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The Swatch Collage

October 29, 2023 by knit-tweaker

When my grand-daughter visited me this last year, we went through some of the things I had stuck back in my craft boxes. Among the fines were these swatches I had made while learning to design and create knitted pictures. The one on the right was the first Iris I tried my hand at, using my friends cross-stitch design. The left one, was my first upgrade, as I added edging with lace yarn. The top was an attempt at more detail, and the center bottom was the realistic version.

Of course, she wanted them. The problem was how to put them together in an attractive collage she could hang on the wall.

The Solution

I purchased plastic netting, ribbon, and beads. The plan is to attach the ribbon, add the beads, then secure the blocks to the netting. When finished, I will trim the plastic back and crochet the edges together. I might even add a decorative edging if I feel it necessary. I will insert a ring in the top when crocheting the edge.

I will post the finished work, so you can see the results. The first pic above is just a layout, now the work begins.

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The Gladiolus Project

August 11, 2023 by knit-tweaker

One of my favorite flowers is the Sword Lily, or Gladiolus. Their stunning colors and beauty are without peer. That said, I have been working on a design for creating one stem of flowers to be coupled with one of my butterflies. Below is just the beginning.

Just to get to what you see, has taken me weeks. Each bloom has 6 petals, two smaller ones, two more rounded ones for the top and bottom, and two more pointed ones at the sides. The construction of the stamens was a combination of fine wire, and a glue gun. Then fingernail polish is used to color the tips as desired.

Here is a better view.

This project is done with the Basketweave stitch, and basic single crochet (SC). The entire petal is worked on a single wire, with sc covering the wire. During process of crocheting the petal, the wire is allowed to extend beyond the top of the petal ( making it easy to hang on to). When the petal is complete, the”single” wire is then retracted, to within about a quart to half inch in from the tip of each petal and secured with super glue. This method works great, no corner to turn or cover, no bulk.

When I am finished I will upload some basic instructions and guide for those brave souls who want to make something like this. This petal design can be incorporated into the creation of Iris, Orchids, Hibiscus, anything with a fluted edge.

My next step is to engineer the construction of the central stem, so it is strong enough to handle the four large blooms, and three buds I have planned to make. It’s on the drawing board. We see how that works out.

Just sharing- KT

Posted in Basket Weave Stitch, crochet, crocheted flowers, Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment »

Blue Morpho Butterfly Ring

July 8, 2023 by knit-tweaker

I finally completed this project and thought I would share.

One of the first things I had to determine was if I wanted to just display it, or did I want it to look as it would in nature. To that end, I decided to position it “in flight.” The photo above shows it drying in position after I used finish spray on it. My willow leaves are also drying on the upper foam block.

Here you can see the front view.


Here he is in all his glory. I love the fact that his has two completely different patterns on his wings.

This has been quite an undertaking, but well worth the time. Be sides, my daughter loves it. It will be hanging in her kitchen window soon.

This whole project was accomplished using my “Basketweave Stitch. I find it one of the most versatile stitches for these intricate creations.

Just sharing,

KT

Posted in Basket Weave Stitch, corcheted butterfly | Tagged | 2 Comments »

Another Butterfly in the Making

May 17, 2023 by knit-tweaker

This giant Morpho butterfly is part of another butterfly ring. The photo above is the top side. The photo below is the bottom side.

This spectacular butterfly has two distinct sides. As a result each side has to be made separately. As you can see in the photo above on the right, I am in the process of making the mirror image of the bottom left wing.

All the work is a combo of my Basket Weave crochet stitch, the detail is done with needle tatting, and the closure is the simple blanket stitch. The beauty of the Basket Weave Stitch is that it lies flat, and can be made the base for all sorts of decorative stitches, as well as paints. The white you see on the left finished underside, is simply acrylic paint.

Some think I am a bit “nuts” for doing this detailed work, but it brings me great joy.

Just sharing- KT

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Northern Lights Ski Sweater Completed

September 14, 2022 by knit-tweaker

I have been at this a while, but finally completed the project. This size 44, is made of fingering yarn on a size 3 circle needle. It is designed to go over the top of thermo ski clothing. My thinking was “sweat shirt.”

The overlayed design on the bottom of the body of the sweater is done with lace weight yarn. The stitches are worked in between the stockinette stitches of the sweater. Every other row the black decorative stitches are slipped, then the following row are cabled over in whatever direction I want them to go. They ride freely between the stitches. It has the appearance of crocheted stitches.

You will notice in the photo above that I also worked the same design at the top of the sleeves.

All the ribbed sections began with an invisible cast on.

I made this for my grandson who is in the Navy.

You can be sure I will include washing instructions and moth deterrent in the box.

Happy Knitting!!

KT

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Knitting 2 Sleeves on 2 Needles

July 6, 2022 by knit-tweaker

Having completed the body of my grandson’s Ski sweater, I decided to knit both sleeves at the same time. One of the issues that comes up when doing this is that the underarm increases need to be handy, but also needed to be where I wouldn’t be dealing with “ladders, ” a frequent an issue when knitting in the round.

I solved this problem by moving the stitches so that the seam area was in the middle of the needle,with a marker at the seam. I executed the increase with a YO, knit 1, move marker, then knit 1 YO. Attaching a stitch/row counter to the cuff starting tail, I began increasing as my pattern established.

This particular sweater is knitted with fingering yarn on size #3, 40 in circle needles.

By using this method to insert the increases, I have had no problems with “holes” or loose stitches.

Just thought I’s share.

I apologize for my tardiness in posting, but at age 80 I have taken up studying the violin. I am having so much fun, and Mutes are a God send. 🙂

Happy knitting- KT

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Crocheted Viceroy Butterfly

September 6, 2021 by knit-tweaker

Below is a photo of the completed Viceroy butterfly.

As I was looking at the setting, I realized that the scene incorporates several of my crocheted projects-the English Rose tablecloth of Curio from KnitPicks; the last of my crocheted Iris, after making an arrangements for each of my children, and the butterfly, using metallic sewing threads.

It actually floored me to think of the hours that went into each project; however, each hour was challenging, and rewarding. It also seems to bring a smile from those that pause at the table, leading to many an interesting conversation.

So.. back to the sewing threads, my CraftOptics glasses, and practicing the gift of patience.

Just sharing-KT

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment »

A Viceroy for Me

July 5, 2021 by knit-tweaker

The Viceroy butterfly looks similar to the Monarch, but they are not in the same family. This version is constructed entirely with “Basketweave St. No “hand “stitching was use to make the white markings on the wing. The top wing span here is about 3 inches, twice the size of the actual butterfly. A “giant” version, if you will. And.. since it is art…. I made the dimensions large enough to make the details doable.

It took me about 2 weeks to do this much, but that was spread out, as I only work about one half hour at a time; that schedule keeps me from being uncomfortable. Yes, it is intense work, but the rewards are great, and my new CraftOptic glasses and light are a life saver. Without them this work would be impossible.

Just sharing- KT

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First Butterfly Ring Completed

June 14, 2021 by knit-tweaker

A few adjustments to the bottom wings and we are good to go.

This has been quite an undertaking, but well worth my time. The entire project was made using the Basketweave stitch. I used a 12 by 15 styrofoam cooler to send it in, as it gave all the elements plenty of room to move without being crushed, and the ring was safely wedged to the inside recess designed for the lid. My son said it arrived in perfect shape.

Now it is time to make one for my daughter. The next one with be a giant Morpho. Their iridescent blue top and pattern underside make for an interesting challenge. Their wing span of 8 inches also make them more doable, especially in the ten inch ring.

This is definitely going to be a fun project. As always I start with a graphic of what I have in mind. Unlike the first Morpho, which was done in regular crochet stitches, this one will be done with the Basketweave stitch.

The above image is just for starters, but at least it gives me a reference as to size and shape.

Wish me patience!!!

KT

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Tools of the Trade II

May 29, 2021 by knit-tweaker

As I was working on my current project I found myself have to rig up some kind of tension stablizer for working with my metallic threads. My solution?

T-pins

By running my 2 threads through the head of the pin(which I can position anywhere), it helps keep them together and makes crocheting with them much more smooth.

As you can see above, I use double pointed needles for spool carriers. The thread on each spool is then fed through the top of the T-pin and positioned near the 2 spools. Next, I repeat the process and position the second T-pin near the edge of my working surface, hopefully freeing the threads from catching on any of my other “stuff.”

You can use as many as you like to get the job done.

I find this works rather well, so I wanted to share it with you before I forgot.

Happy knitted (or crocheting)

KT

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