Art Party - May

This month's Etsian Artists Art Party theme is cyberpunk. Cyberpunk is not a concept that I'm familiar with. Punk to me is the Sex Pistols, Clash et al, spitting and pogoing. Not easy to portray through crochet!

I watched Blade Runner, again, was very tempted to watch the Matrix but it still hurts my brain. In the end I came up with two creations. One was more successful than the other.

My eyebot was top heavy even though he's reinforced with metal legs. He's going to be minus legs cos that's the way he rolls!

My second is a little punky, goth, emo. You decide! You can find him here on Etsy

You all know my love of amigurumi. He was more fun to do. I might end up hooked!

April Art Party

This month's Art Party for the Etsian Artists has been completed. Each month we are given a random word to interpret in any creative way. The random word for April was 'timelessness'.

I found this quite a challenge but my mind drifted towards the maths of crochet. The construction of circles and squares, the squaring of circles, spirals, linear patterns and repeats are all based on basic equations. The Archimedean spiral and the logarithmic spiral can all be found in nature both can be created in crochet. The technique of hyperbolic crochet was first discovered in 1997 by Cornell University mathematician Dr. Daina Taimina.

I admit I'm not a mathematician and most of the formula and equations I don't understand. Given yarn and a hook I can demonstrate an understanding of geometry.

Spirals can be made by a simple increases and it's quite fun to see them curl around themselves. Both the mustard brooch  and the pink brooch have been listed on Etsy.

My work in progress looks at concentric circles. Working with organic cotton I've knitted a shawl collared jacket with a matching beanie. I like the simple plain, purl pattern that gives a chunky feel to the cotton. The photos aren't the best. The drought has continued to break all record and it's the wettest April in a century. Today there are over 33 flood warnings and 158 flood alerts. The shortage of natural light doesn't show the shade at its best.

As an added bonus the shaping of the crown of the beanie produced a really interest pattern. I'm sure there's a formula to explain it but all I need to know is it can be achieved by diminishing decreasing on alternative rows!

Art Party

You might remember that way back in March I told you about the Etsian Artists Art Party. My little sulk about the new style blogger is over but I'd completely forgotten to give you an update.

On the theme of bazaar, my inspiration came from a Moroccan rug and the spice stalls of the souks. The wool I used came from Deramores. Thanks to the super duper, fast delivery I was able to try out the Manta Hueco Zig Zag pattern the following day. I was really pleased with the colours and the acrylic and wool blend was a joy to work with. Pretty soon I went from this to the finished cushion cover.

The pattern worked out well and it was quite straightforward to even up the back. I added lovely, juicy, peach vintage buttons from my stash and there we have it! Finished, photographed and listed on Etsy

I've still got lots of wool left over so that rug might happen yet!

Invite to an Art Party

This month I've decided to join in with the Etsian Artists Art Party. The members of this team work in various media so it's very exciting to see their work. To quote the leader, Lizzy Love, the idea is to interpret a given theme through your own medium. This month's theme is 'bazaar'.

For me it's an excuse to get away from the gentle colours of organic cotton and venture into the world of vibrant colour. My inspiration has come from the souks of Morocco.

and from a wonderfully supportive group on Flickr Buscando Comienzos Desafío Manta Hueco Zig Zag. I'm sure that the group members and Helen in particular will be there if I get stuck.

I've decided to make a crochet throw based on a design of a Moroccan rug.

The wool has been ordered and I'm itching to get started. I'll show you the colours when they arrive.

You can find out more about the Art Party on the Etsian Artists blog