Knit One, Purl Two, Double-Crochet Today's Home Decor

I know what you're thinking.  There's nothing new about knitting or crocheting pillows, teapot cozies and sofa afghans for the home.  Our crochet tent to the left says, yeah ... there is.  What's different are the bold designs and the everyday home decor you wouldn't think of knitting or crocheting.  

Let's just say, they may be considered a little outside-the-lines and of course, attract today's sassy knitters and crocheters like butterflies to a fragrant bloom. 

Case in point, our crochet tent for a child's bedroom definitely falls under the category of crafting outside-the-lines.

(Timothy Karpinsky- above left)

Take Out the Crayon Box 

for Inspiration

These eye-catching baskets to the right are modern, hip and can work, as you can see from the photo, in a traditional inside-the-lines setting.

It's not unusual to crochet/knit a bedspread, but it's the checkerboard pattern in the crayola colors below that certainly take it up a notch. 

                            

 

(Pinterest)

Turn an Ugly Ducking into a Swan

 Ah, I see you're nodding and smiling.  You're getting the idea, let's keep going, shall we?  Almost everyone has an ugly lamp that needs a whack from the pretty stick.  So what are you waiting for?  Take out your crochet needle and whack away.  You're only limited by your imagination and time.  Our innovative crocheter for the lamp project gathered up her collected scrap yarn she patiently saved, crocheted individual rosettes, weaved them together, added a pretty yellow border, and voila -- the final result -- a shabby chic masterpiece.

 (Undeniably Domestic-above left)

 (Undeniably Domestic-above left)

  (Undeniably Domestic-above left)

 (Attic 24)

Incorporate a Crochet Zen Piece

Lisa, of My World of Crochet, has the right idea.  Who doesn't love a scented bubble bath?  No one I know.  Add a crochet tray to hold a good read, a glass of your favorite beverage and a plate of sweet treats -- and the unwinding of your day has officially begun.   Don't forget to place a few lit, vanilla candles in a safe place.

 (My World of Crochet)


A Gift for the Seamstress in You

And for you yarn lovers who are also avid sewers, a crochet dress form will give your eyes a colorful feast while you sew to your heart's content.  I know ...you almost hate to cover it up with your finished design.  Here's an idea, have two dress forms.  One for your sewing project and one for your eyes to enjoy.  Now let's continue with our everyday products that you didn't think would have a knit facade.  That's right, crocheters can't have all the fun.  A vacuum cleaner, a telephone, a chair that doesn't look like it has a slip cover -- turned me into a believer.  It's like yarn bombing for the home. 

(Telephone and Chair - Ruth Cross Studio) 

(Vacuum Cleaner - Lovely Textiles)

 (Melanie Potter Unique Knitted Chairs)

Books

Are you digging these knitted creations?  Check out The Knitted Home:  Creative and Contemporary Projects for the Home, by Ruth Cross.

 

 Crocheters, here's a book for you.  New Ideas for Crochet:  Stylish Projects for the Home, By Darsha Capaldi - Etsy.com

 Is that a Knitted Car?

 (Tim Walker for Vogue - Lovely Textiles)

Okay, I've seen everything now.  Like I've said before, the Tiffany blue sky's the limit as to what you can knit and crochet.  Go crazy!

There's no shortage of creativity for today's knitters/crocheters.  That's for sure.  Speaking of creativity in excess, here's a recap of April's knit-crochet club gathering.

First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting Club - Tuesday, April 1, 7-8:45 p.m.

 Hmm ...members, are you thinking what I'm thinking?  That lamp post in front of the library would make a great canvas for our first attempt at creating yarn art.  (Of course, we'll seek permission first.)  But it would be nice to beautify the lamp post and show our club's creative handiwork, this summer.  I'll let you know if this is a go!

Two More Members and Counting...

We're pleased to punch that two more passionate knitters/crocheters have joined our creative fold. 

Welcome Toni and Kathy to First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting Club!  (We welcomed our second Kathy to the group.)

Toni brings her sock expertise, joining Karen and a few other members proficient in this skill.   We look forward to meeting her mother, who at the wonderful age of 90 still knits daily.

(Karen's Knit Socks - right)

New member Kathy, like Joquina, supplies baby blankets for a hospital preemie/stillborn project.  Kathy knits the baby blankets, while Joquina crochets. (Joquina's baby hat and blanket sets - below)  How cool is that?  Very cool. 

 (Joquina's preemie sets)

I'm amazed by the wonderful mix of talent in our group.  Our yarn soil is fertile for more seeds to take root.   

Thanks Joquina for snapping a picture (right) of Kathy's baby blanket.  I love the serene color.

Thanks Audrey for modeling your sharp hat.  I think it's called a slouch cap.  I'm sure we'll have photos of it in a future post.  

Once again, Audrey was busy helping 14-year-old Tanya, our next to the youngest member, with her simultaneous crocheting and knitting.   She's already progressing in both equally, which is amazing in itself.  She's knitting and purling and possibly double-crocheting -- and this is only her second lesson.  Amazing!  I think we have a knitting/crocheting savant in our midst. 

Alice shared her beautifully unique baby blanket that she crocheted, using granny squares.   Below are more photos of Alice's hat and  ruffled scarf.

 

 (Alice's crochet baby blanket, hat and scarf)

Welcome back Lisa!  Thanks for sharing the planning of your daughter's Sweet Sixteen birthday party held Saturday, April 5th.  Your ideas for the centerpieces sound amazing.  

We're not giving anything away.  Nope.  You'll have to check out the photos in a future post.  

As always, the Keurig was flowing, the Biscotti ....delicious, and we added peanuts and popcorn to our snack fare. 

Well, that's the recap.  Now that spring has finally sprung we look forward to seeing more familiar faces.  So, until we meet again on the Third Wednesday at Elkins Park Library on 4/16, 7 to 8:45 p.m. ...happy knitting and crocheting!  (Talk About Coffee)

Don't forget to send me selfies (photos) of your work!