My Crochet Tapestry in Thread - of a TREE

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ETSY





Anyone who has read my blog knows from my writings how much I love TREES!!

Well, I transfer my love of the live TREES to my Designs In Fiber!!

This is one I did in Threads - yes, it is basically the same pattern or charted design of my Tree Tapestry Pillow ( http://rssdesignsinfiber.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-is-every-day-my-tree-tapestry.html ), but done in finer threads in slightly different colors - and is smaller.

It is made with the beautiful Pearl Cotton Threads by DMC, which comes in some wonderful variegated threads, which I used for the ground, tree trunk and branches - and tree canopy! DMC Pearl Cotton has a colorful, lustrous, pearly effect, which shows a little bit in these photos!!

The Border around the Tapestry is a Graphic Filet Crochet Design which looks like a fancy picture frame and has a bit of a texture to it from raised stitches around the Tapesry.

Yes - I did it to look like a little photograph (I am a landscape photographer!) - but doing it with Fibers gives it some depth and texture -- and I like it!

You can find it in my Etsy Shop!!

Doing Images in Fibers is one of my favorite things to do -- some are smaller and some are larger - like the Rooster in Textured Filet Crochet!!

Some of my Images in Fiber have found homes -- I hope all of them will some day!!

Selling Some DMC Pearl Cotton Size 8 Again - on ARTFIRE

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs Crochet Supplies on ARTFIRE

Above is a Slideshow of photos of some of the DMC threads that I use in my crochet -- and sometimes sell Balls or Skeins of.

I can buy DMC Pearl Cotton in some quantity - so I am offering a few colors of Size 8 that I have enough balls of to spare some - here in this ARTFIRE shop!!

I use a lot of DMC threads for a variety of reasons - of course, Quality, but also the choices of Colors -- and their Pearl Cotton is just one of the most beautiful threads I have ever worked with!!

Also, the fact that their threads are Colorfast is a huge selling point with me, as I often crochet and knit projects with multiple colors in them -- so the fact that the threads are Colorfast is very important to me, as they don't bleed!!!

I just want to emphasize how beautiful DMC Pearl Cotton is - you can use it, of course for everything, but it makes beautiful 3-dimensional and textured crocheted and knitted accents.

I use it a lot for 3-dimensional Flowers and Leaves - here are some photos of some examples (some are for sale and some already sold):




















If you crochet or knit and would like some samples (a few inches of a thread in certain colors) - contact me through ARTFIRE!!

Some people also use Pearl Cotton for Needlepoint and Embroidery.

Check the DMC USA website for more information on these threads -- and the colors available!!

Another REUSABLE BAG - This One's For Me!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ARTFIRE and ETSY






One thing is that I do what I advise -- especially when it comes to Reusable Bags -- and Handmade ones that are alternatives to the plastic or non-natural material ones that you find for purchase in stores.

Above is a photo of a Smallish Drawstring Bag that I just finished this evening - for Myself!!

I have this "little something" that is kind of odd-shaped that I always have to carry with me whenever I go out for more than a few minutes. I have to periodically take it in and out of the bag.

So, my Solution was to make myself a little bag in the shape and size I needed -- and make it drawstring, so it is was easy to open, take it out, put it back and pull it shut -- and have it stay shut. The bottom is totally designed by me -- I like tweeds , so I "made" a tweed by using 2 strands of size 10 crochet thread - one in Burgundy and one in Lavender - holding them together and the crocheted result looks like a tweed.

I sized it to exactly fit the "little something" and easily pull closed.

I am very happy with it -- but then it is a Custom Order for Me!!

When I have the time, I make other bags for myself for various uses. I love crocheting them in a variety of colors!! I need to make a bunch more - will show them here on my blog when I have them made.

This is part of my personal campaign to reduce the plastic in my life - at least not to purchase more and it is working - just need more time to get more bags and/or baskets done!!!

I have a small variety of Handmade Reusable Bags in my Etsy shop -- I can do a Custom Order for you to your specifications either through my Etsy shop or my Artfire Studio!! Or even by private email, if you choose -- see upper right-hand corner of this blog.

Something A Little New in FALL COLORS!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers






This is a Trinket in Thread Crochet I worked up - Leaves in Sunset Ombre Thread with Fudge Brown for the edging.

Another "Inspired by Nature" piece.

A whole set to be coming up for sale this Fall!!

GUIDE to My FLOWER DESIGNS in THREADS

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Designs on ARTFIRE and ETSY


It has been about 7 years now since I started Crocheting with different Threads -- and some of my favorite designs to Crochet have been of FLOWERS!!

I like all Nature themes -- but colorful FLOWERS are just about my favorite to do -- and others seem to like them a lot, too!!

Here is a Video of My FLOWER DESIGNS in THREADS!!

Some of these Designs have Sold -- Some listed below are available for Sale in my Etsy Shop and Artfire Studio now!! I also do Special Requests or Custom Orders, either Privately - or through my Etsy Shop or Artfire Studio .

1. 3D WATER LILY ON GREEN DOILY
2. RED FLOWERS IN GREEN AND WHITE HOLIDAY DECOR
3. 3D PINK ROSES IN WHITE IRISH LACE
4. GARNET FLOWERS IN EVERGREEN DOILY OR CENTERPIECE
5. PURPLE PANSY FINE ART DOILY
6. 3D ORANGE YELLOW FLOWERS in TAN LACE Centerpiece
7. 3D ROSES and SHAMROCKS Doily
8. FLORAL ROUND on WHITE LACE Doily
9. Ornate Lily Flower Bloom - Vintage Style Filet Crochet Art
10. Filet Crochet Art - FLOWER - Evening Primrose
11. Yellow FLOWERS in GREEN Beaded Trinkets
12. GREEN LEAVES Beaded Trinkets
13. YELLOW FLOWERS in GREEN Doily or Centerpiece
14. Pink FLOWERS in BRUGES LACE Oval Trinket
15. CELTIC GARDEN Wall Decor, Ornament or Suncatcher
16. HUNGARIAN SUNFLOWER DOILY OR CENTERPIECE
17. BLUE ROSEMARY HERB BLOOM COASTERS OR TRINKET DOILIES
18. VALENTINE HEARTS AND FLOWERS TABLE RUNNER
19. WOVEN CELTIC PURPLE FLOWER DOILY
20. Yellow and Red 3D Autumn Flower Doily - Fiber Art Crochet
21. Irish Crochet Red Roses and Green Leaves Keychain


ALSO - see My FLOWER DESIGNS in THREADS that have SOLD!!

AND - for an even greater variety of MY FLOWER DESIGNS in THREADS - See My Public Photo Gallery of 3D FLOWER THREAD CROCHET!!

HAND-CROCHETED FLOWERS - for Appliques ... Buttons ... Decorations ... Pendants

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers

It all started when I needed to make Flowers - particularly attached 3-dimensional Flowers - for Doilies and other Thread Crochet items I was making to sell on consignment about 6 years ago.

I found I loved making them - in all kinds of colors, some solid colors, some variegated or shaded colors.



I also learned to put beads on them - inside the petals ... or around the petals ...



Up until a little while ago, I just made them for my own finished projects, both in Threads and Yarns -- all kinds.



But recently I decided to make a few sets in some of my more unusual Threads and put them up for sale in a Section of my Shop on Etsy.



I am making and selling them for several reasons:

-- as an alternative to plastic, metal or non-renewable material for attachments, decorations or buttons --

-- as colorful Cotton Decorations to be sewn on clothes or bags --

-- as colorful "cloth" Pendants or Charms for Necklaces, Bracelets, etc.

All Handmade, All Cotton, All Washable - can even be used on Baby and Children's items!!

I have quite a stash of Threads and Yarns -- so I can make them for all sorts of items -- in all sorts of sizes -- in all sorts of colors!! Some of my threads and yarns are Natural (washed, non-toxic) also - and there are small amounts of organic yarns to be found also, too!!

Check my "crocheted flowers" section here on my blog for more articles, including pictures, about Handmade Flowers!

Continuing with PURPLES for SPRING! Handmade PURPLE FLOWER Home Decor!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers





Pansies are one of my favorite flowers -- sometimes I have them in my front yard garden, though not every year.

And making things representing the things in Nature I love is a real joy!!

This hand-crocheted PURPLE PANSY piece has a center cluster of Purple and Lavender Pansies made with beautiful shaded Pearl Cotton threads.




The border, which is featured close up in this photo above, echoes the colors of the Purple and Lavender Pansies around a section done in a gray-beige with a design which can be visualized as leaves or branches.

This fits in French Country Style, though it is also an "Inspired by Nature" theme -- and I have listed this on the Handmade Decor website, Design Style Guide -- and added it to 2 of their online magazine articles as an example of a certain types of decor:

PURPLE FLOWERS IN INTERIOR DESIGN

- and 2010 COLOR TREND!!

PURPLES - and LAVENDERS - for Spring!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers


Have read and heard in various places around - mostly on the Internet, but also on TV - this Spring is the season for various shades of PURPLE - and it being a popular time for pastels - LAVENDERS and VIOLETS!!

Since I started doing Thread Crochet, various shades of PURPLE have been one of the popular colors -- and I have made and sold a number of pieces in them!

I love to work in Shaded Lavenders and Shaded Purples - in fact I have a work-in-progress with Pansies in those colors!! I have a number of crochet threads in those colors - Daisy size 30, J & P Coats size 30 (both "vintage" threads in new condition) -- and, of course, the DMC Pearl Cotton size 8 threads and DMC Tatting Cotton Threads!!

Below a few of the finished items in these colors are pictured - if they sold on Etsy or are listed on Etsy, the photo will link!!

A Spring Line of DESIGNS IN FIBER

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers


I design and plan much of my work in Crochet and Knitting with the seasons and nature in mind - that is just me!

Some call this "Nature in Art"!

Here are several items made in a Yellow and a Light Spring-like Green!

Not sure if these are the most "trendy colors" this year -- but they were requested for Spring -- so I did make these!










CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TO GO TO THE LISTING WITH SPECIFICS!!

As I do Custom Orders and I have this thread in stock -- I can also do Special Orders to customer specifications, if requested!!

A "LUCKY" SPRING DESIGN IN FIBER!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers

A-h-h-h!! The "LUCK" of the Four-Leaf Clover!!

Personally, I am not much of one to rely on "LUCK" -- though I don't mind if I have some time to time!!

According to "tradition" and "legend" the real Four-Leaf Clover (which does exist) brings luck to their finder!!

Actually, I do believe I really saw one once -- by accident -- in some wild place, though I will be honest, as there are some other plants that supposedly look just like it, I cannot say for sure it was actually a Four-Leaf Clover! (I have plenty of the more common variety of clover - the Three-Leaf one - in my front yard - and I am particularly fond of it -- it makes great green ground cover inbetween all my plants and pots!!!)

You can read about the Four-Leaf Clover some here on Wikipedia!!

The Four-Leaf Clover pictured above though is one made of Fiber - and is one of what will be 20 motifs in a Table Runner that is currently a work-in-progress (see the beginning 4 motifs below).



Some will tell you that no matter what form it comes in, these Four-Leaf clovers represent "LUCK"!! Therefore, this Table Runner, which will have 10 of them in it, will be quite LUCKY!!

Actually, I am doing it as a Nature-Inspired Spring-Themed item (also good for St. Patrick's Day if you so choose) in Shamrock Green (for the Four-Leaf Clovers) and Ecru for the border and alternating motifs.

The alternating motif (below) is actually a design of a flower or plant with a number of shoots - and I am doing it in Ecru beige as a background for the Four-Leaf Clovers.



The Table Runner will be a long and thin one - the type you put down the middle of a long table and often hanging over the sides some - either directly on a bare table or on top of a tablecloth. The overall design is my idea - though I am using various motifs from different places. When finished, it will be approximately 10 inches wide by 50 inches long.

And definitely for a Nature-type decor or decoration!!

Watch for it in my Etsy shop - it should be finished and listed within a few days!!

I have lots of ideas for motifs -- and lots of patterns for all kinds of motifs that I could make into a similar design - wider or longer or shorter - as I have said before - I DO CUSTOM ORDERS!! Contact me through my Etsy shop or private contact (upper right on this blog) if you want to discuss a CUSTOM ORDER!!

Irish Crochet Hearts -- a Variety of Color Themes!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers


Been adding a number of the little Trinket Irish Crochet Hearts to my Etsy shop over the last couple of weeks -- I now am up to four all with different colors of 3D Roses in them -- and have sold a few over the months -- and years ....





My latest is a new color for my Irish Crochet Hearts - Shaded Lavender 3D Roses in a fine, heirloom weight 6-cord thread, which is some of the highest quality of threads you can find!


Took a little bit of work and experimentation to work out how I exactly wanted these to be -- though I have patterns and instructions for crocheting Irish Lace, I wanted these Hearts to have fine thread multi-layer Roses -- with contrasting colors for the Heart shape, which I feel really brings out the flowers and the Irish lace!!


I think these are exceedingly romantic and can be used in a number of different ways -- especially with the small loop on them, which makes them easy for hanging. It all makes them great Valentine gifts for an admirer of hand-made lace!!


Some years ago I made some that were slightly different in a thicker fiber for someone to decorate their wall with -- a custom order!


I really find it fun to work out these different designs!!

Working in 3D with Threads -- 3-Dimensional Flowers!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers

In 2002, when I discovered the joy of crocheting more complicated designs in Threads, I had started on a journey that still continues.

I started by getting patterns, reading them and doing them. At first, I had to read each step/row of the pattern and do it. As time went on and I became more familiar with certain styles and ways of creating certain effects, I went faster. At one point, I started putting together some of my own designs -- especially in Filet Crochet and Pineapple designs, which I continue to this day.

One of the types of Thread Art that I learned and now love to do is 3-dimensional pieces. Mostly I do 3-dimensional flowers of different types with the most popular being Roses. I also do textured or 3-dimensional leaves.

3-dimensional flowers are quite popular amongst people who do crafts -- so much so that some people sell them for other crafters to use.

But I make all my own in the style I choose for each project I do.

Ovet the years, I have done quite a few projects that have 3-dimensional flowers of one kind or another on them.

I have a Section in my Etsy Shop just for my Designs In Fiber with 3D FLOWERS (though there might from time to time be a few in my FREE / REDUCED SHIPPING Section).

Here are a few photos of some of the different styles of Thread projects I have done with 3D Flowers, from over the past 6 years. At the very end is a Slidewhow of my Public Album on Picasa: "3D Flower Thread Crochet".

3D Sparkling Flower Design in Fall Color Theme

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers






I've been planning and working on this project for a while.

It has 3-dimensional flowers done in a particular way - 8 petals on each of 3 layers - and each petal is edged with gold-copper blending filament added -- giving the flowers a sparkle!!

The 3-dimensional flowers sit in tan lace. There are 6 motifs with the flowers - the seventh center motif is totally flat for putting "things" on -- perfect for vases, bowls, figurines.

On the border of each motif, I added more of the gold-copper blending filament to give more sparkle!!

This is truly an Artistic Fine Thread piece - perfect for Home Decor on any table. If you really would like to, you could also turn it into Wall Art by mounting or framing it.

It is for sale on Etsy - here.

But, I ALSO DO CUSTOM ORDERS - I can do this in a different size - in different colors - with different flowers. If you don't shop on Etsy, you can contact me here about Custom Orders!

Thread Crochet - Preview of One Motif of Work-In-Progress

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers





Here is one Motif of a soon-to-be-finished project.

I have done this one in a special way because I wanted it to be, well, special!

In the center of the Motif is a 3-dimensional 3-layer flower made with a DMC Pearl Cotton variegated thread in dark oranges (almost organge-red) and lighter oranges and yellow - with some orange-gold blending filament on the edges of each petal for sparkle. Those small glistening gold spots in the photo are the orange-gold blending filament showing.

This 3-dimensional flower sits in a lace pattern of a tan brown thread - and on the outer rounds of this motif, you will see more of the glistening gold spots - more of the orange-gold blending filament.

6 of these motifs attached around a center flat motif will make up this round centerpiece - with the motifs, the finished piece will have more of a scalloped round shape.

The flat center will make it good for a centerpiece on a table where you can put a bowl or vase or other pottery or even a small statue or large figurine.

I hope to have this finished and up for sale in my Etsy shop within a few days.

The DMC Pearl Cotton, with its wonderful colors and "pearly effect" -- and the orange-gold Krenik blending filament are what makes this Special!

Crochet Threads I Use and May Have Available For Sale

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers

Here is a Slideshow of a few of the Crochet Threads that I use in my crochet (and sometimes knitting) projects from my Picasa Web Album. The captions are the name, size and color description of each thread. (You can always check this Picasa Album online to see if I have added any pictures of any new colors.)

Though I use a variety of crochet threads - what I can find in specific colors - for much of my crochet work I use DMC Crochet Cottons -- and these 2 are the ones I use the most:

DMC Pearl Cotton Balls - sizes 5, 8 and 12 (DMC Article 116)
DMC Cebelia Cotton Crochet Thread - sizes 10, 20 and 30 (DMC Article 167G/167GA)

The above links are to the online DMC Color Cards, where you can also find links to Color Descriptions and other Quick References.

I have my own stock of the colors that I usually use - but I have access to all the colors through a DMC Distributor.

I sell only through my Etsy shop -- and I am looking into putting in an order soon. I can do custom, reserved orders of combinations of colors and threads through my Etsy shop.

DMC Pearl Cotton has the most beautiful "lustrous", "pearly" sheen of any thread I have used -- and I often use it as an accent or main thread in my Thread Crochet projects! Size 8, which I use the most and comes in hundreds of colors including 30+ variegated colors, works up extrememly well with size 20 crochet threads -- but can be used for Flowers, Embellishments and Buttons on almost anything!!

If anyone is interested in getting some in any of their colors, you can contact me through my Etsy shop (Etsy Conversations) -- or leave a comment here with an email address.


Here are a few examples of my Thread Crochet using these DMC Threads -- and all of them have DMC Pearl Cotton in them!!

Vote in the Etsy Thread Artists Poll for October 2009 Thread Artist!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items In Fibers

The Etsy Thread Artists Monthly Poll for the October 2009 Thread Artist is nearing its end!!

The winner of the Poll will be Featured on our Team Blog and the front page of our Team NING social network.

These Polls gives our Team an idea of what people admire in Thread Crochet - so if you would like to voice your opinion, go over there and vote!!

We have over 40 members now and they do quite a variety of different objects in Thread Crochet. Maybe you have seen something by one of them that you particularly like -- well the Poll is at the top right of our Team Blog - just click on the shop for the Thread Artist you like!!

If you feel like it - you can browse through the shops that are listed on our Team Blog -- or do this search on Etsy and see which Thread Artist you would like to vote for:

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=handmade&search_query=threadartiststeam&order=date_desc&ship_to=

Maybe something just catches your eye - well go ahead and vote for that person!

We are having this Poll Monthly, so you can always vote for whoever you want to the next month!!

ARTISAN FEATURE: Sherry of Sherry's Garden

Ruth Sandra Sperling

Sherry of Sherry's Garden and I became "Internet friends" over time after "meeting" in an online crochet group. As things went, we started emailing outside the group about all kinds of subjects in addition to our crochet. We've kept up over time -- and I always have liked her crocheted flowers in so many different perky colors. I make my own for my own crochet, but for all those out there who just want to pick some up to put on -- who knows what -- Sherry of Sherry's Garden may be the best shop to go to ....

Sherry of Sherry's Garden

Question: What places do you sell your Thread Crochet on the Internet?

Answer: I only sell on Etsy: http://shaylyn629.etsy.com/


Question: Do you ever sell your own Thread Crochet offline? If so, Where & Why?

Answer: Donate to Hopefully Yours, a thrift shop in Burlington, Iowa that benefits Hope Haven, school and residence for mentally challenged kids & adults.




Question: What kinds of Thread Crochet do you do (including methods, techniques, materials etc.) and prefer?

Answer: I make crochet flowers as supplies for other crafters, some are acylic/polyester and some are cotton, most done in size 10 or 20 threads. Lots of colors and sizes.

Question: Are there any particular Thread Crochet designers that you prefer? Please Name them, state Why & What kinds of designs.

Answer: I love the floral crochet doily designs! RSS designs and Demet's lovely work, all of the great ladies that make the floral doilies.

Question: How did you learn Thread Crochet? Did (Do) you teach yourself or take classes?

Answer: I taught myself to crochet for the most part, my grandmother helped me some.


Question: How long have you been doing Thread Crochet? - Go into your Personal History in it as much as you want to here, such as why you started doing Thread Crochet and any inspirations and/or people who interested you in it.

Answer: I started doing thread crochet 40 years ago. My grandmother made doilies and I loved the look of them, and she was such a great lady I wanted to do something to please her and to as creative as she was. I did doilies and tablecloths for a long time, then found the flowers were quicker and more useful to other crafters. Just about any color combination works for me, and there are thousands of possibilities.

Question: Are there other interests in your life that you would like to discuss (hobbies, charities, other careers)?

Answer: The only other interests in my life are my family and my pets!


Question: To anyone who is interested in learning and doing Thread Crochet, do you have any suggestions or recommendations?

Answer: Go outside the norm with your crochet. Experiment with colors and textures and go with what pleases you.


Question: Do you have a blog or website where you discuss or showcase your Thread Crochet?

Answer: My blog is about a lot of things; my crochet, sewing, cooking, and most dear to me, dogs. http://shaylyn629.blogspot.com/

Please Note: My Features are based on the artisan's answers to questions I give them and the photos they send me or choose or approve -- I give all artisans I Feature full editing rights.