Showing posts with label fiber arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiber arts. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Geo-Crochet = Geometry and Crochet



A fun way to learn geometry is through handwork. Crocheting basic shapes leads to discussions and observations about numbers, patterns, fractions, and so much more!



We started with some lovely alpaca yarn that came straight from Upstream Alpacas. They handspun and dyed the yarns from their own alpacas.

Our 5th grader Wilson then wound each skein into a ball.

We played with geoblocks, figuring out which shapes can be used to form other shapes, such as using 6 triangles to make a hexagon.

Wilson then learned how to crochet granny triangles. He had made granny squares before, so he understood the concept of starting with a circle to create another shape.




The rainbow-colored triangles were done!  Now, time to crochet edging and lay out the triangles.








One thing that we learned, is that the triangle points wanted to curve. Wilson made sure to single crochet three times into each corner.

The triangles were sewn up with leftover yarn.

The 6 triangles, when sewn together, curled up a bit, looking like a circle.

Wilson blocked the triangles using water, a foam board, and push pins to encourage the yarn to hold a hexagonal shape.

The end result is a beautiful, rainbow hexagon! We use it in our homeschooling bookcase and place special calendar gnomes on top.




Friday, December 17, 2010

Tunisian Crochet Video!


Our Tunisian Crochet Video is now available through The Bearth Institute!  Come and see Jennifer show the basics of Tunisian crochet.  It is easy and fun to learn as a whole family.  Tunisian crochet is not quite knitting, and not quite crocheting.  It is easier on the hands and wrists, quicker than knitting, and uses less yarn than traditional crocheting. Fun to learn over winter vacation!  Also compliments our new Gnome Hat pattern in our Etsy shop.

Learn how to Tunisian Crochet in record time with this 20-minute video by Jennifer Tan. In the video she shows you how to cast on, crochet your beginning rows, modify your pattern, and create a scarf, muff or blanket. You will be amazed at how quickly you can finish a project with this crochet method and how easy this is to teach to children ages five and above. Jennifer tells you all you need to know in this video - from how to purchase Tunisian crochet hooks to what kind of yarn you should use. You could download this video and finish a holiday gift in less than an hour!  DVD Download

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

New Yarns!

Lately, we've been inspired to create soft, warm, wool yarns for handwork projects and for sale.  They work well for doll hair, knitting, crocheting, weaving and felting.  The fiber colors inspire us to spin and spin!


Auloniad (nymph of the glen)












Bohemian Fairy















Twlight Fairy















Sylph (air elemental)













Chocolate Fudge Fairy

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Dye & Fiber Retreat
















Our family attended the annual Griffin Dyeworks Dye & Fiber Retreat this year in the beautiful mountains above Castaic, California.  This was the 4th year for the whole family, and Mommy and Joey's 5th year attending.  Definitely one of the highlights of our year!












Camping on the Hillside












Punch Needle Rug Hooking













Spinning
















Naalbinding












Natural Dyeing
















Splash Dyeing

















Whittling












Soldering a Pebble Dish













Making a Spindle


Embroidery












Tie-Dyeing














Card Weaving










Cross Stitch
















Graduated Dyeing















Teaching Tunisian Crochet












Selling our Fiber Arts Tools, Books and Totes
















Time out for fun -- basketball, star-gazing and musical improvisation












It was a jammed-pack weekend filled with sweet, wonderful, talented people -- and teaching, learning, sharing and creating.  Thank you to the amazing staff and supporters of Griffin Dyeworks for hosting this event!


Sunday, February 21, 2010

Products and Businesses that We Love











Here are some products and businesses that we love....


Organic aromatherapy soaps and candles
Oakmoss Etsy Shop  http://www.etsy.com/shop/oakmoss


Learning Foreign Language
Live Mocha http://www.livemocha.com/invite/r:35UGl8pq

Natural Dyes
Griffin Dyeworks http://www.griffindyeworks.com/

Fiber/Roving for Spinning and Felting
Dancing Leaf Farm http://www.etsy.com/shop/dancingleaffarm
Fiber Fancy http://www.etsy.com/shop/FiberFancy
The Sassy Sheep http://www.etsy.com/shop/westwinddesigns
Fiber Optic http://www.etsy.com/shop/FiberOptic
Mandalinn http://www.etsy.com/shop/mandalinn


Organic Seeds
Homegrown Healthy http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomegrownHealthy


Organic and Biodynamic Essential Oils and Hydrosols
Essential Aura http://www.essentialaura.com/


Organic Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/


Wood Buttons
The Button Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/thebuttonshop


Wood Cars, Boats and Play Farm Fences
Footeprint Woodworks http://www.etsy.com/shop/footeprint


Story Books, Wood Dice, Other Wood Items
Mama Roots http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamaroots


Knitted Gnomes and Animals
Mamma 4 Earth http://www.etsy.com/shop/mamma4earth


Felted Acorns and Fairies
Fairy Folk http://www.etsy.com/shop/Fairyfolk