I've been crocheting for many years now. I often crochet in public without any hesitation whatsoever. Generally I get very positive responses to my crocheting because I've learned to work on projects that catch the eye. Some find it mildly interesting. Some will comment that they wished they'd learned to do something creative when they were younger. Then there's the soul crushing comment... My grandmother crochets. We are always too embarrassed to wear what she made. Suffer no longer dear reader. I bring glad tidings! Crochet has hit the runways of the fashion world and home decor. This isn't Grandma's crochet anymore!
Women's Wear Daily, not just for women anymore, demonstrates my point nicely. Jonathan Simkhal uses crocheted pieces in his Ready To Wear line for Fall 2021. The look: Modern Bohemian. The goal: Flexibility! Clothes for in person events or day to day living. See his collection covered on wwd.com. I love the crochet fringe tunic! https://wwd.com/runway/fall-ready-to-wear-2021/new-york/jonathan-simkhai/review/ Missoni continues to chase those crochet (and knitting) misconceptions away with the Fall 2021 collection. One of the Missoni trademarks is the crochet/knit looks. Check out the coming designs: https://wwd.com/fashion-news/shows-reviews/gallery/missoni-rtw-fall-1234747168/missoni-rtw-fall-2021-20/ Yes, the look is a bit more youth focused, however, I think there are accessories that those over the age of 30 could add to the wardrobe. The Romantic look of Rebecca Taylor's pre-fall 2021 designs are heavily influenced by lace and those hints of "not-so-granny" granny squares. This has to be my favorite collection. The classic silhouettes, flowing dresses, lace jackets and eyelet fabrics are lovely. (I like the colors chosen for the collection also!) wwd.com/runway/pre-fall-2021/new-york/rebecca-taylor/review/ The hot home decor styles for 2021 are absolutely influenced by handcrafts especially crochet and knitting. It's fabulous! This year ushered in new decorating styles. Words put together like Japandi (Japanese combined with Scandinavian decorating styles), Danish Hygge, and of course Grandmillenial Style. The Grandmillenial style modern with those homey touches that one might find at grandmother's house. (Well not my kids. Their grandmothers are pretty hip, but you take my meaning. ) Crochet undoubtedly fits squarely within the Grandmillenial style. Little touches like brightly colored doilies, table runners, handmade blankets made with bold colors against muted sage, blues, or blush easily incorporate into living spaces. www.redfin.com/blog/grandmillennial-style-home-decor-trend/, penderandpeony.com/2020/01/8-essentials-for-grandmillennial-decor-splurge-vs-save/. The work of crochet designer Doug Speeckaert fits within the Grandmillenial Style. Included in his patterns are table runners, blankets, various granny squares, and other decorative pieces that not only make a bold statement but also have that familiar warmth we all need. Vintage with a modern vibe. One of my favorite pieces created by Doug is the Kaleidoscope Granny. The look is bold and unique. www.facebook.com/dotscloset/photos/pcb.658373534880937/658373414880949/ You'll find Doug on Instagram @dougspeeckaert, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dotscloset, on his blog at dotscl.com/wp/. Look for more of Doug's designs in the future! I am not a huge fan of decorating shows on TV, however, I must confess to a secret passion for mining those hidden decorating jewels on the net. I'm one of those people who will read Real Simple online because I really do enjoy the idea of redecorating my house. I know most of my ideas are totally unrealistic. I don't have a lot of room in my house for all the kitschy shelving units I'd like, nor are my ceilings quite high enough for those cute ball jar lights I've always wanted to try, but it's not to say my pinterest page isn't full of upcycled decorating ideas. I find little nuggets of gold from some of my favorite crochet bloggers. I'm content to add touches of handmade around my home. That makes me happy.
The final word in this blog is color. What website gives you the final word in color? Pantone! www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2021. This year's colors Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are the marriage of subtlety and warmth. The names of the colors alone make you feel hopeful. These colors pop up all over clothing and home decor blogs. Blankets in warm yellow against pillows of simple gray, or tweed yarns with gray and yellow flecks. It's amazing what a little bit of color can do to lift the spirit isn't it? I have taken up enough of your time today, but I do hope that I've helped to dispel a little of the myth that crochet is a stuffy old granny art with no relevance in the present. We, the crocheters of the present, are able to offer a world of style choices, literally. From the nursery to the kitchen, indoors and out crochet is here to stay.
0 Comments
This is a repost... Why? Because I spotted THIS gorgeous pattern on Deborah O'Leary's webpage. www.deboraholearypatterns.com/product-page/copy-of-arielle-s-square-blanket-pattern. It's stunning. Designed as a wedding gift, this blanket is sure be the centerpiece of any room. You'll find a discount code if you order your Deborah O' Leary patterns from her website!
Now, on to the blog: So my friend Jennifer, who feeds my yarnie habit at every opportunity, shared a picture of some adorable baby booties. There were no links with the pictures. I had to go on a quest for the link to the baby shoes. Of course, I turned to Ravelry to find the same or similar designs! During my hunt I found the lovely designs of Deborah O'Leary Patterns. Thanks to Jen who always does her best to keep my skills sharp :) (Editorial note: btw, crafty facebook pages that randomly take photos from designers pages and don't post the links? That is not fair to the designer at all! It's very frustrating to both those who might want to work the designs and those who might like to commission the work done.) Deborah O'Leary lives in Denver, Colorado. She's a mom of three children and creator of fabulous knit and crochet patterns for her fellow fiber addicts. She is a self-described knit and crochet addict. her dedication to beautiful and practical designs shows in every stitch. While my work mostly involves home decor and children's clothing/accessories, I want to point out Deborah O'Leary's fabulous purse patterns. These bags have great details that really create standout accessories. There's more than enough to keep felting addicts happy for quite a long time. I've never been particularly adept at felting, so I appreciate those who are able to create classic felted pieces. Speaking for myself, I have to say that designers who both are able to create beautiful patterns in knit and crochet are some of my favorite go to designers. I never have to worry about searching all over to find a pattern. I go directly to these designers for any immediate pattern needs. Deborah O'Leary will likely become a "go to" designer, especially for baby gifts! Such a fantastic variety! Cute clothing pieces, photo props, blankets, and baby cocoons. LOVE! :) 💝 There are so many blanket patterns created by Deborah O'Leary that any knitter or crocheter is virtually guaranteed to find something that suits them. Usually I pick a few of my favorites to share however, Deborah O'Leary Patterns are all beautiful! (how does she do it?)
Baby cocoons are some of my favorite projects. They are good for use when a baby needs a little extra snuggle (with proper supervision of course) and are super fun photo props!
When looking for infant clothes Deborah O'leary has created some patterns that are too adorable to pass up. I love the little pants, hats, and diaper covers. I think diaper covers are not only super cute but also serve a practical purpose. Especially if you use cloth diapers.
|
Author
Archives
August 2021
Categories |