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Beaded Heart Garland

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Yes, hearts again! I made this heart garland nearly 8 years ago and it’s been hanging on my wall ever since (you can actually catch a glimpse of it in this post). I thought some of you might enjoy making it as a pre-Valentine’s Day weekend project. It’s so quick and easy!

pink beads & sequins

For my hearts I used about 32cm of wire (any wire will do, as long as it’s thin enough to thread the beads through, but sturdy enough to hold its shape), 30 pink beads and 30 sequins. For some reason I tied them together with pink string, but I think transparent nylon line would be better, or, to make them even prettier, some organza ribbon.

bead & sequin heart

They look lovely on the wall, but for best effect, hang them in the window and watch the facets of the beads catch the light!

bead & sequin heart

Things to Try

  • Tie the hearts together side-by-side.
  • String the hearts on a length of ribbon.
  • Make a garland with hearts that decrease in size.

Love,
❤ Derya.

9th February, 2013  // How To // tags: , , .

Heart Bookmark

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HEART BOOKMARK PDF

I know these sweet origami heart bookmarks are all over Pinterest right now, but here’s another variation. The pink one says “You & I” on one side, and “We’re on the same page,” on the other. The blue one is for beach reads, or at least that’s my dream!

This heart bookmark (or heartmark?) is far easier to put together than its origami relatives. You simply fold along the dotted lines (I recommend scoring the paper first), then cut along the solid line. Glue it together before you cut out the heart shape. You have to twist it as if it’s a cone to be able to put it together as indicated in the picture. Then cut the heart shape and you’re done!

I think this would make a rather sweet addition to a gifted book, or maybe to a book club swap? Let me know what you think. :) ❤ ❤

1st February, 2013  // Downloads, Prtinables // tags: , , , , , .

Why Knitters Are Nicer

live

I was so so so cheered by all the lovely messages, newsletter replies, tweets, and of course blog comments I received yesterday. And a mention on the Electric Sheep Podcast was just the icing on the birthday cake. Thank you, thank you, thank you, lovely knitters! Replies are on their way.

I’m usually a pretty upbeat, positive person, and I adore doing this here, with you. I still find this a little hard to define, because as you know I do a lot of random, silly things, and knitwear design sometimes seems like a small part of it. I love ideas more than anything, and design more than most, and knitting as much as, well… you, and all together they make me very happy indeed. But every day I meet people who scoff at my work, who ask me snidely how much I make, and inevitably wonder when I will get a proper job (& my own place). Luckily for me, none of these people are in my family. I don’t get hurt by these comments (that would be ridiculous), but I certainly get cross. There was a time when they made me doubt myself, and I sat in a dark office and did work that made no one on earth happy, least of all me. But now I brush them aside and try to use my crossness to fuel me in my work. Still, if it wasn’t for the positive feedback I get from you, I don’t know how long I’d be able to sustain this.

So THANK YOU! & if you’re just heading out on your own path and working for yourself, please don’t listen to the naysayers. Listen to your own true, brave voice and no other. Trust your own confident, capable hands. Don’t let anyone come between you and the joy of steering your craft.

You might be interested to note that my cynics all share one common factor (apart from cynicism, that is): they’re inevitably non-knitters. Which leads me to believe that there is a higher preponderance of nice people among knitters than in the general public. I have some theories about this:

  • Knitting is a calming occupation. Because knitters relieve stress through knitting, they’re less likely to lash out at others.
  • Knitting is a creative act, and it’s my belief that creating something makes people feel more fulfilled, so that they don’t have the urge to belittle the work of other people to make themselves feel better.
  • Knitting is contemplative, and anyone who takes the time to slow down and listen to their thoughts is better able to assess their relationships with others.
  • Knitting teaches you patience.
  • The devil makes work for idle hands. A knitter’s hands are always busy.

Of course we all have a long way to go, but I do believe that knitting can help us get there. Don’t you agree? :)

21st June, 2011  // Inspiration, Life // tags: , , .
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