actioncrochetLeisa McCord: 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.

threadsI 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 sterling silver or 14K gold-filled.

I am honored to be able to pay tribute to the fine needlecraft practiced by our mothers and grandmothers.

 

Leisa’s CV