Filigree vessel

Two posts in one day! But now I've got my work in progress photographed, I was just bursting to show you what I've been up to this month. The problem of working on larger creative projects is that they take so long and don't look very exciting photographically speaking till near the end.

I've been playing with modular freeform crochet, building sections of crocheted loops into a 3D form. The original intention was to use white to focus solely on the form structure as I went, but for a lover of colour, I'm really liking the subtlety the white is giving me - especially with a light source behind creating all those interesting shadows.

Now the form is complete, the intention was to start incorporating wire and beads, weaving through the structure in an organic way, crossing and twisting over each other using different colours and thicknesses of metal wire and threading beads as I went. But now I like the simplicity of the white, would a riot of new colours and surface materials kill its delicacy? As it is, the form is not quite sturdy enough to sit on its own and maintain its pod-like shape and the wire's main purpose - other than being decorative:) - was to strengthen the form unobtrusively, so to speak.

I had considered using starch but it can leave a residue. Although the yarn used isn't all that special at this stage, it could be a feature I may not want to lose on another vessel. So, I think a series of small test samples are going to be needed exploring all these possibilities before I decide on a final course of action.

But it's all very exciting!! If I used starch, would that give a good ground to paint on? If I crocheted with wire instead, how would that look? Strength would no longer be an issue but what about the tactile element? Would there be enough fibre content to keep me happy? How could I incorporate more? I think I may have a series of vessels before I'm finished:))

I'll keep you posted!

Colour personality test

Thanks to Kate @ The Garden Bell for telling us about this colour personality test. I'm a bit of sucker for these things:)) so I had to go and check it out straight away! It goes into a lot of detail so I've just edited the main bits of my results here. If you want to try this out, you can find it the link here.

Result of your test :

Your Profile : You are 48 % extrovert and 52 % introvert.

Independently of any order of importance :

• You are creative, you always have new ideas, and your inspiration comes from the inside.

• You are also strong-willed and active, your actions are determined by your own will, by the goals you settled for yourself, and by your need to act and to move forward.
  
• Finally you are able to listen to others, you show a good emotional intelligence, you know how to bring your support to others.

The qualities that characterize your personality at this time :

24 % Your creativity.
You are creative, you know how to see beauty, you are intuitive and your inspiration comes from the inside.

21 % Your energy.
You are strong-willed and active, your actions are determined by your own will, by the goals you settled to yourself, and by your need to act and move ahead.

20 % Your imagination.
You are a creative person, with always new ideas, and you know how to apply them.

17 % Your dynamism.
You are dynamic and active, you are determined in your actions, you know how to communicate your ideals and your energy, and thus, you know how to boost people.

16 % Your thinking.
You are attuned to others and you show a good emotional intelligence, which allow you to give support to people.

Finally, you are a manager and a structured person, you know how to take into account the needs of each person while leading them to the fixed goals, you are a manager and a leader, and you know how to organize groups of people and how to give them your energy.

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So there you go! Glad to see that creativity is at the top of the list:)) Actually it's very interesting how accurate this is as a personality test - hmm. I'm working more on my own creative work and less teaching at the moment which this reflects too. But good to know it at least thinks I have managerial and leadership qualities - who knew?! :)))

Back soon with some pics of the aforementioned 'creativity' !

Ready, steady, knit!!

My poor blog has been neglected this last week or two! I've been outside making the most of the lovely sun and working with a friend who is learning knitting techniques. There has been lots of knitting, chatter and cake devouring but alas not much of that is bloggable! So for your delectation, I have a lovely video for all you knitters and makers to enjoy...:)))

Back soon with some garden pics - my, how the plants have shot up!! - and even, fingers crossed, some knitting:)

elaine xx