Meet Shelby Allaho

Kidwell Garden Wrap

I would like to introduce you to the very artist designer, Shelby Allaho.  Shelby has quite the range of crochet designs that truly are one of a kind.  Her jewelry pieces make me itch to go run to my hooks and start crocheting.  Her and her husband's etsy store is not to be missed!  They create unique wood pieces that you can combine with your favorite fabric or swatch for truly artist jewelry.  I am going to get a few right now!

In Vintage Modern Crochet, Shelby designed two projects, Kidwell Garden Wrap and Bow Tie Necklace.  In her Kidwell Garden Wrap, Shelby takes the traditional pineapple lace and twists it seamlessly into a gorgeous motif.  The shawl is made from a few of the motifs combined for great results.  In her Bow Tie Necklace, Shelby is point perfect on blending a very modern jewelry with very classic filet crochet.  Both are just stunning projects.

A few weeks ago we got to chat a bit about crochet, here is some of that conversation:

RC: What is it about crochet that inspires you to design in it?

Kidwell Wrap End

SA: I love that you can go any direction at any time in crochet, and that it can be very delicate and lacy, or rigid. I also love that you can create dimensional pieces that are full of texture! There is something so special about being able to pick up a hook and yarn and make something wearable or functional.

RC: What is one of your favorite techniques in crochet?
SA: Surface crochet! You can use it to embellish, reinforce, and to add design details. 

RC: What was the last item that you made for yourself (in any craft)?

Kidwell Wrap Back

SA:  A mixed media necklace including crochet, embroidery and wood.

RC: What other crafts do you love?
SA:  Embroidery, felting, sewing, and mixing these different media in the same piece.

RC: What was your inspiration behind your design in Vintage Modern Crochet?
SA: The Kidwell Garden Wrap was inspired by a beautiful motif from my collection of vintage crochet books. I wanted to transform it into something modern and wearable. Most pineapple designs in vintage books are for table cloths, so it is nice to be able to show the beauty of Pineapple Lace in a new way!  The Bow Tie Necklace combines everything I love: crochet jewelry, bows, and a fresh use for filet crochet. Before Robyn approached me about submitting to this book, I had been exploring modern applications of filet lace, so her email came at the perfect time! The bow pattern is very versatile and could also be used as an embellishment for clothing when crocheted in a finer thread, or for home decor if crocheted in a thicker thread or yarn.

Bowtie Necklace

RC: What is next for you?  Where can people see more of your work?
SA: More crochet accessory patterns are always in the works, expanding our eWoodStory collaborative line of crochet kits with wooden elements, and wooden items to stitch, as well as working on community based textile projects and workshops in my home of Kuwait. You can follow along on my crochet adventures via my blog: www.stitch-story.com.

You can find out more about Shelby on Facebook, Ravelry, and Twitter.  Be sure to check out her blog for a chance to enter a giveaway of the book.

Bowtie Necklace Metal Chain