Completed Everyday Elegance Cuffs
It’s like they were made for one another …
Pink thread is vintage Clark's Boilfast size 30. The lace pieces and pearls are from my stash of pretties I collect.
… luscious pink cotton thread – vintage of course. A few inches of sparkly, rosy pink lace. To-die-for soft and creamy Tudor lace trim. And a handful of luminous pearls. All pieced together using a tiny size 11 hook and very simple crochet stitches to create Everyday Elegance you can wear. It’s a very quick and very easy project. Put away your sewing machine or needles, because this project is made using crochet only.
Here’s how to make these altered lace and crochet cuffs.
The Tudor lace has been in my stash for a while. OMG I love the stuff. I only have a small amount so a small project was in order.
I chose to layer two different laces, but the possibilities are endless. One lace with multiple layers perhaps ... or just one layer ... or opera length gloves with 10 different laces? How fun!
First, choose lace(s) with holes big enough for your hook and thread to pass through. Cut the lace to fit your wrist.
Thread on to the yarn any beads or pearls needed for your design before you begin stitching. Just push them along until needed.
I laid the piece down on a table before making each stitch connecting the two pieces -- just to be sure the seam was straight along the Tudor lace.
The pink lace I used has little eyelet spaces along the scalloped edges. Taking advantage of those eyelets, I used simple chain stitches to attach the laces to each other and create a decorative seam.
Don't you love the shine of the Tudor lace? And the sparkle of the rose lace? Gorgeous.
I got engrossed in the project and forgot to take pictures of each row as it was completed. Sorry.
On the second row (turn work), crochet a simple chain (ch) 5, single crochet (sc) mesh along the seam. I just eyeballed the spacing and ripped it out if it looked uneven. For the third row, turn, ch 1, work 5 sc into each mesh loop created on row 2. On the fourth row, slip stitch to the center of the first mesh, ch 5, sc in top of next mesh. Ch 5, sc in top of next mesh all the way across your seam.
A close up so you can see the stitches I used ... and drool over that scrumptious creamy lace.
On the fifth row, I add pearls and picots. Work sc 3, make one picot (ch 3, slip stitch into 3rd ch from hook), sc 3 in every mesh space with no pearls . In each mesh with pearls, sc 3, place 3 pearls, sc 3. Fasten off at the end of the fifth row. Very simple. Very fast.
Look at the date on the bottle. Even my Fray Check is vintage. Hah!
To prevent the edges from unraveling, dab a bit of Fray Check along both sides. Put aside to dry while working an identical seam on the other cuff.
This is the inside edge of the cuff. Raw is okay in my book.
When dry, fold over and sc along the edge — again just eyeball the spacing. It’s easy to rip out and try again if it looks off. Repeat the ch 5, sc mesh from the seam. I chose not to do picots or pearls here. Repeat on other side of this cuff …. and on both edges of the second cuff.
I made a cord double the length of my cuff.
To make a decorative cord, I first threaded six pearls on to my yarn. Make a slip knot. Ch, place three pearls, ch 2, sc in second ch from hook. Continue with ch 2, sc in second ch from hook until cord is the desired length. Place three more pearls, ch. Fasten off. Make two cords, of course. One for each cuff. Weave in all ends. I dabbed a bit of fray check on my yarn ends and left everything to dry over night. Then, I steamed the pieces the next morning.
That's my hand there inside the cuff, not a dead fish. 
Fold cord in half and thread through meshes on cuff sides like a corset, leaving the pearl ends of the cord to dangle on your hand. That’s it. You’re done!
Again, that's my hand -- fisted to hide the no-manicured nails.
Peeking out the sleeves of a velvet blazer here. But imagine these with a soft mohair sweater or a silk blouse. Or juxtaposed with a leather or jean jacket? Beautiful!
A simple, yet most elegant addition to your outfit. So quick to make, too.
Make a bunch in a variety of laces and colors! Then be sure to send me pictures of your masterpieces. I want to see what you come up with. Feel free to ask questions or point out any flaws you find in my written instructions. I can take it.
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