Craft Cove Blog: 2019

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Sunburst Mandala Cushion CAL

The pattern is now available from Ravelry






Download it from here ://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunburst-mandala-cushion for the small cost of AUS$4

You will receive part 1 of the pattern

Every week after, for 5 weeks, it will be updated to add the next part. By the end of the CAL you will have all 5 parts



Feel free to ask me any questions here, or on the Facebook group where it is hosted:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/CrochetALongwithUs/



Have fun


Sunday, November 3, 2019

Sunburst Mandala Cushion CAL intro



The CAL will start on the 10th of November






There will be 5 parts to the pattern, a new part released each week. You can crochet along with others, or at your own pace


On the 9th of November you will be able to buy the pattern from Ravelry. There will be another part added each week, and you can also download that. You will get a message that an update has been added



The first part will be released on the 10th of November (Australian time), this may still be 9th November for some of you


Part 2 will be released on the 17th of November (Australian time)



Part 3 will be released on the 24th of November (Australian time)



Part 4 will be released on the 1st of December (Australian time)


Part 5 will be released on the 8th of December (Australian time)



The CAL will be hosted by https://www.facebook.com/groups/CrochetALongwithUs/


The pattern will be available from Ravelry from the 9th November https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunburst-mandala-cushion

The pattern will be discounted to AUS$4 during the CAL (that's even less in American dollars).


Or make a donation of your choice
https://craftcove.blogspot.com/2015/04/donations.html



Things you'll need


You'll need to buy the pattern from Ravelry, or make a donation, and message me


You will need some stitch markers (this type is my favourite type)

  


You will need a 3 mm hook,or the size hook needed for a gauge of 5 rounds of pattern = 1.6 inches (4 cm).   You will also need a 3.5 mm hook

You will need 150 - 200 grams of each colour of 8 ply yarn (DK)

You will need 4 colours. eg, white, pale yellow, medium yellow, and dark yellow

You can use any colours you like, though.  Here's some colour inspiration

























If you want to do it in yellow, like my original, some good yarn choices are:

Yatsal Knitting Yarn 8 ply 100g
Golden yellow W048
Yellow W110
Lemon W109
White W039

Paintbox yarns  DK/8 ply
Buttercup yellow 222
Mustard yellow  223
Neon yellow   258

Scheepjes catona  DK/8 ply
100 Lemon Chiffon
280 Lemon
208 Yellow Gold


I've also begun making it in blues







Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Sunburst Mandala Cushion colour play


I originally designed the Sunburst Mandala Cushion to be yellow. Like a burst of sunlight. 





But you can make it any colour you like

I've played with an editing program to give you some ideas of colours you could use

















Want to make this?
https://www.facebook.com/events/517057379036679/

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Sunburst Mandala Cushion


I wanted to create a burst of sunlight

Then I found this image



I played with crochet stitches and designs, over and over again


Eventually, I came up with this design






But I prefer something useful. So I decided to make it into a cushion

I could have made it into a round cushion like this. But I decided to play some more. I'll turn it into a square

I wanted to try something different to square it off. And I wanted to incorporate the border again, I really liked the way that turned out


So eventually I came up with this cushion 






And now for the back. Do I just do a fabric back?  No. I wanted more crochet. But I also want to do something that will match..... But not the same ..... 


Finally I came up with this




Worked as a square, but still using some overlay stitches

And still the suggestion of rays of the sun






Want to make this?

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Pdf's now available


I've decided to make my free patterns also available as printable pdfs


They are still available for free here, but if you want a nice easy way to print it, you will be able to download it for a small fee





Patterns take a very long time, and a lot of effort to create


It is a huge process, that includes many steps






Thinking of the design

Occasionally this step can be easy.

But most often it takes a lot of thought and ideas, and looking at a lot of inspiration


Creating the design

This is probably the hardest part.

What yarn, or thread would work best for this?

What stitch, or combination of stitches would work best for this?

How many stitches will I need?

Then it needs to be made, and undone, and made, and undone, many times, usually, until it's right, and it works the way I want it


Writing it up

This is another challenging part. I usually write notes as I go. But it's a completely different thing to have the pattern written with all the proper terms and wording in it.

It takes a lot of work going through the whole pattern to add all the words, terms and phrases in the proper crochet terms so that everyone can understand it


Testing

This is where other people come into it

I need a range of people who can read crochet patterns to look through the pattern, and crochet the item

They will see it through new eyes, being unfamiliar with the design, they will often see errors, or better ways with wording than I can

I'm often amazed at what I can miss. And how different testers can see different things


Final pattern

And finally we have the final pattern







All my patterns are pretty cheap, especially when you consider my most expensive pattern might only just buy me a coffee in Australia.

The pdf's are $2 Australian, which is half a coffee









Saturday, September 7, 2019

Want to learn how to make this?



I have decided to have a crochet-along (CAL) for this pattern, Sunburst Mandala Cushion

What is a crochet-along?  It is a group of people who work on crochet a pattern at the same time.

You work at your own pace, and if you fall behind, it doesn't matter. But there will be support from many others along the way



In this case, there will be 5 parts to the pattern, with a new part posted each week

This will start on the 10th of November, and will be hosted by this Crochet along group


It's all online. So no need to turn up anywhere, you can do it no matter where you live in the world. You can also create your own get together to have a fun and a coffee while crocheting





Find out more, and keep updated here



Monday, March 4, 2019

Illustrator, artist and cartoonist



If you are interested in an artist that will impact Australia's modern art scene; Dana Lawson is someone to familiarise yourself with. (Eryngium Miasma; the Art of Dana Lawson).




I have had the pleasure of reviewing the work of this young artist and highly recommend perusing her opus. (links listed below).


As a published cartoonist her rendering of fantasy characters surpasses the wildest imagination.
Her cast of captivating dramatis personae burst to life with articulation and physiognomy.





Dana's use of colour is vibrant while creating atmosphere. Her pieces are visually stimulating and exciting. She has a rare talent of awaking her troupe, giving the viewer insight into their individual personalities.


This, 'up and coming', artist and cartoonist, is preceded by progenitors with their own expertise and flair.





Jenny Augenia Lawson is a prolific and experienced artisan. Working in many different media, wire, beading and an authority on fiber craft, Jenny is a known mastercraftsman, (Craft Cove).





Dana's father, Peter. J. Lawson, is also a published cartoonist. His skill and talent has been pursued resulting in his own comic, 'Torn', (Pestiferous Picturing: The Art of Peter J. Lawson).





The collective mastery of the Lawson clan, and their dedication to the visual arts and artistry, has produced a rising talent in Dana Lawson.





It has been an ocular indulgence to explore the oeuvre of this competent young creator.






Published in 2018 through Reverie Publications, privileged comic fans were thrilled with Dana's vibrant production and flamboyant personages.






To verbally convey the simplicity, yet complexity, of her musing band of fantasia ménage, is a task in futility.


To truly comprehend and relish this escapade into a cosmos of alien individuals only a first hand encounter will suffice.


I urge a visit to one of her links for those with a contemporary and discerning artistic eye . The visit will reward you with vibrant vertuosity, teeming with unique species and reverie beyond your uninhibited ideas of creation, originality and invention.


I cordially invite you to meet Dana's motley crew.




Delight your senses and step into this exhilarating world that is Eryngium Miasma by Dana Lawson.



Written by:
Jo-Anne Swain
Artist (oil, acrylic, pastels)
Awarding winning relief print artist
Master Spinner and Complex weaver
Fiber artist.

Links for Dana Lawson:
https://m.facebook.com/223463981134349

http://erymry.tumblr.com/

https://instagram.com/erymry?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=d2ofqhhcgxqn



Links for Jenny Augenia Lawson:
https://m.facebook.com/54587754190

https://instagram.com/craft_cove?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=t5ok85g7g73f



Links for Peter. J. Lawson:
https://m.facebook.com/115725495743869

https://instagram.com/lawsonpeterj?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1tpqqohitfd0w

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Monday, January 21, 2019

Blocking FAQ


Blocking FAQs



I have been crocheting for a very long time. At the time of writing this it’s been about 45 years. I’ve learnt a lot in that time

Here is my take on blocking crochet





What Is Blocking?


Blocking is a term used to describe the process of pinning the crochet out to the proper shape and size. There are several methods used

See How to Block for step by step instructions




Is Blocking Really Necessary?


People often ask if blocking is necessary


The bottom line is that there are no hard and fast rules. You can do what you want, it's your crochet


BUT if you want your work to look professional and clean, blocking will help


Blocking helps the stitches stand out, gives them each their own clear space. It also sets the work to a particular shape and size. It can also stretch the item slightly, if needed




But do you need to do it to everything you crochet?


Not really. If you're making a doily or snowflakes, it's definitely worth it. But if you are crocheting blocks for a blanket, and they're all going to be joined up, it's probably not worth it, unless the sizes are too different




Is Blocking Permanent?


Sometimes

If you block acrylic with heat, it will be permanent

Cotton and wool will need a little bit of blocking after each wash




Can You Press Rather Than Block?


Again, it's up to you


BUT
  • it will flatten the stitches
  • you will not be able to set the work to a particular shape
  • if it's acrylic, it may melt your work, and stick to the iron




What Tools are Required For Blocking?


  • something firm that pins can be pinned into
  • rust-proof pins
  • spray bottle
  • towels or plastic
  • measuring tape
  • optional, steam iron or steamer
  • optional, blocking templates



What can you use as a blocking board


Any firm flat surface that you can put pins in will do

Any type of foam mats, including kids play puzzle mats, floor tiles, or yoga mats

Just a few layers of cardboard wrapped in cling wrap (I like this when I use a template underneath)

A carpeted piece of floor, covered with towels

Even a mattress covered with lots of towels or plastic

Or you can buy proper blocking boards that have grids on them

If you need to block a lot of squares for a blanket, you can put nails onto a wooden square board. Or drill holes that can have small dowels put in



Do you block squares before joining or after?


If the crochet you are doing has many pieces, such as granny square blocks being joined together, or clothing, you will need to block the pieces individually first, before joining




What if it's a big piece?

You can put down lots of towels on the floor, or bed, and pin to that




Is it difficult to do?

No, it’s very easy



How do you know where to block so the piece isn't over stretched?

You push it slightly outwards with your hands. This means it’s only slightly pushed out, and not really stretched



How do you do it without damaging the stitches?

Don’t overstretch the item. Use lots of pins


Temp of water, how long in water or is it sprayed?

For the temperature, it’s a good idea to check the label on the yarn. But if you don’t have it, or are unsure, lukewarm water, or even cold is fine.

Just up to 5 or 10 minutes is long enough to soak

Just a spray is also fine, but my preference is to saturate it all thoroughly





How long to dry?

This can vary on temperature of the room, humidity, and dampness of the piece

A hairdryer (on cool setting) can help, or a fan



Tips for Wool vs acrylic vs cotton etc.

Be careful to not overwork wool, or it may felt.

Some people believe acrylic can’t be blocked, but I completely disagree with that. Blocking works perfectly on acrylic, and is generally permanent. If you overheat it, you might “kill” it, ie, it will go limp. But even when killed, it is still useful, and very soft

Cotton, works well with steam blocking, but any other method is also fine



What pins to use


  • You can use any pins that don’t rust
  • brass or stainless steel are good options
  • nickel plated pins may rust
  • wedding dress pins or t pins are generally rust-proof
  • you can also buy specific blocking pins and wires
  • Another option is to use toothpicks



How to pin?

Pin the center. Then press the item outwards from the centre, using your fingers. Pin again. Press outwards again, pin again. Continue like this until you reach the outer edges

I like to use a template under plastic matching the circles to points on the crochet, so I can keep it even


Do you flip it to dry other side?

No, you pin right side up only



Is there any chance that colours will run during the blocking process? What can I do if I’m concerned about this?

This will depend on your yarn. It would be best to test before starting the crochet.

But if you don’t know, try soaking in a vinegar solution for half an hour, and rinse thoroughly. Salt can also help



How wet does it have to be?

The item doesn’t even have to be wet, you can block when it’s dry. But I don’t find this very effective.

I think damp, but not dripping, then steamed, is most effective

You can press it in a towel to get some extra moisture out

But any stage of dampness will do



Wash?? & with what? Or... just dampen?

It’s a good idea to take this opportunity to wash the item. But this is very much personal choice. Launder with your usual detergent that is suitable for the fibre

It can be dampened, by saturating in water, and squeezing out excess water, and/or squeezing in a towel

Or it can be blocked dry, then steamed (I find this not as effective)



Do you have to do it after each wash


Generally, yes. But if acrylic has been done with heat, it will be permanent, and won’t need to be done after each wash

Other fibres will need a bit of blocking after each wash. But this will mostly just be a case of drying flat and shaping





How do I block items that are not square or round, for example a snowflake made for a Christmas decoration


The same way, but it’s a good idea to use a template to make sure the snowflake is even



What can go wrong?

The only thing I can think of is pulling too hard, and not using enough pins at the very edges of the work, creating scalloped edges and points

You can prevent this by pushing the work to the edges, and using lots of pins before, and/or at the edges

Blocking wires can also help with this




What is a blocking template?

This is basically a piece of paper with the shape of the item on it. It has sequential circles/squares an equal distance apart and a lot of markings to help measure your piece to a set shape and size.

For square or rectangle items you only need a grid, and many forms of foam blocks will already have that

When it comes to circles, doilies or snowflakes. You will need a circle guide with the same number of spokes as the points on your snowflake, doily or circle. If your item doesn’t have points, match the number of starting stitches with number of spokes instead


There are some great templates here by Kate Crochets

http://katecrochets.blogspot.com/2006/11/blocking-guides-for-doilies-and.html



How do you use a blocking template?

If you already have a blocking board with grids or markings, you won’t need one

But if you don’t, my preferred way is to print out the template on the usual A4 paper. Then put it into a plastic sleeve protector, and place it onto the board.

If the item is a bit larger, you can print the template with the poster option on the computer, printing it out on 4 or more pages. The pages then get joined together on the blocking board

If the item is very large, it’s not even necessary to have a template. But a measuring tape would be useful to keep the measurements on all sides even




Do you need to use a blocking template?

No, but it will keep your work even and professional looking











See how to do it here:  https://craftcove.blogspot.com/2019/01/crochet-blocking-101.html




Have you found this useful?  Please comment below



And feel free to share this blog, but please give me credit for it, and don't share parts of it


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