Long goldstone necklace

This one I have made for myself. It has been a wonderful experience with the copper silver plated wire.

A gift to my mother

Here is a gift i made for my mom. A bracelet with 4mm coral beads and Tibetan silver clasp.

Home slippers by Sue Norrad

Last week my son saw a pattern for knitting home slippers and said: "Can you make these for me?" I have agreed and he started to play up in order to speed up the whole process:-) It took me 2 evenings to make these slippers for him and now he does not take them off, very happy :-)

This is how they look like. I have made them from blue and white yarn, in the picture is used red and white, but they are identical to mine.



This is the link to the pattern and the picture is taken from this site also, author is Sue Norrad: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/knitting/moccasin-slippers.shtml

Just in case I place the copy of the pattern here. There are some small mistakes in stitches, so keep counting while knitting :-):


KNITTED MOCCASIN SLIPPERS by Sue Norrad
CrochetandKnitting.com


These knitted slippers look small when they are not on a foot, so I took a picture of a slipper being worn. They are naturally stretchy.

The pattern provides instructions for small, medium and large sizes, but you can also adjust the pattern further to accomodate other sizes.

We also have a pattern for Crocheted Moccasin Slippers, again in a variety of sizes.


MATERIALS


Yarn: Use two strands of 4 ply worsted weight yarn. I'm not sure how much it takes as I bought 170 g skeins and had plenty of yarn leftover.
I knit these slippers in two colors. Black for the sole and light blue for the rest of the slipper. You can make them all one color if you want.

Needles: Two 5mm needles. I used circular needles as I find them easier to work with. I used them the same way I would use the two long 5mm needles. But if you prefer using the two long needles, by all means do so.

SIZE: These will fit a foot of 9 1/2 inches.
For every 1/2 inch larger add 4 stitches when you cast on.
For every 1/2 inch smaller subtract 4 stitches when you cast on.
I will have notes in blue on the pattern for where to add or subtract stitches for the different sizes.
It will be listed as (S, L) - meaning Small size which is 1/2 inch smaller and L meaning 1/2 inch larger. For even smaller and larger sizes, just add or subtract sts from those sizes.


Please note: I have not tried to make these in different sizes. I am only going by my gauge, I think it should work out.


Gauge: 4 sts = 1 inch

Abbreviations used:


st - Stitch

K - Knit

P - Purl

K2tog - Knit 2 stitches together

P2tog - Purl 2 stitches together

inc st - Increase stitch. (I did my increases by picking up a loop between the stitches and putting it on my left needle, then knitting it.)


This pattern is worked in rows. When completed you will sew up the sole and the back of heel seam.


Important: The slippers are folded in half lengthwise when you are finished, so that is why the sole seems big at the start. Just continue working the pattern and when you get to the "Sides and Top", you will notice it taking shape and see where you sew the bottom seam and back of heel seam.

SOLE Of the Slipper:

Working with two strands of yarn held together, Cast on 52 sts. (48, 56)

Rows 1, 2 - K

Row 3 - K1, inc. st, K24 (22, 26), inc. st, K2, inc. st., K24 (22, 26), inc. st, K1 - (56 sts)(52, 60)

Rows 4, 5 - K

Row 6 - K1, inc. st, K26 (24, 28), inc st, K2, inc st, K26 (24, 28), inc st, K1 - (60 sts)(56, 64)

Rows 7, 8 - K

Row 9 - K1, inc st, K28 (26, 30), inc st, K2, inc st, K28(26, 30), inc st, K1 - (64 sts)(60, 68)

Rows 10, 11 - K

Row 12 - K1, inc st, K30 (28, 32), inc st, K2, inc st, K30 (28, 32), inc st, K1 - (68 sts)(64, 72)

Row 13 - K33 (29, 37), inc st, K2, inc st, K33(29, 37) - (70 sts) (66, 74)

SIDES and TOP of the slipper:

Change colors here if you are using two colors.

Rows 14, 15, 16, 17 - K

Row 18 - K31 (29, 33), K2tog, K4, K2tog , K31
(29, 33) - (68 sts) (64, 72)

Row 19 - K30 (28, 32), K2tog, P4, K2tog, K30 (28, 32) - (66 sts) (62, 70)

Row 20 - K28 (26, 30), K2tog, K6, K2tog, K28 (26, 30) - (64 sts) (60, 68)

Row 21 - K27 (25, 29), K2tog, P6, K2tog, K27 (25, 29) - (62 sts) (58, 66)

Row 22 - K25 (23, 27), K2tog, K8, K2tog, K25 (23, 27) - (60 sts) (56, 64)

Row 23 - K24 (22, 26), K2tog, P8, K2tog, K24 (22, 26) - (58 sts) (54, 62)

Row 24 - K22 (20, 24), K2tog, K10, K2tog, K22 (20, 24) - (56 sts) (52, 60)

Row 25 - K21 (19, 23), K2tog, P10, K2tog, K21 (19, 23) - (54 sts) (50, 58)

Row 26 - K19 (17, 21), K2tog, K12, K2tog, K19 (17, 21) - (52 sts) (48, 56)

Row 27 - K18 (16, 20), K2tog, P12, K2tog, K18 (16, 20) - (50 sts) (46, 54)

Row 28 - K17 (15, 19), K2tog, K12, K2tog, K17 (15, 19) - (48 sts) (44, 52)

Row 29 - K16 (14, 18), K2tog, P12, K2tog, K16 (14, 18) - (46 sts) (42, 50)

Row 30 - K1, K2tog, K12 (10, 14), K2tog, K5, K2tog, K5, K2tog, K12 (10, 14), K2tog, K1 - (41 sts) (37, 45)

Row 31 - K13 (11, 15), K2tog, K11, K2tog, K13 (11, 15) - (39 sts) (35, 43)
Cast off. Sew up seams.

Contributed by Sue's Crochet and Knitting site, which offers Free Crochet and Knit Patterns, a Craft Discussion Board, Craft Supplies and much more.

Necklace and Bracelet (Jasper and Goldstone)

He is my last work with previously mentioned stones: blue veined jasper and blue goldstone. I have used black seed beads for decoration and for fun :-)

Goldstone and Jasper

This post will be about my last work with blue veined jasper and blue goldstone.

Jasper

There are many types of jasper; it is one of the oldest known gemstones. All jaspers are strong securing, stability stones. It is a powerful protection against things that are not good for you and it eases emotional stresses.

Jasper is an earthy, solid grounding stone. It encourages practicality and skillful application in a realistic way. One if its main energies is repair and healing of matters that are physical.
Jasper stimulates honesty and bestows courage, can help you pursue and achieve your goals.

Source:http://www.crystal-cure.com
Photo: http://www.beadsdirect.co.uk

Goldstone

Goldstone is a man made gemstone that has been around since the European Rennaissance.

Early monks working at a glass factory near Venice, Italy were practicing alchemy when molten copper accidentally tipped into a molten glass container.

This crystallized into thousands of tiny crystals and formed a melt with golden light sparkles. This is how the first goldstone came about. Though it is not technically a gemstone, it is often referred to as one.
Red goldstone is associated with vitality and energy. Blue Goldstone is associated with learning and communication.

Goldstone is an energy stone.

Source: http://crystal-cure.com/goldstone.html

Books

I was looking for something interesting and inspiring for myself to read and to find some ideas for my future works and I have found these amazing books. They are old, but so interesting. I hope someone will find it useful and inspiring as well.


1. "English jewellery from the fifth century A.D. to 1800" (Year 1921).


A link to the library: http://www.archive.org/details/englishjewellery00evanuoft ,and a book to read online:Read Online , or PDF to download: Download a PDF to read from your computer


2. "Silverwork and jewelry : a text-book for students and workers in metal" (Year 1912).


A link to the library: "http://www.archive.org/details/silverworkjewelr00wils, and a book itself to read online: Read Online
or download in PDF format: to read on your computer

Howlite and coral necklace

Please feel free to comment on my last work. I is made of coral chips and howlite chips. Very calming stones even if they are very attractive (red coral and white howlite):

 

 

 

My recent work with howlite (white turquoise) and coral

Last 3 posts are about stones I have used in my recent work.
All of them are calming stones. I really very happy to share this meaning, as nobody likes aggressive people. I have referring the meaning of turquoise because sometimes the howlite is named like "white turquoise" Their meanings are the same and also have similar structure.

I have always been interested in stones and now I am more involved in this study because I really want to know what we wear and how it can help us to improve our lives and self-esteem.

I will post the picture tomorrow and also it will be available at my Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jinnyrocks

To be continued...

Howlite

Gemstone meaning

Howlite can be found in green, white and blue. It is a super-calming stone and many people use it to releive stress of all kinds. It makes an excellent antidote to insomnia due to an overactive mind.

Focusing on a piece of howlite can assist in journeying outside the body and gaining insight from past lives. Placed on the third eye, it opens memories of previous times and lifetimes.

Howlite teaches patience

Place a howlite stone in your pocket to absorb your own anger - or another's anger that is directed toward you. It helps to overcome critical or selfish behaviour.
Healing properties of howlite

* Relieves insomnia
* Balances calcium levels
* Strengthens teeth and bones

Source:http://crystal-cure.com/howlite.html
Photo: http://www.thatcrystalsite.com

Coral

Red Coral meaning



Coral has been called the 'garden of the sea'. It was once believed to be a plant, but is now known to actually contain living animals called polyps. Coral is the result of accumulated skeletal masses from these polyps. Red is considered the most sought after color but coral also can be found in pink, white, yellow and black.

Records dating back thousands of years confirm that coral was used in decorative art objects. It was believed to prevent ill fortune and offer protection from skin disease when worn as a necklace. Dreams about coral are believed to foretell recovery from a long illness. Ancients believed that Mars was composed of red coral.

Coral is a good aid for meditation or visualization.

Healing properties of coral

Coral symbolizes life and blood force energy. Dark red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream. Pink shades restore harmony to the heart. It is used as an aid to depression, lethargy or deficient nutrition.

Sources of coral

Locations where coral can be found include the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Australia, the South Pacific, the waters of Japan, and Africa.

Source: http://crystal-cure.com
Photo: www.webois.org.ua

Turquoise

Color ranges from blue to green.

A truth stone, it symbolizes a time to be honest with yourself. Much will be gained when you become still, and see yourself as your truly are. This stone is a reminder to share your vision and WALK your TALK! The truth is very motivating to those ready to hear it. By doing so, you make it okay for them to believe and follow.
This gem stone is a stone of self realization helping you to better understand yourself, your ideas and emotions. It is a wonderful aid in regards to any type of analytical thinking.

It protects and detoxes from alcohol, poison, pollution, x-ray/sun radiation. Works well with Chrysocolla, best with Silver. Protects and blesses the user.


Turquoise works at the throat Chakra enhancing communication skills.
Those seeking a profound healing of the spirit and soul should wear turquoise.

* Ancient absorber of "negativity"
* Helps one develop natural powers.
* Strengthens and calms the mind and body.
* Brings wisdom.
* Turquoise helps us communicate clearly what we want, and to then be able to communicate our desires to others in a way they can understand.
* Corresponding astrological sign : Sagittarius

Turquoise resonates to Archangel Michael, the Archangel of protection, courage and truth.

Source: www.sobrietystones.com
Photo: www.boothandbooth.co.uk

Coral bracelet and necklace

This is what I have done during my last weekend. I had some pencil scratches, so basically WHAT WE SEE IS WHAT WE GET. I am very proud of myself. It took me 2 hours to make necklace and 45 minutes to make a bracelet. The hardest part was with wires to make it to keep the shape.

Making jewellery

As I have mentioned I like making small things or things that need to have special attention. This is how it was when I was making coral bracelet and necklace.

Hematite is my favorite

Hematite is my favorite gemstone. I like it very much, its shine and cold or heat.
They say that hematite is "A Stone of the Mind"



Color : Silvery Grey to Black

Hematite helps one sort out things in ones own mind, and can be useful for a mental "tune up". It helps memory enhancement, original thinking and technical knowledge. Good stone for IT personnel.

A calming stone, but also offers support for your hopes, dreams, wishes and desires, by encouraging you to "reach for the sun". Hematite reminds you that the only limitations that exist are those that you place upon yourself.

It helps to balance out the emotions and energies between the body, mind and spirit. Not only does it dissolve negativity, but actually transforms it into the energy of Universal Love.

Slightly grounding, reduces stress, enhances personal magnetism, optimism, will, courage. Stimulates attainment of peace and self-control.

Keywords: Physical: leg cramps, blood disorders, nervous disorders, and insomnia. Spinal alignment and the proper healing of bones, breaks, and fractures.

Source:http://www.sobrietystones.com/

"It's a whole different thing..."

In the last Etsy newsletter there was an article in
www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/ and really like these last words at the end:

...Your products aren’t the blue arugula created on an assembly line by workers paid far too little and shipped across the country to big box warehouses who take all the money and credit for your blood and sweat. You make things and sell things you put your soul into. You need to impart that message to your buyers. You need to show them — it’s a whole different thing...

An interesting test

I like read all kind of stuff about stones and their influence on our lives and their relations to the signs. By the way, I am a Scorpio :-)
I have found this interesting test about what do you need to wear (a stone) according to your mood and thoughts right now or near future.

What is yours?

An Introduction

Hello everybody!!!
I have started this blog to share my thoughts and my interests in jewelery making with all of you. I am Master of Science in Informatics and I am working as an software developer. I like coding as much as I like jewelery making. This is my hobby. In the early childhood I liked to make beaded bracelets from glass beads. Now I like working with semi-precious stones - hematite, jasper, malachite...

I live in Estonia, Europe and there is not so much jewelery in the style and the way I'd like to see and wear. So I've started to make it by myself :-)

Once upon a time I have discovered very interesting mailing list from Tammy Powley - Jewelry Making. This mailing list makes me feel very confident in this area and I have started to explore more and more. In this blog I will share my designs and my works.

I wish myself not to stop blogging and share all good things with YOU.


I have opened a small shop at ETSY.COM - http://www.etsy.com/shop/jinnyrocks
to sell my handmade jewelery. I always make everything as for myself, because I want things to last longer and to be the best in the way I feel.

Sincerely Yours,
Jevgenia.