Feb
12
2007
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I’ve always wanted to have a go at Tunisian crochet but somehow never have…I’m learning now on the Online Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Crochet is the workshop of the month and it’s wonderful. Marja Heuvelman is the tutor.
I used a hand dyed bamboo for the plain Tunisian and a mixture of bamboo and Jo Sharp cotton for the wave Tunisian. It has a much nicer handle than I imagined Tunisian would have and I think it could be used for clothing.
Great fun and very relaxing to do, in between sitting at the loom and treadling away.
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Aug
05
2006
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I’ve been wanting to do an afghan or blanket for my new nephew but all the patterns I started previously just didn’t go right. I usually persevere with difficult things for a long time (only in the textile area of life!) but I think you have to know when a pattern is just not going to work for you.
So I scoured the Internet and stumbled on a great shells and cluster pattern. I’m using a 3 ply machine washable wool from Bendigo woollen mills and a 3.0mm hook … the drape is just wonderful. And it has a great texture. So good that it would make a good summer top as crochet can often be quite stiff in comparison to a knitted fabric. I cast on 258 chain to start and intend making the rug a square.
The pattern is basically a two row repeat and has a lovely relaxing rhythm. |
| Crochet relaxation with the shells & Clusters |
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| The Shells and Clusters pattern |
Jul
31
2006
With the addition of eyes, the amigurimi is complete. As it is weighted with beads it sits well anywhere. I’m not sure whether I will do another one, I’ve got too many other weaving projects waiting in line!
Jul
26
2006
There’s one thing that has always horrified me about knitting and crochet and it’s knitted toys. They always seem either very tacky or scary, and usually both. I would NEVER ever create one of those.
But here I am, obviously experimenting with the ‘other’ side of life and freeing myself from my conservative ways. I’m actually crocheting an amigurumi. 
The top photo of the cat is from Nekoyama, a Japanese author who has included English instructions on her site. The name of the cat is Amineko. The other photo is my first attempts, and clear photos of Amineko’s potential construction can be found here. The nicest thing about making this critter is the giggles I get from my 24 year old daughter who can see the little arms and body taking shape. And yes, it’s for her.
Before you run away from this blog deciding that knitted/crocheted toys will never enter your creative domain look at Beth Doherty’s gallery at gourmetamigurumi Brilliance, delight, beauty and imagination….it’s just everywhere.
