Luxury Silk and Mohair Shrugs and Sweaters

Because I am obsessed with knitting and crochet, I find myself working on a project every night, as I unwind from my hectic day. And the thing that I really enjoy is creating garments in luxury yarns. One of my favorite yarns is a blend of kid mohair and silk, 70 percent kid mohair and 30 percent silk.

The yarn itself is very, very thin, with a halo of fine fibers around each strand. This yarn accepts dyes, very well and I can find it in all my favorite colors. And the best thing about it is that it is warm without being heavy. And contrary to many beliefs, this yarn is not scratchy.

Silk and kid mohair blend yarn is also perfect for lace patterns and shows off intricate stitches really well.

My favorite garments to make are my shrugs and boleros. They are my own original designs and are usually knit in one piece, with the only seam being the arm seam. The design covers the upper back and arms and keeps you warm without the weight. Sing the yarn is so thin, the garment is transparent and is a very flattering accessory to dress up any outfit.

These lace shrugs feature an over-sized trim which is all hand crocheted and compliment to lace pattern of the body of the shrug, which is knit.

 

The other style of sweater that I make from the silk mohair is a little cardigan, which come just to the waist. I use a plain, stockinet stitch (knit one row, purl one row) to show off the beauty of the yarn and it is also transparent. The front of this cardigan closes in the center front and can be left open or closed with a shrug pin.

Both styles of these shrugs have bracelet friendly sleeves, and are so soft and light, that they can easily be rolled up and stashed in your bag, in case the air gets cool.

The care of these garments is very easy. You can just hand wash your shrugs in cool soapy water, rinse well. You should roll it in a towel (do not wring) and lay it flat to dry. You should never iron the silk mohair.

The Making of Brass Wrist Cuffs

Today I made two cuffs for a customer so I wanted to show you the process. 

I first start out with sheet brass and cut the shapes out.

Then I hand finish all of the edges and round the corners using files and increasing grits of sand paper, so that there are no sharp edges.

I always stamp my maker's mark on all of my metal jewelry.

Nest I shape the metal blanks of an oval bracelet mandrel. I like oval mandrels because our wrists are not round.

Here are the two blanks after the first stage of forming. The cuff on the mandrel has a chevron shape and the one on the workbench is a tall 3 inch cuff.

This is a picture of the tall cuff getting a hammered finish. I am using a Fretz hammer :)

Here is a picture of the finished tall cuff. I have turned up the edges to go away from the arm and to give it a better shape. 

And here is what the cuff looks like on the inside. It has been hand finished and hand polished and is ready for shipping. These two cuffs are for a small wrist, but I can make all sizes, all the way up to extra large. Each one is made for you.

Copper for Jewelry and Health

Copper is one of the metals that I use in making my jewelry. It is my favorite metal for a few reasons. First, copper is very easy to form in to nearly any shape that I want. Second. I love the color of copper because it is flattering to all complexions and third, copper has health and antimicrobial properties. Also, copper is used as an alloy in the other non noble metals that I work with, like Brass, nickel silver and bronze.

Here is an example of some copper armbands.

http://pzmdesigns.com/collections/upper-arm-cuff-bracelets/products/double-spiral-armlet-copper-upper-arm-cuff-ethnic-tribal-upper-arm-bracelet

Did you know that copper is an essential trace mineral? People need copper in their diets because it is crucial for forming red blood cells. You don't have to eat your jewelry though.....most people get enough copper from including grains, beans, potatoes and leafy greens.

Some people think that tarnish is dirty. In fact, it is just the opposite. Copper has antimicrobial properties......it will kill bacteria, viruses and yeasts on contact, according to a 2011 paper in the journal, Applied and Environmental Microbiology. So NOW, copper is woven into fabrics to make antimicrobial garments like socks that fight foot fungus. Copper kills microbes by interfering with the electrical charge of their cell membranes.

So what is patina (tarnish)???? Copper turns green because of its exposure to oxygen and moisture. The result is copper oxide and it is a dull green. This tarnish protects the copper under it from further corrosion. This is the reason that the copper plated Statue of Liberty is green rather than orange red.

Copper was one of the first metals to be formed into jewelry. That is why the women that love the boho, organic tribal vibe will love to wear copper jewelry. And now that you know what patina is maybe you will start to love it. I love wearing stacks and stacks of hammered copper bangles mixed with other metals containing copper. Here is a really cool copper cuff that is light weight and comfortable.

http://pzmdesigns.com/collections/wrist-cuffs-and-bangles/products/hammered-copper-cuff-hand-forged-copper-armband-modern-tribal-cuff-bracelet