Projects

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I am a crochet specialist.  I have made an extensive study of the history of crochet, aka “poor man’s lace” and teache a number of techniques.

These include  hairipin, Tunisian and broomstick.

TUTORING

Tunisian Crochet, otherwise known as Afghan Crochet or Tricot is again becoming very popular. It is part knit, part crochet, and is endlessly versatile from close textured even stitches to a multitude of lacy variations. In my workshop you will learn 3 basic stitches and make a small item.  A working knowledge of basic crochet is necessary.  A tunisian hook and yarn are available.

Broomstick Crochet  aka Broomstick lace, has a quick openwork texture.  It is worked with a standard crochet hook and a “broomstick” The size of the stitches and end result depend on the yarn and size of broomstick used. The traditional broomstick is, literally, a piece of broomstick, but any round log object can be used  such as a large knitting needle, a drumstick, or even a rolling pin.  .  A working knowledge of basic crochet is necessary.

Broomsticks, hooks and yarns are available to try.

Hairpin Crochet creates a fabric with a very light and airy texture .  It was originally worked on traditional tortoiseshell hairpins.   Work is done in strips, which are then joined by interweaving or crochet to produce a variety of effects.  Selection of hairpins and yarns are available to try out in a class. 

Examples of each type with descriptions.

I primarily use the Dirty Pot method, which does not use any additional chemical mordants, but rather relies on the tanin/iron reaction within the pot itself.

This produces a unique print from every leaf used, on garments and on paper.

Wall hangings

I tend to use a variety of techneques when making a wall hanging.  It may be mainly crochet, or woven, or applique, or a mixture!  Whatever suits the mood at the time. 

Current tweed and crochet wall hanging wip with photo – mouseover to details

The background fabric is a quality 100% wool tweed.

I used a predyed merino roving to create singles from which I crochet the main flowers for this work. 

The bottom is needle felted. 

It will be finished off with a number of embellishments, embroidered and beaded.  

I will be adding new work later in the year, as have a series of wallhangings in mind.

I like to spin my own yarns for incorporating in wall hangings and garments.  Some of these I produce from the raw fleece, some from prepared roving. 

Wall hangings

I tend to use a variety of techneques when making a wall hanging.  It may be mainly crochet, or woven, or applique, or a mixture!  Whatever suits the mood at the time. 

Current tweed and crochet wall hanging wip with photo – mouseover to details

The background fabric is a quality 100% wool tweed.

I used a predyed merino roving to create singles from which I crochet the main flowers for this work. 

The bottom is needle felted. 

It will be finished off with a number of embellishments, embroidered and beaded.  

I love experimenting with digital images to bring out  natural textures and patterns, which endlessly intrigue me.