Artist Review #4 Terri Carroll - A Fine Fish Yarns

It'll come as no surprise to you that I love yarn.  So when I saw Terri's hand dyed yarns for the first time, I was completely thrilled by the sheer beauty of them and the wonderful new varieties which I had never seen before.  I said to myself, This isn't just a girl dabbling at what she does; she's really going for it!  From zesty lime green with sparkles, to super soft, smouldering pinks right through to one of my favourites called Smoke Screen, there were so many to choose from it made me totally tremble all over with their potential.
And now? She has dyed even more yarns for us to enjoy!  For I know that when you love what you do, you just want to do it all the time.  I was delighted to hear from Terri that she has the full support of her husband.  This is so important if you are to take your passion into the business arena where work can become all-consuming and compulsive.

Tell us a wee bit about yourself in a couple of lines
My full name is Terri Carroll and my business is called 'a fine fish yarns'.  I'll eventually have a website up and running, but until then www.afinefishyarns.co.uk will link you directly to my etsy shop.

Terri Carroll at her craft stall in Belfast

How did you get started?
I'm sure I'm not the only crafter out there who has seen something and thought to themselves, I'm going to give that a bash! I started knitting just under two years ago and fell in love with indie yarns after a few months. Eventually I had a go at dyeing yarn for myself, and thoroughly enjoyed it. My friends and family asked for some, and then my husband greatly encouraged me to try selling what I was dyeing... so I did!

Hallow Weenie hand dyed yarn

How have your life experiences shaped your work?
Hm, difficult! I'd say that my experiences in the past 12 months have taught me to stuff convention and do what makes me happy. I was a lone adventurer before meeting the mister, and I like that that independence and happy solitude crosses over in to my work - I'm happy as Larry left alone and experimenting creating new colour-ways, or trying my hand at pattern designing.

Rau socks

What pieces of your work are you particularly proud of?
D'you know, I'm not 'proud' per se of anything I create or make. I'm genuinely just happy to be doing what I'm doing. I also have a terrible memory these days and can't really think... I'll play the
'pregnancy brain' card for this one!!

Gay Mountain hand dyed sock yarn

How do you handle criticism?
Constructive criticism I take really well. I think you have to when your business is creativity. I'm always open to suggestions and ideas, and willing to try new ways of thinking or approaching a project. Criticism for criticism's sake though, who needs or has time for that!

Teenage Tearaway hand dyed yarn

How do you stay inspired?
A lot of the dyeing that I do is mood based, I'll go with what's calling to me on a particular day - stormy colours, eye searing happy brights, contented neutrals. The great thing about working with colour is that things you see in your day to day can bring inspiration for example the design on a
birthday card, or a weird beetle that's moseying about on your window.

Smoke Screen hand dyed baby alpaca 

Which artists do you look up to?
My favourite artist is Chagall, but generally I look up to those indie artists who have carved out a successful path for themselves and do what they love for a living. I really, really love sketch inc's
Kokeshi Dolls, she does such amazing detailing.

Kokeshi Doll by Sketch Inc

What are your hobbies?
When I'm not knitting (and sometimes when I am!) you'll generally find me with my nose stuck in a book. I also quite enjoy cooking and food in general, and I do love a travel adventure. Does shopping count?

Do you experiment with other art forms?
Every now and then I'll have a go at something different. I had a brief flirtation with painting, and most recently tried my hand at pottery.

In what way do you use the internet for your craft?
Oh goodness, in what ways don't I. From sourcing materials to flogging my wares, the internet really is invaluable. I'm still trying to remind myself to utilize Facebook and other social media more
frequently as they really are crucial to any small business these days.

What advice would you give anyone considering crafting full time?
Research! And be aware that it takes a lot of work and initial outlay. I am very fortunate in that I have an extremely supportive husband, allowing me the freedom - both creatively and financially - to take the step. Do you love doing your craft enough to pour most of your time in to it and not get sick of it?

Grass Stains hand dyed yarn

Where do you see your craft taking you in the future?
World domination? Who knows! I tend not to plan too far ahead, especially recently, and prefer to let things progress naturally. In the more immediate future though, I think a few more sock designs
hopefully.

I have just loved interviewing you, Terri and hearing your thoughts on issues that are also close to my heart.  I think it totally shows in your work that you are doing what you love.  We love it too!
And of course, shopping totally counts we say, as we skip to the wool shop to buy your yarns!!  We wish you all the best of luck in the future with your yarn-dyeing, sock knitting and world domination :)

Terri is hosting a Yarn Dyeing Workshop at Lighthouse Yarns, Whitehead on Saturday 6 Sept 2014.  Contact Lighthouse Yarns for more info.

Mystery Knit-a-long #2

22 Aug-19 Sept 2014

You will need:
Main Col (A)150g Aran yarn
Contrast Col (B) 50g Aran yarn
4mm pair straight needles
8x large buttons

Special stitches: Crossed Stitch Rib
Tw2R: Knit into front of 2nd stitch, knit into front of first stitch, slip both stitches off the needle.

Notes: This item is made of four pieces: two Y pieces in Yarn A, and two Z pieces in Yarn B.


To begin Piece Y (make two): 
Using yarn A, cast on 60 sts.
Row 1 (RS): *K2, P2, rep from *to end
Row 2 (WS): *K2, P2 rep from *to end
These two rows form rib.  Work 4cm in rib, ending on WS.

Next row (RS): Knit to end of row
Next row (WS): Purl to end of row
These two rows form stocking stitch (st st).  Work 18cm in st st, ending on WS.

Cast on one stitch and continue working on these 61 sts as follows:
Next row (RS): P1, *Tw2R, P1, rep from * to end
Next row (WS): K1, *P2, K1, rep from * to end
These two rows form Crossed Stitch Rib.  Work 4cm Crossed Stitch Rib, ending on WS (61 sts).

Next row: K2tog, knit to end of row (60sts).
Next row: Purl.
Work 4cm in st st, ending on WS row.

Next Row (RS): *K2, P2, rep from *to end
Next Row (WS): *K2, P2 rep from *to end
These two rows form rib.  Work 8cm in rib, ending on WS row.
Work measures 38cm in total from cast on edge.
Cast off neatly in rib.

To begin Piece Z (make two):
Using Yarn B, cast on 12 sts.
Rows 1 (RS) and 2: *K1, P1, rep from * to end
Rows 3 and 4: *P1, K1, rep from * to end
These four rows form Irish Moss Stitch.  Continue in Irish Moss Stitch until Piece Z measures 62cm.
Cast off neatly in pattern.


To assemble (the exciting bit!):
Step 1: Take the two Y pieces with right sides facing out: With 8cm rib section at the top and using mattress stitch (for Mattress Stitch Tutorial visit http://goo.gl/2sKHpI), sew down the side, across the bottom (cast on edge) and up the other side. Alternatively if you don't wish to use Mattress Stitch, place two Y pieces wrong sides facing out and neatly top sew the pieces together, leaving top open.
Step 2: Working right side out, position one end of Piece Z vertically between Crossed Stitch Rib section and 8cm ribbed section of Piece Y, approx 4cm in from the edge.  Neatly top stitch Piece Z securely to Piece Y right up and across the top of Piece Y, taking care along the top side that the stitches aren't visible on the inside.
Attach the other end of Piece Z to the opposite side in the same way, taking care not to twist Piece Z. Piece Z will form an arc over the top of Piece Y.
Repeat on the reverse side of the item with the second Piece Z, taking care that Pieces Z are evenly positioned on both sides.
Step 3: Attach two buttons onto each end of Z Pieces, stitching completely through the fabric, starting close to the bottom edge of each Z Piece and leaving just a small gap between each button.




***I hope you enjoyed knitting along to this mystery pattern! Remember to secretly share your finished images to ninacouser@gmail.com. To avoid spoiling the mystery for others, please DO NOT PUBLISH IMAGES ANY IMAGES UNTIL AFTER THE END OF THE EVENT. We're looking forward to seeing your beautiful work!
Until next time!

Artist Review #3 Little Green Gypsy

This Artist Review is quite enigmatic. The artist herself requested complete anonymity for personal reasons. Because while she is keen to promote and sell her unique creations, she is also deeply private and prefers to keep her identity a secret.
However, I think it would be an absolute crime to keep her talents a secret! So with mild persuasion and the promise to purchase of one of her handbags (aw shucks), I was able to wheedle some more info from Little Green Gypsy to share with you. Prepare yourself for some surprisingly different answers here!

Tell us a bit about yourself I’m the Little Green Gypsy. My online shop is https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleGreenGypsy The gypsy part comes from my Romany heritage, and the green part is because of my love of upcycling and reworking fabrics and findings. 

'Sherwood Forest'

How did you get started? I sat down one day and decided that I could no longer comfortably ignore the urge in me to express who I am and where I'm from. I've always had this gypsy heart, something inside me that doesn't fit into the constraints of what’s mainstream and normal. Also a yearning to express it in an external way. So I taught myself to sew so that I could make what I wanted and what was me. And then I noticed that I wasn't alone in what I loved and so it went from there.

'Grace' doily bag

How have your life experiences shaped your work?

Everywhere that I travelled to, and every person that I met, showed me new sensations, new colours, new beauty, new love, new spirit. So I gathered those memories and took them with me. 

'Free Mind' Bohemian bag

What pieces of your work are you particularly proud of?

That changes with every new piece that I make. So I love each piece for it’s own qualities.

'Indian Princess' evening bag

How do you handle criticism? 

I haven’t had much yet haha, but I hope to take it well and with a sense of gratitude. Everyone is different in their tastes, and what someone likes, another wouldn't look twice at. So I just do my best to make my pieces as professionally as I can, and then send them out there.

'Lady Jane' shabby chic bag

How do you stay inspired?

I have a million finished pieces in my mind. They practically won't let me sleep sometimes. How do I stay awake every night until 3am, now that would be a better question. Answer… It’s a love of what I do and a lot of coffee.

'Bohemian Queen' pompom silk bag

Which artists do you look up to? Kaffe Fassett and Bellydancers.

http://www.kaffefassett.com/Home.html

http://www.kaffefassett.com/Home.html

What are your hobbies?

I practise Sanskrit mantra http://goo.gl/pZXPqW. I'm always singing along to Kirtan while I'm sewing or making things. I like to think that the positive vibes and love seep into everything I make and do.

Do you experiment with other art forms? I'm a bit obsessed with interior design.

In what way do you use the internet for your craft? I sell solely through the internet from my online Etsy shop http://goo.gl/06WRBl, but who knows what will open up in the future.

What advice would you give anyone considering crafting full time? I wouldn't say that I am qualified to give advice on that. What I would say is that if your craft makes your heart sing and a whole day goes by in a flash when you are working on something, and you end the day with more energy in your veins than you started with…you are clearly filled with a passion for it. Follow your heart and the gods may bestow their bounty upon you. 

Garnet and amethyst gemstone mala beads

Where do you see your craft taking you in the future? Life has a funny way of being more extraordinary than you envision, so I let it lead me bit by bit…who knows?

Thank you, Little Green Gyspy for allowing us a bright glimpse into the everyday life of the enlightened artist. This has been a beautiful post to create and share. I love every single product you make and am in real danger of blowing every penny on your bags. I wish you every success in every aspect of the future. Namaste x

You can visit Little Green Gypsy's online shop to browse her complete range of products https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleGreenGypsy

Mystery Crochet-a-long #2

You will need:

• Size 5mm crochet hook
• Size 4mm crochet hook
• 150g Aran weight yarn (Main colour Yarn A)
• 80g Dk weight yarn in a contrasting colour (Yarn B)
• 4 x large buttons approx 3cm

Special Stitches: Woven Stitch
Row 1: 1dc in 2nd chain from hook, *1ch, skip 1ch, 1dc into next ch; rep from * to end, turn.
Row 2: 1ch, skip first dc, *1dc in 1ch space, 1ch, skip 1dc; rep from * to end, ending 1dc into t-ch, turn.
Repeat row 2.

Notes to this pattern: 
This pattern is made up of four pieces: one Piece 1, one Piece 2, and two Piece 3.

Piece 1 (larger piece)
Foundation chain: Using yarn A and 5mm crochet hook, ch 42.
Foundation row: Dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1dc in each ch to last ch, 3dc into last chain.  Do not turn.
Working along the opposite side of foundation chain, work 1dc into each ch to last ch, 2dc into last ch, join with ss to first dc. (N.B. the foundation chain is considered the “bottom” when assembling.)

Next row: *Ch1, sk 1dc, 1dc into next dc; rep from * to end across both sides until a full circuit has been worked.  Do not join.  Continue working in a spiral in Woven Stitch as follows:
Next row: 1dc into 1ch space, *ch1, sk 1dc, 1dc into next 1ch sp; rep from * until work measures 28cm deep from the foundation chain, ending with 1dc, ss into next chain.  (N.B. the work will start to curl up – this is normal.)
Fasten off.

Piece 2 (smaller piece)
Using Yarn B and 4mm crochet hook, ch 36.
Work back and forth in Woven Stitch (see Special Stitches) until work measures 47cm.  Fasten off.

Piece 3 (make two pieces)
Using Yarn A and 4mm hook, ch66 leaving a 50cm tail.
Work 6 rows in Woven Stitch (approx 4.5cm).  Fasten off, leaving a 50cm tail.

To assemble:
Step 1: Fold Piece 2 in half along the length and wrap Piece 2 over the bottom of Piece 1, positioning the folded edge of Piece 2 along the foundation chain of Piece 1.
Using Yarn B and small back stitches, stitch the folded edge of Piece 2 to the bottom edge of Piece 1.  (Make sure Piece 2 is centred both vertically as well as horizontally over Piece 1 and is symmetrical on both sides.)
Step 2: Using Yarn B, neatly stitch the two long sides of Piece 2 to Piece 1, leaving the top short sides of Piece 2 open.
Step 3: Using the long tail to sew, take one Piece 3 and attach both its ends to the top corners of one side of Piece 2, with a 4cm overlap, to form arc which extends over the top of Piece 1. Repeat with the other Piece 3 on the opposite side.
Step 4: Position one large button on each of the 4cm overlaps to decorate and further secure the joins.

Sew in all the ends.

We hope you enjoyed crocheting along to this mystery pattern! Remember to secretly share your finished images to ninacouser@gmail.com. To avoid spoiling the mystery for others, please DO NOT PUBLISH IMAGES OF YOUR WORK UNTIL AFTER THE END OF THE EVENT. We're sooooo looking forward to seeing your beautiful work!  This C-A-L runs from 15 Aug - 19 Sept 2014

Until next time!

Artist review #2 Megan Liddle

I first met Megan Liddle earlier this month through The Bank House/Lighthouse Yarns in Whitehead. I was really excited to learn she is a photographer, as photography has become vital to my own work.  Since I started my knitwear business in 2011 I had to get pretty handy with my mobile phone to take product shots (I'm still in fear of lenses and meterage) and it's pretty obvious to me now that there's more to a photo than point and click!
Megan has a natural relaxed style in front of and behind the camera.  I personally love the Concept series for the nostalgic use of colour.  I hope you enjoy meeting Megan and viewing her photography as much as I did.

Megan Liddle

Hi Megan, tell us a bit about yourself? How did you get started?
My name is Megan Liddle, I'm 23 and have recently finished my degree at the University of Cumbria in Carlisle. I've always been interested in Photography since I was a teenager and when I'd studied it at A. Level I decided to pursue it further as a Degree.  You can see some of my work on my website www.meganliddlephotography.com

Limbo

How have your life experiences shaped your work?
I'm mainly interested in Analogue Photography as I enjoy experimenting. Film photography gives you less control as you would have with digital photography and I find this really exciting. I guess I have developed an interest in experimenting and being as hands on with my work as I can from my mother and grandmother; they are and were extremely artistic.
In relation to my recent work “Limbo” my experience at University was the inspiration. I had a pretty tough time for various reasons while I was living in Carlisle and it began to affect my productivity but one day I decided to base my work on how I felt at the time in attempt to both express how I felt as well as use my productivity as a way to help me cope.

Limbo http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/limbo/

Limbo http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/limbo/

What pieces of your work are you particularly proud of?
My most recent series “Limbo” is probably my best work I have produced since I began my Degree in 2011 which was a relief for several reasons as it showed my degree has helped form my understanding of Photography and that I gradually progressed as the years went on. It also helped me to realise that self doubt can be turned into something productive.

Concept http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/concept2/

How do you handle criticism?
If I'm honest, I probably don't handle criticism very well as I lack confidence in myself in a lot of ways.  My degree definitely helped me to handle it better due to my progression and support from fellow friends/graduates in the same boat as me.
Criticism is something I intend to work on, as it is a big part of the Art world as a whole. You can't appeal to everyone’s tastes but it doesn't mean your work is of less value.

Limbo http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/limbo/

How do you stay inspired?
Inspiration comes in waves for myself as I constantly doubt my ideas due to the abundant competition within the world of Photography but I make sure to stick to my gut and to concentrate on what in the world interests me. By using Photography as a way to learn more about life I feel it both helps me as a person as well as an artist.

Morocco http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/morocco2/

Which artists do you look up to?
I love Duane Michals, Matthew Brand http://www.matthewbrandt.com/, Ian Ruhter http://www.ianruhter.com/, Robert Mapplethorpe http://www.mapplethorpe.org/biography/, Patti Smith http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Kids
Having a mind block but that’s a few off the top of my head! 'Just Kids' is one of my favourites about Robbert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith!

Patti Smith

What are your hobbies?
Photography is my hobby. No matter what I'm doing I always carry my camera with me in case I see something I feel the need to photograph. I'm always looking around me.

Morocco http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/morocco2/

Do you experiment with other art forms?
I have experimented with destroying films in the past to see how particular liquids can effect the emulsion. I've also used paint on photographs and cut up negatives to rearrange photographs. On the whole my main source is photography but I would like to delve into trying more things with it such as mixed media etc.

Concept http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/concept2

In what way do you use the internet for your craft?
The Internet is pretty imperative to me in relation to keeping up with Photographers all over the world and my competition. It is also the main platform I have for getting my work seen all over the world (if I'm lucky), for entering competitions, and to network with other artists/photographers which is essential in the world of Art.

Concept http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/concept2

What advice would you give anyone considering crafting full time?
To be honest I'd like to ask someone else this question as I'm out of University about two months and am still trying to adjust!

Limbo http://www.meganliddlephotography.com/limbo/

Where do you see your craft taking you in the future?
This question, to me, is impossible to answer but I hope it takes me to a happy and fulfilling place!

Megan Liddle

I'd like to thank Megan for answering my questions and for giving me some great images to use.  I reckon we'll be seeing much more of Megan as she finds her niche.  Keep up the good work, Megan - awesome!