Make New Jewelry, Keep the Old

Just like the old Brownies song, one is silver and the other's gold.

New, not yet in the store, is this Freeform Crocheted Flower necklace.

This design is a departure from my usual style --the crochet is a little more involved, the beads are Swarovski crystal and seed beads rather than gemstone beads, and it has a lobster style clasp rather than my usual toggle clasp.  The pattern has a bit of a different approach as well,  more of a technique tutorial  or recipe than a stitch by stitch pattern. Like no two snowflakes, no two flower necklaces should be alike!

Another new project with seed beads is this 3 strand bracelet.  A very easy bracelet, this would be a great knit with wire or crochet with wire first project -- (the pattern is written for both knit and crochet). I experimented with the clasp on this bracelet as well  -- it has a slide type clasp. I'm still doing a little tweaking/proofing of the patterns for both the Freeform Flowers necklace and the 3 Strand bracelet, but I hope to have kits for both available at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool festival in just a few short weeks.

And as for the old and gold?  I knit up a sample of the Falling Leaves necklace in gold.  Stunning!

Knit with Wire Lessons

I enjoy the variety of what I do. I love the creative design process. I love playing with yarn and wire and beads.  I thoroughly enjoy doing shows and meeting my customers. But I am a teacher first and foremost, so my absolutely favorite, best-est part of my work (as my young students at school would say) is when I have an opportunity to teach knitting, especially knitting with wire. 

I had a great time on Saturday teaching a Knit with Wire bracelet class at Fuzzy Wuzzy Yarns in Arlington Heights, Illinois.  This is an especially enjoyable class to teach because everyone  goes home with a finished project.

I will be back at Fuzzy Wuzzy this Saturday to teach my Falling Leaves Necklace/Scarf kit. I'm looking forward to another fun weekend!