Tag: women

Amy – How A Felted Jumper Becomes A Handbag – E-book Tutorial

~ This E-book Tutorial (12 pages) is available as PDF downloads from this blog & on Ravelry, Etsy & Zibbet ~

Reclaim that old woollen jumper & turn it into a stylish handbag

It’s easy to become excited about this up-cycled, eco-friendly project & even easier to make. The tutorial takes you through the basics of washing machine felting, laying out pattern or template & embellishments – the step-by-step instructions are given in written form with clear photos & diagrams with some alternatives included

Requirements:

* Old woollen jumper

* Top-load washing machine

* Pure soap

* Template – 26 cm (10”) embroidery hoop or strong cardboard

* Sewing machine

* Crochet hooks of choice

* Eyelash yarn of choice

* Plain 8ply yarn of choice

* Sharp scissors

* Darning needle

* Sewing needle & strong cotton thread

* 2 buttons/beads

I love felting too….

No doubt it’s no secret that I love to crochet – freeform,  traditional or exploring new techniques but sometimes it’s just as exciting to play in a different playground –  splashing about in my kitchen with soap & water & beautiful silk fibres I came up with these little beauties… & very pleased with the results

 

It’s Official……

‘Australia in Colour ‘ is ‘The Spirit of the Land’ – this morning the Postie delivered a parcel with the best trophy I’ve ever received – HOW COOL IS THIS?

and the winner is…….

Australia in Colour – Snood

 

what a good idea…Freeform Crochet camera/phone case

 

I have been wracking my brain for ages trying to come up with something different  – a smallish item that is practical but still stylish & good to look at – I came up with this little Carry Safe – Freeform Crochet camera/phone case – it’s lined with a strong, dark grey commercial felt to withstand the hard knocks – the brain-wracking has been worth the effort, even if I do say so myself

Introducing Freeform Polymer Beads….

I created these polymer buttons/beads for my own use in conjunction with, & to be incorporated into, my freeform crochet work mainly because I couldn’t find what I wanted elsewhere.

I love making these buttons/beads… it’s a lovely change from fibre… but you will notice that I do not disguise the handmade nature of these pieces & there are some anomalies such as: fingerprints, brush strokes, distress scars & many a wonky edge & of course,  no two pieces are ever the same – & it’s these unique imperfections & differences that I love most, I never really know what I’m going to end up with – so very freeform… just wish the photos would do them justice – they look so much better in the flesh.

All my polymer buttons/beads are freeformed either by pinching the clay into shape or pressing it into one of my own handmade moulds. They are baked at the recommended temperature & roughly sanded. Depending on the effect I’m trying to achieve, each piece is hand-paint with a variety of acrylic/oil/metallic paints/powders then sealed with 2 coats of Polyurethane (indoor/outdoor) water based satin varnish & left to cure for at least 48 hours