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

50 Years of Flower Power – a freeform crochet & knit artwork – Call out…

Flower power1This post is a call out for Prudence Mapstone who is inviting creative crocheters & knitter to join her in creating a unique piece of wall art for an upcoming Sydney (Australia) textile art show. Freeform crochet or knit contributions are sought worldwide: be part of a joint creation to be exhibited at Fibrefest, Sydney, May 1-3, 2015.

You’ll find all the details here

if you’re on Ravelry… check out what other folk have been doing so far

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This project grabbed me the moment I came across it on Facebook… as a ‘matured’ hippy it’s right up my alley. And, I’m sure, for those of you old enough to remember: the flower power Combies & panel-vans, caftans & tie-dyed Tshirts, Peace & Love, ‘Make Love Not War’ posters… & what a carefree time it was, it will bring a knowing smile…

Flower power 3So… dig deep into your stash & pulled out all those long forgotten hot pinks, iridescent oranges & lime greens & begin.  Patterns aren’t necessary but can be a good place to start, make a scrumple or just a motif, let the colours lead the way…. it’s the best fun I’ve had in ages & I’m hoping many of you will take up the invite… whether young, ‘mature’ or somewhere in-between… & have a go… trust me, you’ll really enjoy yourself…

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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

Reversible Freeform crochet, knit, felt & beaded scarf….

CarnivalThis piece is one I originally created for a competition for the Embellish Magazine in 2010. No… I didn’t win but did make it in the 1st 50, the photos of which were published in the June 2010 issue. The scarf, (I called it ‘Carnival’), has been sitting idle in a box since then & I was delighted to rediscover it. There & then, I decided that it’s time for it to see the light of day again so I’m offering it for sale in my Etsy shop.Carnival 2

Now… this freeform crochet, knit felt scarf wrap is not for the faint-hearted. This is a OOAK, never to be repeated scarf, wrap… A Unique piece of wearable art for someone with attitude & who dares to be different.

A pain white silk scarf has been ornately embellished incorporating felting, beading, freeform crochet & knitted motifs. I used all sorts of yarn from acrylics & metallic to cotton & pure wool & all sorts of techniques: crochet, knitting, felting, beading, tassels & even a little hand-dyeing. It’s double-sided with each side being different so it’s totally reversible.

I know, I know… it’s absolutely ‘over the top’…. but, enthusiasm sometimes has no bounds. I’m so glad I found it… it made me smile… I hope you enjoy it too…

Carnival 1

Freestyle knitted scarf, wrap, shawl with freeform crochet motifs….

I’ve created quite a few of these freestyle knitted scarf, shawl, wraps with freeform crochet motifs over the years & they’ve proven to be very popular, probably because they can be worn any-which-way… as a light summer wrap or a chunky winter scarf… either way, they make a jazzy addition to your creative style…

Freestyle wrapThis Purple, Turquoise, Beige wrap is gorgeous & has a lovely drape… one size fits most – 114 cm (45”) long x 45.5 cm (18”) wide – available for sale in my Etsy shop

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freestyle wrap charcoalThis charcoal one is more classic but also drapes the body beautifully… one size fits most – 114 cm (45”) long x 45.5 cm (18”) wide – available for sale in my Etsy Shop

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