Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Tailored Crochet Bracelets – All Buttoned Up

by

cro bracelet buttons 0714

Do you have a stash of cool buttons?  If so, you might not have enough of any one button to finish off a garment.  But, with this cool idea from Donatella, you can make fantastic use of those buttons.  In the example above, she uses all metallic buttons, but any buttons you like will work well for this project.

Donatella calls these bracelets for men, but I think they are stylish and would suit men or women.  The choice of buttons would be a consideration.  If you are crocheting a sweater or anything with buttons on it, wouldn’t it be a nice touch to have a matching bracelet?  I wear bracelets every day and I have a nice stash of vintage as well as newer buttons, so this is an idea I will use often.

With the pictures Donatella provides at her site, you’ll have no difficulty crocheting up a batch of these bracelets.  I bet all who see them will comment – and want some for themselves!  Use up scraps and partial skeins, recycle old buttons, and keep your hands busy working up a stylish and stunning project in no time.  Win-Win!

PS – Should you not have a stash of buttons and are put off by the high cost of buttons on those cards at the fabric store, hit the thrift store and buy a blouse or coat just for the buttons.  Cut them off, use the fabric for some other project, and use those buttons for this and other crochet projects.

cro chain link 0714PSS – While you’re visiting Donatella’s wonderful blog, check out some of her other stunning work, like this very cool chain link necklace!

 

Comments

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.