Elza van der Merwe is a 50-something South African mom with an empty nest that she fills with her gorgeous crochet. She loves crafting, nature and just generally loves life, and it’s a joy to see what she shares on Instagram as @elzavan912. Here are more than fifty photos that she’s shared with us so that we can enjoy her crochet projects.
What a fabulous use of fabric to complement a basket that is made mostly in simple crochet. See more crochet + fabric pieces here
This crochet ottoman is my all-time favorite item that Elza has crafted.
I love how the combination of closed stitches and openwork mesh crochet allows the sunlight to filter in so beautiful through this crochet curtain. Find crochet curtain patterns here.
Cute seasonal crochet – Easter egg cozies
Perfectly stitched crochet flowers that pop out in such a pretty way
See more crochet covered stones here.
I love this photograph of a heart made with crochet flowers. So sweet, so simple, so wonderful.
Here is a great use of a photo prop – bold red lipstick elegantly showcasing the color that’s in the crochet hearts. I also love the way that the hearts are reflected slightly in the lipstick case!
Such a cozy crochet blanket. The texture is fabulous. It makes me want to curl up underneath it and work on my own crochet!
I always love seeing the yarn that she’s able to share with us. This kid mohair and silk blend looks so soft!
A great stitch sampler crochet blanket worked in a great selection of colors that are both bright and muted.
I love the plants as much as the craft! This reflects that love of nature that she mentions in her IG bio.
Two versions of the same crochet vest. Love it!
Talk about cozy! Thick crochet slipper socks that are made in a cozy, wintery, chunky yarn!
And here we’ve got a crafty sense of humor … those crochet shark slippers that are eating the leg of the wearer. These make a good gift for many people. Cute and it’s been executed well here.
It is often tough to photograph black crochet in a way that actually shows the stitches. Elza has done a terrific job here with her placement and lighting. And the stitches are wonderful to see.
This was a charity crochet donation. It is always great to see when a crafter with terrific crochet skills invests time, money and energy in giving handcrafted items to charities. This is very special.
Elza made this beautiful crochet mandala. Such unique selection in the three colors here – a very sophisticated yet still fun crochet mandala.
A great photographic trick here with the crochet piece photographed over a blanket that has a simple design that suits the crochet itself well.
Crochet cables
Crochet chevrons can look so different depending on the yarn used, the colors chosen, the exact version of chevron selected. I love this execution of chevron crochet. Find 30+ chevron crochet patterns here.
Washing crochet blankets looks like a fun chore at Elza’s house!
Elza isn’t afraid to learn new techniques in crochet. This is Tunisian Entrelac Crochet.
The second darker color on this piece gives a slight ombre hint and a beautiful twist to the design.
I’m in love with this tapestry crochet mochila bag.
This crochet hook holder is such a beautiful example of what a crocheter can use to hold her hooks!
4 Comments
Wow thank you Kathryn. I feel honoured to be featured here. You made my work look so awesome!! Elza
Hi Elza, Will you please be so kind as to share with me what kind of Cotton or thread and how many ply’s do you use for the Mochila Tapestry Bag? Thank you very much !
Elizabeth
Well done Elza!!! I feel priviledged to know you and to have seen some of these projects in the making
Wow Elza you are truly gifted with a wonderful talent of turning yarn and pattern into a work of art! Your work is so inspiring and beautifully presented.