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-)