Yoola Design's Review and Giveaway of New Wire Crochet Chain Link Tool Set | Chain Mail Reimagined | Tips and Tricks
There are many designers who crochet wire into jewelry. What makes Israeli designer Yael Falk of Yoola Design different is that she uses 3D printed tools to assist in starting and making the work as neat as possible. They are novel tools and make wire crocheting so much easier.
Over the years, I have reviewed many of her tools. Earlier this year, she launched something new, her wire crochet chain link making tool set. The chain mail reimagined set was inspired by her early exploration into the chain mail technique but with forged metal pieces not wire. She explained in her blog post she was quickly turned off with the crazy amount of work involved and switched to wire crochet!
She sent me an early set for review. She has since changed the design slightly to overcome 3D printing challenges so they look like these now One lucky winner of this giveaway will get a set. Yael is also a special 15% discount for readers for anything in her store! Just use this discount code : BeadinggemYOOLA.
As you can see, there are 3 shapes - round, square and leaf. The latter two also come in two different sizes. The gap in the tools facilitate the addition of a completed link. A linked design can be joined in this way.
You can also crochet such that the shapes are not frames. The leaf shapes looks cool in different colors.
This was what I received for review - the early version of the squares and leaves.
The new versions are 3D printed so the holes are situated in a vertical fashion. This does not matter as you can still do the same thing. I do not have the new tool but as you can see with her first round tool, all you have to do is make the foundation row loops large enough so there is space at the top to insert the hook.
I use Parawire 28G wire - this excellent craft wire is what I have on hand. Yoola Design has many gorgeous wire colors to choose from! Yael also stocks precious metal wire for experienced wire crocheters.
I also crochet with 26G wire. This is stiffer to work with and I do not recommend it for newbies. The result is firmer as you can see from the copper colored designs I made below.
Yael also provides hook sizes 0.6 mm, 0.75 mm and 1 mm. I generally use the 1 mm hook size because I now like to use 26G wire. Two factors influence which hook size you use.
Firstly, larger hook sizes allow easier catching of the wire, especially useful if you are new to the technique. When I first started, I had to use a 1.5 mm hook and worked my way down with practice. I can now use a 0.6 mm but still occasionally miss the wire. Secondly, a finer hook allows you more maneuverability when it is in the hole and you are moving it slightly around in the hooking action. This greater maneuverability leads to faster working times with practice.
What "sets" the wire loop in place and gives loops a near uniform shape is the poking action after a loop is pulled through the hole.
After the poking action, I use my left thumb to press the wire loop so it sits flat along the same plane as the tool.
Make the foundation row generously sized and in a different color from the main work. This foundation row is cut to release the finished work.
There are decreasing steps - Yael explains it in the instructions. The useful thing with wire is that the loops can overlap and stay open unlike yarn crochet!
Fine wire does benefit from being work hardened!
I chose not to make links out of the work. I adapted Yael's pattern to make more substantial frames for stud dangles! Notice I did not open up the outside loops with a thick needle. I like the funky edge shapes.
I also wanted to make the designs uniquely my own so I raided my stash of beautiful TierraCast stud posts!
Giveaway
If you'd like to win Yoola Design's Wire Crochet Chain Link Making Set, please make a comment below. Make sure you leave contact info below if you do not have an online shop or blog.
Email subscribers need to scroll down the post they receive, click on Share Comment and enter your comment. Pick Name/URL. If you don't have a store or blog, leave the URL blank.
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, October 10, 2022. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Extra entries if you become or are a blog subscriber or follower etc. If you also do shout outs about this giveaway, those will count as additional entries too! Please say so in the comments. (The exception is Facebook - just like/comment on the giveaway status there!!)
It ends in a week's time at 6 pm EST Monday, October 10, 2022. I will pick the winner randomly and announce the results as soon as possible after. So be sure to leave a contact email if you don't have an online link or make sure you come back and check! Otherwise I will redraw in a week. Good luck!
Photography
I used my iPhone 8+ for final product photography in natural light. I also use different smartphone apps. The work in progress pictures were shot in natural light but with a makeshift studio while I was away from home and my normal equipment. Generally I use the Orangemonkie studio which comes equipped with LED lights - for artificial light photography in my windowless basement studio. The Foldio2 Plus is excellent . I use the Foldio3 because I need the room for tutorial photography. My online class Easy Guide to Smartphone Jewelry Photography is now available. Read more about it here.
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
I have been following Yoola for a few years, but I have delayed making the purchase. I love the modern look and the variety of colors. I'm hoping... cmcoconatgmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteHi Christine, there is no time like now ;) ... there are a few freebies you can find on the patterns section
DeleteThis is the first time I have seen wire crocheting. Beautiful art!
ReplyDeletekaysuet at hotmail dot com
Thanks Kayla!
DeleteI am an email subscriber.
ReplyDeletekaysuet at hotmail dot com
Thank you for this giveaway !
ReplyDeletevoltzia@gmail.com
I've not considered doing wire crochet because i was intimidated, these guides are pure genius!
ReplyDeleteCally ! I publish very detailed video and PDF tutorials, and there is also the book if you prefer paperback.
DeletePearl, all of the links lead back to your blog post.
ReplyDeleteThat's odd. When I check they go to Yoola's site. Can you please check again and let me know?
DeleteI've been looking for a new craft, and I would love to win this kit and try this! Barbara Kirch
ReplyDeleteBarbara, Its true that I'm biased but its an amazing craft, its started as a hobby for me too
DeleteAbsolutely lovely Pearl!! You are always on the cutting edge ;). Via email
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win this wonderful kit. Sue
ReplyDeleteDoindigital at gmail dot com
This looks like fun and he end result is beautiful. I do not know how you find so many cool things!
ReplyDeletezanc@me.com
Hi Pearl, I love all the new things I read about on your blog. Thanks for the chance to win. victoria_farrell @ hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat AWESOME designs I would love to win thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletesally0630@yahoo.com
Im a subscriber
ReplyDeleteEmail
sally0630@yahoo.com
Facebook
Sarah Scott Oswald
Pinterest
sally0630
Thanks for the giveaway - beaupepys at gmail.com
ReplyDelete❤️
DeleteI have been following Yoola for a few years. I love her work. Thanks for the chance to win this kit. asyrri@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love your designs. I have not yet tried these new linking looms they look very interesting. Thanks for your review. Cjester11@msn.com or cjester179@gmail.com
ReplyDelete❤️
DeleteWhat beautiful work and an innovative way to do it!
ReplyDeleteSassafrasshollow@hotmail.com
❤️
DeleteI have tried crocheting with wire before, and I've had mixed results. Sometimes it's difficult to see a distinct shape in the work, for ex. And I am interested in trying chain mail, but it does seem awfully tedious (no offense to those who do it-- my crafts are awfully tedious to those not into 'em). Do you really think these help?
ReplyDeleteThe reason why you struggle to see a distinct shape with wire crochet is because it is hard to start doing say a free form ring of chained stitches. The tools really do help as it "sets" the shape and keeps it that way while you are working on it. The tool also makes it easy to hold things. Once you get the technique, the wire crocheting can be very fast. See Yael's youtube video on one of her other tools where she does work at speed : https://youtu.be/_n-UvG_BEmY
DeleteAlba, you may have tried classic crochet, not ISK... classic crochet using wires does tend to look jumbled , plus tis hard on your hands
DeleteI’d love a set! I’m a huge fan of yoola and her work. Instagram: @inspiredplumage. Email: inspiredplumage@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Ali ❤️
DeleteDo the shapes really help?
ReplyDeleteHi Alba, as opposed to circular shapes that you can improvise (I explain how on all my patterns), these shapes can not be made without the frames, you are welcome to join YoolaISK group on FB to see what the community has been doing , cheers, Yoola
DeleteI love this new set. Yoola is a creative and interesting artist. id love to win this set. Thanks.
ReplyDeletemelaniesilver.artpro@gmail.com
🙏 Melanie !
DeleteSuper neat! nhealy at ghx.com
ReplyDeleteI'd love a chance to win. Your designs are amazing!! Rountree170@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI learned about Yoola and her wonderful art and sets from you. I’d love to win the new set. Here are earrings I fabricated using the small loom. Via Facebook
ReplyDeleteLois 🙏
DeleteI've made necklaces with the circular ISK templates and enjoy them I like the new shapes. Thanks for the possibility to expand my horizons. Pam. goodhair2002@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletePam, you are here too, so many familiar faces ❤️
DeleteI love the links and the leaves and the creativity that you can use to make things with these simple tools. Thanks for bringing this to us!
ReplyDeleteKim ! ❤️
DeleteI am just beginning my wire crochet journey and would love to use these amazing tools to create some one-of-a-kind pieces. You are such talented people. I am in awe!
ReplyDeleteNettieWriter at gmail dot com
Nettie ! welcome aboard , note this is not classic crochet , its the invisible spool knitting, it will not hurt your fingers or create any tension on your hands , PLUS the results as you can see form Perl's work is even and smooth as opposed to classic crochet done with wires.
DeleteI have been following Yoola for a few years and I love her work. Thank you for the chance to win this kit. asyrri@gmail.com
ReplyDelete❤️
DeleteI would love to win one of these sets! I'm a big fan of Yoola's work! rossanna1979@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletehi hi Roossanna ! :)
DeleteI love her designs and tools! Great tutorial Pearl.
ReplyDeleteThanks Willi !
DeleteI really love these designs. I've been working with wire for quite a long time but have never tried anything like this. joywin@mail.com
ReplyDeletenever too late to start, this can be a great addition to your wire work , if you have any questions, feel free to ask me !
DeleteYoola's light and airy wire crochet jewelry is such a beautiful compliment for wire weaving. I'm a huge fan of Yoola Designs and I can't wait to start incorporating wire crochet into my own jewelry! For those who are on the fence about trying Yoola's clever ISK looms, get them. You won't regret it. I have nearly all of Yoola's looms now, and I'm having a blast experimenting with them!
ReplyDeleteWendy ! this is soooo sweet of you ! thanks for the warn feedback :)
DeleteWow - these are fabulous! Great work, both to YooLa and to Pearl for writing this informative and inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Tracy, Pearl just reminded me that she first shared my wire crochet ISK method 11 years ago ! time flies by when you are having fun ...
DeleteThank you for the giveaway! Amazing work!
ReplyDeletechirvasasma@yahoo.com
Thanks Smaranda !
DeleteI am an email recipient at kathy at kurke dot net. . Thank you for opportunity to participate in the give away
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy ! always great to see a familiar face, I see we go back all the way to 2014 ...
DeleteGee these look like a great way to explore plenty of different ways to make unique jewellery would love to win & try it out. Blog follower & subscriber I can be contacted at retro-grrl@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi retro girl ! they are :)
DeleteI would love to try your kit! Beautiful work ❤️
ReplyDelete🙏❤️
DeleteBeautiful work! Luan.chance.nicholson @gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks Luan 🙏❤️
DeleteThank you for the giveaway! Awesome work! Email: myrtobb55@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks Myrna 🙏❤️
DeleteThis is the first time I have seen wire crochet. It is beautiful. Thank you sharing and all the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this technique! I love the 'free form' style and design of the end products!!
ReplyDelete