Another True Confession

So here's the story. Last winter, I was contacted by folks from VOGUE Knitting in response to seeing my crocheted silk beaded cuffs in my Etsy studio. They wanted me to make a custom sample and write a pattern for my design, and then they sent me materials that they selected for this sample. Here are my photos of 3 pieces I ended up making for them last January-- the top row is the one with their materials, and the middle and lower rows with my materials, created as variations on their theme.


You might recognize these pieces, if you look at my blog or WillOaks Studio on Etsy, but I never listed this set in my Etsy studio.

Well, they can finally be seen in the finished published (paper) form, because Crochet Special Collector's Issue 2012 Fashion Preview hit the newsstands today!

Some early snippets from this publication can be previewed here. I don't think I've ever seen crocheted pieces created or displayed in such an elegant and high fashion manner....now, look closely at the wrists in the photos under "A Fine Romance" section, especially the top couple of rows? Notice anything?

OK, so squint a little if needed. Those are my cuffs! And in the magazine version, there are additional photos plus patterns available for all the DIY fiber folks. In fact, there are patterns for ALL the amazing pieces in this issue. I will have more to say about this shortly, but for now, a few photos are in order!!

The publishers sent me these early photos featuring my cuffs, with photo credits as noted below each.

Vogue Knitting Crochet 2012, photo by Rose Callahan

Vogue Knitting Crochet 2012, photo by Rose Callahan

Vogue Knitting Crochet 2012, photo by Rose Callahan

You know, I never said a word about this because I wanted to be very sure, first, that my work would even make their final cut. And then, to see how the whole project would come together, being a total neophyte to this and all. Oh, and superstitious too, I guess, like I mentioned earlier in my other big secret winter project--buying my new place. I just didn't want to jinx it!

And now that it's all public, I can say that I think it is one of the most beautiful publications I have ever seen that's devoted to the humble craft of crochet. Crochet elevated to an art form with amazing designs and constructions, and all so beautifully styled and photographed. And even though my pieces are only a little teeny part of it, I'm so delighted and honored to be included.

In fact, it inspired my NEXT secret project that is now in progress.....more about this a little later because actually? I've got to get back to packing my studio for my move!!

Thanks for dropping by all--now go buy the magazine!! Even if you don't crochet? You can tell your friends and family that one of your blogger buddies has work in it!

Crocheted Cuff Crazy

red cotton and smoked natural bone beads

Blog Buddies--A loud call for feedback on a new idea!!

It's all just a wonderful experiment--I added some cotton to my crochet palette this winter (to join silk and linen) and from there, I've just mixed it up. Sometimes it's wondering what certain colors & materials might look like; other times, it's trying new structures out. A couple of the ones here can be found in my Bracelets and Cuffs section and others are still trying to happen.

So I've got a new idea and would love some feedback from all my blog buddies (and any other interested readers, of course!) I was thinking that maybe some of my crocheted cuffs could be sold as KITS that include the fiber, clasp, beads, and instructions etc. to then be crocheted and assembled by the buyer? Below & above are examples of some simple designs that could work this way for beginners.

brown cotton and "mustang magnesite" beads

gray cotton with metallic thread plus Czech fire polished crystal beads and larger seed beads

black silk, white bone beads and black "cat's eye" glass beads

I could sell these for half, or even less than half, of what the finished ones cost. Finished ones can take two or three hours to make, and so this time and labor, of course, shows up in my final prices. But I practiced putting a couple of "kits" together this weekend (I was clueless so just had to try it and see what it looked like!) and it wasn't too bad!! In fact, they can be kind of cute.....

So later, more advanced structures I have in progress are below. These require a little more experience in crochet, but may not be super difficult....

silk and mixed beads with my original ceramic heart and copper clasp
I like the way these heart designs can be worn with the clasp up or down

Silk with amazing Czech glass extra large seed beads in a metallic finish
I have not figured out how to write this pattern in words quite yet--it was kind of difficult but looks cool!

silk with mixed beads including glass, coral and copper with my original ceramic and copper clasp
(similar to the one above.)

I tried some (re)searching on Etsy for DIY, crochet kits, jewelry kits, etc. just to see what was already out there. Check it yourself--offers are all over the map and I was a bit overwhelmed as it was too much to take in all at once. Since I haven't quite seen anything like mine yet, not sure if there's any kind of interest? Besides being my own designs, part of the "pitch" could be to just compare pricing on the kit vs the finished piece?? Of course, that is based on the assumption that folks want to own these cuffs for a cheaper price.....hmmmm......

So everyone, voice your opinions: is this a good idea or not? Who has sold kits before? Who has purchased kits to make something special? I'm very curious about this.....

OK! Everybody YELL at once!! THANKS a million XXOO!