Everything Old is New Again

If you have lived on this earth for at least two decades, you are aware that trends always make their way back around for a second or third or fourth appearance. Bell bottom jeans, shoulder pads, Formica counter tops, wall paper, wall-to-wall carpet and so on have all been around the block and back again. The great thing about a trend returning is that usually, when it comes back, it's better than ever. This theory has never been more accurate in the world of knitting and crochet. Most people (myself included) do not know the difference between the two crafts and generally use the words, "knit" and "crochet" interchangeably. According to hobbyride.com, "Both methods can be used to produce articles of clothing, house wares like blankets or table cloths, and accessories like bags or caps, in general crochet work is lighter, being crafted of thread, while knitting tends to produce heavier articles like knitted sweaters for winter. Both yarns and threads come in various grades and weights that are similar for given applications. For instance crochet thread used to produce coverlets known as afghans are roughly equivalent in size to a regular knitting yarn and the two may be interchanged." Thanks to all of these crafty crafters and websites that highlight both crochet and knit work such as Etsy, the inter sanctum of crochet and knitting has been throttled into mainstream design and home decor. Very high end retailers and webtailers sell crochet items that can embellish the most beautifully designed interiors. Check out the photos below of some great crochet and knit items available at Weisshouse. Also, for a little more inspiration, visit http://www.casasugar.com/Cool-Modern-Crochet-Home-13253647.

Photos: 1."knit" rubber bowl (white) $ 350 2. "knit" style outdoor chair $ 439 ea. 3. needlepoint leopard pillow $ 225 4. "knit" rubber bowl (blue) $ 350 5. "knit" pillows $ 240 ea. 6. large crochet pillow $ 375, medium crochet pillow $ 340

Advice for Hanging Art and Photos in Your Home

Methods for hanging art and photos of any type are very similar to displaying other various collections within your home. Last week, with Ron Reinheimer's help, I discussed how collections look best when grouped together. This advise also works well for hanging art. Photos, interesting frames and works of art shouldn't be scattered throughout your home without any sense of ryme or reason. Creating a small "gallery" wall in your home is the most interesting way to hang random pieces. Break up large scale paintings or photos with smaller to medium scale items. It's also appealing when you hang various types of frames together. For instance, metal and wooden frames of any finish look interesting and create a more unique look when grouped together. Incorporating mirrors (antique or new) is a great way to break up a lot of images and add even more dimension to the wall. "Gallery" walls can be created anywhere in your home. A large foyer is the perfect place to display art and photos this way as it instantly introduces you and your personality to guests when they first enter your home. Your home office or bedroom is an ideal place to creatively display family photos and more personal pieces of art. I love to combine flea market pieces of art or old photos and frames with crisp black and white images of family and friends. See the photos below for some examples of how a "gallery" wall can work in your home too.

Personalizing Your Home With Unique Collections

Yesterday, our very own, Ron Reinheimer was featured again on Pittsburgh Today Live where he discussed various collections. Ron began the segment with some insight on how to collect and what types of items make for successful and eye catching collections. Collections of any type, whether it be a group of antique buttons creatively displayed in glass spheres or vintage white pottery used as an art installation on a large wall of your home help to bring more of your personality in your space and add meaning and inspiration to your life. Ron also feels that it is important to group like items together to create more of an impact visually. Equally important is to always edit your collection when you feel that you have too many like items. Perhaps, you are on the hunt for your next clock or vintage glass bottle and you find the perfect one. Well, that is a great time to reevaluate your collection and get rid of one or two items that are not so perfect. Editing is crucial so that your collection doesn't go from interesting and thought provoking to looking like a cluttered mess. Additionally, making creative use of various pieces in your collection like using pottery to hold flowers or greenery for a holiday centerpiece or making your miniature garden gnome collection into individual place card holders at a dinner party. For more inspiration and tips on collecting, check out Ron's segment on KDKA's Pittsburgh Today Live (PTL Links: January 7,2011).