Crocheted Earrings!

I just finished my first pair of crocheted earrings. The picture isn't great (Jon wasn't around to take photos with his nice camera), but I hope you can get the general idea. They are pretty large and sparkly in person (click on the picture for a closer look). The hooks are sterling silver. I am very pleased with how these turned out (especially considering this was my first time working with beads and wire).

Lessons learned from this project:

1. Wire is not forgiving. When crocheting with yarn, it is really easy to pull out entire rows of stitches. Wire prefers that you get it right the first time around.

2. Beading stores are overwhelming. There are so many options and everything is so shiny and inviting!

3. Beadazzled in Washington, DC is a great shop. It is well staffed with friendly and knowledgeable individuals ready to help a newbie.

Do you have any jewelry making tips, pictures, or resources to share?

A Week of Progress

I haven't posted in a few days, but I have made lots of progress on a number of projects. Unfortunately, I have no photos to prove it!

1. I finished Jon's second hat. I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca in charcoal gray. It looks pretty sharp, if I don't say so myself! I really love this yarn and have enough for 1-2 more men's hats.

2. I finished my second commissioned crochet project. A co-worker asked me to make her a purple scarf so I made her an eggplant colored crochet scarf with more of the Berroco alpaca. I won't have a chance to take a picture before I give her the scarf tomorrow, but it is a simple scarf using half double crochet stitches. She wanted something warm, so these tight stitches are perfect.

3. I also finished wrapping the warp for my multi-fiber warp shawls. I love the way the ribbon looks with the shimmery chenille. I can't wait to start threading this warp through the reed tomorrow evening at the ArtSpace.

4. I warped my inkle loom to make some woven handles for the upcoming lunch bags.

On tap for this week:

1. Crochet Jewelry! I found a pattern in a crochet magazine and decided to buy some supplies to try my hand at crochet jewelry. Have any of you crocheted jewelry in the past? I hope that I am not adding to my growing list of crafting addictions!

2. Wrapping the warp for recycled lunchbags. I have been meaning to do this for weeks, but I am going to do this tomorrow night at the ArtSpace (for real this time...). My loom at home looks so lonely and bare.

I hope everyone has a productive week on the loom/needles/hooks/etc!