I think it started with these:
I found a picture on pinterest of these bracelets and they were so awesome looking, I just HAD to make them. I couldn't find instructions anywhere, so I commented on the blog the original picture belonged to, and she kindly linked me to a tutorial (right here in case you want it!) It was in another language, but I managed pretty well. The first one I did was the bronze one. I modified it because I had less crystals, so there are only 8 sections of that instead of 10. It was fun to make, but fiddly, and it came out too big in the end. So I started another one, with more crystals, and modified again. Still too big, but also not. My hands are SO small and so are my wrists, that bangles just don't work well. You have to be able to fit your hands into them with no clasp, so for me in my case, they end up too big overall. I think I may end up cutting these back up, I can't wear them, so I guess I'll reuse the beads.
Luckily I DID have some success in another kind of bracelet. If you've seen how those Alex and Ani bracelets have gotten so popular lately, you'll recognize these.
I borrowed one from my sister, that she'd been given as a gift, because I just KNEW I could make them at a fraction of a cost (they retail around $28 each!) I took it to Michaels to match it up to some wire I'd seen there before. Turns out even with her bracelet I ended up with the wrong gauge wire. It was hard to see in the packaging. So I bought 16 gauge but 14 would have been better. Regardless, I was determined to use it anyway. It's softer, so more flexible, but when they're made and on they keep their shape just fine. The one with the key and hope charm I made first, also bought from Michaels. Cheap and not really what I wanted, but good enough for a test. After I made that one I wanted another. Of course! I remembered that my mom had bought me these two charms years ago, meant for a charm bracelet I have, but never got added to it. They are a little dirty, I need to clean them up, but they worked well. I got them when I started my college courses on graphic/web design. I love these bracelets though. I may redo them in the thicker gauge when I get some but I haven't been back yet to grab it.
Price: the wire was about $12 for a package. It comes already coiled, at least the brand I bought. I think it's silver plated but as my small one threw out the package the second I put it down (she just loves to clean up, and I didn't notice!) I can't remember for sure. I had a 40% off coupon, so the wire ended up being more like 7-8 bucks. One package can get probably 8 bracelets on average. More or less anyway, depending on your wrist size. I have small wrists, so I could probably manage 10 out of it. The charms were anywhere from $1-$5 depending on the ones you picked. I got two for $2.50 each. So, the charms are the most expensive part in this! I already had a tool from years ago making stitch markers. I used one like this which cuts, grips, AND bends the wire into a loop. Very handy. Maybe I should do a tutorial?
I also finished my "cleopatra" bracelet. I am happy with how this one came out as well. I will be making another, but haven't decided on the color.
I also made another bracelet like my last green one. It looks off in the picture. The pink beads are right, but the seed beads look like a blue purple here, and they are a reddish purple in real life. I don't like it as much as my first, but it's cute. I wanted brighter colors.
Here's a picture of winterwood. It's been finished, last night actually, but until it's blocked I won't take another one. It was actually a pretty fast knit, once I got past the edging.
I also started some Kiltie Mitts.
I've had this handspun rambouillet for some time for these. There was a KAL starting and I figured it would be something fast to distract from the lace shawls I've got going on. I showed my wing of the moth last time. I also since started Syrah and Sugarfrost. So that makes 4 including my sister's wedding shawl. The thumb of this one and its button tab has since been finished and I cast on for the second. They're a bit loose around the wrist but I think that once the band is attached with a button it will be fine.
I think that's it for now, I'm sure I will have more soon!
