Category: ideas & inpirations

Dreamcatchers ~ something new for me…

dreamcatchers

Dreamcatchers… something new & different from me that I’ve wanted to try for some time. I’ve created these Dreamcatchers, not as authentic representations but as my own personal artistic interpretations.

I’m an Aussie, so my interest in dreamcatchers isn’t cultural… I simply love them & more over, I love the idea of them.

Dreamcatchers originate in Native American tradition, believing both positive & negative dreams flow through the night & that a Dreamcatcher, hanging freely over or near a sleeping person, will allow the good dreams to pass through while capturing the bad dreams, which will perish & vanish with the rising sun…

I used patterns from this collection of 16 Crochet Motifs & embellished with wooden, glass & plastic beads & attached swivel cams so the dreamcatcher can rotate freely…

Dreamcatcher 1Dreamcatcher 7Dreamcatcher 6Dreamcatcher 2Dreamcatcher 3Dreamcatcher 4Dreamcatcher 5

Tassels, Fringes & other Dangly Bits Ebook…

Tassel title pageOver the years of Freeforming, crocheting & felting, I’ve always been on the lookout for interesting additions to my work & Tassels, Fringes & Other Dangly Bits fall easily into that space where a little variety and/or originality is required to complete a project.

This collection brings together a broad selection of 24 Tassels, Fringes & Other Dangly Bits that I’ve used many times over in my work.

Tassels, fringes & other dangly bits will bring some razzle-dazzle to your projects, whether it’s a freeform crochet piece, a scarf, shawl or hat, or even add some pizzazz to your rugs (afghans), throw pillows, bedspreads, lampshades & other soft furnishings.

A few beads, here and there, gives a touch of glitz and glamour plus adds weight to the tassel/fringe so it hangs better.

* Enjoy yourself with these patterns, suggestions & ideas. Experiment with yarns, colours & textures. I’ve tried to cover a broad range of creative ideas in this collection & I hope you find it useful & inspirational

This Ebook (21 pages) brings together a collection of 24 tassels, fringes & other dangly bits & where appropriate patterns are written in both UK & US terminology, with diagrams, charts & photos &, covers the following:

Crochet Abbreviations (page 2)Rainbow Lariat 2

1) Standard Single Tassel (page 3)

2) Standard Double Tassel (page 3)

3) Twisted Cord Tassel (page 4)

4) Crochet Chain Fringe (page 4)

5) Standard Clump Tassel (page 5)

Cherry Red beanie scarf set

6) Ponytail Clump Tassel (page 5)

7) Hooded Tassel (page 6)

8) Clone Tassel (page 7)

9) Off-set Clover Tassel (page 8)

10) Crochet Chain Link Tassel (page 9)

11) Joined Crochet Link Tassel (page 9-10)

12) Barrel Knots (page 10)

Carnival 2

13) Adding Beads (page 11)

14) Adding Single Beads (page 12)

15) Beaded Fringe (page 12)

16) What to do with tassel tail ends (page 13)

17) Hanging Crochet Ball Tassel (page 14)

18)Crochet Circular Medallion Tassel (page 15)

19) Crochet Square Medallion Tassel (page 16-17)Rasta (2)

20) Crochet Diamond Medallion Tassel (page 16-17)

21) Crochet Triangular Medallion Tassel (page 17)

22) Crochet Cork Screw Tassel (page 18)

23) Wet & needle Felting ideas (page 19)

24) How to make Twisted Cords (page 20)

25) How to make Rasta (4)Pompoms (page 21)

You can purchase the ‘Tassels, Fringes & other Dangly Bits Ebook’ from Etsy & Ravelry

& soon on Zibbet & Craftsy

… enjoy!

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

Flower power 2

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…

Flower power 4Flower power 6Flower power 7

Flower power 8Flower power 5

 

Wet Felt Flowers Pattern Tutorial…

DSCF0534I’ve had this tutorial in my mind for a very long time, but knowing how much time & work was involved putting it together: taking photos & editing, writing step by step instructions & keeping them clear & precise…

Like many of us, I procrastinated, allowing other things to occupy my time… even though that little voice in my head kept reminding me of what I had intended to.

So, a few weeks ago, I decided I couldn’t put it off any longer (that little voice was beginning to chatter & become annoying) – I got my act together…

Writing the tutorial was as I thought – time consuming – but I had forgotten just how much fun making these felt flowers is & how satisfying it is completing & reaching another goal…

ff-felt-flower-groupAnyone can make these  flowers, no felting experience necessary as the tutorial takes you through the steps &, apart from the wool roving, which can be purchased at any good DSCF0553craft suppliers, most of the requirements are items you’ll already have in your home.

The tutorial covers 2 wet felted flower methods ~ (1) using polystyrene moulds ~ (2) free formed & it also covers making leaves, centre balls & stamen/pistils

Have fun with these wet felted flowers… experiment with colour combos, textures & sizes… turn them into brooch pins or jazz up an old hat, they even look great in a vase… they’re such a joyful gift for family & friends… enjoy!

4xfelt-flower

Requirements: xxfelt-require-1

  1. coloured wool rovings (available from any good craft suppliers)
  2. polystyrene balls, egg shapes, golf balls,
  3. very sharp pointed scissors
  4. rubber gloves if you don’t like harsh soap on your hands
  5. old towels
  6. bamboo sushi mats – bubble wrap
  7. pure soap
  8. hot water
  9. old sheeting – chux wipes
  10. craft glue
  11. sewing machineDSCF0547
  12. sewing cotton

The tutorial includes:

  • requirements (page 2)
  • making flowers using the polystyrene method (page 3-6)
  • making centre balls (page 7)
  • making pistils/stamens – page 7-8
  • making leaves (page 9-11)
  • making freeform flowers (page 12-15)

The Wet Felt Flower Pattern Tutorial is available for sale in my Etsy Shop & Zibbet shop

Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef, Sunshine Coast Queensland, Australia…

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Hello everyone, this is a community project that I’m so excited to be participating in & thought I’d share some of what I’ve been doing so far…

Here’s a link to where it all began http://crochetcoralreef.org/about/index.php

& here’s a link to the ‘Sydney Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef’ that I also contributed to in 2009  http://sydneyreef.blogspot.com.au

The launch of ‘Spawning of the Sunshine Coast Satellite Reef’, part of the worldwide Crochet Coral Reef Project and created by the Institute for Figuring, took place at the ‘World Environment Day Festival’ on Sunday, 8th June 2014 at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

This large scale community program project will culminate in an exhibition at ‘Caloundra Regional Gallery’ from May 20 to June 28, 2015… so there’s plenty of time for anyone interested in reef awareness to participate… here’s the link to the Caloundra Regional Gallery

http://gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=exhibition-coral-reef

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So… these are some examples of my efforts… I’ve used yarn from my stash, yarn that people have given to me, yarn purchased from Op shops, plastic string & old video tapes… It’s the most fun I’ve had in ages watching the pieces grow… &, I still have heaps of ideas for experimenting with these wonderful shapes & forms that are so easy to create & come to life with every stitch… Enjoy!

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