Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Little Birdie

Little Birdie

If you're looking for a little distraction, you should head on over to the Designers Challenge group for the August Challenge.

This month you need to make a Toy Bird using less than one skein of yarn. Knit or Crochet - whichever you prefer. You could even do a little of both if you wanted to.

Little Birdie


Now it sounds easy, doesn't it? But I found it super-duper hard to only work with the one skein. Because that essentially means ONLY ONE COLOUR can be used...

I guess you could go with a variegated yarn - but I didn't really have anything suitable in my stash.

Little Birdie

So then I had grand plans for intricate stitch details to add interest to my bird. I was going to have these openly lacy wings with a layer of felt underneath, to really make the pattern jump out.

But as you can see, it didn't quite happen. In fact, you can't see any stitch detail in my bird - because I've used a technique called brushed crochet. You just crochet your piece as usual, then use a wire brush to fuzz up the surface.

Little Birdie

The brush is nothing fancy. Mine is just a pet brush. I think I paid about $2 for it at one of those Cheapy Shops.

Little Birdie

I love the effect the brushing has given. I wanted this little guy to look like a new little chick, all fuzzy and downy... and it has worked perfectly. Plus he is so soft!

I have to tell you though. This is not my first attempt at brushed crochet. I've tried twice before and been really unhappy with the results. Same brush, but different yarn. In the past I have tried it using Pure Wools, because I thought that they would be most successful - but they gave a pathetic result. This time I've used a 100% acrylic, and it's worked magnificently!

Little Birdie

6 comments:

Evie said...

Very Cute!

Gillp said...

What a clever idea - i love the fluffy effect.

Twigwoman said...

Oh My I Am not usually one for crocheted toys but I just might have to make one of these!!!!!! Jordan has an Owl collection I started and my enlarged and the gave to Jordan before she passed.... this would look so special with them!

Cliodana said...

hihihi such a cute little bird

laughing purple goldfish said...

Hey Everyone... Thanks for all the lovely comments! My daughter (8) has totally fallen in love with this little guy. Tonight she was making him a pair of sunglasses out of coloured paper...

mirjam said...

Love your birdie , she is so cute and intelligent with this sparkle in her eyes!!!!!
love your blog as well
mirjam
www.fibersiv.net