Tag: fibre artist

The Crochet Cactus Garden – 7 Patterns.

In today’s world, Cacti & succulents are considered very trendy indoor decor. Crochet Cacti & Succulents give any space natural beauty; whether a small one in a little pot on a desk, a large one for a corner cabinet, or a whole garden for a showy display. Think  gift-giving, for special friends, favourite teachers, loved ones in care or hospital…

The Crochet Cactus Garden is ideal for those who love indoor plants but, for whatever reason, don’t want to deal with the care & maintenance or have small kiddies & pets who like to touch & poke things they shouldn’t.

One of my crochet class groups encouraged me to come up with some basic crochet cactus patterns; ones they could play with to create their own indoor gardens,… stress free gardening if you like. 

I came up with these 7, easy, yet interesting, basic cactus crochet patterns, each different from the other leaving lots of room for creativity. The patterns are mostly worked in dc (US: sc) in the Amigurumi Technique. 

Patterns are in written form with both UK & US terminology 

I encourage you to experiment with different yarns from cotton to sock yarn, acrylics to natural fibres, all give unique effects. 

Tip: remember plants in nature aren’t always perfect, so don’t stress about any imperfections they only add to the charm.

I hope you have fun & enjoy creating a cactus garden for yourself or the special people in your life.

The Cactus Garden Crochet Patterns E-Book is available for purchase here

  • 1. Easter Cactus
  • 2. Succulent
  • 3. Round 9 Lobed Segment Cactus
  • 4. Tall Cactus
  • 5. Ball Cactus
  • 6. Prickly Pear Cactus
  • 7. Agave

Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2022 update

Yesterday, the Postie delivered a package from Alice Springs with my winning trophy. I had been expecting it & was really excited to see it. I’m sure you all agree, it’s quite the quirkiest trophy ever. I feel very proud & ever so delighted. Also enclosed was a packet of beautiful Biggan Design Merino Wool in Autumn tones…

Again, my thanks to the judges & congratulations to the creator/s of this & all the unique trophies, works of art in themselves…

The 2023 theme is ‘A Travellers Tale’ so get your thinking caps on & needles & hooks working… till next year

Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2022

It’s here again… Another spectacular year for the Alice Springs Beanie Festival with over 6,000 wonderful beanies & tea cosies to choose from. Not only to keep us snug & warm but also to delight the senses with colour, texture & fun.

This year’s theme “Stitching Hearts” inspired amazing creations & it’s interesting how imagination can interpret & bring the theme alive. View the winning beanie & tea cosies here. I’m so proud to be among  these fabulous creations.  A big Thank You to the judges; it must be a challenging task with so many sensational entries.

Merry Christmas 2021

I’d like to thank everyone who supported me throughout 2021: class ladies, customers, family & friends… you are what makes it all worthwhile.

2021 is coming to an end &, not a moment too soon, I hear you say. I’m sure many of us are Covid weary & look forward to a fresh, new year &, with borders now open, family & friends can reunite once more. I hope everyone is faring well in this ‘Big Wet’. The rain, of course, is very welcomed after such a long dry, but my heart goes out to those experiencing floods, especially farmers who always seem to do it hard. I for one have a drenched garden, raging weeds & bedraggled chooks.

I didn’t manage an entry for the Alice Springs Beanie competition this year, but Maleny Knitfest was a wonderful success despite the Covid obstacles that almost stopped the event. Unfortunately, this was the last Knitfest due to the coordinators retiring. Sadly, the Landsborough Market is still on hold for the time being although I have heard that it will resume some time in the future. I so miss this little market, the friends I’ve made, the lovely locals who supported it &, of course, the opportunity to showcase & sell my creations.

With 2022 just around the corner I’d like to wish you a wonderful Christmas & every happiness for the New Year. Stay well, stay safe, be happy. There is so much to be grateful for… cheers Renate

Aussie inspired Tea Cosies ready for gift giving

Spoil yourself, or gift someone you love, with one of these unique, Aussie flora & fauna inspired tea cosies.

Who doesn’t love a cuppa? And, what better way to enjoy it than serving it with a fabulous tea cosy.

The tea cosy bodies are Crocheted in chunky, double thread, 100% hand spun wool in a berry/bobble pattern to ensure good heat retention & fit average size tea pots. All 3 have openings for spout & handle & the button/loop closure enables easy access.

Embellishments are a mix of hand-felted & crochet Aussie flora: wattle, Flannel flowers, Waratahs, Gum leaves & Gumnuts to name a few.

SOLD

Knitfest 2021: 1st prize winner

Frilled neck Lizard Tea Cosy SOLD

Blue Budgies Tea Cosy

Blue Budgies Tea Cosy

Wattle & Gumnuts Tea Cosy

Wattle & Gumnuts Tea Cosy

Enjoy these little creations of mine. I’d love to know what you think.

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