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-)