Crochet Inspiration

 

For those who crochet, I'm offering a cache of creations

to inspire you to pick up your hook and meet new challenges!

Enjoy these rich color combinations,

the variety of stitches,

the promise of cozy warmth under a handcrafted blanket!

Nothing beats it.

Beth's Beautifully Crafted Japanese Temari Balls

The word "temari" in Japanese means handball.

To give a temari as a gift is a token of loyalty and friendship,

and is believed to bring good fortune to the one who receives it.

Beth Bittle, of Maryland, has perfected this ancient art form.

The core is a simple Styrofoam ball, which is donned with a "coat of many colors."

Brightly colored yarn and threads are wrapped around it to create exquisite patterns!

Visit Beth's shop on Etsy!

Images used with direct permission from Beth Bittle.

Bold, Hand-Knitted Blankets by quiroga quiroga

Innovative design and quality materials brought a 

talented group of women together to form quiroga quiroga.

They dye and spin virgin wool, then hand knit or weave it on looms, 

adding finishing touches and embroidery to create fabulous end products.

Every step along the way, from start to finish,

the quiroga quiroga team puts forth its best artistry

to create unique, handcrafted masterpieces!

These garments and blankets are sure to 

stand the test of time, both in quality and appeal.

The colors are divine, and oh, these textures!

The first one is my favorite. (I'm a real sucker for pom poms!) 

In addition to throws, they make shawls...

jackets...

scarves...

...and ponchos.

Here's where you can find quiroga quiroga:

Etsy

Facebook

Images used with direct permission from Lorena Quiroga.

Yarn Bombing!

Yarn bombing.
It's a warm and fuzzy (quite literally!) type of street art.

Crafty knitters and crocheters are leaving their creative marks on
benches, trees and bike racks; any public place that could use a bit of brightening
can be dressed with colorful graffiti-like expressions!
Unlike graffiti, however, this can be removed at any time-if you really want to.

Without a plan or pattern, the resulting designs are often made from leftover yarn scraps.
What a cozy way to bring a smile to passersby!

So, who started this craze? Her name is Magda Sayeg of Houston, Texas.
In 2005, hoping to jazz up the exterior of her shop, she knitted a cover
for her door handle, and one for a nearby street sign.
After receiving great positive feedback, she yarn bombed drab neighborhoods near and far.
Since then, yarn bombing caught on as a fun phenomenon around the globe.

The Andy Warhol Bridge in Pittsburgh, PA was the unsuspecting target

of a yarn bombing event called "Knit the Bridge."

For more information:
Magda Sayeg
Knit the Bridge

The Art of … Knitting

lady desidia

Oh, the popularity of knitting!

It embraces the past and holds onto the integrity of handmade.

I grew up cozy and warm under beautiful afghans hand-knit by my mom, granny or aunts!

Many knitters learned from loved ones as the skill was handed down through the generations.

Enjoy these images of men, women and children (along with a few critters!) who love to knit!

"For You created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Psalm 139:13,14

Alberto Montt

Paul Albicocco

Ernest Bieler

Phoebe Wahl

Dee Nickerson

Dilka Bear

Ben Chen

Albert Anker

Micki Wilde

Jean Metzinger

Dabin Choi

Karl Albert Buehr

Reminiscing about my fun visit with Knitter-Extraordinaire, Susan Nadelson.
It was terrific spending time with her - she's one talented lady!
Take a look at the post:
Hand-dyed, Hand-spun Yarns by Susan Nadelson

Martin Wiscombe