It is officially spring in our part of Texas: the grape hyacinth has put forth a bloom. I rebuilt the bed last season, so am watching carefully to see how the plants do. The leaves survived the big freeze, which is encouraging.
Spring
Chains and slip stitches
It is amazing what can be made with just chains and slip stitches in different combinations. The foliage below is made by chaining, then folding the chain back on its self and securing with a slip stitch to make a loop. Combine several loops into clusters and make stems by slip stitching along a chain, and it makes an interesting botanical shape.
Crocheted Monstera leaf
I followed a chart for a Monstera leaf that uses crocheted chains, slip stitches, and double crochet. The leaf looks complicated, but it is a simple concept: make a chain, slip stitch into the center, make another chain, slip stitch into the previous rib, then turn and double crochet back to the start.
I don’t really like that there isn’t much to the center of the leaf. I’ll have to come up with my own pattern.
Crocheted foliage
I’m not sure what to call this crocheted foliage element, but at least it looks botanical. It uses only chain stitches and slip stitches to work the stems and branches: chain out, slip stitches back. There is quite a lot of potential in this simple stitch combination.
Throwback Thursday: air brush
In February 2017 I was experimenting with my new air brush. I tried a design out on paper, then did it on a plank of wood.
For the words I used a stencil, then airbrushed in shadows.
This was a gift for a friend. I did enjoy the airbrush, but set up and clean up is an involved process, so I don’t use it often.
Critters and Craft 