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Are you one of those people who think that socks are only for your feet? In modern times, the availability of a vast variety of sock yarns has put socks everywhere. I have seen people make Sockhead hats, Sock Arms sweaters, sock book markers as well as sock garland. But, would you be surprised to hear about sock jewelry. Well, if you have been around a while, it will not surprise you to discover that I have joined my recently acquired admiration for sock making with my love for jewelry.
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Throughout history, hand-made collars have been a recycled fashion staple: from the delicate and intricate French lace collars of the mid 1800's to the beaded collars of the last century. As early as the 16th century, collars were made separate from the body of the garment and quickly became a common element of everyday fashion. These separate collars served the purpose of creating a clean and tidy look. They also allowed for easier starching and laundering. These detachable collars were also popular due to their versatility. When added to a simple dress, sweater, or blouse, a daytime outfit became suitable for church going or even for evening wear. Nowadays, the detachable collar is used as a type of necklace and has an ornamental purpose rather than a practical one.
Crochet is commonly associated with making home décor items and garments. It is less common to associate it with jewelry making. Although, it has become common to see jewelry artists venture into the realm of the fiber arts to complement their pieces.  I accept the fact that up to now I have been a terrible blogger... I disappear for ages and no one has any idea when I will publish another post. Honestly, it hasn't all been my fault. I live on the island of Puerto Rico and we got struck by Hurricane Maria in September of 2017 and I finally got internet service back in my residence this month, June 2018!! Yup... seriously.  The word crochet comes from the French word, "croche", which means "hook". Crochet-like work probably goes back to ancient times when a finger was used instead of a hook. Though finger crochet is still practiced today, it is more common to crochet using a hook to pull a strand of material (thread, yarn, wire, etc.) through one active loop that is on the hook and to repeat this movement to form chains that ultimately form a fabric.  This June I began an adventure to try and replicate Hermione's beaded bag that appears in the Deathly Hallows of the Harry Potter series (7th book). Actually, if you are a Harry Potter fan you know that in the book, her bag is described as small enough to fit in her sock, but the film presents a larger version and that is the one I tried to recreate using crochet.  And so I have returned....a bit older... a bit wiser... a bit craftier. Why yes...Over the past three some years, I have added crochet, sewing and knitting to my crafting repertoire. And I have returned to share on this blog some of my recent adventures. But I have not returned alone from my travels... my youngest daughter has come along with me. She is a crocheter, a knitter, a sewist and a PODCASTER! Oh... did I forget to mention that I recently discovered the world of podcasting also??? So... all in all.. I have returned a much more experimented and fulfilled maker.
 I have a very temperamental muse. I think what happens is that I try to control it a bit too much with my mind. This year, I have decided to go more with the flow: how I feel; what saddens me; what makes me happy, excited, anxious...
For example, my first piece for 2014 was inspired by my children. You see, they visit me frequently and as they come and go they leave bits and pieces of themselves around. This necklace is a mixture of different pieces they have "lost", left, broken or bought while thinking of me. It ends in a string of one of my favorites gems...pearls. Turbulent and somewhat chaotic... and yet jovial and fun... perfect way to start a New Year!  I have two hobbies that I practice with obsession... (which means I either spend all my time practicing them or none at all): jewelry making and cooking. I have to admit that I spent all of my end-of the-year-holiday-free-time ... cooking. Though I have no Christmas jewelry designs to share with all of you, I do want to share this native Apache quote, along with my best wishes for a fantastic 2014!
"Looking behind I am filled with gratitude. Looking forward I am filled with vision. Looking upward I am filled with strength. Looking within I discover peace."  With Mother's Day around the corner, I have begun to make gifts for people that are special to me . Earrings and pendants are most popular because the can be made quickly and are very versatile. The colors in Spring jewelry are always bright and shiny. Making jewelry to give away is always fun and fulfilling! Visit my Everyday Jewelry page for the month of May!
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To work with ones hands is to be a laborer; to work with ones hands and brain is to be a craftsman; but to work with ones hands, brain and heart is to be an artist. - Louis Nizer Let's share!
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