Category: JaKiGu Updates
work in progress: mystery crochet project
This crochet project has been on my mind for almost 4 years.
Don’t worry! It does not take that long to finish it. You know how life is. You make a plan, and life makes you change it. Dozen times over.
In fact, this is quite a simple crochet project, requiring only the knowledge of magic circle, slip stitches, and single crochets, and a lot of patience to complete countless hexagons and pentagons.
Yet, in the world of crochet, the finished product will be utterly unique and novel – and when you see what it is, you’ll be just as excited about it as I am.
This picture is your Clue #1. Can you guess what I am working on?
Stay tuned for Clue #2.
work in progress – a (very personal) update
Oh, moving. Four weeks ago, I moved for the seventeenth time in less than 15 years; and I am not even in the military. My husband and I chose this nomadic life, and enjoyed every aspect and every moment of it. But, we were ready to settle down.
And so this time, we moved our little family into our very own house, and we have no plans to move anywhere anytime soon (and, I secretly dream of never moving anywhere again, ever). Because no matter how many times you go through the process, and how efficient you are at packing your belongings for a move across continents, states, or just down the street, the aftermath never gets easier. Packing is easy. It’s the cleaning, unpacking, and organizing following a move that takes the biggest toll. It requires motivation, determination, and tons of energy. And time. Oh, so much time. And with a curious, clingy toddler in tow, the end is seemingly beyond my reach this time.
I hoped to have two more patterns ready by the end of May. That now seems a little too unrealistic. Especially since, at least in the Jute and Cotton series, I want to make versions of all baskets available in three different sizes to offer a stackable set. That’s a lot of baskets to make, and many lines of instruction to write, check, double check, test, and then check again. My husband laughs and says that I seem to be making baskets just to contain my old baskets.
So, patterns for which baskets are coming first, and when?
This lovely lacy design has become my favorite in the Jute and Cotton series and I can’t wait to share it with you – hopefully by the end of June. (Psst: The pattern for this basket is available in my shop. Click on the image below to check it out.)
I wouldn’t want to disappoint a long line of eager crocheters patiently waiting for the square version of my very popular round jute and cotton baskets. It shouldn’t be long before this design is available as well. (Psst: It’s already available as well. Click on the image below to see it in my shop.)
And then? There are so many more basket ideas I’ve been toying with and designs for which I want to share with you! In the picture from my workshop (which these days is the windowsill) above, you can see some of them in various stages of completeness: a design that’s complementing the lacy basket; the polka dot baskets; a tall and narrow container that can be hung and serve a myriad of functions inside the house and out; and a basket with rolled rim worked in a double thick stitch that is sturdy yet really soft. And then I’ve been testing a basket worked in a brilliant new stitch that I accidentally invented (or discovered through trial and error while trying to make the square baskets) – this stitch is amazing, and creates the foundation of the sturdiest basket I’ve ever made despite looking quite delicate. Oh, and then there are baskets worked in a variation of the star stitch – they are also quite stiff and their surface features lovely texture.
And that’s just baskets. I have several bracelets, cushions, and floor mats just waiting to be taken more seriously. And then, there is a mammoth of a project I’ve been working on ever since my son was born almost two years ago. It’s nowhere to be finished, but when I finally get my hands on it, it will be magnificent. I’m keeping its identity a secret, and if you guessed it’s a blanket/throw/afgan, you’d be wrong. It’s a design quite rare in the crochet world, and I am so very proud if it. No worries, it will not take you two years to complete.
Oooh, and also, I’ve been dying to start writing free tutorials for my blog. There is so much I have learned about crocheting through my own mistakes, and I’d like to share this knowledge with you.
As you can see, all I need to make this all happen is a little help from a full-time housekeeper and a live-in nanny (and for each day to have 48 hours).
It will happen!
And one last thing.
I sure hope you decide to have a look at my pattern shop right here at jakigu.com. The current sale is pretty sweet!
However, if you prefer to purchase my patterns through my Etsy, Ravelry, or Craftsy shops, you’re welcome to use coupon code BLOGZLAVA3 for an instant $3 off any purchase of $6 or more.
Go make something beautiful!
work in progress: square stacking baskets
You asked for it, and I started working on a square version of my round stacking baskets a while ago.
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UPDATE
The pattern for a set of three stacking square baskets in my Jute and Cotton Series is finished and available through Etsy, Craftsy, and Ravelry.
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I didn’t expect how much trickier the process of ‘inventing’ a jute and cotton square basket pattern would be. Especially since my objective was that the design match the round version perfectly.
Despite my initial excitement due to some smaller samples I’d made, it has been a long and trying journey, and I considered giving up. I made and re-made 9 basket versions. There simply wasn’t any to-me-known way to make the corners nice and sharp. It literally felt like I was trying to push a square peg into a round hole.
After a much needed break, with the basket tucked way out of my sight and while working on something completely unrelated, I had an idea. The simplest idea yet. I bet if you watched me from afar, you’d literally see that proverbial light bulb flash above my head.
I immediately tested the technique and it worked like a charm! I’m writing the pattern for all three square stacking baskets so that all of you who were interested in a square version can get crocheting. It might take a little longer as we are moving into our new house this week, but stay tuned! You’ll be the first to know when the pattern’s ready. Until then – check out my store for more home decor crochet ideas.
work in progress: jute and cotton crochet basket
My obsession with jute and cotton continues.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and to my eye, (almost) anything made with soft brown jute and creamy ecru cotton looks stunning.
This basket is a true yin and yang creation.
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UPDATE
And the pattern for this lovely basket (three, actually – it’s another stacking set!) is now finished and available via Etsy, Craftsy, or Ravelry.
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It’s so simple, and still; it’s hard to take one’s eyes off of it. The lacey effect of cotton softens the harsher lines of padding jute cords. The backs of stitches create a beautifully modern, geometric design on the inside of the basket, making the inside just as interesting – if not even more intriguing – than the outside. And despite its delicate appearance, this romantic basket is, in fact, considerably sturdier than my original round jute and cotton baskets. It holds its shape so beautifully one might think it were crocheted over metal hoops.
I simply can’t decide what I like more about it: the geometric design on the inside, the symmetrical jute base and trims, or the outer cotton overlay. All these elements are quite unique in the world of crochet baskets.
Crochet has potential to be old fashioned. Reminiscent of 70’s basement decor. Stiff as Victorian doilies.
But not this basket. This is not your gramma’s kind of crochet anymore. In this basket, the new and the old melt into something surprisingly contemporary.
Alright. If you can’t tell, I am pretty excited about this basket. But I am ready to stop tooting my own horn. After all, mine might be the only eye to which it looks beautiful. And I’m OK with it.
Still, if you fell in love with this basket as fast and deep as I did, hold on tight. I am already writing a pattern.
work in progress: jute squares
Wow! There has been so much unexpected, yet greatly appreciated interest in my last crochet pattern – the Round Jute and Cotton Stacking Baskets. Thank you!
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about expanding my jute and cotton series and creating these baskets in other shapes – but it was never a number one priority for me.
But since so many asked about a pattern for square or rectangular baskets, I decided to answer your call. I have been diligently working on a new pattern – a pattern for a trio of stackable, square jute and cotton baskets.
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UPDATE
The pattern for square jute and cotton stacking baskets is ready! It is available via Etsy, Craftsy, or Ravelry.
These square stacking baskets match perfectly my round jute and cotton stacking baskets. And now, both patterns are available in a bundle on Etsy at a 25% discount!
And, as a reader of JaKiGu blog, you can get the already discounted bundle for less! Use coupon code BLOGDVEZA9 at Etsy checkout for a total of 43.75% OFF! It’s a “buy one and get one for a dollar” kind of deal 😉
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Here’s an update on what I have accomplished so far:
I admit, the process is slow. The bottom is a simple square – it’s the sides that require a whole new approach, and a ton of research and work.
There aren’t many existing techniques which would create sharp edges while working in the round. Perhaps there is none. At least I haven’t found it. And I want these baskets to be worked in the round, not only because I want to maintain a uniform look throughout the series, but also because I want to avoid the need to sew the sides together.
I’ve been experimenting and experimenting, and then experimenting some more. And I am pretty sure I have created a unique way to crochet beautiful, sharp right corners while working in the round.
But you’ll have to wait for an update on the sides a little longer!
In the meantime – if you haven’t yet – you can get the pattern for the round baskets in my Etsy shop. It has been receiving rave reviews. It is, after all, more of an instructional booklet than a simple pattern, with 20 pages of tutorials, wonderful photos, tips and suggestions.
Start working on your own collection of these wonderfully minimalist yet visually stunning jute and cotton baskets!
work in progress: polka dot basket
A new idea popped up in my mind. A lovely idea.
I started working on a cute crochet basket speckled with polka dots.
Polka dots are made of bobbles in a contrast colour.
Bobbles are nice and fluffy both on the outside and on the inside.
Basket base is quite stiff and helps the basket keep its shape.
Tapestry crochet inspired sides make the sides stand nice and upright, and the reinforcing edge adds a little chubbiness to the basket because it curls inwards just a little bit.
I adore this project and hope to have a pattern for you soon! Until then, have a look at what’s new in my shop and don’t forget to keep in touch on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or right here by subscribing to the JaKiGu blog.
work in progress: stacking baskets
The new pattern is almost here! I am quite proud of this one. It’s more like a three-in-one instructional booklet than a written pattern. It contains twenty pages filled with crochet basics needed to complete the project as well as many useful tips, photo tutorials, and illustrations to make three stacking baskets. They are both functional and beautiful, crocheted in a unique combination of jute and cotton. They look so great in my son’s bedroom, and I have a set in my office – they are perfect for storing things big and small!
Look for the pattern in my store.
custom order finished
I am very pleased. Not just because I love how these picture frames turned out, but also because I managed to finish them well ahead of the deadline. The world of custom orders is exciting! Send more requests my way, I’m ready!
custom order: a set of crochet picture frames
Once again, I got approached by someone who saw my work online. She asked whether I’d be willing to create a custom order, and when it was clear I will comfortably be able to meet the deadline, I agreed.
By the way, I am beginning to like the way people find me. It seems so random, but obviously my crochet patterns and bobbin lace jewelry must pop up in searches somewhere. It’s really cool.
Here’s the colour scheme the client chose for her daughter’s nursery. I quite like it!
Oh, and it you’d like to make a set of these cute frames with a 2-inch inside diameter, a PDF pattern is available through my store.
work in progress: jute and cotton baskets
A sneak peek: a set of three stacking jute and cotton baskets.
Utilitarian base. Firm sides. Reinforced edge.
Natural fibres in a timeless colour combination.
So versatile. So practical. So simple.
crochet pattern: picture frame with fan edge
Crocheted picture frame with a fan edge – now available for download in my Etsy shop.
I designed and wrote this frame pattern in the spring. I crocheted more than forty of them in this lovely lilac purple for the custom order I was working on at the time.
I love purple, I love lilac, and I love spring.
But recently, a different season and different colours have been on my mind. Christmas with its trademark pine green, cardinal red, and golden yellow, and of course, the classic candy cane red and cream white.
I crocheted a couple fan-edged frames in the red and white combination, inserted zen snowflake art, hung them on the wall, and it immediately felt like the air was a little crisper, and the mood was a little more magical. I swear I can almost hear the jingle bells.
Whatever colour you decide to crochet these frames in, my pattern is super easy to follow and even a beginner crocheter can finish a frame well in under an hour. In addition to the pattern itself and useful, close-up images, the downloadable PDF comes with stitch knowledge base, and tips on finishing, blocking, stiffening, and cleaning crochet frames. Each purchase also comes with a bonus PDF with several ideas on how to finish the back of the frame to hold miniature art securely in place. And while you’re there, see what else is available at JaKiGu on Etsy!
