Crochet Rocks

Pin-spiration for your Tuesday.

Images found on Pinterest L-R: Lucky You Handmade, Patchwork Stones, Crochet Rocks,
Margaret Oomen (with tutorial), Life is a garden, zero calorie macaroons,
Delicate but strong, Monicaj, Rock Covers.

Crochet covered rocks are something I have long wanted to try. I love the delicate look of the cotton against the texture and mass of the stone. So many clever crafters have expressed their creativity and skill with this artfully simple concept, creating objects of beauty.

I think it's about time I kept my eye out for some interesting pebbles.

New in the shop - 'Gladys' Necklace

The next piece in the 'Sentimental' Collection has been released and is in the shop now. The Gladys necklace features five sterling silver scalloped pieces on a cable link chain. Inspired by crochet and doily bunting, the Gladys is a beautiful everyday or special occasion piece. It would look perfectly peachy with a vintage dress, or a floral t-shirt and cardigan. 

Each item in this collection is unique to Christina Lowry Designs. Crafted by hand, each component has then been professionally moulded and cast, and then hand finished by myself. These pieces are customisable and are also available in 9ct and 18ct Yellow or Rose Gold. 

Please email me with any queries you may have: christina-lowry@hotmail.com

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Still looking for a Valentine's gift? Express postage available on all pieces in stock, just email me to arrange.

Made By Hand - Link Up

'Made By Hand' is a weekly creative show and tell, with an aim to foster community, conversation and inspiration.

My aim is to craft a life of homemade, home grown happiness. 

So, what are you creating right now? Join in by leaving a link below.

1. 'Wherever I Roam' Picture Jasper Pendant

2. Flower Gum cut out on the reverse

3. New Fresh water pearl versions of 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow'

4. Playing with beads and updating the shop

5. 'Satisfied Mind' earrings

6. 'Something in the Way' Spinel Earrings

7. An amazing lino stamp version of my 'One for the pot' piece, hand carved and gifted by the wonderful Kylie. Looking rather lovely stamped on to my white gift bags.

8. Keeping it real - stock take, tagging, writing descriptions and making lists, while Dave took the children to the in-laws for dinner

This week has been all about the jewellery, with a few rows of knitting now and again. I felt like I hadn't achieved too much creatively until I looked back at my photographs. Then I was reminded of the flurry of finishing, photographing, editing, uploading, sorting, list making, organising and stamping - how fantastic is my stamp?! 

Once I am on top of the jewellery stock for the market, I am looking forward to starting on a little crochet project for myself - Alexandra Mackenzie's Granny Square tea cosy. I'm a bad crafter and a bad tea lover, for I do not currently own a tea cosy! 

So, lovely readers, what have you been making of late?

PS. As one of my sponsors this month, Ellen from Alexandra Mackenzie is also offering my readers a 20% discount off all her patterns. Enter the code CHRISTINA20 at checkout. Valid until the 29th September.

Sponsor Spotlight - Alexandra MackeNZie + Giveaway CLOSED

I thought a few fun questions would be a lovely way to get to know the people behind the blogs and shops that sponsor my blog (thus enabling my knitting and handmade addiction). My next guest in the 'Sponsor Spotlight' chair is Ellen from Alexandra Mackenzie blog and shop. I first discovered this talented New Zealand based crocheter through a crochet-along of her beautiful round cushion cover. You may remember that I made one each for Cohen and Emerson, which they both love and sleep with each night. I'm so pleased to be able to share some of Ellen's beautiful work with you today and point you to her easy to understand patterns. So, please welcome Ellen, and do pop over to her facebook page for a visit and a little chat.

Where did the name Alexandra MackeNZie  come from... Alexandra Mackenzie are my middle names, both are family names and I always thought they sounded a wee bit fancy. So when choosing I name for my little empire I didn't want to use my name, but didn't want something completely random either so Alexandra Mackenzie fit perfectly and the hidden NZ in Mackenzie was an added bonus.

My Shop Is... Something I am really proud of, know that people from all over the world are browsing buying and now making my items gives me a huge kick, there are hottie bottles all over the world keeping toes warm with my covers on them.

I now have two shops, one full of ready-made and custom made home wares and accessories and a brand spanking new one for my patterns.

Seeing people create with my patterns... Is fab and a little freaky, still quite new to me as I haven't been selling the patterns for long. I love seeing other peoples colour combos, like Christina's cushions, love them particularly the green one, I could take that one home with me!!

I learnt to crochet... From Youtube, just a couple of quick granny square tutorials and I was away, I had tried to learn from books but had failed miserably. I didn't learn to follow patterns, rather just try and make my own ideas a reality.

Some of my favourite things I have made are... Quite often the last thing I made, tend to fall in love with things pretty easily but have to tell myself I cant keep everything.

Lately its the hexi potholders, I am making one with hearts at the moment which I suspect might knock the Hexis off their perch. The hottie bottle is always a favourite and the most popular thing in the store too.

The Giveaway!

Ellen has been besotted by the adorable crochet hearts below of late, and who could blame her? This sweet rainbow heart bunting has been crocheted by Ellen's clever hands and would be especially perfect in a nursery or craft room. Ellen has generously offered it to be given away to one lucky reader. 

To enter, 'like' the Alexandra Mackenzie facebook book page and leave a comment below. While you're at it, I'd love to know - what's your most loved crocheted or knitted item you own? 

Is it something you made? Something from your childhood? Something from a special occasion?

The giveaway is open Internationally an will be drawn on the 13th September.

Many thanks to Ellen for supporting my blog this month!

If you are interested in being featured in a 'Sponsor Spotlight', please check out my Sponsor Info page or email me - christina-lowry@hotmail.com
Advertising spaces range from  $10 - $20 for 30 days and begin any day of the month.

(I've had to put the price up a little recently, as Passionfruit Ads, who I run my ads through, have changed their structure and are now costing me more. Given the time and energy I put in to supporting my sponsors though, I think the prices are fair. Thanks for understanding.)

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And the winner, thanks to Random.org, is comment 1!

Congratulations Amy!

Thanks to everyone else who entered. :)

Cute Crochet Flower DIY

As the weather warms and wool and leggings are being replaced by short sleeves and skirts, Emerson's home made wardrobe was missing a few staples. I wanted a few t-shirts to mix and match with her skirts and shorts, but I didn't want too bright prints, lots of glitter and graffiti or lots of pink. A hard ask when looking at the girls department. I did find some sweet tops at Target with crochet embellishments on them for $18, which inspired this little homemade version. I picked up this plain T-shirt for $4 and had the acrylic yarn in my stash.

A little hooking and stitching later and Emerson has a sweet, thrifty new t-shirt and a happy Mama!

Simple, quick, cute and thrifty! I crocheted up these little flowers, making them up as I went, then played with the arrangement and stitched them on. I wrote the patterns down for you too. I think these little flowers would be just as sweet on hair clips, cardigans or hair ties.

 

 

5 Petal Crochet Flower

 

8 ply 3.5mm hook

Chain 4, Slip stitch to join - creating a loop

Chain 1, 8 Single Crochet in to hole, join

Chain 3, 2 Double Crochet in to next stitch, slip stitch in to next stitch, 3 Double Crochet in to next stitch, continue until last stitch, slip stich, cut thread and pull though loop to finish.

Weave in ends.

 

Chain 4, Slip stitch to join - creating a loop

 

Chain 1, 8 Single Crochet in to hole, join

 

Chain 3, 2 Double Crochet in to next stitch, slip stitch in to next stitch, 3 Double Crochet in to next stitch
 

Continue until last stitch, slip stich, cut thread and pull though loop to finish.

4 Petal Flower

 

8 ply 2.5mm hook

Chain 4, slip stitch to create a loop

Chain 3, 2 Double Crochet in to hole, slip stitch, 3 Double Crochet, SS, 3 DC, SS, 3 DC, SS, cut thread and pull tail through loop to finish.

Weave in ends.

 

Chain 4, slip stitch to create a loop

 

Chain 3, 2 Double Crochet in to hole, slip stitch, 3 Double Crochet, SS, 3 DC, SS, 3 DC, SS
 

Cut thread and pull tail through loop to finish.

Let me know if that doesn't make sense!

If you make some flowers I'd love to see them - leave a link in the comments. :)

Made By Hand

 

1. The beginning of a pendant or brooch (or maybe both!), this crochet flower will be cast in sterling silver

2. Stamping bags with 'Christina Lowry Designs'

3. Making beads while the children nap

4. A new project in the works

5. A custom order

Day to day creativity, squeezed in around two small children and a cold. This is how I work. A little here, a little there. A load of laundry and a tray of handmade beads during nap time. Stamping and packaging orders next to Lego play. Crochet while lunch cooks. Knitting on the couch at night. Over a week these creative moments add up. Sometimes there are more. Sometimes less. At times it's frustrating. More often it's satisfying. Right now I wouldn't have it any other way. This is how I work, so I can be a stay at home Mama, and still express myself creatively.

What have you been making?
How do you work?

Are you missing 'My Creative Space' too? The inspiration, communication and community?
Join in! Post your own 'Made By Hand' and leave your link in the comments.
I'm tentatively putting it out there. If you are interested in joining in, let me know.
Perhaps next week I can add a link up list if enough people are interested?

Sponsor Spotlight - Little Woolie



I thought a few fun questions would be a lovely way to get to know the people behind the blogs and shops that sponsor my blog (thus enabling my knitting and handmade addiction). My next guest in the 'Sponsor Spotlight' chair is Julie from the blog Little Woolie. Her blog is a place of creative inspiration, full of pastel-y shades of crochet goodness and piles of beautiful yarn. Julie has a wonderful eye for pattern and works with a gorgeous colour palette that is reflected in her projects and home. So please welcome Julie, and do pop over to her blog for a visit and a little chat.

 

 

My blog is..... Little Woollie, all about my creative exploits in crochet mainly, plus some of my other interests : colour, food gardening, cooking (and eating!), books and recording some happy bit of family life with my 3 teenage sons and husband.  I learnt how to crochet a few years ago, and have become really addicted to it, it is such a versatile craft,  I now have bits of yarny experiments all over my house.  

 

Recently I have opened a little online yarn shop, mainly to fill my own crafty needs, but it is nice to have a little income from something I love, and I love sharing the yarny goodness!

 

I secretly love..... chocolate coconut fudge, just so delish!  I am currently perfecting the recipe, fudge is so much fun to make.

I love making all sorts of confectionery, I have a very dominating sweet tooth!

 



Three of my favourite books are..... the first 3 that come to my mind,

The Book Thief -Markus Zusak

We need to talk about Kevin - Lionel Shriver

The Game of Thrones series  - George R.R.Martin

....... so many more, I could go on here forever!

 

I learnt to crochet..... in 2010, self taught, from a book that I borrowed from the library.  If you don't know how to crochet, I highly recommend you learn, you'll never regret it!

 

My shop is.... called Little Woollie Makes Yarn Store.  I sell lovely colourful yarns, in natural fibres. The shop started after I had quite a few enquiries about the yarns I was using in the croochet projects on my blog, lovely ladies were telling me they couldn't find clear strong colours for their crocheting, so I decided to stock some of the yarns I used.  I have a small range at the moment, but I am adding new things all the time, it is a lot of fun finding new yarns for the shop, I have quite a long wishlist already!

 

 

Some favourite things I have made...... I like making colourful blankets and softies and little decorative things, like Christmas decorations,  potholder etc.  

I also want to start knitting more wearable things too, but I need a few more hours in the day!

 

 

Many thanks to Julie for supporting my blog this month.

If you are interested in being featured in a 'Sponsor Spotlight', please check out my Sponsor Info page or email me - christina-lowry@hotmail.com
Advertising spaces range from a tiny $5 - $12 for 30 days.

Bored housewife?

As I type this flecks of paint are drying on my arms, a multitude of colours, matching the art work the children are making beside me. The clothes line is full of laundry, the floor is swept, the beds are made, the kitchen clean, calls to suppliers made, and two of the three of us are out of our pajamas (babies look so cute in onesies.) Musing over my cup of tea, the notion of the bored housewife leaves me wondering. I find there are never enough hours in the day. Raising children, keeping house, sustaining friendships, taking time out, reading for book club, gardening, preserving, crafting, budgeting. And then there are the many projects  in my head vying for attention. Knitted socks, crocheted cushions, a gallery wall of favourite photos in the stairway. I often have to remind myself that the time will come. But bored? Hardly! Blessed? Indeed - despite the many frustrations that come with parenting.

Now, you will have to excuse me. We are off to the park, then there are client jewellery repairs to be finished, baths to be had, dinner to be made and rows of knitting to be knit. But first, to clean up all this paint and change the baby.

My Creative Space

I collected up my odds and ends of yarn, picked up my hook and started on a little project yesterday. A simple and practical project. One of the simple joys of crafting and homemaking. Crochet cushions for our new cane chairs. A few more evenings on the couch and they should be ready to add a touch of handmade colour to our front deck.

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Joining in with My Creative Space.

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Did you see Belinda Marshall's work featured on Design Sponge today? Congratulations Belinda!
A sweet interview with Kate about Living in Dayesford
Swooning over Sophie's lovely pics
Pip has a fabulous hexagon crochet tutorial over here

'Hello Darling' - New In the Shop

'Hello Darling'


The initial sketch and the completed crocheted design


Pinned out on baking paper and cork, then painted with PVA glue

Ready to be sent for casting

My attempt at jewellery modelling

From sketch book to crochet, casting to finished piece, this pendant has come to life. 'Hello Darling' is a combination of my love of craft and silver-smithing. This necklace has been designed with craft lovers in mind. The piece is elegant and unique. The beauty lies in the contrasts between the delicate nature of the original crochet and the strength and durability of silver.   

The perfect addition to you favourite outfits, from a Peter Pan collar to a boat neckline, the 'Hello Darling' necklace will flatter and adorn throughout the seasons.

The final piece is the culmination of several steps. The process began with paper and pencil. I had in mind to saw pierce the design from a sheet of silver. Rie suggested trying to crochet it. After a few attempts I arrived at a crocheted version I was happy with and decided to have it cast and made into a necklace. This persented several difficulties that required creative thinking. In order to give the silk thread strength and set the shape, I carefully painted the piece with PVA glue after meticulously pinning it out. Once dry, I sent this still delicate piece off for casting. The casting company came up with a plan with me, as to the best way to make a mold of the thread and burn it out, then fill the cavity with molten sterling silver. This raw casting arrived with the courier and it took a full day to clean it up, polish it and finish the final piece.

This has been an experimental process, and while it has drawn on my experience as a crafter and jeweller, I've never married these two skills in this manner before. Each step was exciting and nerve racking, challenging and rewarding. I was filled with nervous excitement opening the parcel from the casting company. I was thrilled that the raw casting was better than I had anticipated.

I'm taking orders for this piece now, so that they are ready in time for Mothers day. I am also working on a shop update of approximately ten handmade pearl jewellery pieces which will be released by the 1st of May.