Thursday 31 December 2015
AKA Amigurumi
It's me again, in my Christmas hat, wishing everyone hope and goodwill for the holiday season and beyond.
I first popped up on Lupey Loops at Christmas in 2013.
Do you remember? Jodiebodie promised to give me a blog entry all to myself. I thought she was going to introduce me properly in April 2014 but that must have been an April Fools' joke because nothing more ever came of that.
How disappointing.
Not to worry! I am here to tell you myself!
My name is "Kwokkie Doll" and this is my story …
Labels:
AKA,
amigurumi,
craft,
crochet,
designed by Jodiebodie,
dolls,
FO,
friends,
gifts,
teaching,
toys,
wire
Tuesday 22 December 2015
More Examples of Crochet Spider Stitch
Spider stitch features in this scarf. (Made by Jodiebodie 2014. Pattern: Diamond-Strike Scarf by Kristen Stolzfus) |
Are you familiar with the phenomenon where you buy a new car and when you go driving, you suddenly start seeing lots of cars of the same model and make where previously you had never noticed them before?
I think that is what happened to me with spider stitches!
Labels:
books,
crochet,
doilies,
filet,
garments,
home,
inspiration,
lace,
magazines,
motifs,
patterns,
scarf,
stitch dictionary,
tableware
Thursday 17 December 2015
Adelaide Mini Maker Faire 2015
On the first of November I went to the Adelaide Mini Maker Faire. It is all about 'makers' and 'making'. The first 'Maker Faires' were held in 2006 in the USA to promote the 'Maker Movement'. It sounds to me like fancy words to give a modern label to the old DIY (do-it-yourself) and home-made trends (some call them 'granny skills) which are experiencing a resurgence.
It's the second Mini Maker Faire to be held in Adelaide (the first was in 2013) but the first one for me and I have some photos to share.
It's the second Mini Maker Faire to be held in Adelaide (the first was in 2013) but the first one for me and I have some photos to share.
Sunday 13 December 2015
Procrastinate Now!
Almost finished tea towel top! |
Labels:
autoimmune disease,
bags,
bunnies,
craft,
crochet,
designed by Jodiebodie,
fatigue,
FO,
home,
lupus,
organisation,
pets,
sewing,
tea towels,
WIP
Wednesday 9 December 2015
Adelaide Moon Lantern Festival 2015
Sunday 22 November 2015
Spring Stories & Spider Stitches
A deadly redback spider. |
Itches, asthma, too much sneezin'
Blowflies, spiders, creepy crawlies,
Coughs and colds and feeling poorly,
Lack of sleep from daylight savings,
Gives cause to senseless daytime ravings!
New growth, flowers, seeds and sprouts,
(until the bunny digs them out!)
Weeds and wildlife, changing weather,
Pure vexation altogether;
For a multitude of reasons
Spring is not my favourite season.
Here is a glimpse of my South Australian springtime with a few crochet inspirations too.
Wednesday 11 November 2015
What Happened to All Those Poppies?
Did you guess the number of poppies in this pile? The answer is in June's blog entry "Poppies Shaping Up" |
Today, Remembrance Day, poppies come into prominence again. These poppies were used in a commemorative project so today is an appropriate day to show you the results.
Thursday 5 November 2015
How to Add a Lining to a Bag
Why bother with a lining? This post provides good reasons for lining crocheted bags and shows my method step-by-step.
Thursday 22 October 2015
A Quick WIP Round
The last month has been extremely hectic around here so if you haven't seen me online for a while, it is because I haven't been online for a while. I 'ditched' the computer and got busy.
Here's a quick whip-round of what I have been doing (WIPs* included) …
Here's a quick whip-round of what I have been doing (WIPs* included) …
Thursday 15 October 2015
Sunshine Award
Last week, Raphaela of the blog, Hummingbird Redemption, nominated me for a Sunshine Award!
Thank you so much for your kindness, Raphaela!
It is an honour to be recognised by someone who is a beautiful ray of sunshine herself. That is what this award is about:
to add 'sunshine' to other bloggers by sharing blogs that bring joy and inspire with creativity, positive outlooks and the overcoming of adversity.
Labels:
art,
awards,
blogging,
friends,
inspiration,
music,
scleroderma
Thursday 8 October 2015
How to Turn a Drawstring Bag into a Backpack
This useful drawstring bag is just the right size for a take-along crochet project.
It becomes more useful when carried on your back, keeping hands free for riding a bike, wheeling a chair or holding on for dear life on crowded public transport!
Hold little ones' hands as you stroll to the park where they can play and so can you (with your crochet)!
This is how Janet Brani's "WIP Project Bag" pattern changes a simple drawstring bag into a convenient backpack.
It becomes more useful when carried on your back, keeping hands free for riding a bike, wheeling a chair or holding on for dear life on crowded public transport!
Hold little ones' hands as you stroll to the park where they can play and so can you (with your crochet)!
This is how Janet Brani's "WIP Project Bag" pattern changes a simple drawstring bag into a convenient backpack.
Tuesday 29 September 2015
Tuesday 22 September 2015
Liebster Antwoorden in het Nederlands (Dutch Liebster Answers)
Further to my second nomination for a Liebster Award, here are the Dutch questions with my Dutch answers together with a list of other Liebster-deserving blogs.
Don't worry if you cannot read Dutch–my English answers can be found further down the page.
Eindelijk schrijf ik iets in het Nederlandse taal om de Liebster Award te eren. Bedankt Anne Vanderkerckhove. Zij heeft me genomineerd door haar blog Anne's Crochet Palace.
Het spijt me dat een lange tijd had geweest - ik moet mijn verstand van het Engels naar het Nederlands veranderen - moeilijk als man altijd vermoien zijn. Maar vandaag ben ik blij en krachtig. Nu krijgen we de antwoorden van Anne's vragen.
(Nederlands is niet mijn eerste taal - als je iets verkeerd zien, alstublieft vertellen! Dan zal ik het beter leren.)
Don't worry if you cannot read Dutch–my English answers can be found further down the page.
Eindelijk schrijf ik iets in het Nederlandse taal om de Liebster Award te eren. Bedankt Anne Vanderkerckhove. Zij heeft me genomineerd door haar blog Anne's Crochet Palace.
Het spijt me dat een lange tijd had geweest - ik moet mijn verstand van het Engels naar het Nederlands veranderen - moeilijk als man altijd vermoien zijn. Maar vandaag ben ik blij en krachtig. Nu krijgen we de antwoorden van Anne's vragen.
(Nederlands is niet mijn eerste taal - als je iets verkeerd zien, alstublieft vertellen! Dan zal ik het beter leren.)
Thursday 17 September 2015
WIP Project Bag: Progress Photos At Last!
Way back in January, I started work on a little bag.
I chose a variegated sock yarn from my stash to highlight the stitch pattern. |
Tuesday 15 September 2015
Struggles with Blogger & Google+ Community Friend Connections
I need help with my housekeeping!
Blog housekeeping, that is; to link to the blog a friendly, private online space just for Lupey Loops friends to meet, chat and share with each other.
Now there is such a space: a Lupey Loops Google+ 'Community': https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/114403140403082646908
My problem now is to somehow connect the Lupey Loops blog 'Members' with the new Google+ 'Community' and your help is needed, especially if you would like to participate.
Friday 11 September 2015
Access All Areas: Stairs or Stares?
Perhaps you or somebody else can be the judge.
Thursday 3 September 2015
Footy Friendships & Corporate Crochet
I'm losing my voice,
My throat is hoarse,
But not to the lurgy–
From footy, of course!
Labels:
accessories,
Carnival,
community,
crochet,
designers,
fatigue,
FO,
footy,
friends,
gifts,
hands,
mitts,
Panda,
patterns,
South Australia,
sport,
spring,
stashbusting
Wednesday 2 September 2015
Lost without Lists
Today I find myself revisiting Packing for Hospital as I prepare for another overnight stay in hospital while undergoing more tests. I have known this was coming since the iron infusion but infusion was so successful, I have been living a bit of the high life while I can!
Thursday 27 August 2015
Long Fingerless Mitts
More fingerless mitts! |
Actually, two finished items:
a pair of fingerless mitts.
Labels:
accessories,
crochet,
FO,
hands,
mitts,
Moda Vera,
patterns,
raynauds,
Red Heart,
short rows
Thursday 20 August 2015
Getting My Head Around … Results!
It's not 'just me'.
These autoimmune diseases are difficult to fathom for my doctors too.
These autoimmune diseases are difficult to fathom for my doctors too.
Labels:
addisons,
adeno,
autoimmune disease,
endo,
fatigue,
health,
lupus,
MCTD,
scleroderma,
sjögrens,
WIP
Thursday 13 August 2015
Getting My Head Around It
"You've got to get your head around this, Jodie."
These are the words of my General Practitioner (GP) as we review my medical status.
I fear the positive effects of a recent iron infusion have been totally undone by the stress of forced household upheaval.
These are the words of my General Practitioner (GP) as we review my medical status.
I fear the positive effects of a recent iron infusion have been totally undone by the stress of forced household upheaval.
Monday 10 August 2015
Love a Good Yarn at the Migration Museum
Love a Good Yarn:
knitting and crochet from Nanna to now
knitting and crochet from Nanna to now
–a current exhibition at
the Migration Museum of South Australia.
This historic building houses the main display of the Love a Good Yarn Exhibition |
Open until 31 August 2015, entry is free.
Last week, I went with my friend Cheryl to have a look …
Labels:
access,
amigurumi,
art,
community,
crochet,
designers,
doilies,
dolls,
events,
freeform,
friends,
hats,
inspiration,
knitting,
lace,
legwarmers,
yarnbombing
Thursday 6 August 2015
Double the Magazine Fun
Labels:
amigurumi,
books,
crochet,
designers,
friends,
Interweave,
magazines,
patterns,
shopping,
sjögrens,
toys
Saturday 1 August 2015
Thursday 30 July 2015
A Crafter's Natural Habitat
Do you ever lose track of time when you are crafting?
Thursday 23 July 2015
Hooks, Needles & Nurses!
Thursday 16 July 2015
Dutch Mandala #MandalasForWink #MandalasForMarinke
"Dutch Mandala" crocheted by Jodiebodie #MandalasForWink |
These two Dutch bunnies hopped across their shelf today to discover my tribute to Dutch crochet designer and author, Marinke Slump, also known as 'Wink' from the blog A Creative Being.
Sunday 12 July 2015
Tiny Flower
Last night I made a tiny flower from very fine thread and I think I will be needing glasses very soon!
Thursday 9 July 2015
Friday 3 July 2015
A Tragic Twenty-four Hours
Last night, my family and I were greatly saddened to learn that the well-known and well-loved crocheter and blogger Marinke Slump of A Creative Being had lost her battle with depression.
This morning, I woke to the news that Phil Walsh, Adelaide Crows' coach, had died suddenly overnight in tragic circumstances.
This morning, I woke to the news that Phil Walsh, Adelaide Crows' coach, had died suddenly overnight in tragic circumstances.
Thursday 2 July 2015
Silk Mohair Scarf Delivery
Labels:
accessories,
Alchemy,
books,
colour,
crochet,
designed by Jodiebodie,
designers,
flowers,
FO,
Gallery M,
Interweave,
mohair,
scarf,
silk,
winter
Tuesday 30 June 2015
Thursday 25 June 2015
Slip Stitch (Bosnian Crochet) Scarves
My two finished scarves! Pattern: Slip Slope Scarf by Vashti Braha |
At last! Two complete scarves, both done with the 'slip stitch crochet' technique, also known as 'Bosnian crochet'.
I promised to blog about this last May so now it is time to gather photos, pattern details and resources for further learning about slip stitch crochet.
Thursday 18 June 2015
Scarves, Exhausted with Colour
Thursday 11 June 2015
Going Out for a Crochet Night In
The month of May 2015 brought some happy crafting social events to my fair city of Adelaide, South Australia.
First of all, the Stitches and Craft Show which I attended with my multi-craftual friend 'M': I got to catch up with old acquaintances like Prudence Mapstone and friends, and make new friends like 'Sheepish' Sarah and Charmaine from Yarnarama.
Then I found out that fellow crochet blogger Michelle Westlund was coming to visit from New South Wales. How exciting! For the first time we would be in the same city at the same time and couldn't let the opportunity slip.
First of all, the Stitches and Craft Show which I attended with my multi-craftual friend 'M': I got to catch up with old acquaintances like Prudence Mapstone and friends, and make new friends like 'Sheepish' Sarah and Charmaine from Yarnarama.
Then I found out that fellow crochet blogger Michelle Westlund was coming to visit from New South Wales. How exciting! For the first time we would be in the same city at the same time and couldn't let the opportunity slip.
Thursday 4 June 2015
Thursday 28 May 2015
BHG's Knitting & Crochet Collection
The Better Homes & Gardens' winter yarn crafting issue has hit the shops.
It comes with two acrylic crochet hooks
(5 mm and 6.5 mm) and
two pom pom makers (7.6 cm and 10 cm).
A 'Drafty' Mind as the Fog Lifts
A jar of crocheted poppies between the pot plants |
Has it truly been two weeks since the last blog entry? That's what happens when life gets hectic (and when one loses an entire week to being crook) but I managed to get so much done regardless!
Thursday 14 May 2015
Lots Going On! (Update)
Lupey Loops blog posts have been irregular lately because it has been such a busy time in many areas of my life: health, family, community, crochet and the blogosphere!
This post is about sharing all the news!
This post is about sharing all the news!
Saturday 9 May 2015
Adelaide Stitches & Craft Show
This badge was given to me when I collected my ticket. |
You have 1 more day (today) to visit the Wayville Showgrounds and enjoy some crafty goodness. The show started on Thursday and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily until Saturday 9 May 2015.
Waking up with extreme tiredness and flaring symptoms, Thursday was not the best of mornings but I persevered and was rewarded with a happy day and some photographs.
Friday 8 May 2015
Access All Areas: Adaptive Crochet
International Access Symbol crocheted by Jodie |
Monday 20 April 2015
Poppy Patterns
A community poppy display (close-up). (Photo: M. Prime) |
As Anzac Day approaches, I'm on a quest to find the perfect crocheted poppy.
Here is a collection of poppy patterns …
Thursday 16 April 2015
What Do Trains Have to Do with Crochet?
Further to an earlier post about trains, I am continuing the theme to reflect on what makes a good pattern for travel and investigate train-themed projects; but before I do that, I have some photos to share of a recent encounter with steam locomotives.
Friday 10 April 2015
Access All Areas: Training the Transport Department
International Access Symbol crocheted by Jodie |
In 2011, I attended a 'Come and Try Accessible Public Transport' day organised by the government's transport department.
It was a chance to try out the various forms of transport in a safe environment while at the same time provide feedback to the government about the transport system of the day and how to best cater for the needs of people with disabilities.
New trains and trams had been commissioned and the government was seeking advice from people with disabilities about how to design the internal features of the trains to make them more accessible.
It was very exciting to be able to influence positive change and communicate with decision-makers.
Sunday 5 April 2015
Easter Greetings & More Stash-busting Mini Baskets
Happy Easter!
An awesome Easter for me and my family as we spent the evening observing the lunar eclipse.
An awesome Easter for me and my family as we spent the evening observing the lunar eclipse.
Labels:
blogging,
colour,
crochet,
double-strand,
Easter,
FO,
gifts,
holiday,
home,
stashbusting,
technique
Tuesday 31 March 2015
Happy Hospitals
Tuesday: hospital day.
I woke just before dawn but this particular Tuesday found me feeling rather fragile emotionally and physically.
I woke just before dawn but this particular Tuesday found me feeling rather fragile emotionally and physically.
Labels:
accessories,
charity,
community,
crochet,
hands,
health,
hospital,
mitts,
patterns,
Red Heart
Thursday 26 March 2015
Better Than a Bought One
This is the penultimate post about my purple Belcarra Cardigan of 2014.
(Pattern designed by Robyn Chachula.)
During the life of this project, I've grappled with indecision and incorrect information, 'swatch sagas' and 'tension headaches', over-analysis and adjustments, and fussing and finishing.
Now, the Belcarra Cardigan is done in spite of mathematical and motivational challenges, and I am pleased to model it for you today!
(Pattern designed by Robyn Chachula.)
During the life of this project, I've grappled with indecision and incorrect information, 'swatch sagas' and 'tension headaches', over-analysis and adjustments, and fussing and finishing.
Now, the Belcarra Cardigan is done in spite of mathematical and motivational challenges, and I am pleased to model it for you today!
Thursday 19 March 2015
Tuesday 17 March 2015
Nog een Liebster! (Another Liebster Award!)
I never intended Lupey Loops to be multi-lingual, but participation by bloggers from all over the world is the beautiful nature of the blogosphere.
This week I must thank Belgian blogger Anne Vandekerckhove from Anne's Crochet Palace blog who loves her cats and loves to crochet toy cats and cat toys amongst many other amazing things.
She has nominated me for another Liebster Award which is very kind
–thank you Anne!
This week I must thank Belgian blogger Anne Vandekerckhove from Anne's Crochet Palace blog who loves her cats and loves to crochet toy cats and cat toys amongst many other amazing things.
She has nominated me for another Liebster Award which is very kind
–thank you Anne!
Thursday 12 March 2015
Saturday 7 March 2015
A Week in WIPs
Wednesday 18 February 2015
Speedy Blankets
Labels:
blankets,
colour,
crochet,
FO,
gifts,
home,
hooks,
hospital,
Lion Brand,
patterns,
stitch markers,
tools,
WIP,
yarn
Friday 13 February 2015
Access All Areas: Michelle's Melbourne Adventure
International Access Symbol crocheted by Jodie |
In the aftermath of Stella Young's untimely death, I am pleased to see active discussion about disability issues continuing around me.
I discovered that my blogging friend, MichelleWestlund of Crochet Between Worlds, is also a wheelchair user who has experienced exclusion from public spaces when using her wheelchair. This affected one of her (able-bodied) friends so profoundly that he wrote an article about it:
Tuesday 10 February 2015
Shocking News on the Radar
In June last year, I celebrated a 'hospital escape' by taking my crochet to the 'footy' to see the Adelaide Crows' Brent Reilly play his 200th game. It was such a happy occasion because he had fought to overcome injuries which had interrupted his career. 2015 was looking good …
… until last night when the news came through that Brent Reilly had fractured his skull!
… until last night when the news came through that Brent Reilly had fractured his skull!
Wednesday 4 February 2015
Thursday 29 January 2015
A Bad Case of …
This week I have been suffering from a bad case of … 'Start-itis'!
Three projects started all at the same time! |
Thursday 22 January 2015
Re-Cycle: Bike Shorts!
Crochet projects weren't the only projects this week–
the sewing machine got a run to turn a shabby pair of leggings into some neat bike shorts.
Tuesday 20 January 2015
Seeing Double
Top: second and latest scarf (14 pattern repeats long) Bottom: first scarf (15 pattern repeats long) |
It's not your eyes!
I made a second filet crochet scarf just like the first (well, almost!)
These scarves differ in length. After making two scarves from one skein of 5 ply yarn, with barely anything left over, I am very pleased with the results. Now that I am not in such a (Christmas rush) hurry to make another scarf, there is time to explain the finer details.
Labels:
accessories,
books,
Carnival,
Christmas,
crochet,
filet,
FO,
gifts,
lace,
scarf,
stashbusting,
Storey
Thursday 15 January 2015
Red Lacy Scarf Finished!
The filet crochet scarf has 15 cm fringe at each end. A separate circular band can be used as a fastening. |
I am so excited to have finished the red lacy scarf that I took with me to crochet in hospital.
Friday 9 January 2015
Access All Areas: Stella Young
International Access Symbol crocheted by Jodie |
Australians are mourning the loss of a most remarkable woman, Stella Young, a passionate disability advocate, activist, knitter and blogger who died suddenly in December 2014.
To say that her influence was significant is an understatement and Australia (and the world) is poorer for her loss. If you don't know who Stella Young is (and I mean 'is' as her legacy lives on), you must read at least one of these articles to discover how clever, funny, witty, strong and passionate and colourful she was (in clothes and language but don't let that dissuade you) about the rights of people with disabilities and more...
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