Cup of Tea, Anyone? Crochet Tea Cosies with a difference….

Aussie Wild Flower Tea Cosy

I have to confess that, over the years of working with yarn, I’ve been a bit of a Tea Cosy snob & had little inclination to create, what I thought were rather outdated items. Who would even want them?

However, after being asked to make some, winning a few of competitions, gifting some & even selling a few, I have come to realise that creating Tea Pot Cosies are as creative as anything else I could create: from lovely, traditional ones to more outlandish freeform pieces. I’ve been told that Tea cosies are not only practical but add decorative joy to any table or kitchen sideboard… & so, I stand corrected… thanks to those who put me right…. – enjoy!

 

 

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

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

 

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