sisal crochet

If you read my last post, you must think I'm really crazy now, because after I bought all that gorgeous yarn, here I am crocheting with sisal cord! One of the things I LOVE about crochet is it's absolute versatility. You can completely alter  a pattern by using a different size hook or a different type of material. You can crochet with wire, old t-shirts, paracord, string, plastic bags, raphia or anything your heart desires. I like to change sometimes, so I decided to use sisal cord, which I love, and is great for household items.It can be used to make trivets, placemats, table runners, picture frames, you can even make a doormat with it! I decided to use it for a planter in this case. I hope you like how it turned out! Imagination is the key♥

Sales

Well, it's that time of year again, the sales are on all over Italy and while most normal people are out buying clothes and shoes, I am buying yarn! Yes, that's right I'd rather have some delicious yarn than shoes! Call me crazy, but chances are, if you're reading this, you won't because you'd rather buy yarn too!  I headed over to filmarket this morning and got some good deals. This place is huge and it's better to go with some things in mind or it can be overwhelming! Most of what I bought I'll ust to make items to sell but this  I am keeping all for myself!

Isn't it gorgeous??!! 75% kid mohair 25% silk and it was a steal! Now I just have to find a project that suits. Any ideas??

Snowflakes

Well, it's winter and we haven't seen any snow this year, so I'm hanging up these gorgeous flakes I made last year as a good omen. The pictures really don't do them justice! There are many free patterns ravelry on and I also used this wonderful  book . I've made several and they look really beautiful if you hang them on nylon fishing or jewelery line in the windows. I'd like to share how I blocked them with you. There are different methods; starching, sugar/water (which tends to turn yellow after awhile) or glue/ water which I prefer.

You will need:
* A corkboard

• Stainless steel pins (they must be stainless so that they don’t rust!)
  
• a thimble
  
• small pliers
  

plastic document covers

• a blocking chart, I’ve made three to cover the whole board. You can make these yourself by using a ruler and making three lines that cross in the middle.
  
• a solution of 1/2 craft, Elmer’s or vinylic glue and 1/2 water. Make as little or as much as you need for your snowflakes.
  

glitter ,if desired

First, draw your chart and fit it in the plastic cover. You’ll need one chart for each flake. Then with pins or tacks secure the plastic covered chart to the cork board.

If you want glitter on both sides of the flake, sprinkle a little on the chart before you put the flake down.

Next, mix the glue and water.
Then, take one snowflake and completely immerse in mixture, get your fingers in there, it’s a messy job,but someone’s gotta do it!

Squeeze out the excess mixture, blot with an old towel and place on top of the plastic covered chart. Now, carefully open completely and, starting at the top, place pins all along the outside of the flake. Use a thimble to push the pins or you fingers will hurt! Then place pins on the inside of flake, and especially anywhere there are picots etc…
Once you are finished with the pins, sprinkle glitter evenly.

 (sorry this picture is so dark!)
Let dry 24 hours and carefully remove the pins with the pliers,again, to save those precious fingers! Voilà! Your beautiful snowflakes will hang all winter long!

Fingers crossed!

Hello everyone, I know I haven't posted anything interesting, and I promise I will in the next couple of days. In the meantime, I've entered this giveaway for this fantastically cool yarn bowl. Keep your fingers crossed and maybe I'll win!! Check out the Bubiknits blog!

update

Hi! I'm trying to update my blog and still trying to figure out exactly how this works, so please bear with me. Thanks!