Tag Archives: Crochet

Stories to inspire

I’m delighted to have been involved with the making of this book, Small Steps to Less Waste , that we hope will encourage people to choose simple alternatives to mass-produced, highly packaged goods and be inspired by the Stroud community who are finding the time and courage to make, create and look after what they have, rather than throw away and create waste. This is the next title in the Quickthorn list as a follow on the successful Darning: Repair, make, mend by Hikaru Noguchi.

The book was inspired by Stroud resident Claudi Williams who lived without plastic for a year, quite a challenge. We ask: What are the tipping points that lead people to make significant changes to their behaviour like this? Do the small acts of individuals make any difference in the big scheme of things. Claudi went on to set up Action on Plastic and royalties from the book go directly to the charity. Twelve people were asked to contribute practical projects and ideas for small changes we can make to our everyday lives. I was also captivated by the photographs of Trudie Ballantyne, course leader of photography at Gloucester University, who has collected items on a beach and arranged them and then showed her work at a talk about climate change that I attended.

‘While it is true that the challenges of our time require systems change and large-scale actions, they also demand that we all do what we can in our own lives and our communities. Stroud has long been a kind of hothouse for new ideas, led by people with the courage of their convictions and support of those around them. This practical and inspiring book draws together the stories of ordinary people who decided to “be the change,” and who will be your guides into a more sustainable way of living. The main takeaway from this book? That all of these changes, rather than diminishing us, actually make our lives fuller, richer, better connected and more purposeful. Wave farewell to plastic and discover a world of ingenuity and creativity!’ Rob Hopkins: founder of the Transition movement

Small Steps to Less Waste: Stories to inspire change is published 31 March. You can preorder the book here Hawthorn Press. There will be an online launch event at 6pm GMT on 30 March 2021, chaired by yours truly, so register your interest on the Hawthorn events page.

Crochet a Facecloth

Here’s a quick project if you’re just learning how to crochet, or remembering some skills learnt long ago. This is a follow on to the earlier ‘How to Crochet’ films in the previous post. I use 100% cotton yarn to make these so they can go in the hot wash, what we used to call ‘dishcloth’ cotton is perfect. It’s a great project to practice on and to try different sizes of hook or try new stitches to see what happens. It’s just a cloth, so it doesn’t really matter. If they’re great why not make a whole load for presents?

Day workshops are starting again at West Dean College in August and there are plenty of things to try if you’re out and about. The films are great though, if you’d rather try this from the safety of home.

Try out different edgings on your facecloth, simple double crochet, scalloped or crab stitch.

Keeping busy

https://youtu.be/PLWNEtMJSP4

Since everything has been cancelled for the foreseeable, West Dean asked me to do some online tutorials so people can keep their hands and minds busy. These are going to be a series, starting from absolute beginners and working through all basic crochet stitches. Once we’ve done that we’ll make something, perhaps some make-up remover pads and /or some granny squares. If you have any requests or preferences, let me know.

https://youtu.be/3_RwGN969xc

I’m delighted to have an article this month in Resurgence & Ecologist magazine all about the art and craft of darning, highlighting the lovely Darning: Repair, make, mend book from Hikaru Noguchi. All books are currently 25% off on the Hawthorn Press site.

Meanwhile, our Atelier darning workshops, Meet, Make, Mend have move online to Zoom. Follow on social media to get a link for the next one.

Keep well, keep busy.
Katy x

What’s #WellMaking all about?

Welcome to the Craftivist’s Garden. I’m an advisor for this exciting new project by Craftivist Collective with Falmouth University and Arts for Health Cornwall that is about collecting data so that we can prove to policy makers that craft is good for you. Of course we know this already, but you try standing up in the House of Commons and saying that, which is what MP for Penryn and Falmouth Sarah Newton would have to do. We thought she could do with some ammunition in the way of data. We need your help to spread the word, and the crafting before our finale next January. Download the app here.

The project was launched last night in London to great fanfare, some good cake and some lovely people. (Lots of quiet stitching and reflecting went on too as we made flowers for the Craftivist Garden.)

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This is the flower that I made (while thinking deep thoughts)CraftivistGarden

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Genevieve of Floss & Mischief was there

 

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Hilary of Craft Blog UK

 

 

This is the lovely Sarah Corbett of the Craftivist Collective explaining all about her new project.

Sarah says, “If you’re based in the UK, we’d love you to join in and hand-embroider, knit or crochet a flower for our #wellMAKING Craftivists Garden, while reflecting on the importance of wellbeing and what we need in order to flourish as individuals and as a society.”

Irish Lizards

IMG_1269I’ve been busy researching a new artcle about Irish crochet lace for Rowan and was excited to be invited along to the photo shoot. Having spent a month or so pouring over ancient library books it was astonishing to see the detail of work for real.IMG_1389 This is one of the books that I was permitted to look at in the V&A reading library. (The ‘snake’ at the base of the photo is the weight that holds the pages open without damaging the bindingIMG_1381.)
The pictures don’t prepare you for the sheer awesomeness of the real thing. Here is the model at the shoot wearing a wedding dress. She can’t sit down for fear of damaging the dress, so the make-up artist has to improvise! These precious garments are on loan from the Knitting & Crochet Guild’s archive collection at Lee Mills, near Holmfirth, Yorkshire.
This is Marie Wallin, Head Designer at Rowan, putting the finishing touches to this exquisite ‘Lizard’ Jacket. You can see why is it called the “Lizard” by the close-up. This is a pattern from Album de Guipure d’Irlande by Madame Hardouin (1905). Also on this jacket are delicate baubles stitched along the netting at the sleeves and on the bodice.IMG_1378

These crocheted baubles look so contemporary, but the thread that they have been worked in is as fine as sewing cotton. I’m not sure that I even have a hook that small…