Crochet ring & motif necklace

It's a sunny day here today. We have been having rainy days on and off, so I was waiting for the sun to take pictures of my shop items and blog items.
I'm going to introduce crochet rings and motif necklace today!

I made these accessories for myself. It's very easy to make. I love buttons made from wood, shell and coconut. I also love materials such as leather and pottery charms. I used these materials to make the accessories this time. :)

The first, I'll tell you about the rings. These rings are composed of three connected crochet rings and a button. I made a ring with foundation single crochet. You just make first ring. When you make second ring, you need to insert second foundation single crochet into first ring, and form second ring. When you make third ring, you need to insert third foundation single crochet into connected first and second rings, and form third ring. I attached my favorite buttons as settings. :)

Next, crochet motif necklace. Using crochet motif as a necklace charm is actually my elder sister's idea! She is learning pottery making. When I visited her two years ago, she was wearing a necklace used crochet motif and small pottery charm that she made. She is also interested in Japanese traditional potteries. She gave this charm made in Shigaraki ware to me.
I made the beige colored motif with crochet cotton thread, and made the red brown colored motif with floss!! Even if I use crochet cotton thread, most motifs come out too large for necklace charms. That's why I came up with crocheting with floss. It's not easy though. However, changing yarn or thread thickness is good way for making item size smaller or larger. I would love to use jeans or fleece to make doily foot mat sometime. :)

Just in case, I'm selling a small crochet motif set in my Etsy shop. If you are interested in it, please come visit! I'm not selling these accessories, but if you are interested in them, just contact me. I'm always happy to fill custom orders and share my skill. :)
Have a wonderful crochet time♪

Crochet framed wall picture

Hi there! It's warm week in Kentucky, U.S. I'm really looking forward to making crochet projects with light colored yarn and cotton crochet threads!
I changed my work table to larger one last weekend, so my feelings are refreshed too. :) I wanted to hang something from my work room wall. That's why I made them.

You might remember these crochet projects. These are brooches. I made them for summer casual bolero. However, I don't wear the bolero during fall and winter, so I came up with using them as pictures. :)

 

I'd like to add more crochet framed pictures to this wall! Making comfortable work room is important to create and design new things. ♪

Have a wonderful crochet time!!!

Necklace With Crochet Thread ( Crochet Accessory #6 )

Hi everyone! It's very warm in Kentucky today. I'm so happy to see flowers blooming in my garden. My flowers sometimes give me inspiration for my projects. 

I'm going to introduce this necklace today.

This time, I didn't use a wire frame. I prefer to use beads in my accessory projects, but it's hard to find beads that can string on yarn or even crochet thread. When I found the purple drop shape beads at a hobby shop, I decided to make a necklace with it. However, I had been trying to think of how I should connect crochet stitches and the beads together. 

I thought that I need to know more about bead work, so I went to a book shop. I learned some basic bead skills from some books and I decided to use clear bead thread for these beads.

I crocheted only necklace chain in the project. This stitches resemble flowers, but it is a scallop stitch called Topsy Turvy. The scallop stitch is composed of chain stitches, slip stitches and single crochet.

Stitches that I used in the project.

Chain, slip stitch, single crochet

Crochet thread that I used in the project.

• Aunt  Lydia's Cotton Classic Crochet thread : White

Summer Shoulder Bag 藍

I've just completed making my newest project! I made a summer shoulder bag this time. I'm Japanese as you know, so I'm trying to use Japanese culture in my projects. 

There is a Japanese traditional color called 藍(ai). Ai is same color as Indigo. Japanese people prefer to wear ai colored clothes or bag in the summer to have a sense of coolness. 

After I found this fabric, that was used for lid of the bag, at a shop.  I had been thinking a lot about the design for the bag, and I finally chose this design.

 

The bag size is 12" height, 11" width, 3" depth. The shape is trapezoid. 

I used Eco-cotton yarn in the project. I like recycling, so I prefer to use Eco-yarn. I think it's important to make something with thinking about the environment.

I used two different sizes wooden buttons in the project. Wood really matches ai or indigo colors.

I used two particular stitches in the project. One is puff stitch that was used at bottom of the bag. The other one is long single crochet stitches that are studded all around above puff stitches. I initially wanted to place a few crochet motifs around the side of the bag, but I noticed that too much meshes make bag shape unstable. 

This project is made with crochet and hand sewn as usual. (⌒o⌒)

I'm thinking of making two more bags, each with a different shape. One may be a smaller shoulder bag. The other one may be a hand bag. Of course, I will sell these bags at my shop. Come visit, if you are interested!

http://NeIro.etsy.com

Stitches that I used in the project.

Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, long single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, puff stitch.

Yarn that I used in the project.

• Red Heart Eco-cotton : Vinilla
• Lily Sugar'n Cream Denim : Indigo

Spring Hats

This is only the second time I've made a hat. I was making a gardening hat for myself, but when I added fluffy pretty color yarn to the edge of the brim, it changed to fashionable one... Moreover, I got an another idea, so I finally made two kinds of hats! 

This pink hat was a gardening hat. I made a crochet flower brooch for the hat to keep the brim of the hat up.

 

However, you may wear the hat without the brooch.

 

The other hat is a light green color! I made the brim short for this hat, and attached a flower with a crochet motif.

I placed a button made from shell at the center of the flower.

 

Which type of the has is your favorite?

I used cotton yarn for these hats, and added nylon fur yarn at edge of the brims. The fur yarns are baby colors, and the texture is very soft. I bought the fur yarns in Japan last fall, so I'm not sure I can get them again. I'm going to sell these hats in my shop. I'm also willing to sell the patterns as well. If you are interested in them, come visit!

http://NeIro.etsy.com

Stitches that I used in these projects.

Chain, slip stitch, shell stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet. front post double crochet, back post double crochet.

Yarn that I used in these projects.

• Lily Sugar'n Cream Naturals : Guacamole, Tumbleweed.
• Woolly nylon fur type yarn ( I don't know which company made) : Mix green, Mix Pink.

Necklace With Crochet Thread ( Crochet Accessory #5 )

I'm going to introduce a necklace today. The necklace is same type as the last two crochet accessories (Lavender & chamomile and Coral). I named the necklace Pink Mermaid.♪

 

In this project, I worked ruffle pattern on front loop and back loop both, so it looks more gorgeous! I used three sizes of beads in this project.  I worked picots on the necklace chain.

 

I'm going to sell this necklace at my Etsy shop! However the shop is not ready yet. I really hope I can open the shop this week. ♪

Stitches that I used in the project.

Chain, single crochet, picot.

Crochet thread that I used in the project.

• Red Heart Knit-Cro-Sheen : White
• Red Heart Classic Crochet Thread : Pink

Accessory Scarf

Hi everyone! I'm going to introduce an accessory Scarf today. I've finished making the scarf last month, but I felt like the scarf was missing something. I've been thinking what to add to it. I completely finished it today.

I used only cotton yarn for this project, because I wanted to use it as accessory. This lilac colored scarf is made with a ruffle pattern called taryn's ruffle. I used the pattern in summer room shoes too. I love the pattern. After I made the lilac colored scarf, I had been thinking what to add. I finally decided to add a thin trim pattern scarf made from crochet thread. This addition successfully gave the project a good effect! While I was making the thin trim pattern scarf, I noticed that I can use it another way. That's why I make the thin scarf removable.

I made a flower with same yarn as the lilac colored scarf. I believe that I can wear it during summer too!

Stitches that I used in the project.

Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet.

Yarn that I used in the project.

• Patons Pure : Lilac
• Red Heart Knit-Cro-Sheen

Choker ( Crochet Accessory #5 )

I'm going to introduce the crochet chokers I made today. I mainly used crochet thread in these projects, but It's good to use various texture yarn in one project. I also used different materials such as beads and leather in the projects.

 

To make adjustable choker, I used leather string as a tie. Of course, you may use ribbon  for that as well.

I like this trim pattern. It's called surprising shells. In the pattern, you don't need to decide how long you need to make foundation chain first, because you can adjust it's length while working on the pattern.

I used crochet thread for the trim, and used two different fluffy kinds yarn for the flower and fringe.

This edging pattern is called princess picots. It looks as gorgeous as it's name. I had to decide how long I needed to make the foundation chain first, besides I needed to know how many beads I needed to thread onto the crochet thread. I had a hard time figuring them out.

I like the butterfly motif. I made the butterfly with same color as the choker first, but I couldn't see it well. I made the white butterfly too, and put both butterflies together.

Stitches that I used in these projects.

Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet.

Yarn that I used in these projects.

• Red Heart Knit-Cro-Sheen Crochet Thread : White
• Red Heart Classic Crochet Thread : Burgundy
• Patons Lace : Midas ( flower )
• Aramis Cosmetic : Pink ( fringe )

Spring Wreath

How is your country's weather? It's snowing in Kentucky, U.S. However, my crocus, tulip and iris are coming up in my flower bed. These flower growth gave me the inspiration for this spring wreath that I'm going to introduce today.

 

I made six tulips and three daffodil flowers for the wreath. Holding the round shape, I used wire inside crochet green tube.  I made the wire circle first, then make the green tube around the wire by single crochet.  Along the way, I stuffed cotton into the tube. After that, I sewed the tulips and daffodils on the tube.

After I finished the tulips and daffodils, I thought something was missing, so I made a crochet ribbon. I've made two crochet wreaths in the past, but I decorated wooden wreaths with crochet. It's first time I've made an entire crochet wreath!

Making home decor is good way during spring and summer.

I've introduced this green yarn in my yarn evaluation. The yarn makes crochet project twist, so I didn't like it. However, I had another ball of this yarn, so I wanted to consume it.  My choice worked well this time, because twist effect made the tulip leaf look real. 

I often use flowers in my projects, because I love gardening! I want to try make other crochet flower.

Stitches that I used in the project.

Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet.

Yarn that I used in the project.

• I Love This Cotton Super Soft : Buttercup, White (daffodil and ribbon)
• Caron Simply Soft : Persimmon
• Yarn Bee Snow Flake : Limelight

Necklace with Crochet Thread ( Crochet Accessory #4 )

When I posted about spring and summer crochet projects before, I introduced a necklace. This necklace is the same type of necklace, but it's a different color and design.  I designed this necklace to resemble red coral.

 

I like to use crochet thread when I make accessories, because the thread is good for making fine designs.  I also like to use large beads, which were placed between ruffles, because I don't need to thread the beads onto the yarn first. I can place the beads whenever I want to add them. However, those beads are more expensive than tiny beads, so I stock up when they are on sale.

 

This ruffle is called taryn's ruffle. I used the pattern in my last project, summer room shoes, as well. The pattern has large ruffle effect, so the necklace looks solid. 

I wanted the rest of the necklace chain simple to show the ruffle pattern effectively.  I just placed a thin pink colored bead every 8th single crochet when I was surrounding the wire frame.

Stitches that I used in the project.

Chain, single crochet, double crochet.

Crochet thread that I used in the project.

• Red Heart Classic : Burgundy ( cotton )

Summer Room Shoes ( Room Shoes #2 )

I'm exciting to introduce this summer room shoes, because I love it this design. It's early to introduce summer project, but I'd like you to become interested in crochet in spring and summer as well. 

I really suffered from thinking of the this design, because room shoes shouldn't come off. However, I didn't want to cover my feet with a lot of yarn. I finally chose a type which holds big toe and ankle.

 

This ruffle pattern is called taryn's ruffle.

 

I made corkscrews at the both ends of ribbon.

To make comfortable shoes, I inserted two pieces of foot-shaped felt pads into the each sole as cushion.

(I'm sorry I couldn't take the picture of red felt. I'm working on making blue one now.) 

I created S size pattern and M size pattern so far. I'll make L size pattern soon. By the way, this red shoes are for M size.

I used only cotton yarn in the project, because I'll wear the shoes with bare feet. The shoes should be easy to wash. Cotton yarn is washable by washer machine as I keep mentioning in the other posts. 

In the process that I was thinking of the design, I had another design idea, and tried to make it. However, I'm out of yarn for the other design. I hope I can introduce the other design of summer room shoes soon!

Stitches that I used in the project.

Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet.

Yarn that I used in the project.

• Lily Sugar'n Cream : Wine
• Red Heart Eco-Cotton : Vanilla

Place mat & Napkin Holder

I'm going to introduce the place mat and napkin holder I made for my friend today. My friend is Japanese, and she lives in Thailand. Actually, she is my blog friend, so I've never met her. She has been introducing Thai food and Thai culture in her blog. 

When I saw the Bencharong ceramics she made in her blog, I really became interested in them. Those are so beautiful! I had been looking for ceramic for cream and sugar, so I asked her if she would mind to make it for me. She made this ceramics for me with my favorite colors!

I love it so much, so I use it only when I hold lunch party at my house. 

To thank her, I decided to make a place mat and napkin holder set, because she likes cooking.

I used cotton yarn for the project, because place mat frequently can get dirty from food. Cotton yarn is washable in washer machine, so it's good material. When I choose yarn, I put my emphasis on use. 

Since I heard that the friend likes pink and green color like me,  I chose country green and tumbleweed (mix color) from Lily cotton, and designed the pattern for her. I placed a clover in each corner, and used clover flower as napkin holder.

I used experienced skill, which is called Catherine's Wheel, in the place mat. The pattern is composed of shell stitches. I worked the pattern with mix color this time, but I want to try the pattern with one color next time. I think that one color can show the pattern clearly. 

I used a button made from shell this time. The button shows you which side of the place mat is the front. People who don't know about crochet well, they can't recognize which side is front, that's why I used the button. However, the button is part of the design as well.

I hope the place mat and napkin holder make the friend and her fiance's meal time more fun!

Stitches that I used the project.

Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, shell stitch.

Yarn that I used the project.

• Lily Sugar'n Cream : Country Green
• Lily Sugar'n Cream Naturals : Tumbleweed
• Red Heart Eco-Cotton : Vanilla ( clover flower)

Motif Bag

I'm going to introduce crochet motif bag today. I like making motif such as flower, snowflake, leaf and butterfly. Making crochet bags is also one of my favorite projects. 

When I went to a fabric shop near my house, I found a beautiful fabric, and came up with this idea!

I made three different sizes of flower motifs and two solid small flower motifs, and then connected them together by free form. However I connected them together while making each one with slip stitches. I also worked around the top edge.

I wanted to make the bag strap adjustable, so I made two straps and four button holes in one strap, and attached four buttons to the other strap. 

 

Seriously, I don't have sewing machine, so I made the button holes by hand sewing. I learned how to hand sew the button holes from the internet. The button hole really works same as sewing machine button hole! I wish I can introduce the web page, but the web page is written in Japanese.

I like to use buttons in my crochet projects. I can't find fancy buttons in the U.S, so I sometimes order them from Japan. I used this two sizes of wooden button this time.

I'm Japanese, so I love Japanese traditional patterns like traditional costume, Kimono. By the way, I made the coaster with Japanese cotton towel, Tenugui, and Kimono fabric four years ago.

Stitches that I used for the motif bag.

Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, 4 double crochet cluster, 5 double crochet cluster, puff stitch.

Yarn that I used for the motif bag.

• Baby Bee Sweet Delight Pomp : Naked

Minions

I'm going to introduce other crochet Christmas present I made for my husband today. Have you seen the movie, Despicable Me? We love the movie! My husband especially loves the minions in the movie. I had been looking for stuffed minion to give to him, but I couldn't find it for sale. I saw it in a UFO Catcher game machine at an arcade, but those details were so bad. I didn't want to give the bad detailed one to him. That's why I decided to make his crochet minion.

 

I watched the official move site a LOT of times to know minions detail. I needed to make the minion in secret, so it took three weeks to complete. Can you see a letter on his chest? The letter is actually G in the movie, because the minions are working for main character, Gru, in the movie. I substituted M for G, because M is my husband's initial.

I didn't use difficult stitches in the process, it was just difficult to create the pattern. There are many different looking minions in the movie, so I want to try making other minions sometime. Since I've created the pattern, next time will be easy even thought they are each difference. 

Stitches that I used for the minion.

Chain, slip stitch, single stitch, half double crochet, double crochet, foundation half double crochet.

Yarn that I used for the minion.

• CARON Simply Soft : Soft Yellow, Country Blue 
•  I Love This Yarn Sport Weight : Black, White
  
• I Love This Wool : Pale Gray,

☆★☆Update ☆★☆
09/10/2013

I've finally completed the minion pattern. If you are interested in the pattern, please send a message to my Etsy shop. I'll write my shop's URL here.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeIro

I also improved the pattern especially his pants and legs. You will see differences between first minion and this minion. I made this minion for my customer. That's why I attached "K" on his front pocket.

I'll create other kinds of minion's patterns sometime, and will introduce the minions here again.
Please visit my blog sometimes!

05/25/2015

Mini Minion!!!
I made this minion with mercerized cotton crochet thread. That's why I could make him smaller.
The minion is about 5" tall. Of course, his goggles are removable. To work with the cotton thread on him, I improved the pattern again.

Why I made him smaller? Because, I want to take him with me to attend a convention. The original minion is about 12" tall. It's hard to carry it around with me.

I'll make one-eyed mini minion for my husband next time.