Nets Pets :: Handmade creatures and curios!

RainyMood.com: Rain makes everything better.

2011-10-16T04:04:00.000-07:00

RainyMood.com: Rain makes everything better.

What a great page to leave open. I've had it on for an hour now, and I'm just not sick of it!

I hope to be back with lots of crafty goodness soon. Wishing everyone well and may your life be filled with Peace.

Crochet Triangle Bunny Tutorial - now on You Tube!

2011-05-23T17:45:00.001-07:00

Crochet Triangle Bunny Tutorial - now on You Tube!, originally uploaded by Quoin.

There's been a lot happening in my life, and my poor blog has also suffered. But in my return to crafting, I've just uploaded a new Tutorial on how to crochet a "Triangle Bunny". I just know you will be smiling when you make one, they're so quick and easy why not make one for someone special? Let me know how you go. Thanks for your support.

Crocheted Leafy Garland Tutorial

2010-04-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Welcome to my "Crocheted Leafy Garland Tutorial". This is my own original design, and is well suited to crocheters of all skill levels including beginners. Learn to crochet a pretty garland of leaves.
I've designed this project to work well with my 5-petal crochet flower tutorial, to make a unique floral garland.
Please enjoy; comments and feedback always welcome.

5-Petal Crochet Flower Button Tutorial

2010-03-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, this is my latest video tutorial on You Tube. You can make this little 5-Petal Crochet Flower Button Tutorial from just a scrap of yarn and an odd button. (A good excuse to use up some of those odd buttons).
I found odd bits of yarn I probably would have thrown away were given a new lease of life. I've never been able to use so many odd buttons, it's been fun and they look good when no two are the same.
Here is my video Tutorial - I hope you enjoy this project. NOTE: It has been uploaded in HD, so details can be easily seen. Enjoy.

Tutorial - Crochet a 4-Leaf Clover (Shamrock)

2010-03-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

Learn how to crochet your very own 4-Leaf Clover or Shamrock. These are great for St.Patrick's Day, as embellishments for scrapbooking. Sew a little clasp or pin on the back as a brooch. I hope you enjoy this tutorial, it also suits beginners. Cheers for now!

Tutorial - Knit your own Pocket Monster!

2010-03-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since my last post, but I'm ready for 2010. This was a few weeks in the making, and I'm very happy with these little guys. They're my new creation called "Pocket Monsters". You only need to know basic knitting, crochet and sewing skills to make them. I've created a 2 part tutorial on YouTube which I hope you enjoy.

Here are some pictures of the little guys, and when it comes to uses there are many, you're only limited by your imagination. Some ideas are:

iPod cozy
Book buddy
Mug/cup cozy
Brooch
Bag

Here's the whole cast of "Pocket Monsters" - the tutorial:

Tutorial - How to Crochet a Butterfly

2009-11-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

Great news! I've finally made a tutorial on how to create your own crochet butterfly. It's a 3 part video tutorial on You Tube.

Comments welcome. I'm always planning the next tutorial, requests and suggestions welcome. Happy crafting!!

Red Dawn over Sydney

2009-09-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Sydney, NSW (Australia) - Awoke to a crazy red dawn sky, due to severe weather blowing in huge dust storms from drought stricken western NSW. Farmers who are already struggling would have lost a lot of top soil. Here is a picture I took about 5:45am this morning.

An eerie sight,
with a strange
"glow".

A user on youtube uploaded this video, from a place in far Western NSW, called Broken Hill. The sky literally turns black.

The Sydney Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Exhibition

2009-09-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well the Exhibition was a huge success. It has been an incredible experience to be part of something that stretches across the globe and involves so many wonderful people. I videoed the exhibition and uploaded it to YouTube so others could get to enjoy it too (In 3 parts). It's in HD, and would recommend viewing it this way to see the most detail. Comments welcome.

Sydney Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef - Sneak Peek!!!

2009-08-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

Apologies for not posting for a while, but there's great news on the Hyperbolic Reef coming up in a few short weeks! Today I attended the special workshop being held at the Powerhouse Museum - Discovery Centre at Castle Hill in Sydney's North West. It was the last meeting/workshop and it was great to catch-up with everyone again. There were even more amazing forms donated to the Reef. I decided to video some of them and will be posting the video to You-Tube shortly! The excitement was clear today, as the date of the exhibition approaches. It's not too late to contribute to the exhibition, so make sure you check out The Sydney Reef's Blog ^HERE^.

*UPDATE - 11.08.09* - Video posted, enjoy!

Crocheted Corkscrew Tutorial

2009-05-14T02:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been interested in how to crochet a corkscrew, spiral shape? Well, I've had some interest over the pictures I have just posted on Flickr so I've made a tutorial video for you to enjoy!:

The Sydney Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef

2009-05-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Ladies Silurian Atoll by the Institute For Figuring
Photo © IFF 2009, by Francine McDougall.

I have been invited to join the "The Sydney Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef Project" - and I'm very excited. I've been following with great interest the reefs set up around the world as part of the Institute for Figurings voice on the plight of coral reefs around the world, and just how important they are in our ecology.

The combining of Science, maths and Art is amazing, and I would encourage anyone to get involved, the Institute for Figuring's website is THEIFF

One of my Hyperbolic Crochets:

Kaleido Tile fun!

2009-04-21T17:17:00.001-07:00

I've always loved geometry and the appeal of geometric patterns and shapes have kept me fascinated. I found a fantastic piece of free software called Kaleido Tile. You can use your own pictures quite easily for stunning results. The video demonstrates when the pattern is animated.

Here are some other patterns I created using my own images:

Saturday Cupcake Fun!

2009-04-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well after all the rain keeps you inside, what should you do? The cleaning? Organising the piles of "To-Do's"? NO! Bake cupcakes!
I asked my son what colour cupcakes would he like today? Green with pink icing...why not? So...green vanilla cupcakes with strawberry icing! They taste yummy too.

NEW How to Crochet a Layered Flower Tutorial Video

2009-03-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

After much repeated interest and requests, I have finished Part 1 of the Crocheted Layered Flower tutorial Video, and loaded it onto YouTube. I am currently working on Part 2 (2 in total). It's very exciting and I would love to see people's Flowers when they finish them!! Enjoy.

10,000 Views!

2009-02-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Thank-you everyone for your support of my videos. I was very excited yesterday when my Animated Hyperbolic Video reached 10,000! I'm inspired to continue creating. Watch this space...Coming soon, how to crochet a 2 colour spiral.

Please check out my other crochet videos, including a video of a Hyperbolic Pseudosphere being made from start to finish. 152 minutes down to 5minutes! (Also - The new express 1 minute version)

Cat in the Hyperbolic Hat! (or Milly's TOO CUTE!!)

2009-02-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I just couldn't help myself! Our cat Milly was having a cuddle, looking cute and happy with eyes shut, when I popped one of my Hyperbolic Crochet Creations on her head and snapped a photo. Then just to overdo the cuteness, I created this image....Cats - is there anything they can't make look cute??

The Complete Hyperbolic Crochet Video - Pseudosphere

2009-01-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

Hyperbolic Crochet has really taken hold of my imagination. I grew up with a love of geometry and maths, though I'm not blessed with higher maths skills, the patterns, designs and geometry that you can create in a mathematical manner are fascinating.
I made a video a little while ago, that consists of still images 'animated'. It has proven quite popular, so I decided to take the demonstration to the next level by videoing the creation of a Hyperbolic Pseudosphere from beginning to end. In total 152 minutes and 32 seconds, filmed over a couple of days, then reduced down to about 5min 20sec.
I hope you enjoy this video, (it was filmed and uploaded in higher quality, I'm hoping the "watch in high quality" option becomes available with this video) I would love any comments or feedback, cheers!!

High Tea at T2!

2009-01-16T05:08:00.001-08:00

Well what could be nicer than High Tea with a close friend! With the kids at school, we decided to bypass the fast food this time. We “high-tailed“ it to T2 café. They sell every variety of tea and tisane that you have and haven’t heard of! I chose the delectable strawberries and cream tisane – though I would say I prefer mine chilled, it was surprisingly refreshing, yum. And yes the cupcake was as good as it looks!

Happy New Year! 2009...Bondi Beach.

2009-01-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a Happy New Year, may your 2009 be filled with peace, kindness and fulfillment.

We popped down to Bondi Beach, (Sydney, Australia) on New Year's Day. Braving the sun as well as the crowds! This is probably one of the most famous beaches in Australia if not the world, attracting many tourists. I took these photos with my phone, so excuse the quality. A panorama of Bondi Beach, 01-01-09. [ CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW ]

Crocheted Layered Flower - VIDEO TUTORIAL

2008-11-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

I have blogged this before as a series of still images and written instructions here: Layered Flower .
*******UPDATE MARCH 2009 --->>>> CHECK OUT MY NEW TUTORIAL HOW TO CROCHET A LAYERED FLOWER - VIDEO ***********

What an AMAZING PEAR!!!

2008-11-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

I can't help myself! I bought a bag of pears, and this one was inside!!! ;-)

Crochet Coral Pebble

2008-10-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

This is a piece I finished about a month ago. I wanted to create an underwater, coral piece. An imaginary organism, and have some fun with the colours too.

I began with a couple of the tendrils in orange as they worked so well. I realised I was going to need a 'base' for them to sit on, so I set about making a 'pebble'. The way I imagined this piece was a lot more densely packed, so the look of the base didn't seem as important originally. I'm glad I decided not to cut this corner and make a nice base, as most of it remains visible.

Life without deadlines (from Gooseflesh)

2008-10-24T23:10:00.001-07:00

I went to see Helle Jorgensen's exhibition today! How exciting to see her work in person. Her craftsmanship is of the highest quality and to be admired. It was inspirational see her work up close and the fine stitches she uses in her art. (see link below)
Life without deadlines

Posted using ShareThis

We all need an Angel

2008-10-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Well sometimes we just need a little help from above, when times are tough. So when you crochet a triangle - what a cute way to finish it off, by turning it into an Angel?

Done in DC (US = single crochet)- about 15 stitches. I then decreased at the beginning of every row, til I got to one stitch. I then DC (SC) stitched down each side of the triangle. To make the frilly hem on the bottom of the skirt, in each stitch:

DC(SC) then Half Treble(Half Single Crochet) then DC(SC) - repeat til the end of the hem. This gives the scalloped effect.

The face is a simple spiraled circle done in DC (SC), til about 3cm (1 1/2 in), a couple of whip stitches will hold it to the body. The Angel 'wings' are spaced like so:

attach yarn near 'neck', then miss 2 stitches, into the same stitch crochet 8 Trebles (Double Crochets) then miss 2 stitches and anchor wing with a single crochet. Repeat on other other side for opposing wing.

The hair is made from short lengths of yarn, (About 2-3 inches - 6-7 cm) in length - then 2 lengths are knotted through a stitch on the edge of the face (circle). I frayed the yarn to give it a more frizzy look.

Eyes are completely up to you. I was going to use fabric paint, but couldn't find any black, so I used little dome buttons instead. The buttons on the hem are an embellishment that finish it off nicely. If you make one, I'd love to see it, leave a comment or link to your Angel! (and a link back to this post would be appreciated too! Thanks...happy crafting!!

A Blue tongue lizard in the backyard!

2008-10-06T23:03:00.000-07:00

This little guy had a slow walk along the back pathway today after scaring off our cat Milly! She acted tough but decided to be cautious and run away after seeing this native lizard [Tiliqua scinoides] aka "The Blue Tongue Lizard". Completely harmless, it is not an uncommon site in Australian backyards. If you are interested: More about the Blue Tongue Lizard.

A visit to the Aquarium.

2008-09-28T02:33:00.000-07:00

Late last year I took the kids to the Sydney Aquarium. I had a field day with my camera. I took so many pictures and videos that I was suprised to see just how many came out. I just love making little videos of such outings - as it makes these times memorable. If you take a little extra care, it can be interesting to many others as well! I hope you enjoy.

I'm on a Hyperbolic roll again!

2008-09-16T02:47:00.000-07:00

Well...it had to happen sooner or later. I hadn't made any Hyperbolic Crochet for quite some time and I was missing the fun of creating these forms. If you haven't tried it yet you must! Have a look at the Institute for Figuring to get some background information, it's fascinating!

This is a multi-coloured Hyperbolic form, that I created by using 8ply yarn with a 4.5mm hook. I went with a bright centre, and had good advice to have a white 'rim' as a contrast. What amazes me is how the colour almost totally disappears when just one row of white is added.

I used a simple DC (Double Crochet = US Single Crochet) stitch, and increased every 2nd stitch. This made the form crenellate quite quickly, each row takes around 50% longer to complete than the previous row.

Here is another form I just finished, it's not as crenellated as the rate of increase I used was 1 in 3 stitches.

The Eye has it - A crocheted eyeball!

2008-08-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well it had to happen sometime! Somewhere in the deep dark recesses of my mind, this crazy idea popped into my head, and I just had to make it!

Purely for fun, as I can see no earthly use for it apart from a conversation starter ...or stopper, however you'd like see it!!

This "eye" is complete with "optic nerve", just to be as as anatomically correct as possible.

So....Get out your crochets hooks, your yarn and delve into the deeper, darker side of your craft psyche...you never know what you can make!!

"HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU!!!"

GO FORTH AND CRAFT... ;)

Got winkles? Get a Stermer!

2008-08-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe if you have "winkles" you could buy this "stermer" as I did! So I am now safely "winkle free" - for now. (see picture)

I also had to tell all old people near me to "back off!" - you are not allowed to operate my stermer!! You'll have to find another means of eradicating your winkles.

Crochet a Bubblegum Pouch gift!

2008-08-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

How cute and fun is this? So my daughter's friend has been so sweet and considerate lately that I thought how nice it would be to make her a little thank-you.

I chose bubblegum coloured yarn (8ply) and a size 5mm hook (US - 8 - H). Crochet DC (single crochets -US) in the round increasing every 5 - 6 stitches until you have the desired base size (Approx 2-3 in or 5-7cm in the picture). Then stop increasing, this will make the "walls" of your little bag. After about 2 inches / 5 cm I started to decrease, about 1 every 8 stitches, to bring the top of the little bag in - just a bit!

Then you need to create spaces for the ribbon to be fed through. I simply crocheted into the next stitch, then chain one, miss one stitch then crocheted into the next stitch. repeat around edge of bag.

For the ribbon, I used 2 lengths, about 30 cm / 12 in works well to start and trim excess off.

This pouch is so simple to make, it would make a great party favour or suprise gift. Make it extra special, by popping something like sweets inside. Happy crocheting!

Tutorial - Crochet a layered flower.

2008-06-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Crochet a Flower Garden!

Why not? You have the yarn; you have the skills...do it! I call them layered flowers because they are made up of "layers" of crocheted 'rounds'. Simply collect some yarn (you don't need much) that goes nicely together.

If you have a basic understanding of crochet stitches, then it's best to start with a chain of 3 joined in a loop with a slip stitch. Make the first "florette" the largest in diameter, a simple one (as they are best made-up as you go) is to crochet into the centre of your loop 12 trebles (or US I think double crochets) this will give you a small circle about 2 1/2cm (1 inch) in diameter. Then add a row of; 1 single crochet, then 4 chain, then single crochet into the 4th stitch. Repeat till you have created 6 “buttonholes”.

Next row, petals. Each petal consists of “1 single crochet (DC), 1 half double crochet (half treble), 5 double crochets (5 trebles), 1 half double crochet (half treble), 1 single crochet (DC)”

*Note – this is where the 2nd “layer” ends. To make the biggest florette (layer) read on!

[Aust. Treble = US double crochet
Aust. DC = US single crochet] (confusing huh?)

Last row!! Each petal has 9 stitches now (7 “gaps”). I slip stitch 2 stitches between each petal, but whatever works for you best. The trick between petals is not to add any bulk/height.

Each petal: Into
1st stitch: 1 single crochet (DC).
2nd stitch: 2 half double crochet (half treble).
3rd stitch: 2 double crochets (trebles).
4th stitch: 1 double crochets (trebles).
5th stitch: 2 double crochets (trebles).
6th stitch: 2 half double crochet (half treble).
7th stitch: 1 single crochet (DC).
Repeat for each of the 6 petals. Finished!!

The centre “medallion” – is also worked the same as the centre of the petals. 12 double crochets (trebles). Then the 2nd row is worked as follows into each of the 12 gaps:

1 single crochet (DC)
1 half double crochet (Treble)
2 chain
1 single crochet (DC)
Repeat into each gap of the 12 stitches.

This forms your little “peaks”. All finished. Layer your petals on top of each other, and choose a pretty bright button and stitch your “layers” together. Your own, layered flower!!

(Note – In Australia the names of crochet stitches differ from the US and other countries. I have tried to write them correctly for both, please drop me a line if any of my instructions are unclear.)

*** UPDATE ***
I have made this into a video tutorial on my blog, HERE.

Making A Difference

2008-06-08T02:00:00.000-07:00

I like to think that I am fortunate in this life to have shelter, food, education, healthy children and the opportunity to see the wonders in the world around me. When I found out about BOINC (Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing), I discovered that my humble computer could combine with others around the world to provide "Combined computing power". What's that all about? Well, to quote Wikipedia:

"The Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC) is a non-commercial middleware system for volunteer and grid computing. It was originally developed to support the SETI@home project before it became useful as a platform for other distributed applications in areas as diverse as mathematics, medicine, molecular biology, climatology, and astrophysics. The intent of BOINC is to make it possible for researchers to tap into the enormous processing power of personal computers around the world."

Now, I'm no computer programmer, I like and use computers for many reasons, though I feel being able to use my computer to help scientists around the world with anything from cures for cancer, to understanding the Universe around us or climate prediction has to be more worthwhile than having a screen saver turning over. The best bit about all this - you don't have to be an expert in computing, your computer does that for you!

Check out BOINC.

Sundaes for 2...

2008-06-04T02:22:00.000-07:00

Well my 2 little darlings were well enough behaved today to earn a Strawberry sundae each! They love the fancy glass and not to mention the ice-cream, strawberry topping, milk and whipped cream helps with the appeal!!

Better than a bought one...now...how can I turn these into crochet? ;-)

A little flower garden...

2008-05-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

Well, those flowers are addictive but so sweet! The fun you can have with colours is endless. I arranged this little flower garden to show off my leaves and flowers that I've been making of late.

Crocheted Chenille Rose

2008-05-21T23:49:00.000-07:00

Whilst browsing through You-Tube tutorials on new crochet ideas (I love to be inspired!) I found Teresa's crochet tutorials - they are great and I recommend that you check them out HERE.

I found her flower / rose tutorial amazingly clever in it's simplicity and isn't that what we're all after? I chose a baby pink chenille yarn - and a variegated green yarn for the leaves. I think this would make a lovely highlight on a bag, girl's hat or even a throw.

Awesome Lava Sculpture

2008-05-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing video. An Artist molding a sculpture straight from a lava flow!

My beautiful Yarn 'Bouquet'.

2008-05-12T21:31:00.000-07:00

It was my birthday a few weeks ago, to my surprize and delight my friend arrived at my door with this lovely 'bunch' of yarns!! I have to confess I squealed as it was so lovely and exciting.

So original and fun, I immediately thought of what I would make. An Autumn toned throw. I wanted to try something new, so I found by chance a nice shell stitch. Without the complete pattern and only a few guidelines, I was able to work the stitch out. I cast on 253 stitches (42 lots of 6 plus 1). Here is the throw so far, I've used almost 5 of the 10 100gram balls.

A detail of the Shell stitch:

I'm planning to make a video on how to do this shell stitch, watch this space.

The wonderful world of craft!

2008-04-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hey there readers! I've been a busy little crafter - and thought you'd like to have a look at some of my latest creations. I used an 8ply acrylic yarn in brown. I started with a small chain loop, then single crocheted around increasing and decreasing till I achieved the desired shape. I used polyester fibrefill, and stitched it closed (in the centre). Here is a treat for your eyes, not your stomache!!

Even Milly got in on the act! (Where's mine?)

I'm also working on a new little "How-to" video for YouTube. It's a simple and effective crochet "shell" stitch. Bye for now!

How to Crochet a Pen Holder

2008-04-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

Here is my new How to video on YouTube, "How to crochet a pen holder" - Have a look. I've tried to make it as simple and fun as possible. It's about fun - so change things up, and crochet! :)

Forgetfulness

2008-04-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

You know, I was just talking about this to my sister, forgetfulness. It sounds like a disease to be "fixed", it can sometimes be just that. But what if it's just about being a little older, and a little wiser? What if we're meant to be a little more forgetful as we get older? Perhaps we are streamlining our thoughts and just getting rid of the mental clutter, before it has the opportunity to override a nice thought like "mmmm...that smells good" "look at the waves on the shore" or "I love you, thanks for being in my life". When I walk into a room and forget why, I try to let it go. Perhaps I was meant to notice the nice day or a child's drawing instead. Cherish what is seen and felt, not forgotten.

>> Animated poem by Billy Collins <<

Anyone for Chocolate Cake?

2008-04-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

Well, wanting to push myself a little further with my knowledge of crochet stitches, I taught myself the "Popcorn" stitch. Then of course my first thought was, this would make a great slice of chocolate cake! Enjoy! Oh yea...NO calories, so it's guilt free!

EARTH HOUR! Sign up and make a difference.

2008-03-23T02:02:00.000-07:00

I just signed up to Earth hour. Visit here http://www.earthhour.org/user/5w5j
and sign up to help reduce the impact of global warming. It's a good place to start, then spread the word!

Gold Hyperbolic Crochet

2008-03-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

I've made another hyperbolic form...I think I'm addicted! I bought a nice 4ply gold mercerised cotton, and using a 2mm needle, I increased 1 in every 2 stitches. Here it is in the making!!

Finished at Last!! Hyperbolic Crochet...the Video

2008-03-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

I finished the Pseudosphere - down to the last thread. As this is a 1 in 3 increase, I'm interested to try some different colours, and increases. I hope you enjoy the video, please feel free to pass the link onto others!

Yeah! It's posted!

2008-03-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

Today I posted my first Hyperbolic Crochet to The Institute for Figuring in L.A., it's on a long journey from Down Under, but it's exciting to be part of such an amazing and exciting project. I'm hoping to be able to see some photos from the exhibit.

I started a new Hyperbolic Crochet, fine cotton on a 2mm crochet hook. It is very sweet and the ice-cream colours look great!!

Here are some photos of the progress of the "pseudosphere":

My First Post

2008-03-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

Hi there. Well I'm joining the Blogging ranks, and from what I've seen - I'm impressed by the talents of Bloggers everywhere! I hope to share my creative journey here. Tracking the creative process from concept to creation (and critique).

Today I was excited to complete a project I started a few months ago, and had put to the side for too long. Hyperbolic Crochet caught my attention - it excited the creative process, with a mathematical flavour, just enough for me to understand! The Institute for Figuring is a fascinating site for the avid crocheter who isn't afraid of a little brainfood. Yum.

Here are the photos of my FIRST Hyperbolic crochet, process and completion.Here is a detailed photo, showing the crenelations that are achieved from Hyperbolic Crochet, and a constant rate of increase. In this case, 1 in 3. In this case each 'row' increases by 33 1/3 % on the previous row!!