I had a crochet project that has been languishing on the table in our bedroom for a while now. It was so close to being finished and it just wasn't getting done. So yesterday I took advantage of the dreary rainy weather in the morning (it brightened up after that) and finished it. It's a crocheted Louis Vuitton Monogram belt. I will scan the photo of the original that I found in the Deisgner Bag Catalog that I bought secondhand at Book Off (Japan loves their designer brands!!) and post it tomorrow or later this week some time.
As soon as Stephanie posted about the launching of her Counterfeit Crochet Project...I knew I wanted in. I did set myself a big task of offering to crochet a Louis Vuitton set. I wasn't sure how it would all work out so I decided to start off with the belt, a smaller project than a bag.
I'm really happy with the way it turned out and am psyched to start the bag....hopefully soon. I want to take some better shots with the belt on but I couldn't wait to show you so here's a couple that I took last night.
I'm so going to be wearing this belt and will hopefully get some kind of reaction for all the LV lovers here in Tokes. One Japanese lady who visited the SNB the other day was worried whether this project is legal or not. Ha!
Project specs: I used some brown wool that was lying around and crocheted the first layer. Next I crocheted the gold buckle using some great gold viscose yarn that I just happened upon in yuzawaya. The next step was trying out how to crochet the monogram symbol. The LV is of course embroidered, but the other symbol was crocheted and then each one was sewn on individually with brown wool. The back of the brown layer looked very messy and the wool was very curly so I crocheted another layer in beige cotton and then crocheted that to the back. At first I wanted to crochet the back part in leather but all of the leather yarn/string I found was just too tough to crochet and also very expensive. I even took my crochet hook into Yuzawaya where I sneakily did some test crochet with the leather. Here is a blurry photo of me crocheting the back layer onto the brown layer. It doesn't curl at all now and really feels like a real belt!!
That belt is classic. I look forward to hearing what kind of reactions you get!
Posted by: molly! | July 03, 2006 at 04:06 PM
It's funny - I have an aversion towards the "original", but yours I would want! Nice detailing too.
Posted by: stefana | July 03, 2006 at 06:19 PM
Hmmmm...it's funny that I was thinking of making a version of the cable knit Valentino purse. I guess that would qualify. Nice belt! Maybe LV will hire you to make more or at least pay for the pattern!
Posted by: empress | July 03, 2006 at 11:06 PM
Wow, I'm so impressed! That looks awesome! What a cool project.
Posted by: Carrie | July 03, 2006 at 11:23 PM
i hadn't heard about this project yet -- thanks for telling us! i might have to give it a try. your belt is wonderful.
Posted by: carrie m | July 04, 2006 at 12:35 AM
what a great idea! and crochet is so sturdy. i'm sure that belt will last a long time! very cool.
Posted by: gleek | July 04, 2006 at 12:41 AM
What a smart girl you are! Now you can be all stylin' without having to pay $500 for a LV belt!
Posted by: Jenn | July 04, 2006 at 12:59 AM
how cute is that? love it!
Posted by: Erin | July 04, 2006 at 01:09 AM
OMG! They invented the word "CUTE" for that.
Love Mok
Posted by: Mock | July 04, 2006 at 01:01 PM
The belt is a winner!
Posted by: Gina | July 05, 2006 at 07:11 AM
That's a RIOT! I love it! (And it is legal, as long as you don't sell it or a pattern for it.)
Posted by: Becky | July 05, 2006 at 10:48 PM
I just got home from teaching a knitting class, threw a steak on the bbq and cracked a Heineken. I thought my brain could not absorb anymore info regarding knitting or yarn but I just had to check in to see what Kat was up to as I hadn't read your blog lately. WOW! I love that belt. You are truly amazing! I cannot wait to see what other accessories you complete. The texture of this belt and the way you nailed the monogram is awesome. I am showin' this one to the group. Cheers! The beer and steak are delicious bye the way.
Posted by: Patrick | July 06, 2006 at 01:10 PM