About Leisa
I learned to crochet at the age of eight. My grandmother taught me, starting me off with a wooden hook she whittled herself. Over time, as I scaled up my interest, I scaled down my dimensions. Because I am interested in preserving the disappearing needlecraft of thread crochet – the patterns and the technique – my goal is to promote its appreciation by displaying it in new ways.
For inspiration, I use my growing collection of patterns from thread manufacturers from the 30s, 40s and 50s. These vintage patterns are a starting point for many of my designs, and though the thread and hooks called for are quite fine to begin with, I have in most cases scaled them down even further to make them small enough to be wearable as jewelry. Other designs are my own original patterns.
I use silk beading cord or white cotton crochet thread, and a vintage steel crochet hook. I hand-dye the thread to create a wide range of bright colors. All the jewelry components are high quality sterling silver, quite suitable for sensitive ears and skin.
I also make full-scale doilies, often in the same small gauge as the jewelry. Framing these under glass shows off the stitchery, and accentuates their intricate geometry.
I am honored to be able to pay tribute to the fine needlecraft practiced by our mothers and grandmothers.
Member: Houston Area Fiber Artists (HAFA)
Member: Contemporary Handweavers of Houston (CHH)
