Sunday 4 August 2013

Jumbo Crochet Experiments

I'm very excited this week as I have been given the opportunity to design and make jumbo crochet cushions for an exculsive shop.

All I need now is to come up with suitable yarn to use and a stunning design or two!! Simples!!

Here are a few pictures of my first experiments


I tried a block pattern in dk yarn first and then in
 Boodles Yarn from Hobbycraft (recycled t shirt yarn)


These pictures show wavy stripes - not keen on this, it just
looked as though I hadn't crocheted the stripes straight!!


I decided on straight stripes in the end, but despite having
only completed one side of the cushion I used 3 balls of yarn!!


I like the results of this one!  Here I used Jute sash cord.  It comes
in 10m lengths and this used the whole 10m. Hmm .... need to give this some thought.
This circle measures 10" at it's widest!

I've not settled on the right yarn to use yet.   May just have to order some more for a little more experimenting.

If any of you have any ideas what you would use, or indeed have used, for a very, very, thick chunky cushion, all suggestions would be gratefully received.

Hope you have all had a good week.  
I'm off over to Handmade Monday now.
See you there!
Thanks for reading :)


30 comments:

  1. I like the blue shades but I really like the design of the jute. Can't wait to see what you come up with.
    Ali x

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  2. They are both lovely. I really like the mix of blues, but then I saw the jute, which is great too.

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    1. Thank you. The jute would be great for a rug, but is a bit course for a cushion cover.

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  3. Jumbo crochet is going to use a lot of yarn whichever way you do it? I like both versions and am really looking forward to seeing what you come up with. In a strange coincidence I have been experimenting with making my own t-shirt yarn this week...my hook is only 10mm though. I need to upgrade ;)

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    1. I shall look forward to seeing your creations too. I agree, Jumbo crochet really does eat up yarn :D

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  4. All of these are lovely but I especially like the jute one. I'm excited to see which one you decide on. Have a wonderful week.

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    1. I have a bit more experimenting to do yet, but rest assured you will definitely see the finished article :)

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  5. Oh wow, They are cool. I have wanted a chunky knit/ crochet cushion for AGES now but havnt had a clue about what to use. Will be watching with interest!

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  6. How about cotton washing Line cord? I Got some at trago very cheaply after being inspired by Liz's bowls that use it. Emily x

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    1. I wondered about using this, but they didn't have any when I went, hence why I ended up with the jute. I am looking to source some at the moment. Hope you are keeping busy :)

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  7. I don't know if you have this available in the UK, but Red Heart Yarn has a yarn called Light and Lofty that is super soft and chunky. I think it would work great for a designed pillow. I do like the one with the t-shirt yarn, though.

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    1. I have heard of Red Heart Yarn before. I shall have to do some research and see if I can find it over in the UK. Thank you so much for your help :)

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  8. Well done on the exclusive shop commission - very exciting. Both designs are good, but I like the difference of the jute one. Hope you have a good week.

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    1. Thank you, it's in the very early stages at the moment. First I need to create the design, then 'the shop' have to like them!! I am fascinated at how the jute one seems so popular :)

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  9. Really like the blue stripe cushion, it looks like its nice and soft to snuggle into. Congratulations on getting an exclusive shop commission too.

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    1. Only 'working towards' the shop commission as yet!! But I am keeping my fingers crossed and the experimenting bit is so exciting :)

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  10. Hope everything goes well with the shop commission. Sadly crochet isn't really my skill so can't be of much help. I do though like the colours and texture of the blue yarn xx

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    1. Me too! It's good fun trying different things out though. I shall learn a lot even if it doesn't come off :)

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  11. I like the blue yarn for a cushion, the jute looks lovely but not something I'd want to snuggle up in.
    Sorry I can't be any help with the alternative yarn quest.

    Jan x

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    1. My thoughts exactly! No worries, I'll keep looking. I've ordered something today so watch this space :)

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  12. I was thinking you might consider trying out thrifted bed sheets. I have used them to make matts for my dog crate, they work up quickly and the way I do it is to fold the sheet into 4 longways, press and pin to hold together, use your rotary cutter to slice in 1/2 inch widths across, but not to the end (leave about 1 inch) uncut so that if you picked it up it sort of looks like a ladder, then start at the top and cut every second slash to the end on one side, and carefully go to the other side and slash every second one -- this will create a huge long 1/2 inch wide 'yarn' -- test it out with a small piece so you can see what I mean before you committ to doing a whole sheet... Sheets in thrift shops here can be got for about 3 dollars (about 2 pounds I think) I use a 10mm hook for these.

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    1. That's a good idea and I have used it with fleece before to make a basket. I liked the way it turned out but this time I need to use something where I have a regular, consistent supply. But thank you for your help, I would definitely use this idea if I need to make a one off. It could also be helpful to others reading this post. Thank you for sharing :)

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  13. I actually like the wavy one Mum, it's got a bit of character! Is the jute soft enough? Love the blues of the t-shirt yarn!

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  14. Exciting experimenting isn't it?! I like how the Jute looks too but agree it's not ideal for a soft pillow - more for a mat or wall hanging even? Maybe you could buy up some good yarn in a sale then if you got the commission try and get a wholesale pack cheaper?

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  15. I like the blue cushion cover - it looks good and the weave looks attractive :) do you also have a jumbo crochet? :)

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  16. Ohhh love the T-Shirt yarn cushion - looks fab! Can imagine it does eat up the yarn though! No thoughts as I've never crocheted in my life, but thought I'd say how much I like it! Simmi x

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  17. Hi there Fiddly Fingers,

    What size hook did you use for the Boodles yarn?

    Would you recommend it for clothing or is it a little heavy for this?

    thanks, Helen.

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I really appreciate all the lovely comments you leave so thank you for taking precious time to do this.