This isn’t my first post about crochet jewelry, or knit jewelery, but I’m seeing it pop up more and more these days. I’m wondering where the line between garment and jewelry lies or if it’s relevant these days anyway.
Back in design school, one of my favorite exercises was to make objects out of unexpected materials. At the time I wasn’t sophisticated enough to come up with a brilliant idea, but the notion has always stayed with me. The idea that surface is just as meaningful as structure. When it comes to jewelry, there is so much emotional expectations wrapped in it, the heirlooms, the gifts from the ex… the costume jewelry I bought and wore until it fell apart. Permanence, or the illusion of it often gives jewelry its power in adornment. I mean, diamonds are forever right?
This isn’t my first post about crochet jewelry, or knit jewelery, but I’m seeing it pop up more and more these days. I’m wondering where the line between garment and jewelry lies or if it’s relevant these days anyway. I do love Little Purls, an Etsy shop brought to my attention by Natalie at Couqette. Little Purls makes these wonderful hand knit wool necklaces and earrings (and the prices isn’t bad either).
And speaking of Natalie, and unexpected knitted objects… this month’s Craft: magazine has their shoe issue, with a knitting pattern for DIY Converse All-Stars. For the first time in my life I’m Con-less, it’s a strange feeling as I loved my Cons… it appears, that there are people who go crazy with the customization of them… which I can understand from the times I’ve been searching for the perfect pair I’ve never seen before, but really want.
(that’s Natalie and her dog Lulu on the cover)
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I love that knitted chain jewelry, but I’ll tell you it frustrates me to no end because I made some crocheted chain necklaces for my store in Mtl two christmases ago that looked almost identical (crochet vs. knit of course) NOBODY liked them. I didn’t sell a single one. I was so sad. Maybe I should try again, timing is everything they say…
Oh my goodness! That’s so sad…. well if you still have them, give it a shot, crochet is so awesome, you can do lots of things with it.
I love the yellow necklace.
Angie! Don’t give up! I would love to see your crocheted necklaces! The ones you have up with the champagne fringe are awesome too! Also, I heart Norwegian Wood too. Murakami is one of my favorite authors! Keep it up,
Market Publique
Very cute collar and cheeky pun title - nice!
That crochet jewelry you’ve highlighted really is interesting. The way it’s weaved creates the “illusion” of substantialness and weight, but the fact that they’re made from yarn/fabric is still clear, and part of the look. It creates an overall completely unique effect. Very cool!
I’ve been making crochet jewelry for Etsy too for awhile (Unraveled). I’ve had a lot of great comments on the collars and necklaces, but have only sold them in person, not on Etsy. I think perhaps people see yarn and think it’s going to be heavy or warm, but really this jewelry is very light and comfortable. I really appreciate you promoting this look, Jennine, and encouraging people to go for something unique and different!
Market Publique - thanks so much, that’s so sweet of you!
I think I should photograph my chain necklaces and try them again, but I don’t want people to think that I’ve copied Little Purls! I’ll have to think about giving them a different twist somehow…mine were very different colours, much more dark and moody, maybe that’s enough..
Thanks for the words of encouragement Jennine, it’s so frustrating when the Mtl market doesn’t “get” something that I know people in other places are going nuts for!
hmm… i don’t think little purls invented the chain… i think susie bubble had had a felted chain for some time now, and i’m sure your’s are done in your own way.
i’d really like to give these a try, the earrings are calling my name, of course, i’ve never really been much of a necklace gal, even though i’d like to…
Good point Jennine, it’s true, I’ve definitely seen this type of chain jewelry around.
I can definitely see the earrings on you, I find that girls with long hair can easily pull off really bold earrings since it kind of blends in as a sort of hair/head decoration, not just “earrings”
great!!
I *love* little purls shop! I actually added one of her bracelets to my faves just the other day! I just don’t have the patience for knitting anymore…
i LOVE these! i have already ‘favorited’ this shop before i even finished reading.
hope your trip in paris was lovely!