INTERNATIONAL CROCHET DAY 2014.......DONE!

THANK YOU to everyone who came to participate and those behind the scenes who supported this years' International Crochet Day Gathering at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre in Warburton. This was our third annual celebration and the 12th September will forever more be set aside to share this craft with our community and anyone who would like to join us. 
An enormous thank you goes out to the Yarra Ranges Council who provide this beautiful venue  free of charge and to the ever supportive Upper Yarra Community Enterprise who sponsors our gatherings through their Community Sponsorship Program. Shortly before this gathering I was made aware we had been successful in our application for a second round of sponsorship which clearly indicates the community value skills sharing and networking have in this area. Yay us!

kli

It was a truly amazing day with in excess of 65 lovely crafty people attending and lots of onlookers.
It took quite a few hours over quite a few days to wind 60 x 100g balls of Stylecraft Special DK into over 360 sweet, little yarn cakes. Whenever I look at all this gorgeous, yarny goodness I just see an array of colourful cupcakes with beautiful swirls of buttercream icing!

The first thing to see upon arrival was the stunning display of poppies created for the 5000 Poppies Project. This is just a very small portion of the 35,000+ handcrafted poppies Lynn has received for the project. Knitted, crocheted, felted, burnished sateen, hyperbolic shaped, embroidered beautiful poppies all making their way to Federation Square, Melbourne for the ANZAC Day Centenary in 2015.

 The red is so difficult to photograph and the lighting in here wasn't great for photography. It's glary through the windows and the brightness of the overheads creates lots of shadows. It's a shame you can't see all the beautiful detail in those closeups. The texture on these panels is gorgeous.

 Lynn was all too happy to provide guidance along the way and she did confess to dreaming about poppies quite often! Lynn left with 64 of our crocheted poppies that will be included in the display. I will be holding  a few more poppy making sessions in the coming months to add to our contribution.

 TUNISIAN CROCHET WORKSHOP

The INTRODUCTION TO TUNISIAN CROCHET was a huge hit and Shara handled a MORE then full table really well. We were hoping to run 2 sessions however our 4 hr time slot wasn't enough. I'm really sorry if you missed out however it is really tricky to merge new arrivals when the tuition has already started. We have discovered through experience that the learning is much more beneficial when everyone arrives at the starting time and our tutors can guide you through all together. 

 As you can see, it looks rather a bit like knitting and works in return and forward rows never turning the work as in crochet. Casting on the stitches and then casting them off again leaving just one stitch on and working in the vertical stitches the forwarding and returning creates. Making a dense, close fabric is the benefit of Tunisian Crochet so it's awesome for gloves and jumpers and the sweet little pouches everyone made on the day. 

 Here's Shara Lambeth guiding everyone along. She is an amazing crafter and a very good teacher. We were so fortunate to have her along. Thanks Shara.

And here's the ta-dah moment. Sweet little lavender pouches that could easily become little coin purses or Christmas decorations.

If you did miss out or you want a refresher, here's a link to a really good tutorial you could try at home. Try hooking up with Purl Bee Tunisian Crochet Basics to get you started. Good Luck

CROCHET MANDALA WORKSHOP

Jenny had a huge following with our CROCHET MANDALA MAKING! Jenny too, was swept off her feet with a full table and a constant wave of coming and going all day.

Jenny is a very thorough teacher. She is clear, concise, patient and knowledgeable and managed a fine jig about this table going from one participant to the next with gentle guidance and expertise. These manadalas were a tonne of fun to make. With endless colour combinations, each one is truly unique to it's maker.

Kylie made a beautiful pastel mandala in Stylecraft Classique Cotton.

Contrasting colours were a hit

This crocheting duo have attended almost every one of our gatherings and always have a great time.

Multiples of Mandalas left the Upper Yarra Arts Centre on this day

  

BEGINNERS CROCHET WORKSHOP

I think I love this workshop the best. I love that we are still able to fill this table to overflowing with lovely people who so desperately want to join in the crochet fun. Whether they are 'refreshing their memories' or 'starting from scratch', this table gives me such joy when those light bulb moments happen.

One lovely lady who after many, many attempts over the years finally 'gets it' after one on one expert tuition from  Kaye Adolphson. Kaye is a professional crochet designer from the Yarra Valley and clearly enjoys her work.

From learning to how to hold the hook and yarn to completed granny squares, this table was full of joyful giggles and success reigned. 

A big THANK YOU to Kaye for coming out to us after teaching a workshop in Olinda the same morning.

An example of Kaye's creative crochet work.

Quarterly Crafternoons is not just for the adults either. Children are a very big part of our community and making provision for the little ones to enjoy some hands on crafting time is a big part of these gatherings.

Proud moments are shared by us all, big or small!

Then I just had to share this colouful picture. This is a suitcase full of happiness!

Our next opportunity to craft along is our Quarterly Crafternoons December gathering held on 3rd December, 11am til 3.30pm. Hope to see you there.

x Le x

ON OUR WAY TO INTERNATIONAL CROCHET DAY 2014

LEARN MAKE SHARE CREATE

Less than 2 weeks folks- yep that's it. I have suddenly found myself child free this afternoon as they both have play dates at friends' and I am making of the most of it in a busy, sitting at the computer on a lovely sunny day kinda way!

HERE ARE THE DETAILS
Friday 12th September 2014, 11am - 3.30pm
This is our 3rd ICD Gathering thanks to our Sponsorship from the Bendigo Bank and UYCE and the support from the Shire Yarra Ranges

FREE crochet funshops, Community Crochet Blanket, Crochet Show 'n' Tell

*5000 Poppies Project - make a poppy to contribute to the Fed Square display for ANZAC day 2015

11.30 onwards- Crochet a Spring Mandala with the lovely Jenny Scammell

11.30 start- Introduction to Tunisian Crochet with the amazingly talented Shara Lambeth 

12.45 start- Beginners Crochet with Kaye Adolphson

Bring a project Bring a plate Bring a friend- kids under supervision welcome


Here's a sneak peek.........

The Internationaly recognised 5000 Poppies Project is coming to our gathering and I most excited! Founders Lynne Berry and Margaret Knight (Melbournian textile artists) will be bringing their pop up workshop to the Upper Yarra Arts Centre to celebrate with us. Bring your poppies ready made to contribute to the Fed Square display next year or come and sit with us, make a poppy and meet these 2 inspiring women. A dedication can be attached to your poppy and it will be displayed alongside your creation.
Here's some that were made at a recent workshop at the Yarra Junction Library...

Thank you to the lovely ladies that came along. It was great to meet some new faces and we hope you can come along to ICD.

Think you'd like to come but don't know how to crochet- well, that's what this day is all about - learning and sharing. Kaye Adolphson is an award winning crochet artist living in the Yarra Valley- actually all of out tutors do!! (Talented lot aren't we??!!). Kaye has very graciously saved my busy hide and is coming to teach our Beginners Funshop straight after taking a class in Olinda! Not bad hey!. You can find Kaye's website here and she is more than qualified to take this class, you are all sooo lucky!
Now this session will begin at 12.45 and may have limited places. So there is no reason NOT to come!!


 Next, I have a couple of lovely pics to share with you from Jenny Scammell who is hosting our Step into Spring Crochet Mandala funshop. Check these out-

 Aren't they GORGEOUS....... and HAPPY................. and SPRINGY................

 and FUN..................... and COLOURFUL.................... and don't they look............................

 intricate.................. and complicated.............?????????????????????

well they AREN"T!!!! Jenny will help guide you through two main patterns she has translated into aussie crochet terms for you. Basic stitch knowledge is required for this one and all the yarn will be provided. We are using Deramores Stylecraft Special DK in tonnes of colours for you to choose. And you get to take it home with you.

Here's a little bit about Jenny-

'Craft has always been part of my life since my Nan taught me to knit when I
was about 9 years old. Sewing clothes, embroidery and crocheting followed in my teenage
years. Despite my love of textiles I was told at school not to pursue the subject, as it was a
hobby and not something to make a career in. I therefore went to university and became a
secondary school teacher of history, geography and maths. I taught for two years, then my
daughter was born and I never went back. In 1988 I took my first class in patchwork and was
hooked! I went to many more classes, quilt shows and became a member of the Patchwork and
Quilters Guild of Victoria eventually becoming President and a teacher of Patchwork at several
shops. In 2005 I fulfilled a dream and graduated with a Diploma of Visual Arts Studio
Stitch
Textiles from Box Hill Tafe. In recent years I have enjoyed the revival of crocheting, with the use
of more vibrant colors to what our grandmother's used.'

Jenny has been a great support to me since Quarterly Crafternoons began and this is the second funshop Jenny has taught. I am very grateful for her involvement.

Here's a link for some more mandala inspiration- MANDALA MANDALA MANDALA

At 11.30 the Introduction to Tunisian Crochet will begin with prolific crafter Shara Lambeth. I am thirlled to be able to have Shara come and teach because she is SO AMAZING!! With her own Etsy shop, Ravelry site and blog, this woman is busy, busy!! Look up those links to see what she's about. She's always posting something gorgeous on facebook too. whether it be a skein of just dyed yarn or a jumper that took 3 days to make!

With a finished texture a bit more like knitting, you will find this technique really interesting as it uses elements from both crochet and knitting. Shara is going to show you right from the beginning and to ensure you take a little something home, she will guide you through making a little lavender sachet or an open pouch with a handle for little treasures. Wanna look at them????   ........ Ok then....................

Aren't they just darling?? We've made them quite small so you can get them finished in time but this technique will take you in many directions. Oooooo, can't wait for this one. hope there's space for me!!

Phew well I think that's it. Now I'm going to enjoy a cup of tea in the sunshine before my babies come home and the mummy madness starts again.
Thanks for listening and look forward to seeing you all soon.
x Le x

Quarterly Crafternoons June Gathering 2014

On a cold, windy wintery day, we were warm and cozy (and busy!) inside the Upper Yarra Arts Centre for our June gathering of Quarterly Crafternoons. I tell you I'm glad it's only once a quarter because it comes around waaayyyy too quickly and I find my self scrambling to get the last mintue things organised literally at the last minute. Thank fully the wonderful women who lead the workshops are organised and ready to go.

PAPERCRAFT AND CARD MAKING

This month saw Amanda Davern, a Stampin' Up demonstrator run a cardmaking plus much more funshop. Amanda was very organised and had spent hours preparing the kits to ensure the 4 hours of folding, stamping, blending and tying were a breeze for everyone and we all left with gorgeous sets of notecards and tags embellished with sponged and blended colour, bunting, flowers, buttons and twine.

tags and a boxed set of notecards made with beautiful papers and card embellished with hand-coloured flowers

a small selection of tags used to stick onto the notecards. eceryones created something quite different using similar embellishments

with the right equipment we were able to master the techniques very quickly

one of our many Ta-Dah moments!! Sue even won a Stampin' Up stamp pack! Good on ya Sue

COZY EAR WARMER AND HEADBAND
The lovely the Melinda Duncan, my crafty right hand gal, had us re-purposing pre-loved t-shirts into cozy ear warmers. Surprisingly quick, surprisingly easy (even for the self-professed non-sewer Raelene!), these little numbers saw t-shirts and buttons being rummaged through to find just the right combination. With very little sewing to be done and all that in straight lines, a bit of cutting, some ruffled flowers, some button stitching and much trying on there were endless combinations created.

oh Raelene you are crack up!!

there was consultation about colour combinations

much satisfaction with completed projects (please notice Kylie sporting her crocheted doiley earrings from a quarterly crafternoon long ago)

this was a lesson in more is definately more!!

And if you drop into the op shop in Warby on a friday you may just see Melinda with warm ears under another handmade cozy- they are a bit addictive!!

BEADED EARRINGS

Christine Kay has a long association with beaded jewellery making. Her talent displayed beautifully in her colourful range of very fine beaded earrings that were on show.

these must have taken her hours!

Christine's helping hand was much appreciated by Julie

as you can see this is very fine work with the tiniest seed beads being threaded onto fine waxed cotton thread using a fine beading needle. everything is small, small, small!!

and we went from this..........................

to this, well done Julie! I hope to see them dangling off your ears sometime soon!

We are so lucky to have the support of the Warburton and Yarra Junction Community Banks which without their sponsorship we not be able to provide such a range of crafts and therefore the wonderful leading crafters who are able host each workshop. And a big Thank you to the Yarra Ranges Council who provide the beautiful Mechanics Hall at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre free of charge for our venue each time.
I am so grateful that my vision for a free, inclusive crafting event is supported by this community. Thank you to everyone who comes and enjoys this space. You are all wonderful.

Now we have our annual International Crochet Day gathering to look forward too. More on that later. Now I'm off to enjoy the gorgeous winter sunshine that has grace our pressence today.
x Le x

LOOKING FORWARD TO QUARTERLY CRAFTERNOONS, JUNE 2014

This is going to be awesome! It's only a week and a half away, materials being organised and I'm left wondering what cake I'll bake for the day!

WEDNESDAY JUNE 11TH is the date for our next gathering at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre, Warburton.
AND GUESS WHAT??????? A first for Quarterly Crafternoons..............

THERE'S GOING TO BE A DOOR PRIZE........(insert excited squeal here.......)!! 

Clare Daly from Stampin' Up Paper craft supplies is donating a box of goodies to give away. I haven't seen them yet but I can't wait to give them away on the day, eeeeekkkkkkk! Check out her blog right here at http://www.clairedaly.typepad.com/   Thank you Clare we are so grateful.
 

Anyhow, our workshops will run something like this......... (sorry,  I'm still excited!!!!!!)


COSY HEADBAND/EAR WARMER
This little cozy number was whipped by Melinda Duncan who will guide you through this project. Using a repurposed t-shirt and our new Elina sewing machine. 

Here's the one I whipped up under Melinda's guidance in about 30mins and it didn't cost me a thing! I grabbed an old t-shirt from the rag bag, a contrasting fabric scrap and a button and wah-la!! Cozy ears and headband completely unique to me!! It has inspired me to create a crocheted chevron neck cozy in grey and yellow- yarn is in transit and I will begin that one after crafternoons. 

If you would like to create this in a particular colour or pattern, bring your own t-shirt and button along, otherwise there will some provided for you.


BEADED DANGLY EARRINGS
Local artist Christine Kay is offering to help you create your own pair of sparkly, danglies. With years of experience teaching beading you will be off and away looking good in your handmade treasures. Learn basic skills (don't be frightened) using specialised equipment, threading techniques using seed beads and bugle beads, waxing cotton,creating the foundation, fringing and finishing techniques to walk away with a complete of earrings. I will be taking photos of you all scouting your new danglies!!

Here's a little bio from Christine........

My name is Christine Kay. I live in Warburton. I am an Artist and also love making craft.For many years I ran my own business called 'Mahakan' and sold my handmade American Indian Craft and Beading, Tie dyed clothing and Glass Painting at different markets and to shops. I also ran workshops and classes teaching Native American Indian Beading and craft. These days I spend most of my time painting.

PAPER CRAFT EMBELLISHED CARDS, ENVELOPES AND GIFT TAGS

These words are straight from Amanda Davern for our FIRST EVER paper workshop. 

'We will make three note cards with coordinating envelopes and a decorative box to hold the cards. 

All of the projects are skills based so the participants are learning papercraft skills to build upon to create their own creative works.   

This project introduces the concept of using punches, folding aligned edges, learning paper/colour coordination, tying bows, making layered/shaped flowers, making boxes and envelopes, sponging and making layered bands.'

The next project is making a gift tag and three gift/note tag/cards.  
 The skills involved the participants will be learning are: Learning to
use water based ink to sponge backgrounds/edge paper.  Using the blender
pen, learn how to paint with water based ink with particular skills of
blending colours, colour coordination, highlighting and avoiding the
pilling of paper.  This is another three dimensional project.

Here's a bit about Amanda-

'I have been teaching papercraft since 1994.  Whether it be three dimensional paper tole, photo 

albums, cards, stamping, colouring with alcohol markers (copic), banners, etc.  The highlight of

 my career was being one of fifty Australians who were selected to participate in an eight hour 

master class with Tim Holtz (creative director of RangerProducts). 

 If asked what my passion is, I would reply with the following:
"My passion with papercraft and teaching is to provide an experience with individuals in which

 they discover their own creative talents/abilities and the joy that follows.  Paper craft is the 

number one art form/craft in the world with endless possibilities.'

How good is that line up, only trouble is being the organiser I hardly have a chance to sit still and

participate.  

However, I take great joy out of watching everyone else come together, make 

connections,see our beautiful town, share some lunch and appreciate other peoples crafting 

skills.All because of an idea someone had and because someone else supported it. 

Looking forward to seeing you there. 

x Le x