Knitfest… the celebrations are over but the buzz goes on…

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The 2016 Maleny Knitfest is now done & dusted… check out some pics here… How wonderful to have so many local, talented artists coming together to share their expertise with workshops & demonstrations in all things fibre. Being the first one of its kind there were quite a few hiccups but I’m sure everyone learnt a lot & all the wrinkles will be ironed out for next time… The town looked fabulous yarn bombed from top to toe. Congratulations to all the volunteers & organisers who worked tirelessly to get it all done.  I saw so many people taking photos in front of trees, cows &, of course, the controversial cannon… A talking point for some time, I’m sure.

On behalf of Lynne Hall & myself, I’d like to thank all the ladies who attended our ‘Scrumpling Workshop’. A lovely group who weren’t afraid to jump in & have a go… I hope you’re all inspired & overflowing with creative juices…

A big thank you also to everyone who participated in my ’10 Novelty Stitch Sampler’… I trust you all had a great time, leant some new interesting stitches & came away enthused to create your own projects…

&… A small drum roll please…I’m particularly honoured & proud to have won 1st  & 2nd prize in the Tea Cosy competition & 2nd prize in the Scarf Competition.

The Topics 1st prize winner 2016 Maleny Knitfest
‘The Topics’ –  1st prize winner – Tea Cosy Competition – 2016 Maleny Knitfest
The Hinterland 2nd prize winner 2016 Maleny Knitfest
‘The Hinterland’ – 2nd prize winner – Tea Cosy Competition – 2016 Maleny Knitfest
Calypso - scarf Competition - 2nd prize winner 2016 Maleny Knitfest
‘Calypso’ – Scarf Competition – 2nd prize winner 2016 Maleny Knitfest

Key Hole Scarf, a great beginner’s Crochet Pattern…

keyhole-title2-2I receive lots of requests for easy to make crochet patterns from less experienced folk who would like to make something other than granny squares… Patterns that are easy to read & achievable in a shortish time … Items that can be made for themselves or gifts for family & friends…

This Crochet Key Hole Scarf is one such pattern that I hope will be useful for both beginners & the more experienced alike… the finished item (approx 89cm (35″) long x 15cm (6″) wide. depending on yarn & hook used) is a short scarf that is bulky enough to keep out the chills but compact enough to pop into your jacket pocket when not needed…

As always, I’ve given yarn & hook requirements but feel free to use yarns & hooks of choice… make it your project & experiment with 8, 10 or 12 ply yarn & appropriate hooks… don’t be afraid to work 2 yarns together using a large hook (6.50 (K), 8.00 (L), 9.00 (M), 10.00 (N))… The edging I’ve given is a shell with picot, but here again, there’s no reason why you can’t change this to a fringe or even leave it plain…

The pattern includes:

  • written pattern in both UK & US terminology
  • clear stitch instruction
  • pattern diagram (chart)

So, there you go… An easy pattern for beginners & a quickie for the more experienced… Enjoy!

You’ll find the Key Hole Scarf Pattern in my Etsy shop & Ravelry

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Freestyle, Freeform Crochet shawls, wraps, stoles….

Rainbow freeform shawl floralI have been determined to complete some unfinished projects, despite the summer heat & holiday season, so… the New Year began busily with these Freestyle, Freeform Crochet shawls which I started in November 2015, only to just finally finished in January 2016. Oh well, 3 months for 3 shawls isn’t too shabby, I guess…

All 3 shawls were created in a gorgeous 60% Superwash wool & 40% Polyamide… with long, gentle colour variegations that are bright & cheerful… just the kind of yarn I love working with.

Freeform shawl purple pink

I used a combination of motifs from these patterns: Spirals & Scallops Ebook, 16 Crochet Lace motifs Ebook & Sharp Peaked Chevron Pattern, then chained the motifs together…

I love the way the colours twist & turn & meander this way & that… I love the individuality of each piece… I love that they are going to bring much joy & creativity to the wearer…

 

freeform shawl purple olive green 2freeform shawl purple pink 2freeform shawl rainbow

Freeform Crochet Spiral, Scallop Shawl, Wrap Scarf…

DSCF0763For those of you familiar with my work, this freeform crochet shawl warp with spirals & scallops won’t come as a surprise…

I so enjoy creating these pieces as no two ever turn out the same, depending on the yarn, colours & textures so each piece stands alone… I hope this one is no exception…

 

 

spiral, scallop shawlspiral, scallop shawl wrap

3 new Freestyle knitted Shawls with Freeform crochet edging…

cream freestyle wrapThese freestyle knitted scarf, shawl, wraps are some of my favourite pieces to create & I get many requests for custom orders but, as I never know how each piece will evolve or turn out, l aways hesitate to take on personal requests. Instead, I wait till I find the right yarn, in inspiring colours or textures, & just make them in the hope that others will like them too.

The body of these pieces have been knitted freestyle, by this I mean, randomly increasing & decreasing the edges & then filling in the raggedy edges with freeform crochet motifs & edging… No patterns to follow, which is very liberating & totally creative…

These 3 pieces are available in my Etsy shop… enjoy!

Freestyle shawl turquoiseFern green freestyle knit