Freeform Home Decor…

OK, I know I’ve made cushion covers before so they’re not really something new but I had forgotten just how much I enjoy playing within the limits of the circle/square (no going out of the lines, like when you were a kid & colouring in) – keep in mind the design… colour, texture, form – where to fill in & where to leave spaces. After my usual willy-nilly-freeforming & doing as I please, staying within the lines is actually more challenging than I remember.

Creating your own freeform cushion covers is a lot of fun, not only because you have a ready made template, but you can really let your imagination fly & bring together some of those much loved crafts that you also like to do as a change of pace… the felting, dyeing, beading & sewing… these cushion covers do take a lot of time but, I think you’ll agree, they look fabulous & will certainly brighten the world with colour & textural happiness…

Metamorphosis: Scrumptious Plum tones bring this gorgeous Freeform Crochet Cushion Cover alive …

A lavish array of Vilene, machine & wet felted patches, felt beads, crochet motifs & glass bead embellishments have been sewn directly onto a pre-made cushion cover leaving lots of spaces for the original cover fabric to show through.

Metamorphosis is avalaible for sale in my Etsy Shop

Tropical Seas: Freeform Fabric created in vibrant blues & greens with a scattering of glass beading, sparkles… just like a tropical sea…

Tropical Seas is avalaible for sale in my Etsy Shop

Cheeky Freestyle Crochet Vest/Top….

The idea for this cheeky freestyle crochet vest/top has been mulling around in my head for months &  I’m overjoyed to have finally finished it but now that it’s in front of me, I’m not entirely sure if it’s a vest, a top or perhaps a half jumper (sweater).

In any case, I was so happy with the result that I made another one just to prove to myself that it wasn’t a fluke.

Here’s what I did for No 1….

Gathered together a collection of complementary yarns (10 in all) & chose a large crochet hook [12mm] then, on my dressmakers dummy, I measured from the centre front to under the arm across the hip, approx 32 cm [12 1/2″] & made a chain.

From here on I worked in rows of dc [US sc] & tr [US dc] (not necessarily in that order), alternating yarns at random & increasing on one side only until it measured approx 79 cm [31″] across the top (shoulders)

~ I made 2 of these sort of triangles ~

From there it’s just a matter of sewing or crocheting the 2 pieces together across the top leaving a space for the neck opening & doing the same along the straight seam from the bottom up & leaving a space for the arm hole… done… well almost…. I just couldn’t leave well enough alone & decided to add some interesting tassels on each end of the sleeves.

The Cheeky Vest/top No 1 is available for sale in my Etsy shop

For No 2… I worked in the same way but I used only one yarn, the beautiful Noro Silk Garden yarn & No 9 (M/N) hook, this one turned out a bit longer in length but that’s OK because I’m keeping it for myself…

So there you go… something new to try out for yourself… experiment with yarns, hook size & stitches… easy enough to do & lots of pleasure & creativity in the process.. have fun…

Textures… a gift from all the rain…

OK, I acknowledge I’m no photographer so please be kind, no critiques on composition or photo quality but I just couldn’t resist taking these shots of the beautiful textured Lichens & Mosses that have sprung up in my garden after a woefully wet summer…

No one can do it better than nature itself… an absolute delight for a freeformer like me…

Inspirational or what?…

Click each thumbnail to enlarge image

3 New Hats….

Mixed Berry Swirl: a delightful Freeform Crochet Beanie in bold magenta & purple shades. Created in beautiful Noro Kureyon, 100 % wool. The crochet band gives a snug fit to keep out those winter chills & Corkscrew Tassels add extra flair.  Make a statement  – dramatic & different for those who dare to be…

Mixed Berry Swirl is available for sale in my Esty shop

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Woodlands: Traditional yet, at the same time, eccentric… this gorgeous beanie is just that little bit different for those who dare. Embellished with Ponytail Tassels & simple couching stitch embroidery adds the finishing touches to this distinctive beanie

Woodlands is available for sale in my Esty shop

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Rasta Tam, Slouchy Beret & Scarf set in Autumn tones: Gorgeous, vibrant Autumn tones bring this lovely Slouchy Beret & Scarf duo to life. Created in super soft, 100% non-allergenic acrylic, the scarf has an open weave pattern & the beret is full enough to hold long locks – a flattering, easy wear, easy care set you’ll love forever

Slouchy Beret & Scarf Set is available for sale in my Esty shop

Floral Beauties… self-indulgent pleasure…

Right now, flowers, whether knitted or crochet, seem to be the flavour of the moment & over the past few weeks I’ve been playing around with these happy little gems adding them to a selection of new scarves after finding the lovely ‘Silk Supreme’ from Bendigo Woollen Mills – the yarn is a delight & simply gorgeous  to work with…

more over, creating the array of crochet flowers was pure pleasure… although  patterns were used as starting points,  I was rather self-indulgent & pretty much made each flower up & improvised as I went along…. placing the flowers in just the right place took lots & lots of sewing though, but…

Hey! what fun….