Odd One In

Isn't it great when you can wear something you actually made yourself? I must say ever since I learnt the new technique with beads and wire from Teri Howes and completed my 'Sized down' project as a result I have been practicing further. Playing with colours of very thin yarns and combining these with matching beads proves to be a rewarding exercise.

Starting carefully with subtle colours (above), I felt encouraged by the practicality. I realised that these three colours, yellow, orange and turquoise, fit my wardrobe nicely.

Encouraged by this I decided to go bolder. I still used light shades of green and turquoise but complimented them with red. Red is a colour one cannot miss no matter how much they try. Here it looks even stronger given by the subtlety of the green and turquoise, wouldn't you say?

As I was busy crocheting and thinking about the choice of colours, I wondered if red, black and lilac would be suitable for this project.

Black being the strongest one was left for complimenting the red and lilac duo.

And this is what was created. To me this necklace has a totally different effect to its siblings. If the red colour works so well in the previous example, the black here does not seem to fully fit...


...that is until worn with something dark or red. Suddenly, the necklace lightens up. It almost feels that in this case, one should wear something to compliment the necklace. The clothes become the accessory.  Isn't this funny? The world of fashion is so intriguing...

This project is called 'Odd One In' and it is exactly what it says. I have used three colours all together; two tonally similar colours with matching colour beads are completed with an odd contrasting colour without any beads attached. And all three create a unit. They are all In. The title is created.

As I said at the beginning of the post, it is enjoyable to wear your own creations. And when people express their opinion, positive or negative, that is when you know that it is all worth it.

On this note, I will leave you. Just don't forget to check my 'Updates' page. Have a great week and see you next time. K-)

Sweet 'Mistake'?

I have not complained about English weather much and I have lived here for over fifteen years. In fact, I always end up saying that English climate suits me. That was up till now when I made the 'mistake' of visiting Southern France at the beginning of the month. Between you and me, I don't mind making such a 'mistake' more often even though I have become rather restless since then. :-)

Staying with my friends in Collobrieres, how lucky was I to be surrounded by local art, architecture and atmosphere.

This place reminded me of Cezanne and his paintings. The blocks of colour and the colour itself. Priceless.

No wonder artists would escape to this part of the world to produce their masterpieces. One does not need to go far for inspiration...

But if you insist on venturing further, of course there is more to explore and discover...

Half an hour drive and we were by the sea; and sea would not be any sea without yachts. It was one mast on top of the other there, endlessly taking the eye into the distance.

Now tell me, isn't this peaceful and calming?

Having spent a little time in Southern France, I realised how much I miss getting out of the city. I know I have mentioned it before but the urge is getting stronger now especially after looking at these pictures and remembering where I was less then a month ago...

Oh well, will I do something about it? That is the question and only I can do anything about it, nobody else.

In the meantime, a note to myself - just hang on and smile...




For those who come to my blog regularly, you know that I have always something running along on the side. And after my last post, there are further developments to  my 'Cottagy & Cosy' project so check out my 'Updates' page.

Have a great week and see you next time. K-)

Cottagy & Cosy

Oh dear, I have missed a few weeks again. But do not worry. There is a lot of creativity going on in my camp. For example...

Do you remember my 'New Possibilities, New Challenges' post from few weeks ago? In there I revealed that my 'Mussel Runner' was no longer fulfilling its purpose as a heat resistant runner in my new place and expressed a need for placemats instead.

As it goes, when looking for one specific item in a shop I came across three different colour packs of Washing Line that I just thought may work for the placemats (and hopefully other dining accessories). Hooray!

After testing its characteristics, a slippy surface of the 'yarn' and how easy it is to crochet, a separation/devision was necessary. As you can see above the Line is twisted out of three parts.

When finally untwisting one pack I ended up with two balls (left); for one washing line they actually use two parts, one separate (small ball) and one of double length that is halfway twisted back on itself to required length. How interesting...

And here is my first placemat that is big enough to cover the base of a large plate. I have used it, of course, and am rather pleased with its functionality. The plate sits nicely on it not slipping to any side and protects the surface of my table which is exactly what I wanted.

The string used for washing line is not as flexible as a thread or a yarn so my pattern does not look as neat as first required but on a second thought, it gives the design rather cottagy feel and look. This suits my place well. Somehow I cannot visualise a trendy modern style here...

Encouraged by the way it goes, it is about time to address the other two packs now. Therefore, watch this space. K-)

Update: Tuesday, 30 June 2015
Cottagy & Cosy

A few weeks into my 'Cottagy & Cosy' project and here comes my first update. In the post I left you with a pile of washing lines of three colours. I had untangles the red one and crocheted one placemat.

As you can see on the image above I created a second placemat of the same colour and pattern to create a pair. At this point, the fun begins...


... and that is what you can see here (and with second to the pair above).
I must admit I was pleasantly surprised when I saw what I made. The string gave this specific pattern a new life.
And so the fun continues. I still have to untangle the blue washing line and to keep the essence of this project I have to find another suitable pattern. But for this I will see you next time. Kx

When researching on possible patterns it became clear how many different Granny V Stitches designs there are. Which is why I decided to use something visually different for the green colour...

Recently, I have compared two mediums (wire and yarn) when making jewellery. The same applies here. When wool is used, the outcome is nice and neat. When the string from the washing line is used it becomes more three-dimensional (even though the square is still flat). It is all visual.


Update: Sunday, 5 July 2015
Cottagy & Cosy

The blue washing line is finally untangled and as promised, I found another pattern.  If you remember when dealing with the red washing line I ended up with two balls of string, bigger and smaller. What you are looking at above are the two untangled pieces, one in its 'original' form and one 'processed'. :-)

I have to confess that I did not fully follow the instructions when processing the smaller ball. If I did I would have ended up with a coster size piece and that is not my intention. At least not yet.

Actually, there is not much science in these basic patterns. When extending the instructions I only applied what I learned from the two previous examples. And am I pleased with the outcome.


This placemat seems to be more tidy despite the material used (and believe me, the string can be quite challenging at times). At this stage of the 'Cottagy and Cosy' project I seem to have discovered more about the material, the pattern and the crochet technique itself. Great to learn something new every day. K-)

Update: Saturday, 9 July 2016
Cottagy & Cosy

Since I had not contributed to my blog for quite a while I would like to share an update on my Cottagy & Cosy project. At this project, three packs of washing line of different colours (red, green and blue) were used to create three pairs of table mats.

I have been using the mats since the day they were created. However, something was always missing. Therefore, to produce some matching coasters later on was given.

Since the table mats are big enough (or small) to carry only a dinner plate I needed to make coasters to complete the set. Keeping the same pattern to the same colour I have ended up with further six smaller squares that are both aesthetic and functional. They add cheerful touch to my table and at the same time protect the surface from heat or scratching.

Wouldn't you say that somehow you don't feel the cottagy & cosy feel? I do. K-)

Conscience offshoot

Recently, I have been to see 'Salt and Silver' exhibition that is on at the Tate Britain for a few more weeks. And am I glad I did not miss this occasion.

This exhibition covers early stages of photography when taking and developing pictures was a novelty and quite a science. It covers twenty years of salt prints that are the result of chemical capacity to 'fix a shadow' on light-sensitive paper coated in silver salts. The images on display depict early documentary photography that I love so much in photographs of this time. To see what various places looked like then and compare them to what I remember from my own memory about the same place now, to see people with hair styles and fashion of given time and observing staged portraiture, I could spend the whole day there.

But what I admire the most is the time scale (these photographs cover years 1840 - 1860) and the fact that these pictures have lasted all this time in such quality. That makes me wonder how long today's photographs would last...

There is one more thing, the offshoot impact on my conscience. You must have noticed that I have not been updating my 'Photo' page and simultaneously have not put anything on my G+ account. Well, I'd better do something about that. I'd better pick my camera up and...

...a shot from my neighbourhood. Let's bring in some colour and start.

Have a lovely week and see you next time. K-)

Sized down - Incorporating Beads

Do you remember the Updates on my 'Sized down' project? Just to remind you, apart from the 'Links' earrings that I had already shared with you, there were other two unfinished pieces, a set to be. Well, the set has been finished for a while now and that brings it nicely to my discussion about whether to use wire or yarn...

To start with, I will show you another pair of earrings ('Drops') that were finished in more less the same fashion as the 'Links' (right).

The only difference is the choice of black colour for the additional part and in joining the red sections in a horizontal rather then vertical way. Hence the 'Drops' title.

But what I actually wanted to show you in this post is the necklace. I have to confess that for a long time I had two parts completed but could not think of a way of joining them together. The two for-a-while-completed parts are the ones joining the red sections with red and the black chain.

It was not till I learnt a new technique using beads, that Teri Howes so kindly shared with us on the one day course I mentioned in my previous post, that I could take the design further.

And so, finally, I ended with three chains, two purely in yarn and one incorporating beads, that allowed me to finally finish the necklace. Adding the beads to a purely yarn design brings extra charm that works so well here. What is more, with addition of the 'Drops' earrings I have a set.

In my early discussion of whether to use yarn or wire I have to stress out that everybody is different and different projects require different materials. I would say that for my 'Sized down' project yarn and a few beads worked just right, don't you think?

Have a lovely week and see you next time. K-)

New Possibilities, New Challenges

One thing I actually like about moving is all the creative challenges and/or possibilities it offers. Do you remember my 'Mussel Runner' project where I made a crochet runner that was meant to withstand heat from hot pots? For this, I was after a dense crochet pattern. To make sure, I also added mussel shells that had additional purpose - to decorate.

This project ran in conjunction with then my current move to a bright flat on a third floor. Now, a few years later, I have moved again. This time to a basement. I admit, this is quite a jump but if you saw the flat, it has a certain quirkiness that I simply could not resist. A new flat, new possibilities, more challenges. Not everything that worked in the previous place works here and that makes the brain busy...

To cut the story short, my runner now decorates a small side table and, what is a shame, it does not work as a heat resistant table necessity anymore. "And what is wrong with the main table?", you ask. The runner does not seem to fit there and seems to be in a way. It simply does not work. Plus, over the years I was given various trivets so there is no need for such runner anymore. At least, this is where my obsession with multi-functionality kicks in. The Mussel Runner now serves its decorative purpose on another table.

What I am more concerned about right now is the surface of the main new table. I realise that when I put a plate with my lunch/dinner on it, the plate is quite hot. And here we are again. Heat and a nice shiny surface to protect...

For a while now, I am playing with the idea of using the same pattern as for the Mussel Runner to make a set of placemats. However, I realise that such density is not needed for this...


I see a project coming up. How exiting. I think I might leave it here for now and see you next time. Have a great time and see you with my next post. K-)

Wire vs Yarn

Last week, my post was about one memorable day I spent on a Crochet Jewellery course run by Teri Howes at Cockpit Arts Studios some six month ago.

Coming home after such an inspiring day I could not stop but replay the experience in my mind until the point that I had to sit down and make one more necklace, or shall I say a choker/bracelet, in order to see if I remember the technique and most of all to practice.

Allowing it to carry me further, I decided to use the technique to make a pair of earrings...

Since I already made a couple of earrings for my 'Sized-down' project (when I used yarn) I wanted to explore how suitable a wire is. The outcome (on the left) was rather surprising in the sense that it looks very home made when investigated but at the same time, I got away with it looking crude but professional when wearing it.

When compared to the earrings from the 'Sized-down' project, I remember I could not afford any mistake. A mistake in a form of a too loose or tight stitch of a missed or a messed up pattern. With yarn, any mistake would hit the eye as having something seriously wrong there.

On the other hand, using yarn, the pair looks nice and neat, not crude like when a wire is used. Hmmm, a food for thought...


So, I admit, I do not know. I did enjoy both techniques, working with two such different types of material. However, what I became more than aware of is the variety of potentials the two offer. And this is priceless, at least to me.

And what is even better, at the end of it all, I have the original long wire and bead necklace (from my previous post), a choker/bracelet and a pair of earrings (that I just love wearing) into the set. Plus and most of all, I have learnt a technique with beads which is something I plan to explore further...

As for the question of Wire vs Yarn, I would say that there is a material for everybody/everything and there is no need to dismiss any possibility. Why avoid the challenge? The outcome can be surprising... ;-)

I wish you a great week and see you next time. K-)

When is the e-mail address worth leaving behind?

For those who have not heard of Cockpit Studios, it is a labyrinth of inspiration and beautifully produced pieces. Usually twice a year (Christmas & Summer), designers open their studios to the public and every time there is a lot to indulge your senses in. Being it jewellery, lampshades, shoes, furnishings, textiles, millenary and many more disciplines, this place is always a pleasure to visit.

It must have been on one of their Christmas Open Studios when I left my e-mail address behind in a notebook of Teri Howes, a jewellery designer. Teri specialises in designing knitted and crochet jewellery, a combination that charmed me utterly. And so, when some time later I received an e-mail announcing a beginners class to crochet jewellery, and more follow on courses for later, I could not resist. That is when on one October morning last year I found myself on a way to her studio at Cockpit Arts and what a day and experience it was...

I seem to have some experience with crochet but to use wire as supposed to wool or yarn was completely new to me. Adding beads on top of it all was a mystery beyond any expectations.

But as you can see I managed to produce a necklace that when worn caught an eye of pretty much everyone. Of course, I followed Teri's advice but she showed me a technique that I believe could be used here and there and everywhere...

I am aware that my technique needs much more tweaking, much more time and practice to bring it to a certain standard but using wire made me see its possibilities and how forgiving it is.

When wool/yarn is used you can see any fault, any mistake easily. Somehow with wire I did not mind how uneven the line looked. In fact, the crude touch that it adds to the design gives it life of its own. Plus it is the beads that are the element to notice so the crochet line becomes the secondary point. It steps into the background.

I have shown you a piece of jewellery using crochet technique with wire and beads. But of course, Teri can do much more and so so well. Therefore,  my next challenge is attacking French Knitting with beads. Attacking with Teri's help, of course. And I am so looking forward to it. :-)

This was definitely worth leaving my e-mail address behind, wouldn't you say? Have a great time and see you next time. K-)

Every time I visit the V&A... - part 8

...I walk across the Kensington Gardens to get there. And at any season there is something exciting to look at, to capture.

In autumn when I was on my way to see the Constable Exhibition, I observed the colours in the Park that only autumn can offer.

The greens so naturally turning into browns revealing other tones during this process is priceless; you cannot fake it. Only a few of us can capture it well - as so well shown at the exhibition I was about to see...


Having taken the shot (intro image) in the park earlier and still having it so vividly imprinted in my mind, I couldn't but to make a certain connection when looking at this painting, 'Study of Foliage' by Constable.

As I learnt, he studied nature from nature in order to fully understand and to be able to use it in his future paintings later. Hence the title - a study. Of course, there is nothing new about this process. But how often and fully do we actually listen to something so logical - 'study'? Study the colours, how they correspond with each other, the texture, movement, how the subject look on a bright day or in a mist, is there any sound and what does it evoke in you,... All these questions, how exhilarating, how exhausting and how much can you get enriched by the found out knowledge?

As I said in my previous post, I was not completely idle during my over-the-year absence. Alright, I would not visit the V&A as often as before but my visits there still go on. Just a bit less frequently. And all the questions do still enter my mind. Therefore, idle? I think not.

Have a exhilarating week and see you next time. K-)

Idle? You must be joking.

Alright, so I did not publish a single article for over a year. That does not mean that my hands were left in an idle position. On the contrary. Whenever there was an opportunity they would grab it. One such event was my sister's wedding.

To cut the story short, I was honoured to design her invitations. This meant to come up with two versions, one for English and one for Czech ceremony. But as those who follow my blog know, I have the tendency to have two things running at the same time. And this is when my article starts to make sense...

The flower my sister chose for her Czech wedding was a calla lily. And so I sat down, grabbed a crochet hook and started to create a calla lily.  Coincidentally and what is definitely worth noting is that the shape of the blossom also allows to keep a little surprise; not only for the bride and groom but also the wedding party...

In preparation for the big day, I kept my eyes open on anything unusual or special but very much fitting to the occasion. A surprise came from a company that prints images on smarties/M&Ms. The surprise turned out to be a crocheted calla lily filled with smarties with a portrait of the bride and groom.




Now, you need to understand that my sister does not eat sweets much so when I was giving her a pack full of smarties she looked rather puzzled (not surprisingly). It was not till she realised what was printed on them that she got the joke. And what a lough we had.

I wish you a good week and hope to see you soon. K-)

Velikonoce/Easter 2015

A Confession - Focus on one's life

No, no. I have not desappeared. I am still around. Alive and kicking (as they say :-)

Do you know the feeling when you need to take a step back in order to be able to continue later, clearing up your head along the way? Well, in my case it seems to take more than a year (and I am not sure the head got completely cleared yet ;-). The step back however, was rather refreshing; having some time off my blog, disappearing form my activities on G+ and essentially trying to live life differently.

This feels like analysis of my whole existence (oh how heavy this sounds). Don't worry, it is not so bad. As I said, it is quite refreshing.

All I could see during this time were little separate 'ducks' here and there and everywhere and indeed there was some sort of a link too but THIS link was not very clear. At lease not to me.

And so, all it takes now is to get these ducks in a row. Simple.

I wonder if you could help me with this a little. Check my website: kpdeco.co.uk and have a look around this blog. I would like to hear form you and am looking forward to all your comments, critisism and suggestions. :-)

Have a wonderful time and see you soon. K-)