Spool Knit Wrist Warmer

March 19, 2013 by mymateriallife

This is a wrist warmer that I made with a homemade embroidery hoop and popsicle stick spool knitter (similar to the larger knitter used to knit the poly cord drawstring bag).  Isn’t it exciting to see another accessory* that we can create with our spool knitters that will actually work for us humans as opposed to the many things we can make with our knitters for dolls – not that I have anything against dolls.  In fact, I may just […]

Categories: Clothing & Accessories, Crochet, Knitting • Tags: crochet, diy, embroidery hoop spool knitter, french knitting, knitting, knitting nancy, spool knitting, wrist warmers

Our New Moccasins

August 20, 2012 by mymateriallife

I’m guessing that moccasins are in this season because Samantha and I both have a new pair and they’re not something either of us went looking for.  Hers are from Target, and though in my mind it seems really wrong to pair a suede moccasin with a sparkly bit of rhinestone decoration, it seems to work for this shoe. Mine are from The Sak – they’re crocheted.  I had no idea The Sak made shoes; I discovered them on their […]

Categories: Clothing & Accessories, Crochet • Tags: crocheted clutch, crocheted shoes, moccasins, the sak

Silk Crochet Rings (or Buttons)

May 11, 2012 by mymateriallife

Q:  What do you get when you join a short band you’ve crocheted to a button you’ve crocheted?  A:  A ring.  And not a bad-looking one at that.  This little project is the marriage of two inspiring items that I found on a recent trip to Uncommon Threads in Los Altos.  One item is this Bergere de France pattern magazine (Accessories Gallery) and the other is the Habu Textiles silk-wrapped silk yarn I mentioned a few posts ago (though I […]

Categories: Crochet • Tags: bergere de france, crochet buttons, crochet rings, habu textiles, uncommon threads

Favorite Crochet Resources & Projects

May 7, 2012 by mymateriallife

         Is it just me or have you noticed too that crochet seems to be having some kind of a moment?  Last week I happened to be visiting the Lion Brand Yarn Studio website when I learned that Vogue Knitting magazine had just released a special issue dedicated to crochet.  Later that same day, I went to Samantha’s school for a follow-up session to the knitting class and found that one of the kids had learned to crochet […]

Categories: Crochet, Kid Stuff • Tags: crochet coasters, doris chan, erika knight, martha stewart crochet balls, vogue knitting crochet edition 2012

Easter Craft Experimentation: Decoupage Egg in Crochet Nest

April 8, 2012 by mymateriallife

I’m kind of surprised by how these two things complement each other because I didn’t originally have them in mind as partners.  The egg is one of those brown paper mache ones from the Phillipines that I found in a package of six at Michael’s. By the way, I’m switching my previous position on the spelling of the paper part – or maybe I’ll just go back and forth between paper and papier depending on my mood!  The decoration was […]

Categories: Crochet, Easter, Paper • Tags: crochet nest, decoupage egg, hemp cord, paper mache

Wire Crochet Beaded Handbag

May 2, 2011 by mymateriallife

Did you ever read the book Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico?  I discovered that book (and one of my favorite authors ever) many years ago in an inn with no television on an island off the coast of Maine.  In it, a London charwoman (cleaning lady) sets her sights on a Dior gown and carries out a plan to acquire it.  It doesn’t really suit her lifestyle – it’s the sheer beauty of the thing that motivates […]

Categories: Clothing & Accessories, Crochet, Finery, Other Textiles • Tags: evening bag, lisa toland, saratoga rotary art show, wire crochet