Freedom in Freeform

This purse is my first attempt at Freeform Crochet. And I am HOOKED!

My inspiration....

I first came across Freeform Crochet a number of years ago. I was intrigued and mesmerized by the beautiful pieces I saw on a shop called Irregular Expressions.  The pieces, including cuffs, necklaces and scarflettes, are beautiful and elegant - each unique and exquisitely crafted! I was also very impressed that the artist had sold so many of them and fetches a decent (gulp!) price for each unique wearable piece of art.

My Project...
The main purse is one I've had for years. In fact, it was made for me when I was about 9 or 10 years old. The front was emblazoned with my (former) initials EAW in red embroidery. While I appreciated the gift, I did not actually use it much when it was first given to me, but kept it for sentimental reasons. When I came across it recently, I had just taken an online class in freeform crochet and I thought.... here is my chance to really USE this purse - and I went for my hooks! Following the simple instructions from the class, and with some experimentation, this is what I came up with. I covered the front flap (and the giant initials) with freeform "scrumbles" and found a fun button to use as a closure. Ta-da! This was my purse of choice all through the summer and early fall, and I know I'll go back to it again and again.

My Resources...
Here are a few more links to some freeform inspirations and resources:
10 Freeform Crochet Tips -Tips and information on Freeform
Freeform by Prudence - Etsy store with tutorials and books for sale
Craftsy - freeform Crochet class


Cheers,
BusyLizzy

Socks on TV - oh, and me too!

Toe Up Socks, under construction
in my living room.

I have been most fortunate to be, on occasion, classified as a 'working actor' on a couple of TV shows. On set, I often keep busy during the waiting time by working on my latest knit or crochet projects. In July 2014, I was working on a pair of "toe up socks" - like the ones pictured here, and that was what I brought to pass the time while I waited to be called to set.

Coincidentally, the director had asked the props department to supply knitting needles and yarn as a possible prop to use during a scene in which my character was supposed to be waiting for her daughter. When they saw that I had my own knitting project in progress, my socks made it into the show! I'm not sure which was more fun: being on camera, or knowing that my handiwork was there with me!

Finished "star socks."

Here are the completed socks. And here is a link to watch Motives & Murders: Cracking the Case, Season 4, Episode 10 entitled "A Chance Encounter" in which my socks were featured - and me, as Marjorie Stark ! (The socks are seen for precisely 1 second, at 36:59 into the show, but I know they were there, and that is what counts!)

Cheers,
BusyLizzy