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Arts and Entertainment => Hobbies and Photos => Topic started by: Smartmarzipan on June 20, 2013, 12:06:15 PM

Title: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Smartmarzipan on June 20, 2013, 12:06:15 PM
Does any one else here do any of these? I love knitting, tried crochet (and failed), and I'd like to get into quilting/sewing. So...anyone?
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: WitchSabrina on June 20, 2013, 12:12:15 PM
I sew.  I do not knit nor crochet.  Never learned.   But one old fashioned thing I do is hand embroidery.  Teaching it to my granddaughter, too.
I do stuff like this:

(//http://woolystitches.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/dscf1230.jpg)

I also know how to quilt.  But only know how to by hand.  I've not made a quilt in years.  Last quilt I made was a baby quilt for my grandson - which I also embroidery on - name, day of birth, etc.

Embroidery is the most relaxing, best therapy I have next to gardening.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Smartmarzipan on June 20, 2013, 12:26:51 PM
Oh, I'd love to get into embroidery. I have a lot of neat ideas, but I have no idea where to begin. If I can sit on the couch and do it like knitting, I'm sure I'd enjoy it. I've already made more scarves than I know what to do with....
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: WitchSabrina on June 20, 2013, 12:43:57 PM
Quote from: "Smartmarzipan"Oh, I'd love to get into embroidery. I have a lot of neat ideas, but I have no idea where to begin. If I can sit on the couch and do it like knitting, I'm sure I'd enjoy it. I've already made more scarves than I know what to do with....

Embroidery may be easier than you think.  And the back and forth of the stitch is like therapy to unwind your day, I swear.  Get some plain white or offwhite broadcloth and cut a square - draw an image of it of your choosing.  You can even print out a pic of something you like and just using tracing paper make the outline of the image for yourself on the cloth.  Stretch (but not too tight) into the wooden embroidery hoop then follow easy stitch instructions you can find online.
http://pinterest.com/pinesnpickets/embroidery-stitches/ (http://pinterest.com/pinesnpickets/embroidery-stitches/)

My grandmother taught me and according to her there's only One rule in embroidery --- the Back of your stichery needs to be as neat and tidy as the front (although of course not the actual image).   It's the proof that you're steadily stitching in proper fashion.
That's the only real tip I know to share with you.

this is where I buy embroidery floss (floss is by hand and 'thread' is if you're going to use a machine)

http://www.joann.com/dmc-linen-embroide ... /prd29127/ (http://www.joann.com/dmc-linen-embroidery-floss/prd29127/)

They say machine is easier - and I'm sure it would be - but where's the Art in that?  The art is taking a plain piece of fabric that just lays there - uneventful and unimaginative and bringing it to life using some floss.

Oh - and I suggest you work with three strands.   Every floss comes 5 or 6 strands together.  You separate by pulling it apart making it not so thick to work with (stitches are neater)  I also buy 6 and I sew using three.   Three is enough to get it done well but not so thick that it looks lousy.

good luck.
let me know if I can help.  Once you get the hang of something like what they call a satin stitch --- you'll see how relaxing it can be.
You should do an embroidery of your wedding announcement............. cheesy yes........ but timeless.

Some hand crafts never go out of style.  And although hardly anyone hand embroideries any more.....  it is still viewed as a classic form of art still passed down generation to generation since the middle ages.  (embroidery began in the 1100s in Italy to decorate fine lady's garments)
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Smartmarzipan on June 20, 2013, 12:53:56 PM
Maybe I'll try it tonight. I have did buy a hoop and some floss a while ago, but never made the attempt. Thanks for the tip on separating the floss, I probably would not have done that.

As for my knitting, this is a braided scarf I've finished but I still need to put fringe on the ends.

(//http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/3156/w8lf.jpg) (//http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/838/w8lf.jpg/)

I'm trying to put together a bunch of things to sell at a festival this fall.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Solitary on June 20, 2013, 12:54:16 PM
I've sewed the buttons on my pants and shirts, and sewed up holes in my socks. Does that count?  8-)  Solitary
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on June 20, 2013, 01:02:29 PM
I used to make latch hook rugs. It's kind of like basket weaving.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Smartmarzipan on June 20, 2013, 01:03:46 PM
Quote from: "the_antithesis"I used to make latch hook rugs. It's kind of like basket weaving.

I've always wanted to make a basket. That would be awesome. My house would be full of baskets. :)
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: WitchSabrina on June 20, 2013, 01:05:15 PM
Quote from: "Smartmarzipan"Maybe I'll try it tonight. I have did buy a hoop and some floss a while ago, but never made the attempt. Thanks for the tip on separating the floss, I probably would not have done that.

As for my knitting, this is a braided scarf I've finished but I still need to put fringe on the ends.

[ Image (//http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/838/w8lf.jpg/) ]

I'm trying to put together a bunch of things to sell at a festival this fall.

that is beautiful!!!   I would buy that.  
You need a DYI Etsy web page for your goodies, girl.   Your photography alone could sell and you could start a vacation fund from your website.   I don't think you give yourself enough credit for these *little* hobbies you do on the side.

Of course - who am I telling?  I don't ever sell my embroidery work and I certainly don't take it for hire.

Solitary - dunno bout your socks, man.  If'n it was artfully done - then yes indeedie :-D
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: WitchSabrina on June 20, 2013, 01:10:29 PM
Quote from: "Smartmarzipan"
Quote from: "the_antithesis"I used to make latch hook rugs. It's kind of like basket weaving.

I've always wanted to make a basket. That would be awesome. My house would be full of baskets. :)

I tried that.  (So wanted to dial back to medieval times........ dont ask)   Basket weaving was not for me - cut my hands up something fierce it did.  OUCH.  And I learned how to spin on a spinning wheel.......  um........ yeah.

So........ I'll buy antique baskets if I need them authentic.  And my house IS full of baskets (much to my poor husband's chagrin)  and I'll let someone else actually MAKE the fabric.

I like to make things - but fuck - not from it's original state.  LOL

I plan next winter to do some art using Batik.  That's using wax and dye to create art. I want to do a wall piece of water lilies.  And I don't want to paint them..........  I want to create them using overlapping dyes.

like this
(//http://images.artid.com/images/blogs/902/7104621blog_image.jpeg)
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Farroc on June 20, 2013, 03:04:29 PM
I tried knitting with one of those circular hand looms once. I made me me a preeeetty comfortable pair of socks.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: surly74 on June 20, 2013, 03:37:57 PM
not allowed around sharp objects.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Smartmarzipan on June 20, 2013, 03:54:25 PM
Quote from: "surly74"not allowed around sharp objects.

They're not that sharp. In fact, I think they allow knitting needles on planes.....
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on June 20, 2013, 11:58:30 PM
Quote from: "Smartmarzipan"
Quote from: "the_antithesis"I used to make latch hook rugs. It's kind of like basket weaving.

I've always wanted to make a basket. That would be awesome. My house would be full of baskets. :)

I mean it's the sort of thing mental patients should be made to do to keep them occupied.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Aroura33 on June 21, 2013, 03:00:58 AM
The knitted braid scarf is really cool!

I wanted to share my coral reef project crochet, it was for charity, but I didn't get a group large enough together to make a donation.  If anyone is interested in working on making crocheted corals, I would love to get back into it!  Discovered the hyperbolic crochet thing on a TEDTalks.

(//https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zN2Xb-MW9qc/USQmjaCvXMI/AAAAAAAADYk/MJcESZUOjkE/w1207-h814-no/DSC_0328.JPG)

I also sew most of my own clothes now, and a lot of my daughters as well.  Here is one of my favorite woven blouses:

(//https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-akLO-YMgNIs/UGUedlJHReI/AAAAAAAADLs/0sKd9JbdreA/s640/September%252027%252C%25202012-10.jpg)
And a knitted dress:
(//https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pUB6izpNhpc/TpjiIenKWiI/AAAAAAAAB08/PAL1nJjvaL0/s640/October%25252014%25252C%2525202011-33-2.jpg)

I sew all the time.  Almost daily.  If you guys want to make some sort of AF knitting/crochet/sewing circle, I'm in!
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: WitchSabrina on June 21, 2013, 08:29:59 AM
Quote from: "Aroura33"The knitted braid scarf is really cool!

I wanted to share my coral reef project crochet, it was for charity, but I didn't get a group large enough together to make a donation.  If anyone is interested in working on making crocheted corals, I would love to get back into it!  Discovered the hyperbolic crochet thing on a TEDTalks.

[ Image (//https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zN2Xb-MW9qc/USQmjaCvXMI/AAAAAAAADYk/MJcESZUOjkE/w1207-h814-no/DSC_0328.JPG) ]

I also sew most of my own clothes now, and a lot of my daughters as well.  Here is one of my favorite woven blouses:

[ Image (//https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-akLO-YMgNIs/UGUedlJHReI/AAAAAAAADLs/0sKd9JbdreA/s640/September%252027%252C%25202012-10.jpg) ]
And a knitted dress:
[ Image (//https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pUB6izpNhpc/TpjiIenKWiI/AAAAAAAAB08/PAL1nJjvaL0/s640/October%25252014%25252C%2525202011-33-2.jpg) ]

I sew all the time.  Almost daily.  If you guys want to make some sort of AF knitting/crochet/sewing circle, I'm in!


Yanno - that Celtic tapestry that hangs behind you - I own Two of those lol.
You sew very well, Aurora.  I sew simple things unless it's embroidery - then I can really turn it into some art.
Got a new sewing machine as a christmas gift (yes much of our family celebrates christmas).  They got me a Singer Curvy.  I've had a chance to use it once so far after we had to have it repaired (grrrrr long story).  But I'm hoping to get better techniques and expand what I can make due to having a better machine.  wish me luck lol
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: surly74 on June 21, 2013, 08:53:11 AM
Quote from: "Smartmarzipan"
Quote from: "surly74"not allowed around sharp objects.

They're not that sharp. In fact, I think they allow knitting needles on planes.....

knitting needles were sharp from what i remember. not hyperodermic sharp but if you caught someone in a fleshy part, like the neck, it would do some damage.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: rickcopeland648 on June 22, 2013, 10:54:08 AM
Quote from: "surly74"
Quote from: "Smartmarzipan"
Quote from: "surly74"not allowed around sharp objects.

They're not that sharp. In fact, I think they allow knitting needles on planes.....

knitting needles were sharp from what i remember. not hyperodermic sharp but if you caught someone in a fleshy part, like the neck, it would do some damage.

Yeah, they are kinda sharp. It might depend on the brand and the materials. The needles for lace knitting are much more pointy and can do more damage.

The Rick Copeland is an active knitter...
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Smartmarzipan on June 26, 2013, 02:15:40 PM
Here's a small throw blanket I finished last year that I love.

(//http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/2301/c861.jpg) (//http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/542/c861.jpg/)

Right now I'm working on a larger blanket with a lot more stripes. :)

(//http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9858/xv4i.jpg) (//http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/xv4i.jpg/)
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Scully on June 29, 2013, 04:55:58 PM
I used to sew all the time when my kids were small and I had lots of time on my hands, but I no longer have the space to spread out stuff for a couple of days.

Now I prefer portable knitting projects. If anyone is interested, there's an awesome online community for knitting and crochet (and weaving and hand spinning) called Ravelry. I post pictures of most of my projects there.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on July 14, 2013, 09:13:00 PM
So I picked up a latch hook rug kit along with a blank canvas and a shit ton of yarn. I'm making the kit now to get back it the swing of things. It's a dragonfly, so I can unload it on my brother by giving it to his wife. But the main plan is to recreate old video games using latch hook since it is essentially pixel art but with yarn. I find old video games especially beatiful with the stark black background and brightly colored abstract objects floating in void. If this agrees with me, I'll make several, such as recreating Game Boy game in various shades of green.
I has been a while since I did this. Like before many on the forum were born. I figure 1981 at the latest. But it's not that hard. Just time consuming.

My first project, after this kit, is Pac-Man. It may be a larger project than I had thought. If my calculations are accurate, the finished rug will be over 5' x 7'. I'll need to get two more blank canvases to cover that area, have enough to overlap to hook the canvases together, and have the margin around the outside they recommend as the starched canvas tends to break apart on the edges.

Holy fucking shit.

What the hell is wrong with me?
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: aitm on July 14, 2013, 09:38:27 PM
Quote from: "the_antithesis"What the hell is wrong with me?



 :-$                  :-"
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Smartmarzipan on July 14, 2013, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: "the_antithesis"Holy fucking shit.

What the hell is wrong with me?


ONE OF US, ONE OF US.....
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on July 15, 2013, 02:12:41 AM
This is the dragonfly kit (//http://www.everythinglatchhook.com/rainbow-flyer-mrp-p20301.aspx?k2=y4) I'm doing. Already halfway done.

(//http://www.everythinglatchhook.com/images/Product/medium/20301.jpg)

The large canvas has a grid of 220 X 140 with a slim margin around the outside. I've found Pac-Man to have a resolution of 288 X 224. The NES is 256 X 240. Original Game Boy is 160 x 144. The Atari VCS is 192 x 160. So, pretty much everything I would make a rug of would require fiddling with expanding the canvas a bit. Unless I can find a place that sells it by the yard, this may be a prohibitively expensive hobby.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on July 17, 2013, 01:57:28 AM
So I finished the dragonfly kit and it looks pretty much like the photo on the box. Next project will be this:

(//http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o521/theantithesis/SuperMarioLandJUAV10T-Spa100_PaladinKnights_02.png) (//http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/theantithesis/media/SuperMarioLandJUAV10T-Spa100_PaladinKnights_02.png.html)

Already have the icky green yarn. The shades may not be exactly right, butt fuck it.

If I get really ambitious, I may do this.

(//http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o521/theantithesis/DragonsLair-TheLegendEEliteSystemsb2_02.png) (//http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/theantithesis/media/DragonsLair-TheLegendEEliteSystemsb2_02.png.html)

Rather nice pixel art on that one.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on July 19, 2013, 01:45:42 PM
So, I'm debating getting one of these.

(//http://img1.etsystatic.com/009/0/5194296/il_570xN.451434097_csez.jpg)

It's about ten buck, plus shipping and shit. So about fifteen bucks. Problem is, I'm not sure how well it works and if it's worth the money. If it works, it'll be a boon. If it doesn't, it'll be worse than just cutting ten thousand pieces of yarn by hand.

Has anyone used a device like this?
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: WitchSabrina on July 19, 2013, 09:06:32 PM
Quote from: "the_antithesis"So I picked up a latch hook rug kit along with a blank canvas and a shit ton of yarn. I'm making the kit now to get back it the swing of things. It's a dragonfly, so I can unload it on my brother by giving it to his wife. But the main plan is to recreate old video games using latch hook since it is essentially pixel art but with yarn. I find old video games especially beatiful with the stark black background and brightly colored abstract objects floating in void. If this agrees with me, I'll make several, such as recreating Game Boy game in various shades of green.
I has been a while since I did this. Like before many on the forum were born. I figure 1981 at the latest. But it's not that hard. Just time consuming.

My first project, after this kit, is Pac-Man. It may be a larger project than I had thought. If my calculations are accurate, the finished rug will be over 5' x 7'. I'll need to get two more blank canvases to cover that area, have enough to overlap to hook the canvases together, and have the margin around the outside they recommend as the starched canvas tends to break apart on the edges.

Holy fucking shit.

What the hell is wrong with me?


 :-"
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on July 21, 2013, 08:12:10 PM
So I found a 5 mesh latch hook canvas. Fabric mesh is apparently like bullet caliber. The bigger the number, the smaller the hole. Standard 3.75, so a 5 mesh is a bit smaller, which can fit the entire Game Boy screen onto the width. This is good as attempting to trim the 3.75 mesh canvas and then attach the  trimmings to get the full canvas needed is messy and not work it, I found out. First of all, the grid is not perfectly square, so turning the trimming 90 degrees did not line it up properly. Unfortunately, I didn't learn this until it was too late and it wound up making many small pieces to attach along the bottom. It would probably still work, but why bother now that I have  the 5 mesh which fits the width easily and has enough room to do two Game Boy screens (32" x 27.5").

This means I'm open to suggestions on what to do on the other rug. It would have to be Game Boy or Game Boy Color. Game Boy Advance had a higher resolution and wouldn't fit. Not sure if I'm into the Dragon's Lair game above enough. Besides, that looks complicated.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: SkaĆ°i on July 22, 2013, 06:42:09 PM
I want to get into knitting and embroidery. I envy those who can make handicrafts. The most I can do is make some different kinds of friendship bracelets.

I'd love to be able to make blankets and embroider traditional Polish or other European designs like my grandmas did D:
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on September 22, 2013, 08:18:55 PM
(//http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o521/theantithesis/007.jpg) (//http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/theantithesis/media/007.jpg.html)

Fuck me sideways. That took two months. Two months for something that ugly. I'm scrapping all future plans because the results are not really worth it.

(//http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o521/theantithesis/008.jpg) (//http://s1146.photobucket.com/user/theantithesis/media/008.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: Smartmarzipan on September 23, 2013, 02:26:00 PM
What?!!? That shit is awesome! You frame that, and someone at a craft fair will buy it. Seriously.
Title: Re: Knitting, Crochet, Quilting
Post by: the_antithesis on November 24, 2013, 01:27:47 PM
(//http://i1146.photobucket.com/albums/o521/theantithesis/HNI_0024.jpg)

Jesus fucking christ, that was a lot of black.

This was just to use up the canvas I had left over. Although, I may see about hanging this on my wall.