Monday, June 23, 2008

Crochet Hooks - Celebrating Etsy Style!

I came home this weekend to find that I had sold my 200th item. So, to celebrate I decided to do some online shopping at my favorite place (Etsy.com of course!). Here’s what I purchased, this lovely polymer clay handled crochet hook from thefancifulfeline.


I purchased a size G hook several years ago from this seller, and I am still awed by its beauty every time I pick it up. The photos do not show all the intricate details and variations in layers and colors. If you’ve ever seen how long it takes to make 1 design in polymer clay, you can only appreciate the literally hundreds? of hours that goes into one handle. Needless to say, I can’t wait until my new size J hook arrives.

Typically I use wood crochet hooks for my everyday crocheting. I find them much more comfortable to work with and the wood warms to my hands, whereas aluminum hooks are always cold and my hands would literally hurt from using them.
My husband bought me a complete set of Brittany birch hooks and I adore them. I also have a set of rosewood hooks that I use often. My hooks have 2 different styles of ends on them, and depending on what I’m making I’ll choose one or the other.
For my hair scarves I always use the Brittany because I can get really consistent chains with them. For my pet blankets I use a rosewood hook. I crochet with 2 yarn strands and the rosewood hooks hold the yarns much better with no slippage.


Here are some gorgeous handmade wood hooks that I found on Etsy:


Lilac Lavender Wood Hook by rparishwoodworks




Exotic Wooden Brazilian Cherry Crochet Hook by fancykitty


And I just had to share this delightful hook I found from another online vendor Craft Designs for You



Now it’s time to put my lovely crochet hooks to some use, and thanks for stopping in!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The Egg Came Before the Chicken!

As least in my case, lol!
I’ve been working on a set of amigurumi chickens that I haven’t finished yet and in the meantime I came up with the idea for a fried egg potholder. It’s a cute potholder that has a bit of country charm to it.




I designed this potholder from my own drawing and paper pattern that I made. I was very happy with the results and will create more patterns using this technique in the future. It is my goal to design many more patterns and offer them for sale in my shop along with the creations made from them.

I have the fried egg potholder pattern listed for sale in my shop as well as the potholder. I love creating items that are functional as well as fun. This potholder is a whimsical compliment to any kitchen and the double layers keep your hand safe from burns.




So why did the chicken cross the road? To visit my Etsy shop, of course! But you can visit me virtually at RedBerryCrochet.etsy.com
I plan on having the chickens completed by next week, so check back often to see what new and whimsical designs I’ve created!