I only discovered Ewa i Walla fairly recently through Selvage Magazine and I am completely in love with the recycled/reused/ adapted style.
The designer Ewa Iwalla started by making her own clothes when she was a child using hand me downs given to her by family members, adapting them to meet her own style and later making clothes to sell at markets etc

I'm completely taken by her chunky necklaces and ever since I saw the above images I've been thing in making some with timber (or bone) and cotton.
Last week these big gorgeous timber beads arrived in the post and I've started covering some of them with crochet ... I'll let you know how they turn out.

New to my etsy shop ...

2010-05-28T13:15:00.003+02:00

These earrings are new to my etsy shop today.
I've changed the hook of the Green Drop Earrings, it used to be a much longer one (click here to have a look) but I think it works much better like this.
The Ruby Red Drop Earrings are going to be a one off as I don't think I can get any more red glass jewels like this. They are currently for sale but maybe (if I don't get time to make a the necklace I have in mind) I'll be pinching these for my self to wear with my new red dress ;)

At the sewing machine ...

2010-05-26T15:07:00.002+02:00

This week I started sewing my new red dress.
I think cutting out has been the biggest challenge so far, the sewing part has been fairly straight forward other than sewing the bias binding around the neck. I spent a fidly hour or so trying to interprete vague instructions ... they need to add some more detailed diagrams for this part!
Last Sunday I went to El Rastro (Madrid's big once a week street market) and bought a crochet looking scarf to go around the waist (I'm going to adapt the pattern slightly here).
Thanks to a trip to Camper with Mum (thanks Mum!) I have some lovely new sandals to wear with it, the idea being that they tie in with the scarf.

If you'd like to see what pattern I'm using for the dress click here to follow the link to Vogue.

Summer Breakfast

2010-05-25T17:37:00.006+02:00

I toasted some muesli this morning for the first time this summer.
Toasted muesli with yogurt is so yummy but I hate to buy it from the supermarket as you never know the quality of the ingredients or how much oil they've used etc.
When I first started to make it I would buy all the individual ingredients (oats, dried fruit, nuts etc) and make it from scratch. Now I buy it from our local health food shop pre-mixed, because for some reason it's cheaper that way?? ... at least in Madrid anyway.
I then put it in a big pan with some olive oil (or better, Pumpkin seed oil!) and stir it over heat for about 15mins.
The only thing that can go wrong is burning it, which can happen very quickly. I did this a little bit this morning when I got distracted waiting for the etsy treasury's to come up ...

Below are some hair ties I'm going to add to my etsy shop this week.
Some are made using buttons covered with crochet (like the crochet brooches) the others with liberty print fabric.

a window sill garden

2010-05-24T16:26:00.008+02:00

This mint is growing in small pots on our bedroom window sill and this morning the room was filled with the sweet scent of mint ... I think because it was so hot!
It reminded of me of Morocco, in particular Chefchaouen and the little cafe terrace that looks over the river, where you can get sugary mint tea that you share with bees that try and crawl inside the glass.

Behind it you can see the fig tree which is now thick with leaves and green figs.

On the other side of the house we have our little window sill herb garden.
In April I planted rocket and basil seeds which are now very healthy little plants.
I was a bit worried that when we were in Italy they would die but they made it through! I left them inside with water in the tray and they lasted the week and a half, just growing a little bit slower than normal because of the lack of sun.

The plan is that this year we will be able to have fresh rocket in our salads and be able to make a few batches of pesto :)

In Italy ...

2010-05-21T17:16:00.011+02:00

Rome, Italy,1990

How cute is this little girl! On a day trip to Perugia we were lucky enough to stumble across an exhibition of photographs by Steve McCurry. I wasn't really familiar with his work before this and had only seen a couple of his unforgettable photos in the National Geographic, like the Afghan Girl and red Indian boy below.
His work is amazing! It seems like he has the luck of always being in the right place at the right time and what can I say about the composition and the colours!

Jadhpur, India, 1996

Bombay, India, 1996

Fishermen, Weligama, Sri Lanka, 1995

Pagan, Burma, 2010

These are a few of may favorites but you can check out the exhibition here and for his complete collection you can visit Steve McCurry's web page here.

Crochet Blanket Progression

2010-05-18T10:54:00.005+02:00

I started making this baby rug (for my etsy shop) a while ago, but have since pulled it apart and started again with a new colour arrangement.
I've had quite a lot of crochet time over the last few weeks. I now have 12 squares for this baby blanket and have almost finished the olive green of my other rug ... hopefully I'll finish the round soon so I can show you :)

Below is my current Etsy Treasury which you can see here for the next two days.
I found many of the items using the new etsy tool "suggested Shops".

1. Little Birdie Tunic by Sweet Little Birdie
2. White dress with black applique-Swan by Zoe Chen
3. Small Fabric Bird by Abigail Brown
4. Bridesmaids Necklaces by lulubug jewelry
5. Spring Chicken Bowel by Prince Design UK
6. Colorful Birds in Tree Print by smiles and squiggles
7. Where are you going little bird ... by Penelope and Pip
8. Retro Abstract Tree Painting by Sascalia
9. 100 Large Origami Paper Cranes by Made By Jo
10. Gothenburg Robin Black Birdy Every Day Purse by ikabags
11. Origional Abstract Female Figurative Painting by linda monfort
12. Blue Sky Owl Earrings by Un Jardin De Hilo

Italy

2010-05-17T14:54:00.004+02:00

We started in Rome...
wandering around the streets, stopping in gorgeous restaurants.

A horse wearing a very cute crochet hat
near the Fontana di Trevi.

My sister met us in Rome and we headed north to a beautiful house (Villa Cerqualto) in the hills of Umbria.
My brother and his wife met us there.
Later in the week Alvaro just made it, after Madrid airport was closed down by the volcanic ash cloud :(

This photo was taken by Alvaro in a small town not far from Sienna.

Views of beautiful Sienna from the top of the tower.

Alvaro and I had some time in Rome before our flight back to Madrid.
In these photos the sky looks very threatening but the clouds cleared (for almost the first time in a week and a half) and we got to have lunch in the sun at a little terrace in the back streets near the Colosseum and later to fit in one last gelato by the Fontana di Trevi.
We arrived back in Madrid very late last night after our plane was delayed (without even having the ash as an excuse).
So I'm back to my blog and I have reopened my etsy shop this morning.
I also managed to grab a treasury :) which you can see here for the next two days.

Etsy Treasury

2010-05-04T08:37:00.005+02:00

Yesterday I arrived home after lunch and a long walk around Madrid and was lucky enough to grab an etsy treasury.
You can see it here until tomorrow.

From left to right
1. Bird art yellow bird water color by amber alexander
2. Ferns by ground work
3. Blue Apple Man by Sandra Eterovic
4. Leisel Headband by Bebecha
5. Vintage Glass Jar Set by le Vintage Maison
6. eat dessert first by Jclay Pottery
7. Flower Earrings by Un Jardin De Hilo
8. Vintage doily on wood by Olive Someday
9. Melancholic Flowers by MarcoLaGrenouille
10. Stacked Vase with Green Interior by kimwestad
11. Succulent Garden Groundcover by The Succulent Garden
12. Alain Le Pilote by Harem6

Spring Break

2010-04-30T20:22:00.003+02:00

I've been absent from my blog for a week now! and I thought I should make a quick post to let you know what I'm up to.
My parents are visiting us in Madrid from Australia for a week or so (after being stranded in Melbourne for a week waiting for the ash over Europe to clear) and while they're here I'm taking a bit of a Spring Break, to spend some time with them (It's been a year since we've seen each other!).
We've been so lucky that the weather has completely changed for their arrival Spring is really here ... finally!
Next week we're off to Italy for a week and a half and then I'll be back.
See you then!

Image source: Architectural Digest Mayo 2010

my creative space ...

2010-04-22T11:01:00.003+02:00

This morning I am facing the challenge of cutting out a new dress pattern from some lovely red cotton that I bought the other day.
The difficult thing is that it's cut on the bias (the fabric never seems to lie flat!) and it's a pattern for a to the knee dress that I am extending so it falls to the ground.
Hopefully it all goes well. In any case I have until June to finish it.

You can find more of today's creative spaces @ kootoyoo

New Etsy Treasury

2010-04-21T13:37:00.003+02:00

A New Treasury
I was lucky enough to grab an etsy treasury this morning.
You can see it here (with links to etsy shops) for the next three days.

Flickr Favorites

2010-04-20T17:37:00.005+02:00

1.02/21/2008 07:55am by Gatito Azul
2. Rocket Flowers by Kate's Photo Diary
3.Oregano Flowers by dagoose1
4. Plants by cacahuete sr

Even though the weather has been horrible and the Spring very slow in coming there are now green shoots everywhere!
I think it's now safe for me to get out the seeds from last summers flowers and plant them in our tiny window ledge garden.
Tomorrow will be one week until the full moon, which makes it perfect timing.

It's mainly going to be basil and rocket (my favorites!) and hopefully I'll be able to find a corner to squeeze in some oregano, coriander, parsley and dill.

More flick favorites @ ArtMind

New little woolly booties

2010-04-20T15:00:00.003+02:00

These booties are based on the very cute patterns of Mamachee.
The sole measures 9.5cm (3-6months)

They will be added to my etsy shop today.

Monday Moodboard ... sewing & printing

2010-04-19T16:26:00.004+02:00

1. Viridian embellished top by lamarquisedesanger 2. Sakura Blooms by karuski
3. Ipod Sleeve by kuutydruk 4. Handmade Fabric bird brooch by BlueTerracotta

I have some new design ideas which I can't get out of my head,
including sewing, crochet and printing.

More Monday Moodboards @ fleurfatale

my creative space ...

2010-04-15T18:27:00.003+02:00

This afternoon I had planned to start a new sewing project.
I have this very cute 1970's pattern for a playsuit and pinafore, I also have some soft antique rose pink fabric that I bought the other day.
But, this afternoon a did a quick tracing to have a play and I think this design really needs a contrasting fabric on the layer underneath (the playsuit).
My next step is to either buy some new fabric or work out a simple stencil and do some printing?

You can find more creative spaces @ kootoyoo.

Earth Orange Flower Earrings

2010-04-15T11:24:00.002+02:00

New earrings added to my etsy shop today.

Flickr Favorites

2010-04-13T09:45:00.007+02:00

1. Untitled by marcinema 2. A beautiful thing is never perfect by natasha
3. Mademe Brussels III by Bruce-P 4. Birdie by Daniel Lawrence

Today I had planned to celebrate spring with a collection of warm, sunny, light filled images ... but after three days of teasing the spring has disappeared again and we have been left with a grey sky and rain.
Yesterday I bought some beautiful red cotton to make a new dress and the design is on my mind ... so instead today is all about red.

More Flickr Favorites @ ArtMind

Monday Moodboard

2010-04-12T21:42:00.001+02:00

1. littlellama 2. zsazsazsu

3. felicitycrew 4. fleurfatale

More Monday Moodboards @ fleurfatale

Etsy Collection

2010-04-09T08:51:00.010+02:00

This is my latest etsy treasury which you can see here for the next two days.
It includes (left to right):

1. Five Sparrows by Geninne
2. Wool Felt Corsage Chrysanthemum by emikokeller designs
3. Olive Glass Jewel Earrings by Un Jardin De Hilo
4. Millie Vintage Style Side Tie Cloche by While They Play
5. Textile Succulent hand stitched in a vintage bud vase by Winsome Hollow
6. Soft Green Capelet Cardigan by iroshka
7. Egg Cocoon PDF Crochet Pattern by Mamachee
8. Dreaming of Spring Flowers Bag 2 by Karen Meyers.
9. Tree of the Wind - felt tree by Intres
10. Sage Blouse by ForetLA
11. Beige and Chocolate Crochet Mary Janes by Soleil Du Automne
12. Planters by Hiss

New Earrings

2010-04-08T15:23:00.002+02:00

I finished these little earrings yesturday along with a matching necklace.
They remind me of summer and the sea, I think because the little blue glass beads remind me of shells.
They will be available in my etsy shop soon :)

my creative space ...

2010-04-08T09:10:00.005+02:00

I'm still working away at my first crochet blanket ... Sunday afternoons ... while watch the television etc but because I've been working on it for so long sometimes it's hard not to get distracted.
This is going to be a little blanket or maybe a cushion? Hopefully including some of these fabulous buttons.

This morning I've also been able to grab a treasury spot on etsy.
To see click here.

More creative spaces @ kootoyoo

spring in the south

2010-04-06T17:30:00.002+02:00

I took these photographs on our trip down to the south last weekend.
It's usually very dry (more like a desert) but at the moment amazingly green and with so many flowers.

Monday Moodboard

2010-04-05T16:29:00.003+02:00

1. Intres Handmade 2. Love and Dream
3. Arzu Musa 4. Studiotto

More Monday Moodboards @ fleurfatale

Soft Cotton

2010-03-31T11:23:00.004+02:00

I made these little booties a while ago now.
They are made from soft cotton yarn (for summer), which doesn't hold its shape as well as wool or acrylic but the end result is still super cute.

We're heading down to the Mediterranean today for the Easter long weekend.
I think it's still far too chili for me to get in the water but hopefully I'll be able to catch some sun and take the winter white glow off my skin.

See you Monday.

Pink Frangapani Booties

2010-03-30T13:58:00.005+02:00

Today I've been working on these very cute pink booties.
Their design is based on one of Mamachee brilliant patterns, which I've altered with a big flower buckle ... I think it looks like a pink Frangapani.

Fanciful tree earrings

2010-03-29T13:32:00.002+02:00

These little earrings are new to my etsy shop today.

Last week I received a package of really gorgeous brass trinkets
... so lots of new designs coming.

New Earrings

2010-03-24T12:41:00.006+01:00

These are some new favorites of mine.
I'm a huge fan of olive green and I'm in love with these vintage glass jewel drops!
They have been added to my etsy shop today.

Also some cute little owl earrings.

Focusing on Europe

2010-03-23T08:03:00.004+01:00

This week is Euroweek on etsy!
and to celebrate many etsy shops based in Europe are offering special deals
... free shipping, discounts etc.
To check them out click here.

Above are a few of my favorite European finds.

1. Upcycled Felted Wool Red Orange Little Bird by for my darling
2. Woolly Bobble Branch Necklace by Ollies Woollies
3. LaLa Rose - wool felt baby shoes for girls by LaLa shoes
4. Dutch Canal Houses Handpainted porcelain Necklace by Harriet Damave
5. Hand Screenprinted Fabric by Maja Backstrom

Monday Moodboard

2010-03-22T13:05:00.002+01:00

1. Cold Sholder. 2. turquoise casein
3. Untitled. 4.The Unknown World

To see more mood boards visit fleurfatale

my creative space ...

2010-03-18T11:16:00.002+01:00

I've been doing a little bit of embroidery.
It's very simple but I think it gives the right effect for these honey bee earrings.
The green stitch is to go with some very cute owl charms.

To see many many more creative spaces you can visit kootoyoo.

red white blue

2010-03-17T18:48:00.002+01:00

I made these booties on request in the colours of the Atletico Madrid football team.
It's funny because I'm pretty much the opposite to a football enthusiast ...
but I love the idea and they turned out very cute.

Some spring flowers to put in your hair

2010-03-16T15:27:00.002+01:00

spring

2010-03-15T14:36:00.003+01:00

Over the weekend we had the first glimpse of spring with lots of sun shine :)
Our tiny little window sill garden is preparing to seed.

My Creative Space ...

2010-03-11T14:07:00.003+01:00

This is part of an idea I've been tossing around in my head for a while.
I want to make my own resin cabochons, inspired by these little birds.
I've jumped ahead a bit and made some molds, now I have to do some illustrations.
It's taken a while to get to this point, so I'm thinking it's going to be a while until a take the next step, I'm also a little bit apprehensive about using the resin
... will see how it goes.

For more creative spaces visit kootoyoo.

Wild Orange

2010-03-10T15:29:00.004+01:00

I think this is my favorite necklace out of the wild bird collection with the brown chested sparrow a close second.

I'm feeling a bit frustrated today as I'm having trouble focusing on any one thing.
My head is in a few places ... working on my catalogue so it's in both English & Spanish, trying to get my etsy shop going, wanting to be a more active blogger, making in all my spare moments and doing bits and pieces of architecture work.
All of this is lots of fun but sometimes I just wish there were more hours in the day.

Turquoise & Pink

2010-03-09T17:16:00.006+01:00

The suns been shining a lot more lately and I've been able to take some photos.

This is part of the bird pendant collection with matching earrings.
They will be available in my etsy shop soon.

Old Favorites

2010-03-04T21:50:00.003+01:00

The Syrian Loops were one of my first designs and are still my favorites.
The most popular ones have been in the bright summery colours but for me I can't go past black (I think the architect coming out in me) and this beautiful grey thread.

I've been slowly building up my collection of Syrian Loops for summer and have added this pair to my etsy shop today ... more to come.

Tropical Summer Earrings

2010-03-03T14:37:00.002+01:00

These are some new earrings made with yesterdays covered buttons.

Buttons

2010-03-02T15:35:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I received a small bag of beautiful liberty off cuts and this morning I've been having so much fun with them!

Honey Blue Earrings

2010-03-01T14:36:00.004+01:00

These are some new earrings I finished last week.
They are to match with the honey bird necklace.

My Creative Space ...

2010-02-25T08:39:00.008+01:00

Everything on my desk is very orange at the moment.

I finally bought the gorgeous Buccaneer Booties pattern from Mamachee and have crocheted two pairs so far.
The first pair was a trial run in purple and green wool and the second (above) I made using cotton in anticipation of summer.
It's so relaxing to sit back and follow a well written crochet pattern.
I'm enjoying making them so much that today I'm going to go into Plaza Major and buy some more colours ... they're so cute!

I'm still very much into making beads to crochet around using cold porcelain.
So far they're just droplets of different sizes but recently I was introduced by Anna to the inspiring work of Louise Weaver and now I'm dreaming of what else I could do ...

To see many many more Creative Spaces visit kootoyoo

Birds

2010-02-24T16:37:00.002+01:00

I finished off these bird necklaces this week and have been slowly photographing them in the rare moments that the sun shines in my window.

They are now available in my Etsy shop.

Pink & Grey crochet Necklace

2010-02-23T15:24:00.004+01:00

A new necklace made with small grey crochet beads with a pink flower cameo and vintage glass pink jewel.

Smokey quartz

2010-02-19T15:11:00.003+01:00

Some new crochet ball earrings to match one of the long bird necklaces.
I caught a tiny bit of sun today to take this photo, there hasn't been much this week.
Come on Spring!

My Creative Space

2010-02-18T10:38:00.004+01:00

This morning I'm crocheting a grey motif for a necklace like the one a made a few months ago. At the same time I'm jotting down the pattern so I can post it (after I've rewritten it in an intelligible format).

Yesterday I made some sourdough for the first time since last summer and this morning (while I check all the creative spaces over at kootoyoo) I'm having a breakfast of coffee and sourdough toast with oil and salt (the Spanish Vegemite?)
I have to remember to make it more often. It's so good!

Caramel Drops

2010-02-17T16:29:00.004+01:00

This week I've been working more with the Cold Porcelain.
To make these earrings I modeled two long drops and then crocheted around them. It's quite time consuming but I think it's worth it.

They are made to match with the long black& cream cameo necklace and will be available soon in my etsy shop, which after a long break is now up and running.

Knitting

2010-02-16T13:59:00.008+01:00

I'm not really I knitter.
The last time I picked up a pair of knitting needles I spent a whole Melbourne winter knitting half a leg warmer, after which I decided that knitting wasn't for me.
But, this winter I've seen so many lovely knitted scarfs and gloves around that I've decided to give it another try.
Hopefully using this thick wool and fat needles this little project will be finished within the week and my enthusiasm for knitting will be restored!
We'll see how it goes.

Inspiration: Veerle Maes

2010-02-15T20:55:00.007+01:00

Last week the very thoughtful Sandra from zsazsazsu's kralen en draden introduced me to the crochet of Veerle Maes and it was such a lovely surprise!
Her work is stunning, such a rich collection of colour and texture. I can only imagine the many hours of work that go into each of her creations.

The images above are from her 2010 gallery, you can click on each image to see more.
Sandra's work is also gorgeous! You can see her current range here.

Green Crochet Drops

2010-02-12T20:59:00.012+01:00

Last weekend I was introduced to a new craft called Cold Porcelain.
It's a technique that uses a white modeling dough to (typically) make very realistic porcelain flower arrangements.
So last Sunday I spent the afternoon trying to model some ... without success.
The dough in the image above was made for me so I'm not exactly sure how to make it ... next lesson. I do know it can be made in a variety of ways and the one above consists of white bread (without crusts) and two other ingredients equally as bad for you (glycerin and ?).
This week I found out it's also very good for making shapes to crochet around.
These green crochet drops are my first attempt.

My Creative Space ...

2010-02-11T10:38:00.008+01:00

This week I've been working on some new bird pendants.
I haven't been able to finish them all as I've run out of chain and settings, but this is them so far.
I have some liquid resin hopefully in the mail on its way to me, which I bought with a new crochet project in mind.
I would also like to make my own illustrated pendents with it (like the ones above).
I'll keep you posted.

You can see more creative spaces at kootoyoo

Inspiration: Mamachee

2010-02-10T16:13:00.007+01:00

Mamachee is a shop on etsy that sells the coolest crochet patterns!
I've been restraining myself from purchasing one (or two or...) for quite a while now, at least until I have some time to make something new.

She also has another etsy shop called Born With It, which includes very cute crochet toys and baby things.

Olive

2010-02-09T13:56:00.003+01:00

Over the weekend I found and started a new colour on my crochet blanket.
There weren't really many colours to choose from (I think I've almost used their whole range) and in the end a darker blue wasn't an option.
So the plan is one more round of light and dark green hexagons and then to finish off with plain light green (olive).

To start with I wanted the light olive as the outer colour but after a trial I decided that it was a bit weak, so I have gone the other way.

Also in olive is this new tree pendent necklace with small crochet balls.

My Creative Space ...

2010-02-04T10:57:00.012+01:00

Included in my Christmas parcel from mum and dad was an embroidered hair tie.
I love it so much and I wear it every day!
It's such a great concept that this week I made my own crochet versions.
To start with I made the same sort of thing but as a brooch and when I track down some good quality hair elastics I'll make some ties as well.
I am also working on some small crochet flower hair pins.

Still on my desk is this crochet ball necklace, which I've been plodding through for the last week or so. I started with so much enthusiasm but lost it quite quickly, as it's really slow and tedious work.
I'm trying to complete two balls a day so I make it to the end.

Over my morning cup of tea today I visited a whole lot of beautiful & interesting Creative Spaces.
You can visit them too via Kootoyoo.

new colours

2010-02-03T15:38:00.003+01:00

The beading took me a little bit longer than I thought as it's quite fiddly and tough on the fingers, but finally here they are ... Syrian Loops in some new colours + my favorite greys.

I still haven't been to check out the wool range in at Plaza Mayor, so I haven't started on the next colour of my crochet rug ... So far I'm liking the idea of a darker blue or an olive green.

Blue Hexagons

2010-02-01T13:08:00.006+01:00

Over the weekend I finally finished the row of blue hexagons on my crochet blanket.
Woohoo!
I've pretty much decided to go for one more round before I square it off, as then it would be the perfect size to fit on the bed.
The only thing is that I really like the blue and in a way I want to finish the blanket with it.
So because of this I'm still a little undecided.
I'm going to have to go into the wool shop and have a look at the possible next colours and then make the final decision.

My Creative Space

2010-01-28T13:23:00.005+01:00

This morning I came across Kootoyoo and her collection of creative spaces.
So I've spent all my procrastination time this morning checking out all the links.
It's such a lovely idea!

My week has been a mix of projects.
The other day I bought some new thread and so I've been busy crocheting Syrian Loops in old and new colours. This afternoon I'm going to try and bead them all ... but maybe I'm being a little over ambitious!?
I've also been working on a lighting plan and paint colours for a beautiful beach house I'm lucky enough to be designing in Australia.

Cream & Caramel

2010-01-27T19:08:00.005+01:00

Today I added the final piece to this long necklace design.

Yellow & Blue

2010-01-26T13:44:00.001+01:00

Some more crochet balls, this time much smaller.

Green Cameo

2010-01-25T15:08:00.005+01:00

I've always had a soft spot for cameos ever since mum gave me a little one she had in her jewelry box. It was a carving of a woman's profile in cream and apricot.
Cameo's always seemed so ancient and romantic to me and I imagined that the little woman around my neck had one been made as a portrait for a loved one, like carrying a photograph.

Sol

2010-01-22T14:40:00.009+01:00

The weather's been so grey this week that it's been impossible for me to photograph what I've been working to show you.
I miss the summer sun.
A week of white skies and cold weather can really get you down : (
This afternoon I was looking through some photographs from last year to remind me what it's like.
It's really hard to remember the long hot (sometimes a little too hot) Spanish summer days right now ... sigh.

Hopefully I'll be able to show you some new things on Monday.

Happy week end : )

Ayala Bar

2010-01-21T08:43:00.019+01:00

I have only just discovered Ayala Bar quite recently.

If you haven't heard of her (like me a few months ago) she is one of Israel's leading costume jewelry designers and is know in particular for her beautifully coloured mosaic style.
My friends Sam and Emma introduced me to her work while visiting us at the end of last year, after a trip to Israel.

The thing I love the most about the jewelry of Ayala Bar is her use of textiles.

I've been looking around on the internet (not always the most reliable source of information) and this is what I've found out.

Ayala Bar was born and still lives in Israel.
She went to art school and later worked in theatre and interior design.
It was not until the late 80's that she became a jewelry designer starting her own company Ayala Bar Design in the 90's.

Her jewelry is all designed by the artist herself and is all hand made.
It includes elements such as embellished jeweled pendents, hand-sewn embroidered beads, fabric, tassels, simple metals, glass beads, mineral stones, crystal rhinestones ... the list goes on.

She seems to put out a few collections per year (I think it's four this year) each with a different concept and within these are earrings, brooches, necklaces and bracelets. These collections are never repeated.

Her advise to new designers is:
"Never ever stop playing, and not to be limited with concepts. The actual process is the way, whether it is successful or not, whether it turns up popular or not. If and when the creativity does result in accomplishment and/or critical acclaim, one should not surrender to the feeling of comfort. Such an attitude may result in loss of creativity".

Crochet Ball

2010-01-20T18:22:00.006+01:00

Above is a diagram showing the pattern to crochet over a 13mm ball ...
but for this design I think that it's easier to follow the written instructions rather than the diagram, as you could go insane trying to keep count of all those single crochets!

For me crocheting over a bead is quite an organic process. Basically I do the same thing every time no matter on the size of the bead, just adding single crochets here and there as needed.

The Pattern

You will need

Crochet hook (I use a 1mm)
Thread (I have used Anchor Pearl 12#)
Bead (in this case it has a diameter of 13mm more or less)
sewing needle to sew in ends

To Make
Ch 6, join. (when the chain is joined you want the circle to be just big enough so it's comfortable to work in no more).
Row 1. ch 1. 8sc around in a circle. join to first sc.
Row 2.Ch1. {2sc in next sc} repeat 7 more times. Join to first sc.
Row 3. Sc in each sc around the circle.
Row 4. {2sc in the next sc. sc in both next sc} repeat 4 more times. 2 sc in next sc.
Row 5. sc in each sc around the circle.
Row 6. Repeat row 5.
Row 7. Repeat row 5.
Row 8. Repeat row 5.
Row 9. Repeat row 5.
Row 10. Repeat row 5.
Row 11. Repeat row 5.
Row 12. Repeat row 5.
Row 13. Repeat row 5.
Row 14. Repeat row 5.
(as you go fit the bead into the little basket which is forming checking its size. When it looks more or less like in the image below, thread the beginning thread through the hole in the centre of the bead)

Row 15. (with the bead inside) Sc in first sc. {skip one sc. sc in next two sc}. repeat this around the circle.
Row 16. SC in first sc. {Skip sc. Sc in next sc}. Repeat around circle until the hole in the top is quite small (see below).

Lastly sew in ends, further closing the hole at the top.

Note: Use this as a basic pattern to start with and then when your comfortable with it just add or subtract single crochets where necessary.

After the first one it's very simple.

enjoy : )