Finished projects over the weekend. The purse is a new project for me, it is free form crochet over a needle punch grid. When I reached home Friday after work, I started watching my recorded programs and Uncommon Threads had Bonnie Pierce on with her free from crochet purses. Although I only took it to the first level, (I didn’t make any scrumbles to add on top) I did a basic purse.
The poncho is one rectangle, this time one edge is sewn to the side of the other end to form the frong triangle shape. The back is straight across. It is my first knitted poncho, and the pieces were originally knitted to be a coat, but I decided to make a poncho instead. I needed to clear out these unfinished pieces because I’m using the same “Pebbles” yarn for a crochet coat I haven’t finished yet and I know I won’t enough yarn for both.
Rodezzy, Fiber Artist
Replies
You made all these over the weekend? You go girl! :-) I love the colors and textures of both the poncho and the purse. I understand that the weekend was quite a hot one in Chicago--hopefully cooler weather will be coming soon so you can wear your new poncho.
Hi VKStitcher: Thank you, the purse was so much fun to make, I couldn't put it down.
I had already knitted the three pieces that are in the poncho one and a half months ago. I was going to make a coat from them, the red was the back piece and the other pieces were the fronts. Instead I seamed them together and made the poncho this weekend, picking up stitches around the neckline to give it a finished sturdier look, and crocheting around the entire botton.
Still, you are a very productive lady! I can't wait to see your next creations.
You know what, I'm excited too. I have enough of the grid to make another purse and that's what I plan to start tonite. I want to use blacks, whites, browns, creams tans, all neutrals. And maybe this time I'll take more time to do more surface designs and maybe even beads. I thought of that for that one, but I was too impatient to get it down. When my passion is on me, I'm driven. I had to just finish one first to see if I could do it, now I'm ready to take the next step with full blown surface scrumbles.
I just came across the person that was on DIY Uncommon Threads, it was Prudence Mapstone's Free Form Crochet.
Edited 10/8/2007 5:25 pm ET by rodezzy
Wow - all in a weekend - such productivity, you Fiber Artist, you!!! You're definitely on a roll! I love the purse (the colours are delicious) - the body looks more like knitting than crochet - especially the gold V-shaped stitches. Is Uncommon Threads a TV program that you receive in your area?
As for your knitting, there is a new book out that you may be interested in - Woolly Thoughts: Unlock Your Creative Genious With Modular Knitting, by Pat Ashford & Steve Plummer. I saw it on Amazon. I would assume it's much like Crochet Squared, which I have from the library for 2 more weeks - I'm looking at it every day & may just have to buy it eventually.
Gloria
Yes, I noticed that it looked more like knitting when I was doing that section, I guess because I'm actually just doing a slip stitch across the top of the grid mat, holding the thread underneath and pulling thru the loop on the hook. What I've done is really a form of latch hook without the latch hook mainly because you use continuous yarn going from grid hole to grid hole in any direction you choose, not short cut pieces that form a pile.
Yes, Uncommon Threads is a crafting show that comes on DIY w/Allison Whitlock who is Australian (http://www.diynetwork.com) you can see if you can get it. I also record Knitty Gritty which is a DIY program w/Vickie Howell. That book sound interesting, Vickie Howell of Knitty Gritty had a person one with modular knitting a couple weeks ago. It looked interesting. I believe I have a book that demonstrates modular knitting in part of it. I'll check. I'm experimenting all over the place. I have a need to do try lots of techniques right now, that's why I haven't been sewing.
On the next one I will do some real surface crochet and scrumbles to make it more like the author suggests.
Unfortunately, we don't get DIY here. Oh, well . . . I'll just keep looking for books, I guess, or fiddle about on my own & see what happens - maybe a happy surprise!
Also, what is your "grid" - is it like needlepoint canvas or plastic canvas?
Edited 10/8/2007 5:42 pm by Gloriasews
The only one I could find was a needlepoint grid I believe. It had large holes that I could fit a USI or H hook through. I have had trouble finding a plastic grid, which is what Prudence Mapstone used on the show. I need to go to other craft stores to find it probably, but I'll have to wait for another pay day, I've bought out JoAnn's (giggle), well at least spent all of my extra money at present.
Try http://crochet.about.com/od/freeformcrochet/Explore_Freedom_Crochet.htm it gives a demo on free form scrumbles and 7 galleries of pictures of items made with the process.
Do you have a Michaels store in your area? They have plastic canvas, or any other larger craft store, for that matter, if you don't have a Michaels. The plastic canvas is much stiffer than needlepoint canvas (so it might be too stiff for the sides of purses), but it's really good for purse bottoms, as in tote bags where you want stiffness in the bottom. You don't do needlework on the canvas in that case, just remove it before you throw the tote in the washer.
As for the about.com website, it was taking ages to download & my son said to get out of it - he says it takes so long because they are loading stuff onto my computer (I guess it's a known fact in computer circles) - little did I know, so I'll have to find out about it in books. Sorry about that. On the other hand, I could do my own freeform crochet (it must be similar to freeform knitting, of which I have a book). I'll just see what I can do on my own.
Gloria
Yes, there is a Michaels. I go there sometimes. After working on the needlepoint canvas, I know that the plastic canvas is rather stiff and I wouldn't want to tackle it. I've been successful with it so far, It would be good for bottoms I suppose. but if knit or crochet it in the bag, why would you need to remove it?
View Image
Sample of free form purse - my next purse will be true free form.
Ooo - this green purse is gorgeous!
No - if you are crocheting or embroidering the canvas, you wouldn't/couldn't remove it & your purse would probably not be washable. What I meant is using the bare plastic canvas as a stiff bottom to a tote bag & you'd then remove it when you wash the tote bag. Sorry for confusing you :)
It is great isn't it, I copied off the about.com site to show you what free form crochet really is. I'm working on another purse that will be closer to free form crochet than the one I made last weekend. It's taking a litter longer, and I'm doing a flower motif generally. I'm so excited. And tonight I go to start with the new craft group I found. I'm so looking forward to being around like minds and just working on a project and seeing others working on their projects and sharing ideas and everything. I'm so excited I can't hardly wait until tonight. Silly isn't it?
No, not silly - getting together with like minds is so satisfying & gets your own creative juices going, & the socializing is great. Enjoy!
Gloria
This bag is exquisite. I am not clear, did you make it Rodezzy? solo
No I didn't make that one, I copied it off the about.com site to show what free form crochet is.
Edited 10/10/2007 10:28 am ET by rodezzy
I love this one! (the green bag)
Thanks for sharing
Edited 10/19/2007 9:07 pm by sewelegant
Just a reminder - I didn't make that green bag. I'll just put in links next time as not to confuse anyone. Don't want to take credit for someone else's work and don't want to get into any copyright problems or trouble with threads and get kicked off. I love talking to you guys.
Rodezzy, I was just looking through a sewing mag last night & noticed an ad for needlepoint canvas for clothing (collars, cuffs, yokes, panels, vests, etc.). It's 60" wide nylon garment canvas, sold by http://www.kreinik.com - phone 1-800-537-2166. Thought you might be interested.
Thanks so much for the web links - very interesting (especially the DIY one). Have a great, productive weekend!
Gloria
Thanks so much for the info. I'll look into it. I have finished covering the canvas with yarn for the black purse, but I didn't finish the purse because I'm at a stale mate as to how I want to handle the finishing. My mind is trying to visualize the finished product in a pleasing manner that would get me going. I thought that since it has four distinquished sides, a sort of cereal box shape that I would make another retangle for the top and a triangle flap. Then I could put my rose scrumbles on the top and flap. I could use a magnetic snap to close. Then I need to figure out how I want the strap to be constructed. I don't like short straps and I would prefer a longer strap to let the purse dangle just below the waist. So until I figure that out, I'm stuck. So I started knitting a blue chenelle and boa fur yarn poncho. It's heavy and I stopped half way. My little finger on my right hand as a sore joint from knitting and crocheting. So that's slowing me up. Tonight I guess I'll make that coat on my October Challenge list. (giggle)
Your freeform crochet techniqes have inspired me to try crocheting again. I've just done a few projects through the years. Those purses remind me of crazy quilting, which I love to do. Now all I have to do is figure out where I put those crochet hooks, hmmmmm...
I remember one afgan that I made using three yarns at one time, working them all together. The texture was really neat, I used huge hooks. Mary
Edited 10/16/2007 10:31 am by MaryinColorado
That sounds great! The next purse in progress will be a more "true-to-freeform-crochet" than that one. More scrumbles on top. I've finished the first steps of covering the canvas as I see the purse to be, now I need to settle on how to embellish it with the scrumbles for the finished look. But I made a vintage jacket last night from a new Vogue pattern I bought when the patterns were on sale for $3.99. It came out great. I just have to add my finishing touches now.
Edited 10/16/2007 12:19 pm ET by rodezzy
The fire's in you, isn't it? You just can't stop!! You just might have to slow down a bit before you fall apart, if your fingers are getting sore (repetitive injuries). I know . . . you're afraid of slowing down (all those ideas competing in your head that JUST have to play themselves out, etc.) - or that your get-up-&-go will get up & leave if you take a break. In your case (you've got it bad), I don't think that'll happen :)
The purse will look great & the finishing ideas will just pop into your head soon. The chenille poncho will look super, too, as all your projects do - but do take a break & rest those hands or could you cut up a latex disposable glove to put over your little finger?
Gloria
You see me - don't you. Like I said before, when the passion is there, it's there. I can't stop. Last night a made a vintage vogue jacket. That's how I rested my fingers. Sewing doesn't put as much repetitive stress on the hands. So, I'll sew for a few days. I have some finishing to do to the jacket and I have the next fleece in line to make my chocolate and jewel blue coat. That starts tonite. Realistically too, I want to get my winter wardrobe in the closet before the weather turns nasty. I want to be ready. It's not like going to the store to buy one, I have to start a little ahead of the weather. Right now is fall weather, light ponchos, sweaters, jackets. And I don't want or have to wear what I made last year the whole season, I want new stuff. (giggle)
You'll have your winter stuff made on time. Even if we go to buy a winter coat, we don't seem to find what we want, anyway; making it is the only way. Happy stitching!
I just went on the internet to look for boiled wool and came across a site selling boiled wool coats. Quite expensive. No wonder you guys are making them! Expensive to purchase. I'm going to look for some fabric in some better fabric stores. I just want to price the fabric and see if it will be itchy on me. I have problems with wearing wool and if I do wear wool, it's got to be lined and away from my skin. Maybe the red coat I made last year is boiled wool. It was so soft and never itchy. I got in on a clearance sale at Vogue Fabrics in a suburb of Chicago. It was great to sew too. Must have been boiled wool. There was no label. I just knew it was a quality fabric from the feel and look. It was also a double faced fabric, red on one side and pink on the inside.
Could your double sided red coat be a form of expensive fleece? I can't wear wool, either, so I stay away from it. Boiled wool fabric IS expensive, but you would have enough yardage to make a coat in all one colour. Some people buy wool coats, blankets, etc. at thrift stores & either boil them (after cutting them up, if they are too large) or washing them in hot water in the washer & putting them in the dryer. It would work if you were piecing a coat with several colours (different colour sleeves, collar, pockets, etc.). It's a lot more work, but less expensive.
No, it's wool. I have a double sided fleece and it's not the same.
But, that sounds like a great way to get some boiled wool at a thrift store. I was planning to make a felted purse that way. Getting some real wool sweaters at the thrift on 50% off night (mondays) and making purses out of them. That way I don't have to do all of that knitting to get them. Cool idea girl, thanks.
And that coat idea was something I had thought of at the end of last winter (too late) in order to do a wool patchwork poncho. But who knows. I have so much on my plate right now. Must use up the fabric I bought last winter and the fleece I just bought. One jacket down, several coats/jackets to go. My grand daughter is in the mix right now. House coat and costume on the cutting table tonight. I must do both by the end of this weekend for my own time table.
Edited 10/17/2007 3:24 pm ET by rodezzy
It's already Wednesday! You'll really have to sew like mad to finish the projects by this weekend - good luck!
Girl, that house coat will be cut and seamed TONIGHT! It's fleece - little finishing and my grand baby loves fleece. Will cut out the princess dress tomorrow night and sew up this weekend or Friday. Remember, my time is my own and I rarely go to bed before 11:00 p.m.
Yes, who doesn't like fleece? Soft, warm, etc. So, did you get it done? Probably! Show us a picture! Gad, you are SO focussed! :)
Check out "General Discussions - Another one bites the dust!" 7502.1
I will send a picture upon completion, Roger that? Roger! (giggle).
I did check it out - thanks!
Have you considered buying wool fabric and then felting it in the washing machine? I had some wool coating left over from a cape made at least five years ago and although the remnant was in pieces, I threw it into the machine on hot and it came out just like boiled wool.The coat had to be pieced, and no room left for seam allowances so I butted up the pieces and zigzagged over the adjoining edges. It took more time to assemble the pieces in an interesting visual order than I spent sewing the thing. I love it, it has ultra-suede trim and pockets.It is a good idea when felting to put the fabric in a large pillowcase with lots of room to agitate.
Wow, that sounds great. I don't have any wool at home as I rarely use it. I looked in a resale shop last week near where I work, nothing there moved me, I saw very few wool sweaters. Didn't look at the coats. Didn't really have money to do much. I'll research this next month. Will be restocked with money, spent all extras on grand daughter's fabrics.
Edited 10/22/2007 11:20 am ET by rodezzy
There is a large variation in how soft a wool is. There are many breeds and a large variation in size of fiber. The fine breeds with smaller fibers have software wool than the breeds with larger fibers. There is also variation in how sensitive people are to the tiny ends of the fiber that poke out of the fabric. Spinning method (woolen or worsted) will change how many ends there are to poke you.
The other thing that could be bothering you about wools is how they remove all the things sheep get stuck in their wool - spinners call this "vegetable matter' or VM. The common practice is to acid to carbonize the vm.
I used to think I was allergic to wool and had to ensure it was kept well away from my skin. I then discovered that higher quality wool fabrics were less likely to make me itch - higher quality wool usually means a finer breed. Since I learned to spin 4 years ago, I have learned that some fine wools pass the back of the neck itch test. I use the back of the next because wearing shawls has taught me that is the place I am most likely to be bothered by a fabric.
Joanne - so many ideas, so much fiber, so little time
Wow, you spin wool too, what a great talent you are and have. That much be so gratifying. I saw the different animals on a episode of "knitty gritty" a couple weeks ago. The merino sheep (if I remember) is suppose to have the softest wool right?
Well, I'll stick to my fleece and such. Acrylics and other fabrics do me just fine. I don't do too much dressing up these days any way and I'm not a purist. If it looks good, keeps me warm, I'm satisfied, I'm happy. But I envy your talents and admire you for them all. You're truly an inspiration to us all.
Spinning is easy and very relaxing. While I enjoy the process of all my hobbies, spinning is the one I would do if there were no end result. With spinning my adfd (attention deficient fiber disorder <g>) goes almost out of control. I have 10+ bobbins so I can switch projects frequently.
Other fine breeds have wool as soft as an average merino but the really fine merinos are the softest wool. Cashmere, angora are softer than the softest merino. I think most alpaca is as well. I love natural fibers for many reasons. Since I don't like to wear pants, some winter days the warmth of animal fibers is important.
We each should find what we like to work with and enjoy the things others do with textiles we use and those we don't.
Joanne - so many ideas, so much fiber, so little time
You know what? Now that I think of it, cashmere is one of the wools I remember wearing when I was a teen, because it was my mother's sweater. It was pink with pearl buttons on the closure that ran up to the neck band. It was also a raglan sleeve. Very pretty and none prickly. Maybe one day I can afford cashmere.
I have some angora yarn I purchased two years ago at the Knitting Expo at the rosemont convention center, also. It's not ichy, so once again my champagne taste and beer budget is dictating. I planned to knit an ascot with that. It's a beautiful soft clear red. I pulled some other wool I have (a lady from my quilt guild that knits gave me) that itches just looking at it. It's so stiff and hard. I plan to felt it when I can stand to touch it. If not, I may throw it out. I wouldn't give it to NO ONE! Any suggestions?
You sound so peaceful when you talk of your spinning. I saw a lady at the Expo with no shoes on in a booth selling spun wool, sitting there spinning in utter oblivion. She seemed so relaxed and happy. That must be the way you feel. Happy Spinning.
Angora's micron count varies from 12 to 15, cashmere's from 12-17. For comparison human hair is 80-100 microns and fine merino ~20 microns.
Most of the spinners I know spin without shoes on. Most wheels are made of beautiful wood with treadles that are much to pretty to put shoes on.
Joanne - so many ideas, so much fiber, so little time
That sounds great. You do love your spinning, I can hear it in your words.
OOOOOOOo! You are so talented! I like the choices you made on the poncho. The purse is divine! Love those textures and mixed fibers! How did you make the handle? The beads are great too! It looks like a very fun project. You have the busiest hands on the forum I think! Mary
Thank you, I didn't make the handle, I cut it from a purse I already had. I got it for under $10.00 on sale, so I didn't feel bad putting it on my own creation and ruining the other one. But maybe I'll do something with it later.
Oh, you are a girl after my own heart! I love refashioning things. If I don't like something I make, it becomes something else eventually. I sometimes buy something made of nice fabric just to recreate it in my own vision. Ready to wear is so predictable, (what are they thinking with all those cheap fabrics and lousy workmanship?) I bought a large heavy silver toned charm belt, the plan is to make purses and have the little charms for embellishment, some will also be made into keychains for my granddaughter's back pack. The teens seem to love hardware these days! The charms are keys, hearts, etc.
(My family is from about 90 miles from Chicago.) Mary
What a great idea, Mary, for the charm belt - I would have never thought of it. Good for you - you'll get a fair bit of mileage out of it for your projects. Tell us what all you finally made with the belt.
Will do. Right now I am redesigning and repainting the sewing room. The contents of which are scattered throughout the house this week. What a mess, but hopefully will feel more open when its done. Since my daughter and grandkids moved out, I can put the overflow and fabric storage downstairs again. It has been difficult to work in a room with too much furniture and plastic bins!
I should be singing from the rooftops by the weekend and sewing up a storm when I come back down to earth. Mary
You're right - what a mess! After all that carting stuff downstairs & arranging it as to convenience, you'll be pooped out (not to mention your arthritis probably acting up, too), eh? You'll need a rest after all of this work - you can do some "amorphous designing" while you're resting - then jump into the sewing with renewed vigour! Those Christmas gifts will just be rolling off the assembly line! :)
The room is finally all painted a soft cream. The tables are reassembled and attatched to the wall for stability, 24" for sewing/emb and 25"for serger. (I decided I didn't like the tables in the middle of the room in an L formation after all.) Now that all the holes are patched, I have to figure out what to do with all those rulers, rotary cutters, and scissors.
I think you are right, tomorrow I will try to rest. Then the sorting can begin in earnest. Mary
Sounds great, but a lot of work. I will be doing the same thing soon. I just can't take the unorganized attempts at a sewing space. It has evolved into a lot of plastic containers, small plastic drawer compartments and aluminum storage shelves. I've got to do better, and I will soon.
Can't wait for the pics.
You create so many items so quickly, I don't know how you find the time to do anything else!!! You are one productive lady! Mary
Your room sounds absolutely wonderful! I envy you! Could you not hang the scissors, rotaty cutters, rulers, etc. either inside cupboard doors (handy) or on the wall or the sides of shelves? (The wooden ruler racks take up table space).
Enjoy your rest - you've earned it. We look forward to pics of your room.
I had a very relaxing day. After a good breakfast, went to Hobby Lobby and Michaels (didn't find what I was looking for), then went to a Thai restaurant and had a wonderful vegetarian curry. (The waiter brought out samples first of each curry for us to try since I couldn't decide and was unfamiliar with them.) It was declicious!
Then went to a little boutique called Heaven Can Wait. I bought a 14x11" firefly fairy card to frame for the sewing room wall. (It reminds me of a special friend who loves dragonflys). I also bought myself an inspirational card too. I've never done that before, but it really touched me. I love angels, fairies, and bunnies, and the moon. Will put some up in the room, but not like before, it was too cluttered. I'm hoping for a more open feel.
I have one of those wooden brackets that I will probably hang back up for the scissors/cutters. Was trying to find something that would hold both. I think the quilting rulers will have to go in a drawer. I had screws in the wall for each one but we filled all the holes as we plan to sell the house. I like the inside cupboard door idea but took out the dresser/hutch that had doors.
The room is so open now. I can't wait to start sewing again soon! Will post photos after I accomplish a bit more sorting. Mary
Mary, I purchased in a quilting store a wooden rack for my rulers. It is about 4x24 inches (guessing), out of wood, and has deep grooves where the rulers sit. They sit upright and right now in this little rack that sits on my cutting table I have two 6x24 rulers, a hip curve, an neck curve, a 12 in square, a 12 inch triangle, a piping ruler, a 24 inch wedge ruler, a 15x8 scallop ruler, and probably a couple more I forgot. This thing sits on a surface and can't be hung. I love it. Just thought I would let you know. solo
Edited 10/21/2007 8:33 pm ET by solosmocker
Thanks for the idea! I am working so hard to make this room more organized and less cluttered. I took 8 plastic bins downstairs and will sort and transfer the fabrics to the big cabinet I cleared out today.
We hung a 6'cornice/shelf with a dowel. It is to be a "design wall" when I figure out what fabric to use...felt, flannel, batting? I plan to put velcro or buttonholes and ribbonties on it so I can take it down when not in use. Or I could hang an old quilt on it and just use pins. Haven't gotten that far yet.
I think the hardest part is sifting through all the paperwork, embroidery designs and disks, magazines, books, etc. One delimma is: should I donate all my dollmaking and toymaking stuff to the doll club or keep storing it? Will I ever use all those oil and acrylic paints again? Maybe I should get rid of them and take a watercolor class....oh oh...that would mean more STUFF!!! Ha Ha Did someone mention "downsizing" or "simplifying"?
I've already donated tons of stuff, but I'm sure there is plenty more to go! I just need discipline. Believe it or not, I am not a packrat, just have done many crafts for many years. Mary
Your relaxing day sounds fabulous - just the type of day I like to have! Glad you enjoyed it. Since you mentioned liking bunnies & moons, have you ever made the quilt of the bunnies dancing in the moonlight? I think it was called Moondance, but could be wrong, & I don't remember whose design it was. It had a moon in the center of the quilt & bunnies in a circle around it - the corners also had bunnies leaping.
Gloria
That sounds adorable! I've never seen it, but it sounds like it would be fun to make!
If you're really interested, I could look it up (could take me awhile, as I have shelves of quilt books). Let me know, anyway - I could scan it & e-mail it to you.
Gloria
Please don't go to all that trouble. If you run across it sometime though, I would love it. I just started a tiger quilt for my grandson's birthday. Hope I get it done in time. Mary
OK - but I'll remember you when I come across it & send it to you - may take awhile, but you're too busy now with your grandson's quilt & all that chocolate :)
Gloria
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