How to draw a Tiki Head!

As I said in a previous post, I got my son to help me design the tiki stuff I made for the last Retro Romp. So here's is the method I worked out, so he could help me. He picked the features and I drew them out. Its an incredibly easy system, and a great one to do with the kids and for just general doodling. The diagrams I've drawn are a bit rough, but what the hey, you'll get my drift. This is tribal stuff, the rougher the better.

And don't be fussing about the lines! Kids are constantly told in school to stay within the lines, and unfortunately this can stay with us as adults. When one neighbours kid got upset because he coloured outside the line, I just gave him the big black marker and said, change the line. He was chuffed...

Lace Inspired (...0bsessed...): Part 1

Apart from the Lace Seminar I'm helping to organise (next weekend!!!), I have another reason to be Lace Obsessed, I mean Inspired. As well as doing the Electric Picnic, (hopefully, still TBC!) this year I've been asked to take part in a mini Greencrafts village at the Body and Soul Festival

My theme for EP this year is 'Lace Inspired', and I thought I had the whole summer to be inspired and crafty, but with the Body and Soul in June, the pressure is on to make Lace. Its not the easiest thing to do under pressure, with a short amount of time... I've been gathering up inspirational pictures on Pinterest (lots and lots of pictures). It all began with a Doily DIY Lampshade and some Lace covered Stones And a whole lot of other amazing Lace photos.

So, I started Lace-making. Now when I looked at all the DIY projects, they all either used vintage or cheap handmade doily's. You won't get vintage in Ireland for cheap (or even find any), then I went into a shop and bought 3 small doily's for €1 each. Afterwards the guilt weighted too heavily on me. Just because it is crocheted in Asia, does not mean it is any less handmade, and it appals me to see such work go for so cheap. Each day when I read about the destruction the textile industry is causing to people, to the environment, I feel the need to get more pro-active in my belief in recycling/upcycling, and any other cycling I can think of. So, lots of ideas out the window, because I'll have to make all the lace myself, and I'm not going to buy any new yarn for it. Enough chat, you get the gist, lots of Lace blog posts coming up over the summer.

Here's my first project:

Lace Lampshades!!!
Here's my version of the Doily Lampshade.

The 1st one was made of a series of different doily's, but it took too long to make them, then put them together.

Then I tried a different version crocheting the top and bottom, and then crocheting over the balloon

Still took too long, so I came up with a pattern and new method that is relatively quick and easy!! So here is the final prototype. It didn't dry completely even as it got josled about a bit.

As usual I had to take lots of pics, a I loved the light coming through.

and more pics messing around with the light and colour.

(my favourite kinda blue!!)

I have more plans for this baby, but I guess you just gotta come to The Body and Soul Festival to see the final design...

Body & Soul Festival, JUNE 18th & 19th
Ballinlough Castle,
Clonmellon,
Co.Westmeath.

More Mushrooms, and more spots...

The worst part about getting chickenpox as an adult is not the scratching, (calamine and liquid anti-histamine are quite an anti-scratch combo), its the resting. How do you rest as much as you need to? I watched lots of films, read a lot, and then, once the spots eased a bit, threw myself into getting stuff done. The kind of stuff I had been meaning to do for ages. And the first one up is...Mushrooms!

I've made a good few mushrooms now, most for display at EP, but I finally got it together to write out the pattern for a small one. Its in the testing phase, and will be up on the blog soon.

These babies are now off to Bournemouth, UK, to be part of a wonderful project by artist, Pauline Stanley. She is creating a textile garden in the library. "An intergenerational community knitting/crochet project were we are knitting a 3D garden to climb, creep, blossom over 3 floors of Bourenmouth Library in an exhibition in May 2011.Participants of any age or ability welcome". She's looking for all manner of flowers, vegetables, leaves, etc, so if you have the time, make something for this wonderful exhibit. More info on her blog. http://bloomingmarvellous1.blogspot.com/ You never know I might finally get round to writting up my lemon/apple/pear/carrot patterns too! They all went off to the Manna Organic Farm, in Gleann na nGealt, Co. Kerry.

It is ironic I spent my invalid time sewing spots onto mushrooms, but then I went one step off the cliff, and messed around with said spots on the computer.

I have now had enought of spots thank you very much!

Bráisléad

Made a few bracelets for a friend for her birthday. I made her a few pinkish ones, then went and made lots more...Handy emergency presents!

I've put the instructions up on Stitchlily's Stuff

Tutorial: How to Crochet a Hairy Molly

Just put up a new pattern of sorts, on my other blog, Stitchlily's Stuff... the one that rarely gets used, where you dont have to read my waffle... It's completely untried and untested...

How to Crochet a Hairy Molly

New Patterns Up!

I have put The Curly Whirly, and the Eco Dishcloth patterns up. You can find them on Stitchlily's Stuff

A big thank you to all my pattern testers!!

New Pattern...

A friend of mine called round the other day, and you know, in politeness said, "what have you been up to"?. I told her all about the Irish Hyperbolic Crocheted Coral Reef, and she just groaned. Not that again. She'd heard enough about it last year. But I said, I've spent the last week writing up a new pattern. Ta DA!!! And she burst out laughing.
-"What the ..... is it"?
-"It's a Curly Whirly for the Irish Reef".
"Why don't you design something useful?"
"Why? There's enough useful stuff out there, why make more.....".

Painters, they are all the same, no appreciation for the fibre things in life. Took me ages to write out this pattern, to make all the test samples. Now I just need some willing victims to test it out for me. Any takers?

Presenting The Curly Whirly

Not hyperbolic, but there was a lot of math involved in writing up this pattern!! Margaret Wertheim had said in the workshop, to try and think vertical, while making coral for the Irish Reef. So I made these. I plan on decorating them with a bit of fluffy, or maybe some mini-hyperbolics to add to the top. In the pattern I have written up the theory behind the twist, so I'm hoping folk will adapt it for themselves.

Here's a few samples of different shapes you can make

New Patterns

I had said my plan for this winter was to learn how to write patterns. It's hard, especially for someone who can't read them very well. I know people who are in Ravelry tend to go on and on and on about it, but for people, new designers like me, you can't get a better resource. There is a group called The Testing Pool, where you can find people who will test your pattern for free, using their own yarn. What a resource. But I'm nervous about taking the plunge, incase I get messages back saying its all gobbledigook.... so I am also going to post messages here for test crocheters.

I had planned on trying to make a series of patterns that could be used with a variety of yarns and hooks, using remnants, etc, but it would take too long. I could spend eternity trying to write just one pattern in 20 different hook sizes. It's just I never have the right hook or the right yarn to make projects and always adapt patterns. But that's me, and it's probably why I can't follow a pattern. But if I want to do this properly, I have to go along with the whole yarn brand/gauge thing.

But, (not another but!), I have decided to try act on my principles, and use only either eco/fairtrade yarn or local yarn. Local meaning, either from Irish sheep, partially from Irish sheep, or at least processed in some way in Ireland. My apologies in advance if you can't get your hands on the particular yarn. Knowing me, there won't be that many patterns, or they won't be popular enough to warrant me feeling bad about this decision.... Support Irish Sheep...(and alpaca, llama, flax, etc....)

Anyway, enough banter, here's my latest pattern that needs testing, if anyone is interested.Don't laugh, remember I'm learning and starting small, very small....

Eco/Fairtrade Cotton Dishcloth

New Blog

I've started another new blog, no I'm not a blog addict, it's just I'm trying to focus myself.... If that's possible...

This one is called Stitchlily's Stuff. It's basically going to be patterns, tips, techniques, that I keep promising folk I'll post here on this blog but never get round to . Well, that's my plan for this winter. I am going to focus on all the things I've said I would do but haven't... and focus on writing patterns and techniques.

I've decided to put them on a new blog, because I tend to waffle a bit much here, and I know some people just want to get straight to the useful stuff. If I had a website this might be all neatly organised in one place, but I don't and I wont in the foreseeable future. I spend too much time on the computer as is! I plan on spending the winter holed up with my crochet hook and spinning wheel. All other crafts and activities will just have to wait until the Spring...

www.stitchlilystuff.blogspot.com

Mushrooms

These 'shrooms are part of the display I am planning. I've made 4 and hope to make about 10 more.

Everything is on hold until after the Electric Picnic. I will write up the patterns for these, and the crocheted fruit, and for several other things as soon as I get some time back....




PS: heard a rumor that The Innocent Smoothie Big Knit might be taking place again this year...Better get the juices flowing on new hat ideas.....(mmm mushroom hat anyone?)

Innocent Smoothie Cowgirl Hat

First, we have Cowgirl. With her trusted steed by her side, shes pretty in a pink (and red) chenille, this baby is hot to trot: .I used a 3mm hook, and scrap chenille


American Version:
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
sc-single crochet
slst-slip stitch

Work the base in continuous rounds for the 1st 10 rows
Ch 2
Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-9: sc in each (24)
Row 10: change to red: sc into each (24)
Row 11: change to pink: sc in each (24)
Row 12: *(2sc into the next st, 1 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Row 13 *(2sc into the next st, 2 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Row 14: *(2sc into the next st, 1 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Fasten off and weave in the ends

English Version:
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
dc-double crochet
sc-single crochet

Work the base in continuous rounds for the 1st 10 rows
Ch 2
Row 1: 6dc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2dc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-9: dc in each (24)
Row 10: change to red: dc into each (24)
Row 11: change to pink: dc in each (24)
Row 12: *(2dc into the next st, 1 dc)* repeat from *, sc to the top of the 1st dc
Row 13 *(2dc into the next st, 2 dc)* repeat from *, sc to the top of the 1st dc
Row 14: *(2dc into the next st, 1 dc)* repeat from *, sc to the top of the 1st dc
Fasten off and weave in the ends

Innocent Smoothie Cloche Hat

Next, we have Cloche, in chenille, these gals show their true colours. Smooth and Innocent. I used a 3mm hook.

American Version
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
sc-single crochet
slst-slip stitch

Work in continuous rounds for the base of the Hat
Ch 2

Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: sc into each (24)
Row 11: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (35)
Row 12: *(2sc into next st, 2 sc), repeat from * (47)
Slst into the top of the first sc. Fasten off

Band
Work 30 ch. Fasten off, leaving a long length for sewing onto the hat

Flower
Ch 2
Row 1: 6sc into the first ch
Row 2: 5 ch, (sc into the next st, 3ch), repeat * 5 times (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long thread for sewing onto the hat

To finish
Sew the band and then the flower onto the hat. Weave in the ends

UK Version
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
dc-double crochet
sc-single crochet

Work in continuous rounds for the base of the Hat
Ch 2

Row 1: 6dc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2dc into each st (12)
Row 3: *2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: dc into each (24)
Row 11: *2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (35)
Row 12: *2dc into next st, 2 dc), repeat from * (47) Sc into the top of the first dc.
Fasten off and sew in the ends

Band
Work 30 ch. Fasten off, leaving a long length for sewing onto the hat

Flower
Ch 2
Row 1: 6dc into the first ch
Row 2: 5 ch, (dc into the next st, 3ch), repeat * 5 times (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long thread

To finish
Sew the band and then the flower onto the hat. Weave in the ends

Innocent Smoothies Baseball Caps

Last but not least, these boyos are the street range. Heavy in cotton, wool and the little lady pink. I used a 3mm hook regardless of yarn type.

American Version
Abbreviations:
ch-chain
sc-single crochet
slst-slip stitch

Work in continuous rounds for the base of the hat
Ch 2

Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: sc into each (24)
To work the Brim:
Row 11: 5 sc, 2sc into the next st, 3 sc, 2sc into the next st, 3 sc, slst into the next 2sts
Row12: 1ch turn, skip 1st, slst into the next 2 st, 3 sc, 2sc into the next st, 4sc, 2 sc into the next st, 3 sc, slst into the next 2 st.
Fasten off and weave in the ends
Optional:
To neaten off the brim re-join the wool at the back of the cap and do 1sc in each st all the way around. Slst to the 1st. Fasten off and weave in the ends

English Version
ch-chain
dc-double crochet
sc-single crochet

Ch 2

Row 1: 6dc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2dc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2dc into next st, 1 dc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: dc into each (24)
To work the Brim
Row 11: 5 dc, 2dc into the next st, 3 dc, 2dc into the next st, 3 dc, sc into the next 2sts
Row12: 1ch turn, skip 1st, sc into the next 2 sts, 3 dc, 2dc into the next st, 4dc, 2 dc into the next st, 3 dc, sc into the next 2 st.
Fasten off and weave in the ends
Optional:
To neaten off the brim re-join the wool at the back of the cap and do 1dc in each st all the way around. Sc to the 1st st. Fasten off and weave in the ends.

First Patterns!!

I've finally put a few patterns together. They are all specially designed for the smaller head. We're not even talking Gnomes here, but Pixies, Fairies and Innocent Smoothie bottles. Here's my latest collection from the Big Knit Range.

I used a 3mm hook to make these. When doing amigurumi, you tend to use a hook the next size down than recommended on the wool, so I probably did it with these patterns as well. A lot of my yarn comes from charity shops, and if the label is missing, I cant say what it is, what size needle/hook that I should have used. So, I would say hooks 3-4mm should be ok, depending on the yarn you use.


First, we have Cowgirl. With her trusted steed by her side, shes pretty in a pink (and red) chenille, this baby is hot to trot:Work the base in continuous rounds for the 1st 10 rows.

Ch 2

Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *(2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-9: sc in each (24)
Row 10: change to red: sc into each (24)
Row 11: change to pink: sc in each (24)
Row 12: *(2sc into the next st, 1 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Row 13 *(2sc into the next st, 2 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Row 14: *(2sc into the next st, 1 sc)* repeat from *, slst to the top of the 1st sc
Cast off and sew in the ends

Next, we have Cloche, again in chenille, these gals show their true colours. Smooth and Innocent.

Work in continuous rounds for the base of the Hat
Ch 2

Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: sc into each (24)
Row 11: *2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (35)
Row 12: *2sc into next st, 2 sc), repeat from * (47)
slst into the top of the first sc. Cast off

Band
Work 30 ch, cast off leaving a long length for sewing onto the hat

Flower
Ch 2
Row 1: 6sc into the first ch
Row 2: 5 ch, (sc into the next st, 3ch), repeat * 5 times (24)
Cast off, leaving a long thread for sewing onto the hat

Last but not least, these boyo's are the street range. Heavy in cotton, wool and the little lady pink.

Work in continuous rounds for the base of the hat
Ch 2

Row 1: 6sc into the 1st ch (6)
Row 2: 2sc into each st (12)
Row 3: *2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (12)
Row 4: *2sc into next st, 1 sc), repeat from * (24)
Row 5-10: sc into each (24)
To work the Brim
Row 11: 5 sc, 2sc into the next st, 3 sc, 2sc into the next st, 3 sc, slst into the next 2sts
Row12: 1ch turn, skip 1st, slst into the next 2 st, 3 sc, 2sc into the next st, 4sc, 2 sc into the next st, 3 sc, slst into the next 2 st.
Cast off.
To neaten off the brim re-join the wool at the back of the cap and do 1sc in each st all the way around. Slst to the 1st st and cast off. Sew in the ends

These are my first ever patterns, and there's bound to be a few tweaks needed. Please leave a comment or email me if you find any problems with them. They were all made on a 3mm hook using up scrap yarn, so feel free to experiment with wool and hook sizes. These were made and designed for the Innocent Smoothie Big Knit campaign. Feel free to use or distribute them if you are taking part in the Big Knit, just please acknowledge or link back to me.