wire crocheting

I don't knit. I barely sew. I've only attempted traditional crocheting once, but last week I learned how to do the basic chain stitch with wire.

I started out with a spool of 26 gauge Parawire brand wire. I folded the wire leave about a 7 inch tail.
I looped the wire over a size"I" metal crochet hook and twisted the wire loosely around the hook, creating the first chain loop.

With the hook facing me, I brought the wire from the spool end around the back of the needle to the front.
Than hooked the wire and pulled it through the first loop.

So hook facing me, loop wire around back of needle to front...
...hook wire and pull through loop.

Keep repeating and you have a chain stitch!

The lovely Laura Timmons of Vintage Moon Creations lead the workshop I attended and taught us a couple tricks for crocheting wire with crystallized elements. I particularly liked how Laura incorporated the Swarovski crystal mesh into her designs. Typically used for apparel as trim, she experimented with cutting it up and using it like a bead. Who would have thought?!?

Our final piece consisted of 6 crocheted strands of wire, each with a different type of crystal crocheted within, all branded together. Very unique and lots of bling! Thanks Laura for the wonderful lesson!