Crochet – Page 3 – Betty Virago

My Crochet Friend

This is just a quick post, but for fans of the My Little Crochet Doll patterns, I hope something exciting. I’ve had several requests for the doll made up, instead of the pattern, so here… At long last… Is the first finished doll. She is available on my Etsy shop (a link is available fromContinue reading “My Crochet Friend”

Purses and Pence Jugs

My response to the archives has been to make some purses inspired by what I’ve found. The purses from the archives and my own inspirations from them will be on display in a small exhibition in the Quayside building at Huddersfield University starting the 11th April.

When I grow up…

D’you remember when you were a kid, being asked what you wanted to be when you were older? I wanted to be a Salvation Army officer. Failing that, any job that paid me to travel the world. I didn’t get to do my first choice and although I’m writing this on the night coach toContinue reading “When I grow up…”

Thinking the future through the past

A few months ago I listened to a talk by Barbara Burman on her research into long purses, often referred to as miser purses. These purses date from mid 18th to late 19th century, often handmade as gifts to loved ones and although similar in shape were constructed from several techniques. In painter James Collinson’sContinue reading “Thinking the future through the past”

Astronaut Pattern – My Little Crochet Doll

You’ve all been very patient and I hope the wait was worth it (blame all the work at Uni).

Finally the next patten has been finished and is ready to make.

Traditional Crafts and Traditions

I want to start with a story, which I’m sure most of you will know.

The start of Summer

I made it all through the year with, well apart from two weeks off when I broke my ankle, no sick days. Then as the Uni schedule finished (no classes, but we can still go in) I was hit by some awful superbuggy cold thing. I’ve pretty much been in bed most of the lastContinue reading “The start of Summer”

Crayon Play 2 – Chalky the Spider

Chalky the spider… a free crochet pattern and a solution to kids losing crayons.

Slow Creativity

It used to be, things made slowly, by hand were for the poor. If you couldn’t afford new clothes, you made them. Hand knitted jumpers were made by family members over time, where shop bought winter wear was for people who could afford to travel to skiing locations

Designer Makers I like

Here’s a list of designer makers I like. They might not be big names, or money making wonders and might never be exhibitors but I like them. For me a designer maker is someone who makes things to sell and not a huge scale exhibitor, I like the idea of small time local designer makers.Continue reading “Designer Makers I like”