Amore (Inspired by Dolce & Gabbana)

"Amore" is a quick project inspired by jewellery on the runway of Dolce and Gabbana for Summer 2016. The pattern for the choker is provided here but the original intention of this project is to show a quick way of using photo-inspirations for making something new using crochet.

The same photo-inspiration can be used to create new designs not only in jewellery but also in garments and other items. Just experiment and see what you can come up with.

WHAT I USED

Cotton thread size 8 in white, green and multi-colour (orange/yellow)
Sewing needle
Fine gold embroidery thread
Metallic Gold yarn of sport weight
Crochet hook size 1.2mm for size 8 thread
Crochet hook size 3mm for yarn
Frosted Organza Ribbon, about 3 feet long
Red Flat Back Sew-On Beads (I wish I had more of these)
Small amount of stuffing

INSTRUCTIONS

FLOWERS (Make 6)

White cotton thread, ch 4, sl st in first ch to make a ring, ch 5.

Rnd 1: *Sk fist ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in last ch, sc in ring, ch 5; rep fr * 4 more times to make 5 petals, omitting ch 5 in last rep; sl st in first sc to join. Fasten off.

Make center of white flower: Using multi-colour (orange/yellow) thread, make magic ring.

Rnd 1: Sc in ring, *ch 3, sl st in top of sc to make picot, sc in ring; rep fr * 4 more times to make 5 picots, ending last rep wth sl st in first sc to join. Fasten off. Sew to center of white flower.

LEAVES

Small Leaves (Make 2)

Ch 5 (stem made), ch 6, sk first ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc  in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch (first leaf made); ch 6, sk first ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch (second leaf made); ch 6, sk first ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in sc at base of first leaf, sl st in each of 5 ch of stem. Fasten off.

Large Leaves (Make 2)

Ch 6 (stem made), ch 8, sk first ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, (first leaf made);  ch 5 (stem made);  ch 8, sk first ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, (second leaf made);   ch 8, sk first ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, (third leaf made);  sl st in sc at base of second leaf, sl st in each of next 2 ch of stem;  ch 8, sk first ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, tr in next ch, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, (fourth leaf made);  sl st in rest of stem. Fasten off.

FRUITS (Make 4)

Beige cotton thread, make magic ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, 5 sc in ring, sl st in first sc to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each sc (10 sc made), sl st in first sc to join.
Rnd 3: Sc in each sc (10 sc made).
Rnd 4: Sc in each sc (10 sc made).
Rnd 5: (Sc in first sc, sc2tog in next 2 sc) 3 times, sc in last sc.
Rnd 6: Stuff fruit and close as follows: (sc2tog in next 2 sc) 3 times, sc in last sc, fasten off with long tail for sewing. Sew a green calyx at the base of each fruit (see photo above).

BAND

With gold yarn, ch 9. Sk first ch, sc in each ch across (8 sc made); ch 1, turn; *sc in each sc across (8 sc made); ch 1, turn; repeat fr * to make a band 12 inches long. Fasten off.

ASSEMBLY AND FINISHING
(Refer to photos for arrangement, or make your own)

With gold thread, sew leaves to band.
Sew flowers and fruits to band.
Sew red flat beads to band.
Sew ribbon with gold thread to ends of band.
Sew ends of ribbons clean.
Weave in all ends.