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d.i.y.: contemporary crochet projects

I was giddy with excitement when I stumbled upon this Japanese website over the weekend. It carries all sorts of crochet patterns, from home goods and accessories, clothes, bags, kids’ apparel, and even amigurumi toys. What’s great is that most of the projects feature contemporary design (compared to the outdated crochet patterns that our mothers and grandmothers used to make).

The projects come with downloadable crochet diagram in pdf (so no need to learn Japanese). In 7th grade, we were taught how to crochet and read crochet symbols.  I’m thankful that I still remember how to read these crochet pattern diagrams! For a crash course on basic crochet symbols, you can refer to this site.

I can’t wait to get started!!! I just have to look for nice yarns though.

d.i.y.: crochet x stones

I’m loving the delicate look of these crochet-covered stone paperweights by textile artist Margaret Oomen. They look like sea urchins!

Learn how to make these through The Purl Bee’s a tutorial here.

objects of design: granny chic

Last week, I mentioned how I got started with my interest in crafting.  At an early age, I picked up on my mom’s interest in crocheting. She taught me the basic stitiches and I just worked around them to come up with patterns. I made a table runner and a throwpillow for the house. In college, I also made myself a thick cream school bag and a mini red-white-and-blue hand bag.

But let’s face it, most people don’t consider crochet as cool or fun. In fact, ithe craft is often associated with mommies and grannies and with old Filipino interiors. That’s why I was so thrilled to stumble upon yvestown’s photostream over at flickr. Yvonne, from Lommel, Belgium, is one of those people who are changing the image of crocheted goods, giving them a fresh new look–granny chic!

What i love about her crafting style is the way she combines colors. Here palettes are light, bright, and pretty. Every piece looks young, fun and updated to suit our current aesthetic taste. Here are my favorite items from Yvonne:

Fresh and inspiring images to start the week!

For more about Yvonne’s works and musings visit her blog here.

* all photos by by Yvonne from yvestown via flickr