Hurray! My crochet cuff jumped into the ETSY (her) gift guide yesterday. Maybe something to do with getting noticed in the Virtual Labs (?). It was my first time in the labs and managed to take part in the live chat with Crochet Today magazine, great fun was had by all. Got some great tips on trends for 2010!

Crochet Inspiration

Gorette. 2006

Marvel at extraordinary and fabulous crochet from artist Joana Vasconcelos.

http://www.joanavasconcelos.com

I have just taught a drawing class at the wonderful Prema Arts Centre in the West country.

http://www.prema.demon.co.uk.

The picture shows the group hard at work, drawing on billboard paper and long sheets of computer paper. They all launched themselves into the drawing exercises with amazing spirit.

'Ripening grey mould' - No. 3 in a series.
Materials - fabric, crochet and polymer clay.
Dimensions - 19cms(width) x 2cms(depth)


Thanks for all the lovely feedback about these mould pieces. All those who contacted me via Etsy and those who have featured me in their blogs and treasuries.

The series will be ongoing and I will be trying some more ambitious pieces. So keep stopping by. I have had some great suggestions from embellishing vintage clothing to wild and wonderful types of mould, all of which I will try and encorporate into the work.

Check out this new feature at the home of edgy embroidery - 'Mr X Stitch'. If you have just come from there...Welcome!

http://www.mrxstitch.com/2009/04/22/stitchgasm-elinarts-mould-pieces/

#1 of a series of works based on mould. It's crochet!!
Check it out at www.elinart.etsy.com

A detail of some freeform crochet I've just completed. I'm upcycling a Christiane Dior purse I found in a local charity shop , it's small and made of Navy ribbed satin with a navy leather lining and a press stud fastening.

I have three security doors to get through in order to reach my workspace. So this purse will stay around my neck, containing my pass and my MP3 player. Two vital items when in the studio.

* #20 crochet cotton in Black, Navy and Blackberry.
* Hooks #1.00 and #1.50
* Reading glasses #2.00!

Inspiration

Check out Emily Barletta's fantastic crochet at www.emily-b.net

Studio day

Spent the day doodling in the studio. Here's an unfinished drawing.

I'm pondering drawing and crochet together. An idea put to me by a gallery where I'm to be a featured artist next spring.

I think crocheting has made me more focused in my making. It takes so long, I'm much more prepared to think through what I want to make. Notions of total spontaneity were always a bit of a fantasy on my part....actually responding to certain limitations has yielded greater access to formal innovation.

New crochet necklace

It's still feels like winter here in the UK and despite my efforts....gazing lovingly at the Galliano and McQueen spring collections....as you can see, I haven't started my spring collection yet!

However, I'm trying some new ideas. This is a new concept for me, creating an interactive element to my necklaces. Basically the components have become detachable and can be moved by the wearer.

These photo show one possible combination. The three 'beads' are detachable, they have flat backs and can be placed anywhere along the necklace and stay in position. There are also striped 'sleeve' beads that can be moved anywhere on the necklace. I also like the idea of being able to take all the beads off, or with just one remaining and still have a wearable necklace.

What really excites me as well is they can slide over the button fastening and create the look of one continuous piece of crochet.

Snowing overnight

Bristol is a wondrous vision this morning, clad
in a pristine blanket of snow!