http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog All about jewelry and creativity Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:50:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:31:50 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=796 crocheted bracelet tutorial via craftypod.com (it's by Sister Diane, the host of Craftypod). I don't think I'm going to make a bracelet, but this looks like an easy way to make all kinds of cute crocheted accessories.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/10/12/fun-crochet-bracelet-tutorial/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:19:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=304 Continue reading →]]> Headbands seem to be back in style, and they are really easy to make - and a great way to use up partial skeins of yarn. I made one recently for myself using worsted weight cotton yarn (cheap stuff - sugar 'n cream, I think, which you can get at big chain craft stores). Here's what I did:

• Chain 5
• Single crochet into second chain from hook, single crochet in each chain across (you now have a row of 4 single crochet stitches)
• Turn and chain 2
• Double crochet into each stitch across (row of 4 double crochets)
• Turn and chain 1, single crochet in each stitch across
• Repeat these two rows over and over - so you have alternating rows of single crochet and double crochet
• Stop when your fabric will almost stretch around your head, weave in the ends
• Weave a length of ribbon or decorative yarn back and forth through each end, kind of like if you were lacing a pair of shoes. Leave enough length to tie a bow.
• Tie your headband on your head - you're done!

You could really use any stitch pattern you like for this, but the one I used is really easy. The important thing is not to make it too wide, since it needs to go under your hair in the back - wide bands will show a lot more in the back. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/10/easy-crocheted-headband/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=299 Continue reading →]]> Jewelry Making Info, Techniques, and Projects: Tools for Wirework Pickle Wire Gauge Making Headpins Seed Bead Sizes Finishing Wire Ends Flux Felt Bead Earrings Crochet Projects: Bobble Cuff Easy Crochet Flower Easy Crochet Pendant Crocheted Mesh Scarf ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/07/07/my-how-to-articles/feed/ 0 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:33:36 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=270 Continue reading →]]> This scarf is made with a very easy lacy mesh pattern that could be adapted to make a choker, cuff bracelet, or headband. It's a very simple pattern: chain 4, then slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. To start, chain a multiple of 4 (plus 1 extra) the width that you want your scarf to be. Then slip stitch into the fifth chain from the hook, chain four, and slip stitch into the fourth chain from the slip stitch. Do this across your row, then start the pattern of chain 4, slip stitch into the next chain 4 space. I love simple patterns, and this one makes an open mesh so it's great for summery projects. My scarf is about 20 chain stitches wide, or 5 repeats of chain 4, slip stitch. I used exactly one skein of Vickie Howell Collection "Love" from Southwest Trading Company. It's a bamboo/silk blend that I love, so soft, and has a nice sheen. If it was a little thinner, I'd make jewelry out of it, because the slight shine would look great with beads - but its thickness is sport or DK, which would make kind of bulky-looking jewelry. It would be great for crocheted flowers though.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/06/26/crocheted-mesh-scarf/feed/ 5 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:27:25 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/ Continue reading →]]> a post about a book I saw online for making crocheted flowers. Imagine my surprise when I got a comment from the author - how cool! She gave a little more info about it, and of course said that it's a good book. :) Browsing Amazon, I discovered that there are quite a few books on making flowers with crocheting, knitting, felting, beading....you name it. Flowers make great jewelry and accessories, so I think I will check out a few more books on crafting flowers and I'll report back about which ones I liked the best. Maybe I'll even make some flower jewelry to test out project ideas from the books.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/28/crocheted-flowers-update/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:55 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/ Continue reading →]]> Crochet Bouquet: Easy Designs for Dozens of Flowers by Suzann Thompson. Crocheted flowers are a great way to use up a little bit of leftover yarn if you are a fiber artist, and they can easily be made into accessories like pins, or sewn onto hats, scarves, sweaters, etc as a cute embellishment. The jewelry maker in me wants to crochet up a whole bunch of flowers and stitch them together into a fun necklace, or dangle a couple from earwires. I even have some very thin yarn and tiny crochet hooks so that I could make appropriate sized flowers....so I think I would have fun with the patterns in this book. If you've seen this book please leave a comment and let me know if it's any good.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2008/04/17/crochet-flowers/feed/ 2 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:47:48 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/ Continue reading →]]> Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Crochet is a fantastic reference for anyone wanting to learn to crochet. It includes basic instructions, project patterns, stitch patterns, and for jewelry makers, a section on wire crochet which includes a necklace project by Arline Fisch. Since I've been learning some new crafts recently & knitting/crocheting some jewelry, garments, and handbags for myself, I started reading craft books that aren't as jewelry specific. So far, this is the best book on crochet that I've read, and I love that it includes information about using crochet techniques in jewelry. There is also information on all kinds of other crochet techniques, and quite a few patterns for things to make using the techniques. The patterns range from very easy to very complex, as do the techniques covered.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/07/17/good-crochet-book/feed/ 1 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/#comments Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:27:21 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/ Continue reading →]]> purse pattern in lesson #4, which I altered slightly, mostly by making it bigger and winging it on the ruffle part since I didn't write it down (but ruffles are easy enough to crochet without a pattern). And since this is supposed to be a jewelry blog, here's a picture of my latest in-progress resin piece, using the top of an altoid tin as a bezel: ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/29/crocheted-purse-and-a-wip/feed/ 9 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/#comments Mon, 18 Jun 2007 20:53:22 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/index.php/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/ Continue reading →]]> latest edition of the Crochet Carnival is up! If you aren't familiar with blog carnivals, they are fun collections of blog articles related to a given topic - in this case, crochet. My bobble cuff is included along with a bunch of articles that I definitely plan on reading as soon as I'm done posting this. Check out the blog carnival homepage to find carnivals on topics that interest you - a couple I like are Carnival of the Creators and Make it from Scratch. ]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/06/18/crochet-carnival/feed/ 3 http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/05/21/crocheted-bobble-cuff/ http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/05/21/crocheted-bobble-cuff/#comments Mon, 21 May 2007 18:23:19 +0000 Leah http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/?p=113 Continue reading →]]> This is my favorite crocheted jewelry design so far. I wanted to learn some new crochet stitch patterns, and found a bobble stitch pattern in my Reader's Digest needlework book (it's a huge hardcover book that was given to me by a friend's mom, and has instructions for all kinds of needlework including knitting and crocheting). To make a bobble stitch, you yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull hook through stitch, yarn over, pull hook through two loops. You keep doing this into the same stitch until you have six loops on your hook, then yarn over and pull the hook through all six loops. The bobble will look kind of flat at this point, but so you single crochet into the next stitch, which gathers it up and makes it look more bobble-like. For this bracelet, there are two single crochet stitches in between each bobble. I used a multiple of three stitches and alternated where the bobble was in each row. In between a row of bobbles, I did a row of single crochet. That's basically the stitch pattern as printed in the book! I ended up with a flat bobble at the end of the middle row of bobbles, so that's where I sewed on the button. To make a closure for the button, I did a row of single crochet along one end, but chained a couple stitches and skipped a couple before continuing the single crochet, forming a small loop. I used sport weight yarn and the hook size recommened on the label, and did nine repeats of the bobble to get a decent length for my wrist. You would probably want to experiment with gauge to make sure your bracelet is the right length for you. I think I'll make it a bit tighter - maybe one less repeat - if I make this again, because it stretched a little when I wore it for a while. It still fits okay, but I'd prefer a tighter fit. I have some beautiful silvery gray yarn ("Love" from southwest trading co's vickie howell line of yarns - the black version here was made with "Craft" from the same line) that I think I'll use to make another cuff and a matching necklace. The black was really tough to photograph, so I'm hoping to get a better picture once I've made this in another color.]]> http://www.michondesign.com/jewelry-blog/2007/05/21/crocheted-bobble-cuff/feed/ 6