crocheting ribbon

My love affair with the image of crochet is continuing. Having designed the rather prim Doily ribbon, we now are introducing a fairly rambunctious design based on Granny Square afghans. Over the winter I was determined to learn to crochet, inspired by Sophie Digard's incredible crochet scarves (I own two). These are hand crocheted of extremely fine wool or linen threads, sometimes bundled together in heathery combos. One of my scarves is in shades of coral an the other in shades of verdigris: between them they go with nearly everything I own and I wear them all winter.

So I slaved away in front of the fire every night during the winter, working on more blanket-scaled grannies, trying to make the color sing like in my Digard scarves -- and, well, I should stick to weaving. It WAS fun. Then I took the inspiration and went back to the computer and have designed a series of things based on crochet. The new Granny Squares ribbons are a part of all of that work. Hopefully other designs will make their way on to the market too. I have had lots of fun, and I think it shows here.

Wonderdog NY

Oh, more is coming! I have sold a lot of ribbon over the years to dog leash and collar makers but look how particularly pretty this one is (using the Suzani Flower 22 mm in ivory)

Sea Parrot Kaleidoscopes

People are always asking me what to do with my ribbons. Well, I had never thought of making kaleidoscopes with them! To be exact, Sea Parrot Kaleidoscopes uses LFN and other ribbons, encased in glass, to form the side boxes for their exquisite kaleidoscopes.

"Kaleidoscope designer, Bob Rioux has been working with glass since 1976. Using creativity and fine craftsmanship he designs and produces beautiful works of art. Bob’s wife and business partner, Elissa comes to The Sea Parrot with 20 years of experience from her business, Elissa Glassworks. A love of glass and textiles has inspired her to design several new kaleidoscopes in the collection."
(this from their artist statement)

It is a pity that I don't have the technical know how to reproduce the fabulous spinning kaleidoscopic images of what one actually sees through this ribbon box -- for that please visit the website, www.seaparrotkaleidoscopes.com. Stunning and imaginative! Thank you, Bob & Elissa, for these glorious things!

Sew WOW Magazine

Waechter's Fine Fabrics in Asheville NC has a gorgeous online magazine called Sew WOW. I love Waechter's and they have obligingly carried LFN Ribbons for years. Their fabric selection is interesting and unusual, and Joyce specializes now in beautiful pattens & idea for children's garments. I had the nice surprise of finding they have used Dahlia ribbon in the current issue, as a trim for a vibrant girl's sundress.