Swirls and Ruffles - the final results

On my last blog post I showed some WIP's using some new techniques I was experimenting with - swirls and ruffles. Once I'd got the set made up I started turning them into all manner of things from hair accessories to purses. The pics below are pics from a recent craft fair, followed by a showcase of my finished work:

The Craft Fair - All Set To Go and Praying for Sun!!

Not sure I'll give the great outdoors a go next year - but its been a good experience. Have 1 more outdoor event to go. The craft fairs are then stacking up for the Autumn, so I'm making a list and prioritising which ones I really want to go to. There's a lovely vintage event coming up at Burlsedon Brickworks that I really like the sound of. Its a fascinating place - an abandoned brick factory being brought back to life by dedicated volunteers with an interest in  industrial archaeology. Their latest project involves getting former workers together to do some form of living history. Its a good day out, with lots of hands on stuff to keep the kids happy, trains, a bookshop full of inspiration for crafters with an interest in vintage and of course an onsite miniature railway.

Spirals Showcase!

Am already getting orders for this little coin purse - available from my Folksy Shop as a custom order - click on the photo to visit the store:

Sneak Preview of Listings to Come!

 Am planning to write up some patterns for spiral designs once my daughter is back to college and Mum's Taxi can have a bit of a rest! Its going to be challenging to explain the spiral process, I had to hunt through several blogs and how to sites before I found one that "clicked" for me.

 A-Listers

As well as doing fairs and some teaching, I've also been trying - badly - to do the A-Listers Daily Listings Club on Folksy. Last week was manic as I had tax courses and a very short notice all day training to write and deliver. It was the first one in 3 years and I loved it. It was also a bit of a test for me as to whether I can physically cope with the demands of work again and I think I did ok all in all. And my crafts became a source of relaxation again, which I really appreciated. Am hoping that I won't go into my usual "September Slump" and have a bit of relapse - apparently its all to do with atmospheric pressure and most people with similar spinal issues experience it, so I might just have to accept its going to be a regular thing. Once I get the business established I can then plan around anticipated problem areas and ensure my workload is realistic!

Here's a mini showcase form the A-Listers - Cirles and Spirals

Laura Faye Crafts - Clear Resin Pendant

Falling Dew - Universal Jewellery

Esme Dodswoth - Round Pink Glitter Necklace

Averil Pam - Polymer Clay Layered Pendant

 

 

Gimme that Thing - Charcoal Grey Flower Ring

Crochet Techniques

I've been doing much experimenting with crochet this past week - and over the weekend I was looking around for inspiration for a craft fair - I wanted something a little different and eye catching. I'd been having a go for a while at trying to create spirals and ruffles but was never completely happy with them. So I decided to try google images and see what I could see. Sometimes I find it easier to search that way as you can actually see what you want. With the help of some fab pictures and the odd blog I finally cracked them both! As you can see from the pics the majority are still WIPS - mainly needing some ends sewn in and the bag of course needs to be lined.

I started off making some very simple spirals in 2 colours - just to see what would happen:

Decided that they looked like treble clefs if you joined 2 together so have started on a shabby chic musically inspired brooch

Some edging, crochet net and a suggestion from a friend and a simple spiral can easily become a retro snood...

Thought hmmmm what about bigger and invented a coin purse, complete with safety strap - am going to have a go at a few more colour combinations and also write up the pattern for this one.

Then a bag, very 70's retro but ideal for the minimalist!.....

And am itching to get commissions finished so I can do a scarf and a blankie..


As for the ruffles, I came across an entry for "hyperbolic" scrubbies... I knew what a scrubbie was but had no idea what hyperbolic meant... but it turned out to be "simples" - its basically when the circumference of a circle doubles or more in size with each row you add to it. The edges then start to "run away" from each other producing a lovely waved effect. The more rows you add the crinklier your work gets.

I also found that thicker yarns (DK) on thin hooks (2mm) upped the "crinkle factor" whereas 4ply yarns on the same size hook made for a smoother curve. Have started on brooches but also have some other ideas such as ruffly hats if I can sort out how to join the basics pieces together.... I do love playing with freestyle crochet so am sure there's a solution somewhere!

My 4ply ruffle is one of my favourites and has made it into my Folksy Shop as a very pretty brooch. I went out into the New Forest on a cheer me up mission with a lovely friend a few weeks back. She's a camera nut and helped me take some sunset pics

The one above is a favourite and very atmospheric. Whilst I was odds and ends hunting to have a go at ruffles, I came across a range of 4ply yarns in "sunset shades". With this pic in mind, plus many other beautiful Hampshire sunsets - across the Solent as well as the forest and even from my very urban back garden, I created this lovely little brooch. Its an ideal way to take these bright and hopeful colours wherever you roam:

Tequila Sunset Brooch - Bits and Bobs Crafts