Crochet lace scarves

Goodness, hasn't January just flown by? I'd best get blogging again - can't have last year's post sitting at the top this long! So how have you all been? The creative ideas flowing for 2012? I have had lots of experimental ideas going on but nothing actually finished as yet to show you. I'll take some progress pics as soon as the rain stops and the light is better so you can have a peek:) But I can show you a few crochet lace scarves that were being finished off for presents that had to remain under wraps then.

In all, I'm on my fourth one of these - yes, that pattern is addictive!!  - and they are perfect as a tv project now I know the pattern. The stitch is one I found in a chinese stitch pattern book so just a diagram to work from but crochet symbols are universal so it's all good. I liked the openness of the fan construction and how it gave a lacy, delicate feel despite being 4ply or Dk weight yarn. I haven't tried a very thin fingering or lace weight with this yet - could be very interesting to see how that turns out. Light gossamer feel I think, but the pattern may be too uniform and repetitive on that finer scale. Worth a try though, don't you think?

This version uses Debbie Bliss silk and gives such a beautiful sheen and handle. Gorgeous and soft as a scarf too. I'm on my second silk version right now using the powder blue colourway - very yummy to work with. Shame it's an expensive yarn option! The green version above is a DK acrylic that's very soft to the touch. It crocheted up very quickly and made a slightly bulkier and snug scarf. Loving the 'appliness' of that green:) Is that a word?? :) Anyways, you know what I mean!

A little close up of the fan pattern for you. I haven't got any photos of the scarves on as yet to show you the length etc but they are little wrap around the neck ones which you can tuck into your jacket or pin with a brooch. I did consider permanent button fastenings but the scarf draped too much to make them stay in place nicely so I abandoned that idea pretty quickly. Would work well with a good strong cable wrap pattern though..... more ideas;)

So that's all the christmas stragglers done and dusted so now I can start off  this year with new work and ideas that are on the go right now. Fingers crossed for decent light for photos tomorrow - a little experimentation and playing going on:))

Till then, 

elaine x


 

Pineapple Crush

I do like moodboards:-) All that visual cheeriness in front of you inspiring you to actually get around to starting some work! The actual doing, the placement of images, objects, samples, yarn, fabric - it all lends to the overall balance of the piece. I suppose I enjoy it being a composition in its own right.

All this hard work wasn't done today alas! But it does remind me that I need inspiration in front of me before I start a new major direction or project. I used to feel so limited by just flat images and postcards - or bad printouts! - so I decided to change the rules. Hence my 3D moodboard. Anything that fits the theme can be included; shoes, bags, clothes, images, samples, balls of yarn, cards, cakes, laundry bags! Whatever! Then I photograph it all and stick it on the wall and in the front of my sketchbook to peruse and inspire me to make a start.

This theme is 50's retro, pastel, soft, feminine french feel with some texture, pattern and subtle colour palettes, transluscent layering, lace detail, watercolour or photographic elements. A good start for visual language in a mixed media collage. Lacks text or blocks of narrative but that could be added if the story required it.

It was originally intended to inspire a series of retro knitted accessories - which I still intend to get around to in my spare time! I like the idea of wearing a top or bag called Pina colada or pineapple crush that matches my 50's outfit. One does ones best to co-ordinate dahling!

Retro clothes, retro yarns, retro accessories....hmmm, might be on a roll here!