New Crochet Rope Design

In a recent edition of Beadwork magazine I saw a bracelet in there I really liked. The problem was that no matter how many times I tried to weave it using the directions and technique in the magazine I could not get it to work.

I have been doing bead crochet for with some time so I though perhaps I could come up with a pattern with the same beads and a similar look. This was the result…

splendid! I will be ordering more of these beads!

Felted Hats

Divella Delights has some beautiful new felted hats coming. This one sold in less than 2 hours so I guess I will be making more of the felted hats.
I begin with 100% wool, usually Cascade 220 but I do have some really yummy Lamb’s Pride wool as well. After I knit or crochet them, they are felted into a nice wool fabric. They take about 2 days to dry and at that time I form them to the shape I want. Next comes the embellishment phase, which is my favorite. This one was needle felted all by hand using a small barbed needle and a foam block. Some will have knit or crocheted flowers and leaves, some will have beaded flourishes. It all depends on what the hat tells me it wants! I will also be doing some clutches to match and I even have a pattern tucked away in my head for a scarflet. Check in often at Divella Delights, things are changing every day and it looks like the felted hats are going to go fast!

Making Jewelry

I have been having so much fun making jewelry the last few days! The time has come however, to get busy on all my crochet orders.
Most of the orders are for the crochet Flapper hats that did so well last year but I also have some orders from the jewelry store for crochet necklaces and more crochet bracelets. I am doing the ones with the gemstones and pearls in the center for her. Funny, I had intended to give those up all together but now I am getting orders. I guess you can never guess what is going to happen next in the world of retail.

As always you can see my work at Divella Delights.
So, off I go now to get my crochet hooks, knitting needles and get to work!

HUGE JEWELRY AND FIBER SALE

Happy 4th of July!!
This weekend to celebrate the 4th most of my shop has been reduced 40% to 60%! Sale ends Sunday.
Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July and remember to thank someone in uniform for their serviceand our freedom!

Armed Forces Day

For those who do so much for all of us...Thank you for your service, past and present! Please enjoy 50% off your entire order this weekend if you serve in the military. E-mail me your rank and I will give you the password! http://www.divelladelights.com

Addict? Me?

People keep saying to me that I should not take any work on vacation! What on earth could they be thinking? My work is my passion. I often spend all day in my studio, knit and crochet while hubby is home in the evenings and then back up to my studio after I tuck him in.
Most of my ideas come to me as I am drifting off to sleep so I have to get up, make some notes, perhaps gather some materials together to recall that creation that surfaced in that half conscious state when the vision appeared.
I love to do things outside the "norm" although I am happy as an artist to see that the line between normal and not is getting grayer by the day.
I think the most boring commissioned pieces I have had are plain, simple just strung requests. I like to be challenged. Can you draw it, explain it in detail? If so, I would love to attempt it! The most wonderful requests I have had have been from the local jewelry store. She will call me and say "I need something with Carnelian and Pearls". We have been working together long enough that she trusts me. She also knows if she does not like it I will sell it elsewhere and start over although that has not happened yet I am happy to say. I get to play and let the creative energy go wild. I love that!
The option of NOT taking work with me just terrifies me. I have a bag in the car with knitting always, always. I have a light in the car so I can knit while hubby drives at night. Ok, so perhaps I am an addict. I am however, a very happy one. How many of us are fortunate enough to be able to be so fervently dedicated to a profession they cherish? Every day I am surrounded by beautiful colors, luxurious fibers, ravishing gems, lustrous pearls and have a studio right upstairs.
So, what WILL I take on vacation…so many options!

Cotton Visors

Want to keep the sun out of your eyes but find it too hot to wear a hat? Do you want a little something to keep your beak from burning while you lounge by the pool? I have designed just the thing!
Made of 100% cotton this is cool, comfy and it is adjustable with a 2 button (fun and color coordinated) closure in the back. Best of all you can toss it right in the wash. You can pitch it in your bag or wear it around your neck so you have it with you when you need it. Perfect for all those fun, summer activities like camping, hiking, fishing, gardening or just doing nothing at all.
These can be made in a variety of colors and with or without the little knit leaf and flower.
This one is available on my website and I will be coming out with a broader design for those of you who want more coverage so keep checking my website at www.divelladelights.com

Summer Flapper Hats

Summer Flapper Hats are here!
As promised I have come up with a couple of designs for some lovely summer hats. Both designs have an open weave to keep you cool and comfy. There are 2 different price points depending on the materials used. The higher end summer flapper hats use cotton fleece and/or mercanized cotton while the lower price point uses less expensive cotton. Both are lovely.
If you would like a special order in these, I would suggest the higher end as the color choices are much more varied. Also you may have them with or without the flower or motif. I am happy to do special orders in either.
Remember, at Divella Delights you can design your own hat and have me make it so just e-mail me at info@divelladelights.com and I will be happy to work with you to create your own Summer Flapper Hat!

Summer Crochet Flapper Hats

Summer Crochet Flapper Hats are here!
Made similar to my winter Flapper Hat, these are mode with high quality fibers, but these are cotton and cotton blended with silks and other fibers. I developed a more open weave pattern for the summer along with using lighter weight and cotton fibers. I use 2-3 strands like my winter hats so they have great shaping, are lightweight and cool, not to mention beautiful! I have an order placed for some really exciting yarns in beautiful colors so check www.divelladelights.com often for the new Summer Crochet Flapper Hats!

Starbucks and Local Art

I was in my local Starbucks store today and saw some beautiful handmade pottery for Portugal. While this is very nice, it occurred to me that we should be selling our local artisans if not instead of, at least in addition to art from other countries. In a time when everyone is so concerned about our country’s economy why are we not putting food on the table of those who live down the street but instead supporting those who live thousands of miles away? I am all in favor of supporting our global neighbors but what about the potter who lives next door? Should we not help those closest to us first?
It is not that I have no heart for those suffering many miles from me, it is that I DO have a heart for my suffering neighbors.
Let’s not forget that the USA is the most generous country in the world. Still, we have some of the worst slums and poorest people just blocks from our own White House. Why is that?
The mugs seen above were made by Twisted River Clayworks in Connecticut. They create pottery that is unique and eclectic. They use a potter's wheel, slabs of clay and other creative additions. All of their work is functional and made of stoneware. The glazes are certified food safe and contain no lead. Pots can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven with care. They recommend heating the pot with the oven. Their work can be seen at http://www.twistedriverclay.etsy.com/
Twisted River has taken no part in this article and the ideas are my own and not a reflection of Ron or Char.
To be continued...

Upcoming Donations and Other News

Divella Delights is very happy to have handmade hardwood clocks by David Jacques in our inventory. He takes great care in selecting his materials and in his craftsmanship. They come in full size and minis perfect for your bookcase or dresser.
We are also please to announce a line of Crochet hats by Jessy! They are lighter weight than the ones I make so are very well suited to more temperate climates or for a chilly Springtime evening.
My hats have been discovered by a gallery in Portland, Maine and they have requested my participation in their April show entitled " Wearable Art" to open April 4th. If we do well during the show we will be entering the gallery on a permanent basis. We have also been contacted by an organization in Canada for the hats.
I am planning a line of Spring Hats, a blend of cotton for those cool evenings and perhaps some light scarves as well. I am just now in the design phase so I think around the end of the month I should have something new for you.
I have some new jewelry designs on the board as well, very exciting! We did well with the local fine jewelry store this month and our tabling events.
Be sure and check in often as I do not want to inundate your e-mail with every new design.
March donations will be going to Dogs Deserve. Please visit their website at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/home.html and bring your tissues!
Thanks so much for your continued support!

Crocheted Bracelets 30% Off Sale

Have you looked at my crocheted bracelets? These are great gift items because they have no clasp so they roll on and off and fit a wide variety of sizes. Great for moms with little ones, those with poor vision and they are so comfortable you can easily forget you have them and sleep in them.
I have my eye on some new lampwork beads to use for the centers of my crocheted bracelets but I need to justify buying them so I am having a sale on the ones I currently have for sale. Take advantage of me now. These bracelets sell on line in other shops at $35.00 or more. They are available with and without the center bead. Valentine's Day is not that far off and this is a great chance to get your crocheted bracelet at a terrific price! I even have some for men!

Visit me at www.divelladelights.com for your crocheted bracelets!

Flapper Hats Make Comeback

If sales are any indication the Flapper style hats are making quite a comeback. I made a couple to give as gifts and thought I would put them on line until I had to ship them off for Christmas. What happened is that I sold 8 the first week. Needless to say I have made plenty more and they are still selling. I make the scarves also for anyone who wants them and have sold a few sets this way. The scarflet is a handy little item because you can wear them up or fold them down. They don't fall of or unwrap, they just stay put! You can see new hats and scarves nearly every day on my website at www.divelladelights.com and everything in my shop is 10% off until December 20th.

The fibers are a variety. I crochet the hats and knit the scarves with 2 strands of yarn for maximum warmth and it also gives a very nice shape. I use wool, wool blends, angora, alpaca, acrylic and novelty yarns in my creations. I have a lot of fun making them as you can probably tell. I make each one a little different depending on the fibers I use so there is no strict pattern I use, I just go where my mood takes me. It has come to be a lot more fun that way!

I have had a lot of wonderful feedback from my customers so I will keep making them as long as there seems to be interest. Then it will be back to the jewelry!

Halloween Treats

I live in New England where the leaves are just stunning this time of year. It is also getting colder and if you are taking the wee ones out Trick or Treating for Halloween you will want to bundle up to keep warm.
My hats and scarves make your evening not only quite toasty but fashionable as well! I really like all those new scarflets. They are very warm but don’t hang down and get in the way or come unwrapped like the longer ones.
If you live in a part of the country that is not quite as cold as we are here, the scarflets are great with a sweater as well as under a jacket.
Stay warm and above all safe this Halloween weekend. Have fun with your little goblins and enjoy yourself!
Happy Halloween!

FLAPPER HATS

This new series of hat are fashioned after the vintage Flapper Hats except that they are hand-crocheted. I use a variety of yarn fibers and I have a lot of fun with the flowers. I tried to use patterns for the flowers but always seemed to go astray so now I just start with a chain 4, join to form a ring and go off form there. I figure they must resemble something found in nature somewhere in the world J !
The Flapper hats were very popular in the 1920s when women’s style were at their peak. Feminine and sexy, sophisticated and demure all at the same time.
I have tried to come up with a suitable replica in the crochet and knit mediums. The felted hats of course come the closest but I do love the opne weave of the crochet variety I make. They look great with both the long and short hair styles of this anythign goes style era we are in currently.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoy making them. Stop by www.divelladelights.com and see all the new flapper hats!

Scarflets

These new scarflets are a lot of fun to make in fact I carry these in the car now in place of the sock bag! I use a double strand (or single if the yarn is very thick) of a variety of yarns to make these scarflets and you will find this information in each listing on my webiste at http://www.divelladelights.com/.
There are hand knit and crocheted hats to match most of them and if there is not, I will be happy to make you one! The scarflets are a great alternative for those who want to keep their necks warm but do not like scarf ends hanging down or coming unwrapped.
The new scarflet can be made with acrylic, wool or a blend so if there is something specific you would like, let me know and it will be my pleasure to accommodate you if I can.
I will of course be making more so if your color has not popped up yet, keep checking or e-mail me.

Please keep in mind that the model has a very long neck. The scarflet measures 4.5 to 5.5 inches wide so will cover your entire neck.
So if you are tired of those ends falling down and constantly having to adjust your scarf why not try a scarflet?

Hand Crocheted Hats for $8.00

I took some time out to make some crocheted hats as the weather is changing here in New England. In addition to gemstones, knitting and crocheting is an addiction of mine and one that I enjoy very much. Typically I am in my studio upstairs during the day making jewelry. When my husband gets home I sit with him and knit or crochet while we watch our favorite shows and work on our various projects; he with his wood and me with my yarn.
He will occasionally say to me "Can’t you just sit and relax?" My answer is that knitting and crocheting is very relaxing for me. It is very difficult for me to sit and do nothing; I even have a sock bag so I can knit in the car!
I hope you enjoy the hats and other hand knit and crocheted items I offer as an aside to my jewelry. I love making them! The hats like those pictured here sell for $8.00 n my shop so I think they are very reasonable. I also have some felted bags and other fibre goods in my shop. Cruise on by www.divelladelights.com and take a peek!
My favorite yarn store has a huge sale every January so watch periodically for more hand knit and crocheted hats!

Fall Specials from Maine

There are lots of new and exciting works by Maine Artisans and you can get a glimpse at Etsy.com When you get there put in Mainefall in the search bar. The items pictured here are from 4 different artisans and do little to represent the variety of works you can peruse. There are clothing items, paintings, jewelry, dolls, toys, children's wear, ceramics and there are even items for your pet! So go to http://www.etsy.com/ and type in mainefall in the search bar. For even more of a treat you can type in Maineteam to so what they are all up to!

HUGE DISCOUNT ON BAGS AND HATS

These are just a couple of the bags that are being cleared out during my shop closing sale! I have hats,scarves and other knitted and crocheted times too. My shop in ETSY will close for good this Saturday and there are some really great bargains. If you are ready to do a little shopping for the Holidays, now is the time! It is a little sad because I do love knitting but my time needs to focused elsewhere. Take advantage of me and stop by http://www.divellasfibers.etsy.com

HANDBAGS ETC...

OK so all who have been here before know that I am a bag lady! These bags are truly lovely and one of a kind. OK so you have noticed that there is an elf pictured there, no he is not a bag but an extraordinary sculpture made by the same very talented lady and I could not resist him. Please stop by http://www.BlueMoonlighting.etsy.com to learn more about this guy, you will be amazed!

Oh yeah, the bags. When you click on the link that will take you to Pam's shop you can see the rest of these beautiful, one of kind bags. They are fully lined and wonderfully made. I have been crocheting for years and have never seen anything like them! Do yourself a favor and cruise by for a peek, you'll be glad you did. Remember, Christmas will be here before you know it!