New Americana Cup Cozy Set - Handmade - Reusable - EcoFriendly

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Get My Handmade in Etsy Shop -- or Privately

New EcoFriendly Cup Cozy in Americana Red, White and Blue By RSS Designs In Fiber!

Handmade with EcoFriendly Cotton Yarns - a Red, White and Blue Ombre held together with a Solid Navy Blue to make it double-worsted - These Cup Cozies are Hand-Crocheted in a Stretchy Cotton Stitch - these Cup Cozies will fit on most usual size of Hot Coffee / Tea Cups at places like Starbucks and Panera (I have used mine at both when I don't bring my own cup)!  Photo above taken with one on a Panera Cup!

Carry this Cup Cozy with you in your pocket, purse, knapsack, briefcase to just grab every time you buy a cup of Hot Coffee or Tea!  

They work much better than the disposable paper ones these places offer - and they are Reusable many, many times!

And these are in Patriotic Red, White and Blue!!!

See on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RSSDesignsInFiber/posts/10155475824006735

See on Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/567594359284208531/

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I blogged about my other Cup Cozies I've made - and they are all in my Etsy Shop!! -- And I can always make some Custom for a Customer in some of the other colors of the cotton yarns I have!!

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And I've been Crocheting and Knitting in Americana for years now - here are a couple of other Handmade Americana currently in my RSS Designs In Fiber Etsy Shop!!

Eco Crochet Cup Cozy in Colorful Yarns By RSS Designs In Fiber

Ruth Sandra Sperling

RSS Designs In Fiber - Get My Handmade in my Bonanza Booth or my Etsy Shop -- or Privately

I Crochet and Knit pretty much all the time - people who have been in my apartment have seen all the Handmade items that I have made myself and use in my daily life .... and that is how my newest Handmade Crochet product came to be.

It is called a "Cup Cozy" Red and Green Set of 3 of them in this photo to the left.

But those who I have met in a Starbucks - and the people working at Starbucks, where I go the most often for that cup of Tea (I don't drink Coffee any more) while I am On-The-Go, have seen my Cozy that I carry with me and put on my Hot Cups there - instead of those paper ones they give out that I can't stand.

Here to the right is a Cup Cozy Set of 2 in Blues - and, hey, these go with your Jeans (LOL)!!

They are all crocheted with Cotton Worsted Yarn doubled up - or Double Cotton Worsted Yarn - both of which I have plenty of in Peaches and Cream Colors (new colors - and older discontinued colors that I still have).

These are soft Cotton - they stretch a little bit to fit and "hug" whatever cup size you buy - they actually make it easier to hold the cup and really protect your fingers from the Hot Cup.

I like mine that I carry with me (in a color not yet available in my Etsy Shop) -- works much better and adds a bit of color to that part of life!!

Eco-Friendly for three reasons:

1. Replaces the disposable paper cup cozies given out at most Coffee/Tea Shops - Reducing Waste!
2. Made with Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic Cotton Yarn (I have checked - this particular Cotton Yarn is made with non-toxic colors and that is verified by tested waste-waters at the yarn manufacturers.).
3. Re-usable for a long time!!

I have lots of this Cotton Yarn - I have 2 more Cup Cozy Sets in my Etsy Shop, as shown below - and I can make Custom Orders for people in the Colors of their choice by Request ... h-m-m-m, I think there is an Americana Red, White and Blue Set coming soon!!

Funky Multi-color Cup Cozy Set of 2

Pink And Burgundy Cup Cozy and Coaster Set

Brand New Creation - A Wrist Cuff That Hugs Your Wrist! - New Personal Accessory

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber
 - Get My Handmade in my Bonanza Booth or my Etsy Shop -- or Privately

Sometimes - in my own world of doing Handmade - I come up with something to solve a problem - and this Brand New Wrist Cuff That Hugs Your Wrist is just that!!

This one is in Shaded Denim Blues - as it really is in the shade of Blue, "Denim", I thought that in this world of "Jeans-wearing people all over the place", it might appeal to someone!

I designed it to Hug and Cushion the Wrist while on a Computer - or using a Mouse - Huh - Like other blogging, online roaming  people like me, LOL!!

I had to figure it out, but having been crocheting all kinds of things (many of which have never seen the light of online at all) in many different types of stitches, I figured it all out and it worked on the first try! (Yes I'm wearing the one I made for  myself as I type this!)

I used 2 types of Crocheted Rib Stitches - to explain - these are Crochet Stitch Patterns that create Ribs - you know those Ribbed bottoms of Sweaters or at the ends of Sweater Arms - that STRETCH - you see - STRETCH is the key word here!

I needed something that would Cover the Wrist area - sort of Fit and Hug it, but not wanting to have to attach some fastener - it had to be able to Stretch over the Wider Part of the Hand to put it on - and still "Hug The Wrist"!

The Section that "Hugs The Wrist" is Crocheted with "Post Stitch Rib", which is really rather thick and CUSHIONING (another key word) - and here is a Closeup picture that shows the detail of the Post Stitch Rib Section of this Wrist Cuff:

Then -- since I wanted the Top of the Cuff to be wider to accommodate easy movement with the Hand and still fit comfortable - I did this upper part (see it in the pictures at  the top) with a Back Loop Single Crochet Rib Stitch, which is a little more flexible and Stretch-y.

Well - some experienced Crocheters will know what I mean - and it all worked out.

It is crocheted in one of my favorite Cotton Yarns - Peaches and Creme, which I have in quite a few colors.

These are Real Casual - designed for Everyday Use - that you can slip in a pocket, case, purse, desk drawer - and then just pull out and pop on - definitely convenience in mind ( I get impatient sometimes, do you?)!

Available in my On Fire For Handmade Gift Guide Shop at:

Shaded Denim Blue Wrist Cuff - Protective - Handmade Casual Stretch-y Ribbed Cotton Yarn Hugs Wrist 

-- And I've thought some people might want some in other Colors (who knows?) - I can make one of these in all kinds of Colors - I have this cotton yarn in quite a number of Colors - practically the whole Color spectrum - just Email Me to request a Custom one made in the Color you want - and tell me the Size you need!!

My Red and White Sun Hat is in "Stylish Fashion Accessories" Handmade Great Finds This Week

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber
- Get My Handmade in my Bonanza Booth or my Etsy Shop -- or Privately

Hand-Crocheted Sun Hat in Red and White by RSS Designs In Fiber

Are you "On Fire For Handmade"?

Well, then the "On Fire for Handmade" website - and its weekly event, "Great Finds" might be for you!

Anne Hopfer of "On Fire For Handmade" has been doing this weekly event for a while - showing what is available in HANDMADE in different themes - Colors Themes or Holiday Themes or Seasonal Themes - it is a lot of fun for those of us who like, admire and do HANDMADE!  

You can VOTE for whichever one you like in each event - each day.

This week starting May 18th 2015 - this is the Great Finds:

- and the Red and White Sun Hat that I made, pictured at the top, is in this

"Stylish Fashion Accessories" Great Finds - with only Handmade in it!!

Take a look at "Stylish Fashion Accessories" Great Finds - VOTE ... and VOTE .... and you can VOTE each day!!

Enjoy, Celebrate - Spread The News about HANDMADE!!

A Selection of Cotton Potholders For Your Kitchen - In A Choice of Colors

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber
-- Get My Handmade Designs in my Bonanza Booth - or Etsy Shop or Privately

Emerald Green Mix Hanging Potholder Set - Handmade by RSS Designs In Fiber

Here is a Selection of Handmade Hanging Potholders that I decided to make in different colors!!

Some people like to buy things for the Kitchens - Home or Office - that actually match or at least go with the color theme in their Kitchens.

Some like to buy in different colors - just for some Colorful Accessories in their Homes.

So-o-o - I came up with the idea of making sets of Hanging Potholders in a selection of Colors - all in Peaches and Creme 100% Cotton Worsted Yarn, which I had in quite a few colors already and had used for years - and I knew would make good Housewares!

Navy and Denim Hanging Potholder Set - Handmade by RSS Designs In Fiber

Red and White Hanging Potholder Set with Small Basket

Shaded Yellows and White Hanging Potholder Set by RSS Designs In Fiber

"Fall Leaves" - A Hanging Pot Holder Set in Shaded Browns and Burnt Orange

Emerald Green and Burgundy Red Hanging Pot Holder Set - Winter Nature and Holiday Decor

Berry Colored Hanging Potholder Set - Handmade by RSS Designs In Fiber

 I really have been making these - in different designs - for years!  Here's my Pinterest Board for "Pot Holders, Baskets and Cloths" - all crocheted in strong Peaches & Creme Cotton Worsted Yarns!  (Including some that already sold!)

If you would prefer to purchase one of my Handmade products PRIVATELY and not through any venue - please contact me at the EMAIL ADDRESS HERE !

Follow Ruth Sandra Sperling's board Pot Holders, Cloths and Baskets For The Kitchen on Pinterest.

New Design for Handmade Hanging Pot Holder - with Tunisian Crochet

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber
- Get My Handmade Designs on Bonanza - or on Etsy - or Privately

Kitchen Hanging Potholders in Berry Colors

I learned how to do the Basic Tunisian Crochet - and when I did it with an Ombre (or Variegated) Yarn, I found out the beautiful look that resulted - Abstract, but I loved it!

So-o-o, I decided to use it to make some Centers for Pot Holders and other Decor - and the set above was my first project that I did and listed online.

Below is a Closeup of the Tunisian Crochet Center for the Pot Holder on the right in the Above Photo!

Closeup of Tunisian Crochet Center for Hanging Pot Holder in Berry Colors

Around the Tunisian Crochet Center are rounds in Colors that fit:  Mauve Purple and the Winterberry Ombre and White.

Tunisian Crochet Basic, done tightly, with an Afghan Crochet Hook that makes tight stitches with the Yarn or Thread you are working with, results in a rather dense, tight Solid Fabric.  I crocheted it that way intentionally - I wanted a Tight, Dense fabric that would result in a fabric thick enough to be Protective for picking up Hot Pots or Dishes!

I moved on to my next project using Tunisian Crochet to make Pot Holders with a Yarn in different shades of one Color - Yellow - mixed in with White -- it is called "Daisy Ombre" by Peaches and Creme (though it is a discontinued Color now).

Yellow Hanging Pot Holder Set with Tunisian Crochet Center

It is a little different with this kind of Colored Ombre Yarn, as the Colors are really Analogous, making a more Monochromatic Color Theme - but enough of a difference from the White to the Darker Yellow to create a design.  I really like this one, too!

Here is the Closeup of the Tunisian Crochet Center for this Pot Holder design:

Closeup of Tunisian Crochet Center of Yellow Daisy Ombre Yarn Hanging Pot Holder

I thought that these Yellow "Daisy Ombre" Pot Holders would fit well in a Kitchen where Yellow is either a Main Color in the decorating theme - or an Accent Color.  From what I have heard from different people - Yellow is often a color in Kitchens (I think)!

A New Crochet Technique incorporated into making my Handmade Decor to add more variety to what I make - I like the "Abstract Design" that results!

There is one thing, though - Tunisian Crochet does not look the same on the back - so I've included a picture below of the BACK of the Yellow Daisy Ombre Pot Holders - the back of the Closeup above, so you can see how it looks - which I also like!

Back of Yellow Daisy Ombre Pot Holder with Tunisian Crochet Center

For August - SUMMER HATS - Handmade and Cotton

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


Hot, Sunny Days of Summer - AUGUST!

In these hot, sunny days, especially where I live in the High Desert of Southern California, I would never go out without something on my head to protect it from the hot sun and shade my face.

As I have made hats since my teens (oh, about 40 years ago!) and I get a little ticked off at the sunhats sold in the stores, I make my own for myself -- and then some to sell to others.

Made with the Peaches and Creme 100% worsted cotton, they are sturdy, lightweight, comfortable and "crushable", all strong points with me personally.

I am not sure how others feel -- or exactly what they are looking for.

Here are some examples of Summer Hats in 100% cotton -- all of them easily fold up to go in a bag or suitcase and they never get wrinkled!

First, here are 2 from my Etsy shop:



This is a Red and White Sunhat with a 3-dimensional multi-layered flower on the side -- click on the picture to see my Etsy shop listing with several views of it.











This is a Slouchy Beret or Tam with a netted top and a solid band cuff that stretches. In a variegated yarn with yellow, pink and turquoise with white, it is cheerful and bright! The solid band can cover those ears in a cooler breeze. Click on the picture to see the Etsy listing.







Last, here is one that I made as a custom order for someone local where I live. It is in Navy Blue, but I also made her one exactly like it in Black.










I DO CUSTOM ORDERS FOR HATS AND ALL KINDS OF THINGS - Please note that the Peaches and Creme cotton yarn I use comes in many different colors including quite a variety of variegated yarns, which I can get from the manufacturer's online store!

IT'S A NEW YEAR!!

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


It is a New Year - I was still up last night at midnight when it became 2009 and I thought - so now it is the new year and I am looking forward to some new things!!

One of the subjects frequently mentioned this time of year is New Year Resolutions.

Well, I am all too often making resolutions about different things and I live by some resolutions all the time and it doesn't have to be a New Year to make them!!

Actually, for some reason or reasons, this New Year I am hopeful of some good changes in some areas of life that I care a great deal about.

And one of the things I am grateful for is, of all things, that I found and got on Twitter!!

I am http://twitter.com/rssdesigns on Twitter.

I have found that Twitter is a great place to find out information and to communicate and make fast originations about things I want to make known publicly.

I have found some good connections through Twitter - and have found some people who are doing some really good things!!

The world and the Internet are vast -- I have found that checking the Profiles of people/groups on Twitter, I can find people with common interests and goals and connect up!!

You can do fast, quick posts, Direct Message, Reply, Follow -- and do it whenever you want or can! If you haven't tried it, you might want to!!

I am expecting some changes in our world in this New Year -- some facing up to realities and one of those is that this planet can physically only handle so much and we need to re-organize and restructure life on this planet so we can live here.

I put this on Twitter and I am going to say it again:

We all need to live within our means and do our very best to have an ecological footprint for one person.

Well, I am not sure - but the last time I took a "test" for my ecological footprint, it was pretty close to 1 person.

But I don't drive and primarily use public transportation, I do my best to buy "local" foods (within a 200 mile radius -- like I told someone at a local grocery store where they had cherries from Chile -- I don't buy food from overseas), I grow my own herbs and at times some veggies and, during the months when it is available, I get my fruit from a local orchard where I can pick it if I have time.

Now I am going to be concentrating on make children's clothes and other "wearables" in natural cotton yarns (Peaches and Creme worsted cotton in white and ecru). Watch for these in my shop, http://www.rssdesignswearables.etsy.com/ .

If you want to make some New Year Resolutions, go right ahead!!

But I believe in making them all year round -- as needed!!


Ruth

WARM, ALL COTTON FINGERLESS MITTENS!!

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



I have been crocheting hats and scarves and sweaters - warm things for the winter - for years - since I was a teenager actually!!



This year I also added knitting them!!



-- And I made my first pair of fingerless mittens - for myself.



I knitted them in Peaches & Creme worsted cotton - double strand - Bright Navy Blue and Black.

I chose cotton - Peaches & Creme worsted cotton - because I love the feel of cotton and I want to be able to wear them all the time when I am doing things, but it is cold.



Double strand, Peaches & Creme is warm - especially since I knitted them in Garter stitch.



They are WARM!! And I made them snug and long - they go up my arm about 3 inches from my wrist. And they have a covering for the thumb for warmth!



Here, take a closer look at one of them.

I am so happy with them!!



Watch for some showing up in my shop for Wearables - RSS Designs Wearables!! As I DO CUSTOM ORDERS, I can make a pair for any one in the size they want - though I will have to possibly find the colors someone wants.



Of course, Peaches & Creme has a huge selection of colors that I can get if you can wait. See here for the selection of Peaches & Creme worsted cotton yarn.



Keep Warm!!



Ruth

POLL HERE ON MY BLOG!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread


I decided to do a POLL here on my blog to see what is needed and wanted - or just desired - by people in Designs In Fiber that I do. It is over on the right - below my Welcome and About Me.

I do crochet in both thread and yarn for Home Decor and Things To Wear - I would really like to know what I make is wanted - or even not, because I have a "None of the above" choice in the POLL!!

I try to make things that are useful and aesthetic, though some are just mainly aesthetic.

I can personalize things either doing Filet Crochet or Tapestry Crochet, both of which I discuss in posts here in my blog. They should both be tagged "crochet".

I haven't tried it before, but I can personalize in knitting, too!!.

I love to do custom orders for people who want something in particular - that way they are spending their money on things they really want.

I can email with people if they want something in particular, but are not sure exactly what.

I can send pictures of colors of yarn or thread.

Feel free to let me know. There is an email address on top if anyone wishes to contact me -- or if you are on Etsy, you can contact me through http://www.rssdesignsinfiber.etsy.com/ (Home Decor) -- or http://www.rssdesignswearables.etsy.com/ (Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry, Bags).


Ruth

reusablebags.com - BYOB - "BRING YOUR OWN BAG"

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread

As I have mentioned this before, anyone who knows me or has read some of my blog knows how I feel -- I HATE those disposable bags (both plastic and paper) and I use and promote reusable bags.

I recently discovered the wesite http://www.reusablebags.com/ and am putting their plastic bag counter here on my blog! I found out about it from http://www.greenbaglady.blogspot.com/, who I had found out about from http://www.mygoodhouse.wordpress.com/, who I found out about on Twitter because mygoodhouse is following me there!!

reusablebags.com is great for those who are looking to buy reusable bags online, but I either get mine locally at Trader Joe's or make them myself!!!

Here are a few examples of reusable bags I have made.

First of all, for going to the Post Office or just around where I live, I have my own green bag which I crocheted years ago that I use all the time - people in my neighborhood know it well - it is a shoulder bag. I crocheted it with Peaches and Creme Emerald Green and Shades of Green worsted cotton yarn. I refuse the disposable bags all the time around my neighborhood - what I buy either goes in my trusty green shoulder bag - or one of my little canvas bags that I use if I buy heavier things. Here is a picture of my trusty hand-crocheted (by me!) green reusable bag!!

I also make reusable bags for gifts and to sell. Here are a few examples of some I have for sale on Etsy:

First, I have a Gift Bag that I crocheted in yellow, green and red - a Poinsettia Bag!! It is in my shop on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13688791.

Next, I have some bags that I made and sell in my etsy shop for wearables that can be used as reusable bags -

1. Hand-Crocheted Tote Bag with a squared-off flat bottom and shoulder-length straps in bright red and white: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12929064

2. Hand-crocheted small shoulder bag with a coin purse - it could be used as a small reusable bag/tote or like a shoulder-strap purse: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15451961

All of these bags are actually my own designs put together by me. I use Peaches and Creme worsted cotton yarn because I know how strong it is and that it will last as I have used it myself for years in my own life!!

If someone would want a unique reusable bag just for them, they can contact me either by email - or if you are on Etsy, you can contact me at http://www.rssdesignswearables.etsy.com/ either through a private Alchemy request or by Etsy Conversation about what you would want. I have about 5 colors in cones of Peaches and Creme in stock right now that I could make a bag out of - and there are a few colors I can get locally and their whole line of colors I can get online.

I really do custom orders - I knit and crochet them and the way I make them, they are beautiful and they last!!!

Or find your own patterns and make your own in your own choice of fabrics or colors of yarn!!

Ruth

FOR HANDMADE BABY AND KIDS CLOTHING - CHECK THESE SECTIONS IN MY ETSY SHOP

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread


I just thought I would make it easy for someone who was reading here about my handmade clothing for babies and kids to find the sections for them in my wearables shop on etsy.com:

I have a special section for Baby Hats:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5996088&section_id=5505444


And I have a special section for Kid's Clothing:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5996088&section_id=5505448

Since the cooler days are coming on, I will be making and adding some warmer things on a regular basis over the next few months.

Look for some things in particular holiday colors:

-- reds and greens
-- blues
-- blue and white.


I also like to make some things in colors that are particular for babies:

-- white
-- pastel variegateds
-- pink
-- light blue.


I also like to make things in brighter colors that the kids like:

-- plum and plum/purple variegated
-- greens and green variegated
-- maroon or wine with various shades of rose and pink
-- some of the more "artistic" variegated ones like one called "Monet" (impressionistic watercolors)
-- some of the other variegateds like "Bay Print"


There are so many yarns out there and I love to use the variegated ones for sweaters because they come out so nice and fun when you crochet and knit with them!!

WATCH FOR SOME NEW THINGS IN SOME COLORS I PICK OUT!!

Again, I do custom orders, so people can contact me by email or directly on www.etsy.com in etsy conversations about making things in the colors they want!!


Ruth

MAKING BABY AND CHILDREN'S CLOTHES - A REAL JOY

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread



It was sometime in my early teens that I learned to crochet and sew. It was later on in life when I learned to knit.


I always enjoyed doing handmade -- and I still do!!


In fact, that was one of the reasons that I set up my 3rd shop on http://www.etsy.com/, http://www.rssdesignswearables.etsy.com/ -- to have a special shop for my crochet and knitting designs that are wearable -- especially the ones for babies and kids.


Here are a few of those designs in my shop.


I read on the Internet how hats for newborns and babies help to keep them healthy because they keep their heads warm. So, I make a few baby hats and here are a couple of them:


This first one is 100% white cotton -- it is knitted in a rib pattern, which makes it stretchy, but snuggly -- that means it will stretch to fit different sizes, but then once it is on, it fits snug. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15724345

This one I made with acrylic yarn in different colors -- acrylic is totally and easily washable - and WARM - I think it would be good for a baby in the winter. It is also in a rib pattern and stretches, but fits snug. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15686453

I actually love making children's clothes, especially sweaters for the winter. Over the years, I have made a variety of them -- mostly to give away. Here is one I made for my shop. It is knitted BULKY and WARM, double strand 100% cotton! Personally, I like cotton and I know from experience that this Peaches and Creme worsted cotton knitted or crocheted double strand is WARM. Peaches and Creme yarn is also washable (lukewarm water on delicate and tumble dry on low heat), which is important for kid's clothing!! This is a size 6 crewneck pullover in Shaded Denim - which is great with jeans!! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16152420

This next one is last, but not least!!

The design is from a magazine from about 1980 with Granny Square Designs. All I know is that the designer of this Granny Square pattern that is on this Girl's Jumper won an award. I loved doing it - thanks to the designer! It is made with acrylic yarn for warmth and washing convenience (totally washable). It is a size 8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12918822

I've enjoyed making all of these items -- I hope some child will enjoy wearing them someday!!

I also do custom orders -- so if anyone knows someone who would want some warm children's cothing handmade for the winter or some cool children's clothing for the summer, they can email me (see above).

By the way, keep in mind that all handmade is "eco" or good for the environment in that it is "low carbon" - though I buy my yarn, the making of the clothing is done without using any electricity except the lights I have on anyway -- and I use energy saving bulbs!!

Ruth

CELTIC WOVEN CROCHET

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread

There are quite a variety of styles or methods of crochet.

A few years ago, I found out about a method of crochet that actually combines crocheting with weaving.

It is called CELTIC WOVEN CROCHET (as I have seen anyway).

Here is an example of a simple one motif piece in cotton yarn that is big enough to be a small hotpad, trivet or big coaster.

With Celtic Woven Crochet, you crochet two or even three pieces, then you layer them in a certain order and crochet the pieces together with a border.

In this piece, there are two pieces crocheted together with quite an elaborate border.

Here is the front, with has a center with 6 petals in ecru yarn:

Of course, to get the right effect, you must use different, contrasting colors of yarn.

The contrasting border which is crocheting the 2 pieces together is a twisted yarn made up of 3 strands of cotton crochet thread - one strand green, one strand yellow and one strand orange - with inverted loops.

I like this pattern - it is using just the basic crochet stitches to make something a bit different!!

Then I crocheted an edging in ecru yarn.

As the center is actually 2 pieces crocheted together, the back looks different:

The "back" looks like a 6-pointed ecru star with a smaller star in the green-yellow-orange yarn in the middle. This looks nice, too, but I prefer the "front".

You can do a number of motifs and crochet them together to make any number of things:

a placemat

a tablecloth

an afghan

a sweater.

I have even done these patterns in finer crochet thread making little coasters and then crocheting several motifs together to make a doily.

One time I did a motif in 3 colors and crocheted it inside a hoop to make a wall-hanging!!

These last things were either sold or given away years ago.

If you like graphic designs with contrasting colors, Celtic Woven Crochet is a fun way way to make some beautiful designs!!

Ruth

A PRIVATE CUSTOM ORDER - A CROCHETED SUNHAT IN NAVY BLUE

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Designs Wearable - Internet Shop of Wearable Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread





SPECIAL ORDER NAVY BLUE COTTON SUNHAT FOR GLORIA




I do my crafts because I enjoy doing them, but it is a real pleasure when someone likes what I make well enough to buy it.


Every once in a while, I get custom orders from people I see and/or know locally.


This time the custom order came from someone liking something that I had made and was wearing -- a beige crocheted sunhat.


I've been making myself hats for years. For the colder times, I have a variety of hats all in different colors to match coats, sweaters and scarves.


I also wear hats in the hot times - where I live in the Antelope Valley of Southern California - it is hot and sunny and windy most of the warmer months - May through September (sometimes even October), so I always have some hats to shade my face and cover my head - it keeps you cooler.


I had found a pattern for a hat in a book of hat patterns by Bernat that I felt was perfect for a Sunhat. It was the one I used for the Red & White one with the 3-d flower (featured in an earlier post).


So, I made myself one in beige that would go with just about everything during the summer.


Actually, I love it - all soft cotton - the brim as I made it, is stiff not floppy - and it is "foldable" or "crushable" so you can take it off and put it in a bag whenever you want to -- and put it back on again and it looks brand new!! The way it is -- it also doesn't blow off in the wind -- it stays on your head!!


So, Gloria saw it and asked me about it. She actually wanted one in black as she wears black a lot. I gave her my phone number. Some time later she called - she wanted one - and then she decided she also wanted one in navy blue.


I had to tell her I would have to special order the black and navy blue cotton yarn, but she wanted them in those colors!!


So, Peaches & Creme yarn to the rescue!! (Check out their website http://www.peaches-creme.com/) for their variety of colors in worsted cotton yarn - and other yarns!!) Of course, they had it -- I special ordered the black and navy blue and several other colors at the same time -- and when the package arrived, I made the 2 hats!!


So, now Gloria has her 2 cotton sunhats - one each in black and navy blue - for our hot, windy summer days!! (The navy blue one is pictured at the top.)


I have always been willing to do Custom Special Orders for people - hopefully, when everything works out right - it is a pleasure for them and for me!!



Ruth

CROCHETING WITH WORSTED COTTON -- OH THE THINGS YOU CAN MAKE!!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - Internet Shop of Handmade Items
RSS Crochet Thread Plus - Internet Shop of Crochet Thread



Most of the time when I discuss my crocheting here, I have been discussing fine thread crochet with the thinner cotton crochet threads.


But that is not all I do.


You know, when I first taught myself how to crochet as a teenager, I started out with yarn. I did make one doily as a teenager I vaguely remember, but I mostly made rather simple things like hats and scarves for me and my friends and family.


As the years went on I made more things, but always in yarn - more hats, scarves, a poncho, a sweater, a bag - later an afghan, a sweater, baby clothes, pillows, slippers - even toys -- but all in yarn.


It was in 2003 that I discovered the joys of crocheting with crochet thread and the designs that you can make. I will always love it - I love the way the designs unfold as you crochet - and I will continue doing more with it!


But, what also happened, actually back in 2002, was that I discovered Peaches and Creme worsted cotton yarn made by Elmore-Pisgah. There were cones and balls of it in the craft department of this store in all these neat colors. It was so soft and strong - I found it great to make things with. So - I got into making all kinds of different things with it - potholders, bags of different sizes, cloths, placemats - then a cotton top and matching hat, etc., etc.


Actually, I just love it - so here are a couple of matching items that I made in Peaches and Creme worsted cotton yarn and have in my shop - http://www.rssdesignsinfiber.etsy.com/.


First is this sunhat made with a strand of their color Peppermint (red and white variegated) and a strand of White held together - which gives a tweed-type effect to the hat. The multi-layer 3-dimensional flower on the hat is made just with the Peppermint.







Then I decided to make a matching bag!!


It is basically just a rectangular bag with handles long enough that you can put it on your shoulder. But I made it very solid - with a stitch that makes a solid, flat, squared-off bottom - and with the joining seams crocheted together and finished with a crab stitch ( a reverse single crochet). There are 2 handles each about 28 inches long.


I made it that way so you can put heavier things in it - such as when you go shopping or to the beach.


It is great for Precycling - use it when you go to the store instead of whatever disposable bags they provide!!


It, too, is made with Peaches and Creme worsted cotton yarn in the colors Peppermint and White.


It matches the sunhat exactly as it is made with the same yarn!!


Here it is:






I have a slightly different one in greens that I made for myself and have used for years to go to the Post Office and the local market. I love it. So, I thought someone else might just love having one of these bags made in Peaches and Creme!!


Actually, I have made a few Baby Hats in it also and the White ones sold!!


I love working with it -- so people should expect to see more items made with it in my Internet shop!!


If you want to see all the colors Peaches and Creme is made in, check out their website: http://www.peaches-creme.com/.


I take custom orders in the color of the customer's choice -- or maybe you want to make something with it yourself!!



Ruth