That’s a mighty giant crochet hook, but what to do with it?

giant hook2I’ve had this giant, wooden crochet hook for the longest time, I may have found it in an OP shop or perhaps someone gave it to me… I simply can’t remember… in any case, it’s been sitting idle in my hook collection for many years with no idea what size it could be (though compared to a 6.50 mm (US K), it’s mighty big), or what it could be used for…

I’m presuming that some clever person hand-carved it & lovingly sanded it down to feel as smooth as silk… nevertheless, I’ve always found it awkward to work with &, after a few of feeble attempts, just abandoned it…giant hook1

That is, until a couple of months ago when I wanted to crochet some really woolly, chunky scarves, you know the kind that you can wrap around & around yourself, thick & lush to keep out the frostiest cold winds… &, suddenly, that mighty giant hook might just be the ticket… I started with 2 strands of yarn… No, not chunky enough… 3 strands, then 4 but finally settled on 5 strands of what I hope are complimentary colours. It wasn’t nearly as awkward as I remembered & the scarves worked up really fast. I think I got a bit carried away too, hence their length… the yellow/brown one being approx 272 cm (107”) & the green one approx 317.50 cm (125”).

So that’s a couple of scarves… I’m sure there are many more items that could be created with this mighty hook… I just haven’t thought of any yet… Any ideas? Or perhaps you have your own giant hook story… we’d all love to hear them…

green chunkyDSCF9666DSCF9674DSCF9671

2012 Alice Springs Beanie Festival update…

Yesterday, the Postie delivered a rather large package from Alice Springs… Oh… I thought, both pieces have come back but, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the felted beanie had sold, Yay!!

& for my efforts I received this delightful trophy… my hat off to the creator/s of this unique trophy, a work of art in itself… & a gorgeous bundle of rovings & Certificate from Ashford Australia

Thank you to everyone involved……

100 Beanie Drive… can you help?

Jess Van Den of Epheriell Designs has put out a call to all her crafty friends for help in her 100 Beanie Charity Drive

Jess’s goal is: to gather together 100 Beanies during July that I can donate to that box in the Day Oncology Unit. In fact – I’d love to have to buy them a bigger box to fit everything I bring in!! And you know what? Why not shoot for 100 scarves and 100 pairs of mittens, too?
 I’d love it if you could help me give cancer patients warm heads and warm hearts this winter.

Here’s the information if you would like to help with this worthy project – you will find some crochet & knit patterns to help you get started & guidelines for materials to use. Ravelry fans can join in here too.

The call is for boy colours as, apparently, men & boys are the most in need but all crochet or knitted beanies, scarves & mittens will be most appreciated – so why not give it a go….

These are a couple I whipped up in no time at all & will be in the post tomorrow…

A Tribute to my Sister…

I’ve dedicated this piece to my sister & to all who are travelling the arduous cancer road…

My sister’s courage, strength & inner grace… the inspiration;

Her unwavering faith in her God… my admiration;

Her ongoing positive, down-to-earth approach to life… my deepest love & respect.

Creating this piece has been bitter sweet but nonetheless, an absolute joy, not only because of my own personal involvement & the opportunity to express my love for my beautiful, courageous sister, but also because I had to work outside my comfort zone; as a fibre artist my preference is for bold, strong, gaudy, in-your-face colours & textures & working with these gentle pinks was a delightful surprise…

  • Technique used: Freeform crochet, Glass bead embellishments, Wet hand felting
  • Materials used: over 25 different yarns: pure wool, acrylic, cotton, metallic thread. Glass beads. Hand-carded fleece.

2012 World’s Best Tea Cosy Competition is an initiative of M.A.I.D., (Moving Arts Into Dogwood), with a partnership between the Miles Regional Arts Council Inc and the Western Downs Regional Council.

You can read more about the competition here

The Breast and Prostate Cancer Association of Qld Inc is holding a health information day for breast & prostate caner Saturday 28th July 2012, at the Leichhardt Hall, Dawson Street, Miles.

You can find more information here

When custom orders are a delight…

 

Janet - Freeform Crochet Vest

Some months ago a lovely return Etsy customer asked me if I could make her a vest in a specific size & nominated colours….

I’m always hesitant about taking on custom orders mainly because I’m never sure how a project will work out – Freeform has a habit of going off in all sorts of directions & not always in the direction I’m aiming towards ~ that hat I’m working on can quite easily lose its way & work better as a bag or vice versa ~ &, although I truly love this part of the Freeform process it can be a rather daunting when I really do have to stay on target…..

It took a while to make & there were a few moments of self-doubt from time to time, but it’s done & dusted now & this delight plum toned vest is off to its new home in the USA where the gorgeous lady is anxiously waiting for its arrival….

I’m super pleased with the results.