Twilight Taggers

Crochet Duck Sweater/Jumper Pattern

2012-02-12T17:05:00.002+11:00

CROCHET DUCK SWEATER/JUMPER PATTERN AND PHOTO TUTORIAL

Ever wanted to turn these:

into these?

Then read on!

SKILL LEVEL: Easy to intermediate. You must be comfortable with increasing and decreasing.

TIME: Depends on how fast you crochet, but I can knock one of these out in less than half an hour.

MATERIALS:
* Plastic or rubber duck. I prefer to use the medium sized ones [ones used in my photo examples are 9cm in length x 7cm in height] but once you get familiar with the pattern, you can adjust it for other sized ducks.
* Size G - 4.0mm crochet hook
* 8ply acrylic yarn [the ducks tend to sink if you use wool or cotton yarn]
* 2x stitch markers
* Needle
* Scissors

GAUGE: Not important in this pattern as it's very much a "make it up as you go" sort of pattern.

STITCHES:

* This pattern is written in US terms.

ch = chain

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet

2dc in each st = increasing

2sctog = decreasing with sc

2dctog = decreasing with dc

st = stitch

ss =slip stitch

NOTES:
* Please be aware that the results of this pattern can differ dramatically, depending on the size of the duck you have, the size of the yarn you use, how tight you normally crochet. I have to admit that every time I make a duck jumper, I usually just make it up but so many people have asked me for a pattern. So don't take this pattern as gospel. If you need to add more stitches in, or take them away, then do that. Or if you find another way of making the jumpers then do that instead.

PATTERN: This pattern works from the neck of the duck downwards and you will be working in the round. You will need to keep trying the jumper on the duck to make sure it fits after every row.

Ch 16, ss into the 1st ch to make a circle. Check to make sure it fits over the duckie's head.

Row 1 - ch1, sc in each st, ss into that first ch1

Row 2 - ch3, 2dc in each st, ss into that first ch3

Row 3 - Face the duck away from you and place your stitch marker at the edge of the duck's right wing.

Now working in the back post of each stitch - ch3, 2dc in each st across to the beginning of his left wing and place second stitch marker here,

then 2dc around the rest of the row but in the normal stitch not the back post, finishing up back at your first marker, ss into your beginning ch3. [You will see that crocheting like this makes a rib line over the front of the duck.]

Now this is where some winging [excuse the pun!] comes into it. You have to fill in the back part of the duck.

Row 4 - IMPORTANT: Turn your work - you're now going to be working in the opposite direction as before. Ch3, 2dctog, *1dc, 2dctog* to your second stitch marker, then 2sctog to end [this part is under the front part of the duck where you previously did the rib line], ss into ch3

You will now begin decreasing for the rest of the pattern. You will be working on the underneath of the duck.

Row 5 - ch3, 2dctog to end, ss to ch3

Row 6 - Same as row 5. You can start to see the hole closing up.

Row 7 - You have a choice of doing the same as row 5 or sewing close the hole. By this stage the hole should be fairly small so it's up to you if you prefer to sew it up [like I do] or do another row of decreasing to close the hole.

FINISHED!!

Check out my Float Away Duck project from 2011.

Or check out my ducks at Yarn Corner's City Square project from 2012.

SHARING MY PATTERN:

Feel free to share my pattern on your blog/website/facebook etc. Also feel free to make and sell these little cuties etc. I don't mind. Just don't copy the pattern and say it's yours. Thanks all and happy hooking!

Yarn Corner Member Profile - Pebble

2012-02-01T10:33:00.000+11:00

Name: Pebble

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yarncorner

1. How did you get started with yarn bombing?

I came across it on facebook one day.. I was looking up knitting related pages and groups and found this page called Twilight Taggers.. Looked at the photos.. was totally amazed.. googled "YARN BOMB"... and from there the obsession began.

2. What are you currently working on?

I'm not actually working on a yarn bomb... but I'm obsessed with making knitted bows at the moment.. but I have used them previously in a yarn bomb. I have a bad habit of leaving everything till the last minute. There are a few Yarn Corner projects coming up but I'll probably start them a week before they are due to be put up and then complain to everyone how I only just started them.

3. How long have you been an admin for Yarn Corner? Do you like it?

I think it's been about 5-6 months now.. Yeah I really enjoy it. I try to help out where I can but I'm not so good with the formal stuff.. I'm usually just making jokes or picking up donations.. But I love the admin ladies. I consdier them all very good close friends. And it's amazing to see how much goes into making events for the group to be involved in.

4. Have you always been a crafty person?

Always!! My mum took me for art lessons when I was around 8 years old.. and I've always loved making things.. But the yarn obsession came 11 years ago when an ex's mother taught me how to knit. My mother has always been a knitter, but she stopped when I got to old for hand knitted jumpers with numbers on them. So now it's great getting my kids into craft and making things.. Mr. 8 is already a little yarn bomber.

5. You first started knitting your yarn bombs but now also crochet them. Why is that?

As much as I LOOOOOVE knitting.. it takes sooo long to get one piece done.. I recently learnt how to crochet from my lovely friend Bali (heehee) And haven't stopped since.. Its so much faster and you can get amazing shapes out of crochet.. But I think both knitting and crochet bring two totally different looks and feels to yarn bombing.

6. What can be frustrating about yarn bombing?

The grand ideas! I tend to have GRAND ideas about certain things I want to make and they may not always turn out the way I expect.. esp once I've put them up.. Also making things to the wrong size.. :\ I hate that!

7. How do you think each yarn bomber differs?

Well each person has a different style and different like.. I try to incorporate my favourite things into my pieces.. Where as some people just want to do flat pieces or only use certain colours... I find that I can now tell the differnce bewteen alot of the ladies that are in our group.. Some are very keen on textures and some are very interested in fine details.. It's amazing how we all make yarn bombs but none ever look the same.

8. What hasn't been done in yarn bombing yet?

lol umm.. I don't know.. I've seen some pretty crazy things in the past 7 months.. lol Although I hear Jaguar wants to do a yarn bomb in space?! O_O

9. Which of your pieces are you most proud of?

I think my Snails has been my favourite so far! Sooooo simple yet so cute.

10. Who do you think should try out yarn bombing?

People that don't understand it or get what it's about.. I think once they completed a bomb.. put it up and go by it everyday and see peoples reactions to it they'd feel a sense of accomplishment and understand what it's about..

11. What has surprised you about yarn bombing?

How many people are involved in it.. Considering I only found out about yarn bombing in May 2011 I'm shocked at the amount of people that are getting involved with it and how our little group Yarn Corner has taken off from 3 regular members to over 200 ladies and gents..

12. Who is your fave yarn bombing artist?

Miss Twilight Taggers herself.. I would have never known about this type of art until I stumbled across her page.. Not only does she make beautiful pieces but she, herself is just an amazingly lovely friend.. :)

Yarn Corner Member Profile - Dipity

2012-01-31T22:35:00.001+11:00

Name: Dipity
Location: Burwood, VIC Australia
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/157893757611209/
Blog: will commence on late 2012

1. How did you get started with yarn bombing?
It's all Bali's fault!! Was interested in her adventures and was invited to this new group called Yarn Corner. After the first meeting the three of us (can't believe there was only three of us at that first meet!!) went to Fed Square to check out the Lights In Winter structure and was just blown away.
My first piece was done late on 15th July 2011.

2. Is it true that you loom all your yarn bombs? Why did you make this choice?

Yes indeedy. :)
Quite a few months ago Bali was discussing how she had started looming and getting a few people trying it. Since I still couldn't seem to get the hang of crocheting I thought I'd give it a go. So just before the second meet of Yarn Corner my darling one purchased a loom kit, some yarn and other bits & pieces for me to get started. :)
I really love looming now and some of the yarns I use are so gorgeous, so thick and soft.
I look forward to what's next with my looming adventures ~ including learning to cable stitch and granny squares & rounds
My darling one has made me some wooden handled loom picks and eventually will be making me a loom ~ am very excited!!!!

3. How long have you been an admin for Yarn Corner? Do you like it?

A few months now and yes I enjoy it. The ladies are incredible, all bringing different views and experience to the admin team and we work well together. It's been challenging at times, very much a learning experience but I'm very grateful for Bali giving me the opportunity to being involved this way. I enjoy the 'behind the scenes' work, it's fun and I've learnt as much about myself as I have about yarn / yarn projects I also know that I never ever want to become an events planner. :)

4. Have crafts always been a part of your life?

Yes, I have always been encouraged to try different crafts. My favourite craft now is card making.
Mum is a knitter and she did try to teach me when I was young, as did her left handed friend. The casting on/off just never seemed to click (yes, even though it's apparently very easy lol!). Also, though she didn't teach it, Dad's mother was an amazing crocheter.so yarn has always been part of my life.

5. Do politics have a place in your yarn bombing?

No, for me it's a form of art/craft. I understand that some believe that art is political but I don't share that view.

6. What can be frustrating about yarn bombing?

Personally, when things don't turn out the way I envision them or when someone sets out to destroy a piece. There is no general guidelines throughout the different councils so whereas some embrace it wholeheartedly others are very much against it.. It would be nice to see some general guidelines established.

7. Is there much yarn bombing in your area?

Not a lot at all. I know of only one other yarn bomber close to where I live. I've been very fortunate that all but 2 of my yarn bombs put up close to home are still up. There is one area, further away, where the pieces are gone very quickly so I don't put them there anymore.

8. What opportunities has yarn bombing given you?

I have met some wonderful people and made new friends. It's opened up a completely different world to me. It's a great stress relief. :) In recent months I haven't been able to do other crafts but I've been able to continue looming, creating. I have always been interesting in art, including graffiti (not tagging!) and yarn bombing has brought me into a different aspect of this.

9. Do you think yarn bombing differs from country to country?

Basicly it's the same though the yarns used, the colours and themes do vary. Am inspired and amazed by the incredible talent that is out there.

10. What do you say to people that don't get what yarn bombing is about?

Usually I suggest they view at it as a form of art and have a look at some of the amazing pieces. Like any form of art, it doesn't appeal to everyone and that's ok.

11. Do you think you have a specific style with your yarn bombing?

Up until now my pieces have been all the same stitch but it's the various textures of yarn used that creates different looks. I like to add a personal touch with a butterfly but not on every piece, same goes with buttons and other embellishments.

12. Who is your fave yarn bombing artist?

Yarn Revolt ~ very much admire the way they work with various textures, gorgeous!!

Yarn Corner Member Profile - Jaguar

2012-01-31T00:58:00.000+11:00

I decided I wanted to showcase the wonderful members of Yarn Corner. I formed the yarn bombing collective at the end of May 2011 and it's quickly grown to well over 200 brilliant members. It can sometimes take a lot to manage them all and that's why I brought on side a wonderful team of admins to help me. So we'll start with profiling them and then get onto the other lovely people of YC.

Name: Jaguar
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jazzy-Jaguar/158354980927834

1. How long have you been yarn bombing? How did you start?

I started yarn bombing in Aug 2011 after seeing Pebble upload a picture on Facebook of her first Yarn bomb. I had never heard of it before but I was immediately hooked (no pun intended) and within a week I had built up the courage to go out and do my first piece

2. Why do you think yarn bombing has become so big?

I think Yarn bombing has become bigger now due to the fact that it is altering people's perception on hand crafted items. In my experience knitting/crochet are seen to be old-fashioned and uncool but Yarn bombing is helping to put and younger and fresh vibe on it.

3. How long have you been an admin for Yarn Corner? Do you like it?

I have only been an Admin member at Yarn Corner since January this year but I love it.It is very rewarding when you are involved with the co-ordination of projects and then you see it all come together like City Square.

4. Have you always been a crafty person?

I have always been rather crafty, my mother taught me to knit when I was about 8 and all my Auntie's are crafty also so I had a lot of support when I was learning. As a child I enjoyed doing Latch hook and Cross stitch projects and I despised crochet because I just couldn't get it needless to say Crochet is now all I do having re-taught myself this past year :)

5. What do you think yarn bombing in Australia has been like so far?

Until recently I didn't think it was very big within Australia but I have noticed it growing and it is wonderful when you travel around the country and see other yarn bombers pieces

6. What can be frustrating about yarn bombing?

The most frustrating thing for me is when your piece is removed by councils or enforcement officers. The first thing you learn is that once your piece is up, it is there for the taking and some last moments and others last a lot longer but it does frustrate me when they are removed before the community can even enjoy them.

7. How do you think yarn bombing differs from normal art?

I believe 'normal' art is all about interpretation and you will always have people who just don't 'get it' or understand what the artist is trying to convey but with yarn bombing it is about beauty, you don't have to 'understand' it or discuss what the artist is trying to say. If it made you smile or at least drew your attention for a moment to an object you would have otherwise walked straight past, Then the yarnbomb achieved it's purpose.

8. Do you think yarn bombers get a bad rap?

I think again to those people who don't understand why we yarn bomb ( and I guess each artist does it for different reasons) then yes we are given a 'bad rap' and put into the 'graffitti' group or told we are littering, but ask anyone to compare the two and we are worlds apart. We aren't there to de-face or lay claim to an object we are simply trying to make it prettier and for the public to notice these objects rather than continue on your way oblivious to the world around them.

9. What does your husband think about your yarn bombing?

He thought I was mad in the beginning (again because he couldn't understand why) but he soon changed his mind when he saw just how happy it made me to create something and then put it out there for the world to see and appreciate. He is now my advisor always informing me of new locations to bomb and giving me inspiration from a males perspective

10. How much of your life is taken up by yarn bombing?

Yarn bombing is always on my mind whether it be a piece I am currently working on, when I'm out and about seeing potential sites/ideas, admiring pics of other artists works or just talking about it with family and friends.

11. What do you see the future of yarn bombing being like?

My vision for Yarn bombing in the future would be for it to be more widely accepted by councils and even promoted as it is already by some. I would love for it to be endorsed within our schools so that future generations have access to and are able to be taught how to knit/crochet just like I was taught as a child.

12. Who is your fave yarn bombing artist?

I don't have a favourite artist but Bali and the members of Yarn Corner continually inspire me to aim bigger and better. Let's reach for the stars!! (OH the first yarn bomb in outer space)....see what Yarn bombing does to you! Lol

Yarn Corner Stitches Up City Square

2012-01-24T18:12:00.001+11:00

Part of my contribution to the project

Not long after Yarn Corner had formed last year, and we'd been bitten by the bug of yarn bombing in groups and how fun it can be and how much you can get done, we were sitting around at a cafe and someone had the idea of doing a tree, but I wanted to go further and do lots of trees! I wanted IMPACT! So why couldn't we yarn bomb all the trees in City Square? Surely it couldn't be that hard? Oh my, I had no idea!

That's me sewing up the first tree. You wouldn't think from this angle, but I'm seriously high up!

I think ducks might be becoming my signature yarn bomb as everyone loved them last year and they were a hit again this year.

6 months in the making became Yarn Corner Stitches Up City Square. It was about 4 months of asking the City of Melbourne Council if this type of idea was even possible and waiting for them to go to different departments to get permission for a whole range of things. Then submitting examples of other trees that had been yarn bombed and how they weren't damaged. And a meeting with the Tree Planning department about their Urban Forest Strategy. Then a mountain of paperwork to get through, and all this was even before they accepted our proposal! Then of course we had to find yarn bombers that were interested in our project.

When we realised just how much yarn we were going to need and how much money it would take to put on such a massive event, I knew we would need sponsorship. So I sent emails around to yarn stores/suppliers and to my surprise the donations came flooding in! Lots of yarn donations, but the one that took the cake was $15,000 worth of yarn from a very small family run business in Coburg called Yarn Barn. We were over the moon!

We had to hire a scissor lift so that we could get to the tops of the trees as they were so high!

Nice job Grace!

Pebble hugging her awesome hexagon tree.

While it was nice to get yarn donations we knew we needed money aswell. Australian Country Spinners came on board with $1200 and combined with some fundraising between YC members, we managed to get what we needed for the installation day and workshop day.

We've had a small film crew running around after us for a few weeks now, filming how we've put together this event.

That's Louis our camera man, Tracy, Jacqui, Lyndel and Grace working on tree 11.

Everyone had such different pieces. Our only theme/color guide was that it had to be rainbow - but rainbow means something different to everyone. This is Lyndel's tree.

Installation Day came and went with out too much trouble. We had more than enough material [too much in actual fact] and helping hands. We got done an hour before the scissor lift needed to be picked up. And apart from a few burnt noses [it's Summer in Australia] we all did really well. I was so proud of everyone pitching in together to get such a large event installed.

Me mucking around in front of Jaguar's tree with the cute clouds and pot of gold.

Yarn Corner is made up of 207 members worldwide. This tree piece was done by Stacie from Yarn Revolt in the US who has been a part of every YC project so far even though she lives a world away.

The next day was the workshop day where we held classes for Kids Learn To Knit, [Adults] Learn To Knit, Learn To Crochet and Learn To Yarn Bomb. The lovely Andrea from CCCK yarn store came down to help with the workshops and Spotlight kindly provided the contents needed for the Learn To Yarn Bomb kits. [If you are interested in a kit, then we have some left. You need to join Yarn Corner on facebook - search under facebook groups - and reserve your kit.]

Again, it's interesting to see what kind of pieces people came up with. That's Grace's on the bottom and Katie's on the top.

Back up on the lift. I think we overestimated exactly how much material we would end up with. I guess we were all eager to yarn bomb!

Sunday morning we also had a photo shoot for Moreland Leader who continue to support Yarn Corner and our yarn bombing efforts.

Photo from the Moreland Leader newspaper article

Pebble, myself, Jaguar, Emilienne and Jacqui.

http://moreland-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/brunswick-craft-group-shares-a-yarn/

Overall this event has been a resounding success and I'm extremely proud of all the Yarn Corner members and what we've managed to do.

Lots more photos can be seen on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/yarncorner
or flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/twilight_taggers/sets/72157627243779461/

Luv Bali.

2012 for Twilight Taggers and Yarn Corner

2012-01-24T17:07:00.000+11:00

So... 24 days into the New Year and I finally have a moment to sit down, rearrange the blog and post something worthy of reading. This year I will try to update this thing more often than I did last year.

YARN CORNER...

Things got very busy very quickly after International Yarn Bombing Day and the formation of Yarn Corner. To date, in less than 8 months, we went from starting the group with 3 whole people, to 207 members from all over the world! I just wanted a stitch and bitch group for yarn bombers in Melbourne. I had no idea what was in store for me. I didn't know that I would end up working 4 days with 10 hour shifts at my "professional job", so it meant I have three days off a week to manage YC. I didn't think that we'd be needing four admins to make sure YC ran smoothly. And I certainly didn't think we'd be pulling off such amazing projects like we have so far. Every day I'm pleasantly surprised by how well the group is doing, the recognition it's getting but mostly how much fun everyone is having with their yarn bombing.

If you want to join Yarn Corner, then please go here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/157893757611209/ and request to join. We'll accept your request generally within a few hours. Or to see what we've been up to then go here: http://www.facebook.com/yarncorner .

TWILIGHT TAGGERS...

My own yarn bombing works [Twilight Taggers] got put on the back foot while we were establishing Yarn Corner but in February I'll be taking holidays from work and traveling to Sydney and Brisbane to do some personal yarn bombing for an event I'm calling the East Coast Yarn Storm. You'll be able to follow my progress here on my blog or on my Twilight Taggers facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/twilighttaggers and you can see the event details here: http://www.facebook.com/events/208579362554405/ .

So bring on 2012! It's going to be a stellar year!

Luv Bali.

Yarn Corner Stitches Up City Square

2012-01-11T00:49:00.001+11:00

Not long to go people! And Yarn Corner will have all the trees in City Square covered in yarn bombing.

Make sure you get in quick for a place at one of the free workshops by emailing me at twilighttaggers@gmail.com. All materials supplied. We will also have Learn To Yarn Bomb kits for give aways.

The installation will be up for one month.

Make sure you get on down for a look.

How To Guide on Yarn Bombing [revised edition]

2012-01-11T00:28:00.000+11:00

Today I finally got around to revising my HOW TO GUIDE ON YARN BOMBING. The original one I wrote quite a long time ago. So now I've tidied it up and it's all good to go. I even made it into a PDF. Feel free to distribute it as you wish, or post links back to here.

Click on this link and it will take you to the PDF.

http://freepdfhosting.com/94d2d0ba89.pdf
[Please note the website that I have the PDF uploaded at only keeps uploads for 30 days. So if the link doesn't work please email me [twilighttaggers@gmail.com] and I'll upload it again.]

Happy yarn bombing!

Bali.

Media Enquiries

2011-09-25T21:29:00.001+10:00

A WORD FOR THE MEDIA...

Are you looking for a story? Want a spokesperson for yarn bombing in Australia? Seen some yarn bombing by Twilight Taggers or Yarn Corner? Then you've come to the right place. Visit the links below to contact me.

A WORD FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS...

Doing a paper on street art/yarn bombing/community art/etc? Want to interview someone about yarn bombing? Visit the links below to contact me.

A WORD FOR YARN BOMBERS...

Want to get involved in a yarn bombing group? Visit the links below to join Yarn Corner.

TWILIGHT TAGGERS IS MY OWN YARN BOMBING EFFORTS.
Twilight Taggers...
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Twilight-Taggers
blogspot: http://twilighttaggers.blogspot.com
flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/twilight_taggers
email: twilighttsggers@gmail.com

YARN CORNER IS A YARN BOMBING COLLECTIVE I PUT TOGETHER. WE HAVE OVER 135 MEMBERS WORLDWIDE WHO COME TOGETHER TO YARN BOMB LARGE SCALE PROJECTS IN MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA.

Yarn Corner...
facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/yarncorner
facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/157893757611209/
flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/twilight_taggers/sets/72157627243779461/
email: twilighttsggers@gmail.com

Please be aware that I rarely update my blog. All the action is over at my Twilight Taggers facebook page and the Yarn Corner facebook group.

21 Days To Yarn Bomb

2011-08-25T01:30:00.000+10:00

They say it takes 21 days to break a habit, but how about 21 days to make a habit. Why not join in the first annual 21 DAYS TO YARN BOMB event?

Many people around the world participated in this year's International Yarn Bombing Day event and now here's your chance to join in the next big yarn bombing date on the calendar.

From November 1st to November 21st 2011 you will need to yarn bomb something in your town. It doesn't need to be big. Even the smallest flower attached to a bus stop seat can make a powerful statement and make someone's day. Or why not get together with your yarn bombing group and each add one yarn bomb per day to a space and by the end of the 21 days you'll have a massive project all done and ready to show off to the world. How about documenting the gradual increase in the yarn bombs to make up the large project by the end?

Don't forget to promote this event to get more people involved and build the evergrowing yarn bombing community.

Check out the facebook event here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147147818706258

and the official facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/21-Days-To-Yarn-Bomb/182157328524217?v=wall

This event has the intention of happening every year in November, worldwide.

This event is bought to you by Twilight Taggers, Yarn Corner and Dial A Yarn Bomb Group.

www.facebook.com/twilighttaggers
www.facebook.com/yarncorner
www.facebook.com/dialayarnbombgroup

New members always welcome to the Yarn Corner facebook group.

Media enquiries: Please email Bali at twilighttaggers@gmail.com.

Ideas For 'A Life In Yarn'

2011-07-18T00:02:00.000+10:00

The gallery will have four different themes in each corner and so far the list of ideas we have are:

FRONT/BACKYARD:

Car [SUPPLIED BY JACQUIE]

Caravan

Tent

Pond

Picnic table and chairs

Crochet grass with four leaf clovers in it

Trees

Clothes Line

Items for the clothes line - blanket, shawl, socks, pot holders

Knit or Crochet flowers in pot plants

Lattice work hung on the wall with flowers and vines running through it

BEDROOM:

Bed

Bedside table [SUPPLIED AND WORKED ON BY CHRISTINE]

Blanket to go on the bed

Soft toy to go on the bed

LOUNGEROOM/KITCHEN:

Bar stools [BOUGHT & WORKED ON BY BALI]

Ottoman [ BOUGHT & WORKED ON BY BALI]

Oven

Sofa & Armchair [SUPPLIED BY CHRISTINE]

Lamps [WORKED ON BY JANE]

Food [WORKED ON BY STACIE]

Cushions for the sofa and armchair

BATHROOM:

Bath

Toilet

OTHER:

Doors

Windows (with curtains)

We're also in the process of working out some simple things that people can do if they don't want to contribute on a larger scale. Doing things like knitting/crochet/looming squares or panels for the car and the tent is easy and still helps us in a big way. So stay tuned for more details about that.

Luv Bali.

A Life In Yarn - a yarn bombing gallery exhibition

2011-07-17T23:48:00.000+10:00

A Life In Yarn will be a yarn bombing exhibition held at the 1000 Pound Bend gallery in Melbourne Australia around June 2012.

Within the gallery space, it will encompass four main areas including:
a) a frontyard or backyard
b) a loungeroom/kitchen

c) a bedroom
d) a bathroom

Each area will have items that are real life items covered in yarn [example a bar stool with a yarn seat cover] or will be entirely made out of yarn [example crochet or knitted grass]. For more information on the items that the exhibit will have, please see my next post.

We need as many people in on this as possible. Whether you are from Australia or overseas - we need your help. Whether you knit, crochet or loom - we need you all. Whether you're a pro or just starting - here is your chance to get involved.

If you would like to lend a hand or have some ideas, feel free to email me at twilighttaggers@gmail.com, with the subject line "A Life In Yarn" and we'll get you started. The other main creative directors of this project are Jacquie, Kylie and Jane.

Be sure to head on over to the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/alifeinyarn and post your ideas and photos of how you're going. Also be sure to tell all your crafty friends about the exhibition and get them involved. There has not been a huge amount of yarn bombing gallery exhibitions, so this is really something to be a part of.

There will be regular updates on the facebook page and via email about how each part of the project is coming along so be sure to email through photos of your contributions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you are helping out, you MUST send your name, country, email address and what you are making or would like to help make, to Bali so that we can keep a register of who is helping us and what you are making. This exhibition is going to be huge and we need to keep very tight reins on who is helping with what part.

This project will be worked on by many many hands and we want everyone to be recognised. If you want to attach a tag/calling card to your piece, then by all means go ahead. We are aiming to have a poster with all names of all contributors to the project on display in the exhibit.

SPECIAL NOTE:
If you know of any sponsorships that we can apply for to pay for all things included in the exhibition [furniture, yarn, gallery hire fee, etc], then please let us know. Or if you would like to make a donation, please let us know. If you know of anyone that is getting rid of yarn for free or a cheap price, please let us know. If you know of anyone with free or cheap furniture that would be appropriate for the exhibition, then please let us know.

AND THE LAST NOTE:
As this exhibition will be huge, we need help ASAP. You may think June is a long way off, but each element of this thing is on a large scale and will take quite a lot of hours to finish. Why not start now? We have!

Luv Bali.

Learning to Loom Knit - Round Looms

2011-06-14T18:24:00.000+10:00

Since learning to knit with a loom some months ago, I've been asked many times to give a run down on how to do it. So finally here it is...

POINTS TO REMEMBER

- I am not a professional. I've only been looming a few months but I do pick things up very quickly.

- Everyone has their own style. As with knitting and crochet, everyone has their own way of doing it. Don't like how you're meant to do it? Switch it up to suit yourself. If you think I'm doing something wrong, don't tell me. I don't care. I'm doing it to suit me. You can do it your own way.

- I don't know all the different stitches and I probably don't care to learn. I pretty much only want to know how to do versions of flat panels. There are a million things you can learn on looms , like hats, socks, scarves etc, but I won't be doing them.

- I do looming for yarn bombing as it's much quicker than normaly knitting and crochet. I hate how slow normal knitting is and crochet is my first love but I wanted something quicker.

- Don't just take my word for it. Check out other resources; other websites/blogs; other youtube videos.

I find that most people learn far more quickly and with less stress if they can see steps first hand, so youtube is a wonderful tool for learning. This blog will refer to youtube learning only, except for one "How To" manual. If you want written instructions then you can happily google them yourself.

This blog entry is about looming on "round" or "circle" looms.

There are also "long" or "straight" looms but we'll deal with them another time. You can still do flat panels on round looms.

Please be aware that different kits have different colors for their sizing. For example, the Knifty Knitter kit in America has the second smallest loom as red, whereas the kit sold in Spotlight in Australia is green. For nearly all my yarn bombing panels, I use the smallest round loom, which is generally a blue color.

A note about the youtube videos: I have picked the ones I like. You may find others that suit you better. I prefer to go with Kristen from GoodKnitKisses as I find her videos are much more clear and "learner" friendly.

INTRODUCTION
Here is the only written reference I'm giving you. It covers a lot and is good to keep referring back to.
http://isela.typepad.com/instructions/LoomKnittingBasics.pdf

PART 1 - INTRODUCING THE LOOMS - http://youtu.be/7u43wfnmb3M
PART 2 - YARNS TO USE & IDEAS ON WHAT TO MAKE - http://youtu.be/WxPRjXBbs28

There are two main ways to cast on the round loom. The e-wrap is the easiest but can leave a loose edge, and the crochet hook or chain method is a little harder but gives a more classier and tighter edge. It's up to you which one you want to use.

E-WRAP CAST ON

FOR TUBE OR HAT - http://youtu.be/NVJBi6MS0Jo [I use a slip stitcerh on the anchor peg or on the first peg. I don't wrap the yarn around the anchor peg as I find it falls off.]

FOR FLAT PANEL - http://youtu.be/HgNMT727w5M [I know this is on a long loom but it's the best that I can find for a flat panel. It's exactly the same process when you wrap a round loom.]

CROCHET HOOK/CHAIN METHOD CAST ON
- http://youtu.be/XBZKk9wAgbA
- http://youtu.be/Njr2h4aZ240

WITH GARTER STITCH EDGE TO PREVENT CURLING, ON A STOCKINGETTE STITCH PANEL
http://youtu.be/w7kEzyQJBiw

The most common stitch on a loom is the twisted knit stitch and it's the one I use all the time for yarn bombing as it's the easiest. You can use either one strand or two stands of yarn, depending on the thickness of the yarn you have.

TWISTED KNIT STITCH OR SINGLE STITCH [MOST COMMON STITCH]
ONE STRAND - http://youtu.be/pIdNuGMa438
TWO STRANDS - http://youtu.be/3Uzx2SbK8oA [Don't worry about him talking about where to stop and start unless you are doing the hat pattern - it doesn't apply to a flat panel.]

KNIT STITCH [YARN ON TOP]

ON A STRAIGHT LOOM - http://youtu.be/pq-24nX4QRE [Again it's on a straight loom but everything is exactly the same for a round loom.]

PURL STITCH [YARN UNDERNEATH]

ON A STRAIGHT LOOM - http://youtu.be/kr5zOVRt9eI [Again it's on a straight loom but everything is exactly the same for a round loom.]

GARTER STITCH [K1 P1]

ON A STRAIGHT LOOM - http://youtu.be/s5JbEyr5fNk [Again it's on a straight loom but everything is exactly the same for a round loom.]

There are many different versions of cables on looms as there are with knitting and crochet. You can youtube all the different kinds.
CABLES
- http://youtu.be/a9nIuCMyrzA

I like the skip stitch but can't seem to find any good videos for it. You basically skip a peg - so don't wrap it and it ends up leaving a groove in the work. Here's a video for a scarf that has skipped pegs in it.
SKIP STITCH [SKIP A PEG]
- http://youtu.be/vn1QkSdrGbs

Just like casting on, there are two main ways to cast off with looming. The knit off method is easiest but there's also the crochet bind off method. It's up to you what you use.

CAST OFF
KNIT OFF METHOD
- http://youtu.be/2eMhEPb1TQY [The lady in this vid holds her loom a different way than me but hopefully you still get the idea of how to cast off.]
- http://youtu.be/kX1xZtFdXYM

CROCHET BIND OFF METHOD
- http://youtu.be/vl8GVnyUgTU

FLAT PANEL COMPLETE VIDS
PART 1 - http://youtu.be/PPpewf8zgoQ
PART 2 [HAS CROCHET CAST OFF METHOD] - http://youtu.be/cCY-Zq62G_E

INTERESTING PATTERNS
DROP STITCH SCARF OR PANEL - http://youtu.be/-uQFukKClrs
2 HOUR SCARF - http://youtu.be/vn1QkSdrGbs

SKIP STITCH LANTERN - http://youtu.be/X0lxE7HTQM0

WEBSITE REFERENCES
http://www.loomknitting.com/
BOOKLET - http://isela.typepad.com/instructions/LoomKnittingBasics.pdf
LOTS OF VIDEO LINKS - http://isela.typepad.com/loomknitting/videos.html

Of course there are many many videos on youtube, as well as communities and pages on facebook and websites out there to help you.

Here are a few things I've made with a round loom:

Parking meter using two strands [bright pink and a multicolor] and rainbow fuzzy yarn.

Pole piece using two strands of black and crochet flowers sewn on top.

Pole piece with one strand of red yarn and crochet flowers sewn on.

So I hope this has helped those that are wanting to start looming. Give it a try and see how fast you can knit a piece up. You'll be very surprised! Have fun.

Luv Bali.

Light Heart Installation Contributions

2011-06-01T22:52:00.000+10:00

Well it's the night before the start of the Light In Winter festival in Federation Square, Melbourne and we're all madly trying to get everything in order. I've just been on a three day bender, trying to get the lighting frame all covered and finished. Here is the finished product:

I don't think the photos really give you the best idea of how big this thing is. It's HUGE! Hence it took us so long to finish it. A massive thanks goes to my awesome yarn bombing friends JK and Mr Anonymous for their contributions, especially JK who just killed it with making panels and flowers for this.

I must also say a big thanks to everyone that contributed flowers to the frame. I believe that would be the following people: Grace, Sophie, Bethel, Mairi, Celicia, Kat and Crochet/Knit Bomb Appreciation. If I have left anyone out, please let me know. I still have a few of your flowers left over as I didn't want to overload the frame, so those will be added to the rest of the installation.

Of course the biggest thanks goes to my supervisor Mish, who you can see chilling out on the bean bag after three days of watching my progress. :p

Now on to the important stuff... I have had confirmation that you will be able to continue to contribute to the installation through out June. So if you're thinking of making something to attach to the structure, then go for it! If you're international or can't get into Melbourne, then send the pieces to me and I'll attach them in your honor and take photos for you. Remember the info for requirements is here:

http://twilighttaggers.blogspot.com/2011/04/lights-in-winter-information.html

If you're in Melbourne, then why not save it up and bring it along on International Yarn Bombing Day on June 11 where we'll have a get together at noon. Bring your yarn and hook/needle/loom and some lunch and we'll have a grand old time. :)

Also a reminder that if you are in the Melbourne area and have children, then Fed Square is holding Lantern making workshops every Saturday specifically aimed at children. Each lantern made will then be hung up on the installation so the children can be a part of it. This is a free event. There are many many events taking place for the festival, so come check it out.

I'll be going down tomorrow at 10am to put up my yarn bombing tags and the ones sent in for contribution. Of course I'll take photos so stay tuned for those.

Luv Bali.

The Yarn Corner Group

2011-05-29T12:54:00.000+10:00

The Yarn Corner

The Yarn Corner is a stitch and bitch group of people meeting every two weeks on a Sunday afternoon to have a knit/crochet/loom, a bite to eat and have a chat about yarn bombing in Melbourne.

This is an open group and anyone is welcome to attend. Just make sure you're a part of the facebook group and let us know when you're coming. Join the group here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_157893757611209

We meet at 1000 Pound Bend cafe at 361 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne from 2pm-4pm. Our first meet is on June 5th, 2011. This will be the first meet before International Yarn Bombing day and Worldwide Knit in Public day. See the facebook event here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_157893757611209

Feel free to pass this info along to anyone else that you think would like to attend and have a natter about yarn bombing.

Luv Bali.

The Yarn Bombing Movement

2011-05-28T12:09:00.001+10:00

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204430456268565

Often article's written on yarn bombing don't have the positive creative spin on it that fibre artists would like them to have. Isn't it all about the fun that this type of art brings to not only the people that create the pieces but to everyone that gets to experience the joy of seeing these tags?

If you'd like to be a part of this event [whether you're a yarn bomber or a spectator], then feel free to get involved.

All you need to do is on June 11 [International Yarn Bombing Day and Worldwide Knit In Public Day], post an entry on your blog about your yarn bombing journey, and post a link to your blog in this event so everyone can read it.

Some things you can talk about are:
- How you first got into yarn bombing
- What yarn bombing means to you
- Some yarn bombers that inspire you
- What you'd like to see for the future of yarn bombing
- How long you've been yarn bombing and how much you've seen it change in that time
- A particular piece that you were involved with that had special meaning to you

And of course you can get into more controversial things like:
- Fibre artists that tend to think that their work is much better than everyone else's and everyone else is just amature
- People that say it's not environmentally friendly to attach yarn to objects
- People that say we all should be knitting for charity and not for art

I'm sure that you could actually do your post before the day or after the day and that would be fine.

Let's all unite in the fun art of yarn bombing and be supportive of each other's talents. :)

P.S. Feel free to share this event so we can all get involved.

And don't forget - if you're in Melbourne, then come along to this event on June 11:

http://twilighttaggers.blogspot.com/2011/04/international-yarn-bombing-day.html

Call Out For Flowers

2011-05-22T22:12:00.008+10:00

Ever wanted to get involved in a large scale yarn bombing project but don't have the time? Or not sure how to crochet? Or don't have much yarn? Then this is for you!

We're putting the call out for flowers to be made to put on our huge lighting frame to be used for the Light Hearts Installation as a part of the Light In Winter festival during the month of June in Melbourne, Australia.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Light-Hearts-Installation/208301252525139

This frame will be covered with yarn bombing and strung up from a tiered structure. Here's a before photo:

And here's the first progression of the red panels:

The flowers are SUPER DUPER EASY to make and each would take the average person less than five minutes per flower. There is a fantastic youtube "how to" video here: http://youtu.be/XwK4hxUd07s. You don't have to add the button if you don't have any. We can have them added later if need be.

There are two parts of the frame that need flowers added to it. The first is the top outside of the frame. Excuse my dodgy photos but I wanted to show you an example of where the flowers will go. See below where I've put the weird red piece. That will be a black piece all the way around and the flowers will be attached to it.

Queue another dodgy photo. Imagine the red piece is a black one with lots of lovely flowers attached and sewn on really neatly and nicely. Oh and FYI, there are 8 red panels [as shown below] and 8 orange panels, hence we need flowers that look good with red and orange.

The other section of the frame to be covered is the bottom outside part.

And again another dodgy photo, just trying to show you where the black piece and flowers will go.

So here's the challenge. Why not everyone make 5 flowers each? It'll take you less than an hour and suddenly you've greatly contributed to a large scale project. What about getting a team of friends and family around for an hour and having a busy bee where you all make flowers? One hour and you've all helped out tremendously! Of course you can make more than 5 flowers if you'd like.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- DO NOT attach your "calling card"/tag to your flowers. If you would like to have a tag attached to say you were a part of making the flowers, then please send your tag separately. We will add them to a special spot on the frame as to not take away from the beauty of the flowers.

- You must use the colors chosen by our creative director for the yarn. Suitable colors are reds/oranges/yellows and white. You can use ANY color for the buttons.

- Please send your flowers to:
Bali
1 Gordon Street, Brunswick West VIC 3055, Australia.

THE CATCH??

We need the flowers now!!! It's May 22nd now and the festival is for the month of June but we need to make sure everything is in order now. So get cracking and send in those flowers. There is a chance we can put up the lighting frame at a later date but we really want to get this done ASAP.

YES!!

Yes yes, you can use other flower patterns if you'd like. Knitted or crochet, as long as they're not too big. Go for it!

THE PATTERN:

Some of you have asked for a physical pattern to the flower. I cannot find one that the maker has posted, so I've written up one myself. Please let me know if it doesn't make sense or is incorrect but it's really easier just to watch the video.

5 PETAL CROCHET FLOWER

Materials
8ply or Worsted Weight yarn
4mm crochet hook
1 large holed button

Leave a long starting tail as this will be used to sew on the button.
Petal 1 - Ch4, 1tr into first ch, 1tr into first ch, ch3, ss into first ch.
Petal 2 - Ch3, 1tr into first ch, 1tr into first ch, ch3, ss into first ch.
Petal 3 - Same as petal 2
Petal 4 - Same as petal 2
Petal 5 - Same as petal 2.
Leave a long finishing tail for sewing onto your object.

If wanting to put a button onto your flower, then use your starting tail to sew that on. Once done, you're ready to use the finishing tail to sew onto your object.

Luv Bali.

New York Times Article

2011-05-20T12:27:00.000+10:00

Hello all.

What a wonderful day. New York Times have run an article on yarn bombing and I have been mentioned.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/fashion/creating-graffiti-with-yarn.html?_r=1&smid=fb-nytimes&WT.mc_id=ST-SM-E-FB-SM-LIN-CGW-051911-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click

If you have been directed here by the article, then welcome and hello to you. If you'd like to see my facebook page on my yarn bombing efforts [which I update almost every day], then go here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Twilight-Taggers/373522532669
Be sure to "like" the page too.

I'm in the middle of many yarn bombing projects right now, so I tend to update the facebook page more than this blog. Last night I finished a beautiful piece that I'm putting up on Sunday when I get interviewed by Lisette. Photos to come of that. Still working on the Light Hearts Installation for the Light In Winter festival in June in Melbourne. And in the middle of doing something for the Woolley Walk Along project of Knitty Graffity's aswell. So much to do!

Back to work.
Luv Bali.

Lighting Frame

2011-05-03T15:51:00.000+10:00

This is the lighting frame we've been given for the Lights In Winter festival that we need to cover with yarn.

Don't be fooled by the photo. The frame is quite large.

The top of the frame is a circle with 40.5cm across and would need a lacey round circle of knit/crochet done with a hole in the middle for the chain to come through.

The main section of the frame is in 16 panels and comes down from a thin top to a wider bottom. The top is 8cm wide and the bottom is 29cm wide. The length of the panel is 66cm.

The panels work down in differing increments. It follows like this:

8cm wide for top

9cm wide at 6cm down panel

10cm wide at 10cm down panel

11cm wide at 13cm down panel

12cm wide at 17cm down panel

13cm wide at 21cm down panel

14cm wide at 24cm down panel

15cm wide at 27cm down panel

16cm wide at 30cm down panel

17cm wide at 33cm down panel

18cm wide at 36cm down panel

19cm wide at 38cm down panel

20cm wide at 42cm down panel

21cm wide at 44cm down panel

22cm wide at 46cm down panel

23cm wide at 49cm down panel

24cm wide at 52cm down panel

25cm wide at 54cm down panel

26cm wide at 57cm down panel

27cm wide at 60cm down panel

28cm wide at 63cm down panel

29cm wide at 66cm down panel

The rim around the bottom is 15.5cm top to bottom and each section is 29cm wide, with 16 sections completing the rim the whole way around.

We'll probably need to do the very bottom under rim of the frame aswell. The top is 22cm wide and the bottom is 29cm wide. The length of each section is 18cm.

The measurements for the underside of the rim follow like this:

22cm wide for top

23cm wide at 3cm down panel

24cm wide at 5cm down panel

25cm wide at 7.5cm down panel

26cm wide at 10cm down panel

27cm wide at 13cm down panel

28cm wide at 15cm down panel

29cm wide at 18cm down panel

We will only need a small team working on the structure. We need 8 panels done in knitting and 8 panels done in crochet. The yarn used will be red and orange Sullivans Coton from Lincraft which is being ordered specially. It's the same yarn used here:

The pattern needs to be open and lace-like so that the light underneath can shine through.

If you are in Melbourne and are interested in giving us a hand, please let me know - first in best dressed and you will need to attend a busy bee at my house so that you can see the piece and get used to what needs to be done to cover it. Please note that the panels obviously require increasing your knitting or crochet, so if you're not comfortable doing that then this project may not be for you. And please also be aware that you only have until the last week of May to complete your panel.

Luv Bali.

Free Yarn? Yes Please!

2011-05-02T00:19:00.000+10:00

So Dee, Aysen and I have been offered a warehouse full of free yarn to use for the Lights In Winter festival. There's only one catch...

It's in a bit of a mess.

And we need to go and pick it up ourselves.

But Dee had a look at it and she said it was actually in not too bad a condition but we would need to wind it into balls.

So if anyone in the Melbourne region has any ball winders that they'd be willing to lend us, then please let us know. Or if you're in the area and you'd be interested in a busy bee come stitch and bitch to help us out then get in contact with us.

Luv Bali.

Pretty Girl Statue Yarn Bomb

2011-05-01T23:58:00.000+10:00

Working the weekend can be a bit boring at times, so I wanted to do something fun on my lunch break. I asked my workmate and good friend Krisha to accompany me on a yarn bombing expedition. Krisha knows and loves my yarn bombing attempts. I taught her how to crochet and loom knit, so she was all for coming along to see what I do.

We walked around to Collins Street just past the Inter Continental Hotel to where there is a family of statues. I've known they have been there for ages and knew I wanted to do something for them and one of the pretty little girls ended up getting some lovely pink and white ankle cuffs.

The cuffs only took less than half an hour each to make. I used the crochet loop stitch which I've never done before and wanted to try out.

My camera died whilst Krisha was trying to take photos but we had my phone and her phone with us, so that was good.

Here's the lovely Krisha next to the lucky little girl...

It took less than ten minutes to do the yarn bomb and when we finished we turned out only to see some weirdo man right behind us taking photos of us yarn bombing. Needless to say we skittled off out of there very quickly.

Click on the "Statues" folder on the right hand side of my page to go to my flickr with many more photos of the girl.

Luv Bali.

Lights In Winter information

2011-04-22T00:10:00.001+10:00

Please note the above picture is not of the structure involved for the project. It just looks pretty.

FACEBOOK EVENT:

http://www.facebook.com/notifications.php#!/event.php?eid=118696851543559

Want to help out? We need a small army of interested participants to make yarn bomb pieces for us. If you don't live in Melbourne, then you'll need to make, send and have us receive your tag by Monday May 23rd.

Please send it to:

Bali
1 Gordon Street
Brunswick West VIC 3055 Australia.

WHAT IS IT?
A giant structure incorporating lights, lanterns, snowflakes and yarn bombing will be set up for all to see.

This is the proposed structure:

WHAT'S NEEDED?:

POLES
Go both vertical and horizonal. Please do not make your tag more than 14 to 15 cm wide. Can be anywhere from 50cm to 3 metres long. Please stick with firey red/orange/yellow colors with the occasional blue and white winter colors.

LANTERNS
Will be made by folding a thick type of tracing paper into a cylinder shape and attaching yarn to it. Can be A3 and A4 size. Must be lacy and see through so that the color lights can go through the lantern and yarn. Nothing with a block stitch that you won't be able to see lights through. Again please stick with firey red/orange/yellow colors with the occasional blue and white winter colors.

SNOWFLAKES
Blue and white winter colors only please. Any size. Snowflakes must be stiffened so that they stay straight when hung up.

LARGE LIGHT FRAME
We also have a large light frame that needs covering:

Approx 1.5m in a diameter. Will be covered in a red and an orange yarn that's already been selected. A lacy see through pattern will be used so that the light can shine through. If you can crochet, please contact me about helping out with this particular part of the project.

INSPIRATION:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.413483477669.193139.373522532669&l=2f4f3164ff

LINKS:

LANTERNS:
http://riotflower.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/crochet-lace-swatching/ [crochet]
http://crochetology.net/2010/01/edging-no-408-by-adeline-cordet/ [crochet]
http://www.crochetspot.com/how-to-crochet-offset-fish-net-stitch/ [crochet]
http://www.evelynclarkdesigns.com/pdf/Swallowtail.pdf [knit]

SNOWFLAKES:
http://starrs-crodream.livejournal.com/5514.html [crochet]
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/ornaments/f103016prettysnowflake.pdf [crochet]
http://snowcatcher.blogspot.com/2011/03/snowflake-monday_14.html [crochet]
http://www.coatscrafts.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/B9FA80E9-7DD0-4F0F-B658-93B5C6AABA79/77132/SnowflakeTreeDecoration.pdf [crochet]

Feel free to add your ideas to this!

International Yarn Bombing Day [Australia] - with Lights In Winter festival

2011-04-21T22:54:00.000+10:00

Saturday, June 11 2011 · 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Federation Square, Melbourne, Australia

Cnr Flinders Street & Swanston Street

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Federation Square will play host to the 'Lights In Winter' festival for the month of June. A giant structure incorporating lights, lanterns, snowflakes and yarn bombing will be set up for all to see. This will be up for the whole month.

But why not come along on June 11th for International Yarn Bombing Day and see yarn bombing in person. Bring your yarn and knitting needles/crochet hooks/knitting looms and meet others that love this hobby. Never done it before? Come and talk to yarn bombers in person including Bali of Twilight Taggers, and Dee and Aysen of Knit Wits.

In the event of rain, this get-together will meet inside the Time Out Cafe at Federation Square.

Feel free to bring your friends and family along. See you there!

* * * * *
Possible workshop by the Spinners and Weavers Guild to be held the next day [June 12th] at Federation Square also. More info soon about this.
* * * * *

If you would like to be a part of yarn bombing this structure, please leave a comment so I can give you the details or email twilighttaggers@gmail.com.

Double Train Seat Project

2011-04-12T23:02:00.000+10:00

I tend to work on a few projects at the one time so I don't get bored. One of the major ones I'm doing now that's for my own personal yarn bomb [so not making it in conjunction with someone else] is a double train seat tag.

I measured up a lift up train seat for disabled passengers on a Melbourne train a few weeks ago. The seat is similar to the one below except that it lifts up to make room for wheel chairs/prams/bikes.

The seat is roughly two metres long and because I don't want the colors of the seats coming through I'm doing a thick stitch which takes some time.

It's a variation on a granny stitch but with a spike stitch in it that I found on the net.

I know that this is going to take a very very long time to do but I'm hoping to stick to it. I also hope to have a bit of an audience with me when I sew it to the train seat.

Luv Bali.

Curly Car Antenna Project

2011-03-22T00:04:00.005+11:00

So I lost some inspiration for a week or two there. Guess it comes from doing so much yarn bombing lately. Thought I was going to do that Shipping Bollard thing but it was doing my head in. I need something really monotonous as I've just changed departments at work and I need something that I don't have to concentrate on and count stitches with. I was searching Ravelry and came across Kristen Stevenson's pattern for a car antenna yarn bomb. As you'd be able to see from my flickr photos, I've tried antenna's before and I didn't like the pattern I used. Too annoying and time consuming, but Kristen's are curly! How cute. I read the pattern and it seems to be very simple, fast and straight forward crochet. Just what I love.

So without further ado... here is my new project...

CURLY CAR ANTENNA PROJECT

Sunday, April 3 · 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Highpoint shopping centre

200 Rosamond Road

Maribyrnong VIC 3032

Come and be a part of the Curly Car Antenna Project. We'll be yarn bombing at least 20 cars in the carpark with curly car antenna's.

All are welcome to attend. Take photos or video and upload onto the Twilight Taggers page. This even will be happening rain or shine.

Meet at noon outside Lincraft [located on level 2 near Borders] and we'll go from there.

If you wish to make some yourself, then Kristen Stevenson has a free pattern on Ravelry here:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/antenna-yarn-bomb

And if you wish to join the facebook event then go here:

Curly Car Antenna Project [facebook event]

Special mention to Kristen Stevenson on Ravelry for the use of her car antenna photo [and pattern] until I've made one myself and can use my own image.

Luv Bali.

Float Away Duck Project

2011-03-14T11:52:00.000+11:00

I've been yarn bombing for a long time now and wanted to do something different. After I saw a photo of a rubber duckie with a crochet jumper on it, I felt inspired to create the "Float Away Duck" project. Basically this was a project for me to crochet twenty little ducks with jumpers and set them off down the Yarra River in Melbourne and photograph them for my yarn bombing group Twilight Taggers. The event was held on the weekend and this is how it went down...

First I set about buying all the ducks and designing a pattern for their jumper. I could only find one on the internet but I didn't like it, so I made my own. It was a bit of trial and error.

Most of the ducks were made at work because they don't take long to work up.

Saturday was a lovely day to set the ducks off down the Yarra. The sun was out and it was a warm 30*C. First we needed a shot of the ducks waiting on the deck to take the plunge.

And the one by one, they all made their way into the water...

Spectators stopped to watch the ducks float away. I even had two small children help me throw some ducks in. :)

Some ducks didn't quite work out how to stay upright...

And some ended up in the rubbish trays...

But over all it was a brilliant day out in the sunshine, watching the ducks make their way down the river and meeting some lovely new friends.

Feel free to click the duck photo on the side of the page to take you to my Flickr account with many more photos of the duck project.

Luv Bali.

Starting The Shipping Bollard Topper

2011-03-14T03:21:00.000+11:00

Started my next yarn bomb today. It's a topper for a shipping bollard.

Here's a photo I took of the bollard when I was out yesterday letting the ducks off down the river.

You can't really tell from the photo but the bollard is actually quite large.

And here's the start:

I've gone with blue and white colors. As you can see I haven't gotten very far with it as I was busy writing up the 'How To' yarn bomb post and links. Tomorrow is a public holiday and I'm working so hopefully it's slow - meaning I can sit around and crochet all night.

Luv Bali.

Ideas For Yarn Bombs To Make

2011-03-14T02:32:00.000+11:00

Some ideas for yarn bombs to make...

- Short pole piece

- Granny square on fence

- Scarf for statue

- Ducks

- Long pole piece

- Park bench topper

- Bike stand

 - Your bike

- Park bench seat cover

- Train or bus seat cover

- Ship bollard topper

- Statue clothing

The ideas are endless.

Luv Bali.

Things To Remember About Yarn Bombing

2011-03-14T02:11:00.000+11:00

Just a few things to remember when yarn bombing...

- It can be illegal. Proceed with caution.
Be careful what you're attaching your tag to. Yarn bombing is effectively destruction of property and this is an offence. Whilst I have not come across anyone that has been arrested for this or warned, be aware that there is always the chance of this happening.

- It doesn't have to be perfect.
Yarn bombing is mainly done for objects that are out in the weather. They will get rained on and soggy and burnt by the sun. Your tag doesn't need to be perfect. Coming from a perfectionist, this can be hard to deal with but trust me, no use spending hours and hours perfecting the piece and making it look absolutely stunning, only to find it weathered and beaten - or stolen - a few days later.

- It may not stay up long.
Don't be discouraged if your tag doesn't stay up very long. It may be taken down by the council, or stolen by a passer by, or fallen down due to the weather. Whilst we'd all like to think our tags will stay there, the liklihood is minimal. If you don't like to see if your tags are taken, then put them in suburbs where you don't visit a lot and keep them fresh in your memory of photographs. If you don't mind seeing if they live or not, put them near where you travel and watch them when you can. I've had tags that have lasted less than half an hour [!] and I've had tags last weeks and weeks on end.

- Color is best - or contrast.
Yarn bombs always look amazing with lots and lots of color. Or go for a contrast. Don't you love the pictures of the brown tree's with a white lace yarn bomb on it. Go for something that's going to stand out.

- Use up your yarn stash and don't use expensive yarn.
Yarn bombing is great for using up your yarn stash - I know from personal experience! I have a wooden chest, plus three boxes full of yarn I've collected, bought or been given over the years. I've now cut it way way down due to trying to use it all up for yarn bombing. Don't use expensive yarn for yarn bombing. It's just a silly idea. Why pay so much for something that might not last that long. Also because, believe it or not, the cheaper yarn lasts longer outdoors. Acrylic yarn is amazing for surviving the elements.

- Photograph everything.
I can't say it enough - your yarn bomb may not last long! Take photos of it straight away. You'll appreciate your yarn bomb moreso from the photos you take, than from visiting the piece every day. Take good clear photos. If you know of photography students, then invite them along to shoot the yarn bombing. They'll love the experience and you'll get great shots.

- Carry a measuring tape at all times.
Best rule of all. I cannot count the number of times, when starting to yarn bomb, that I thought to myself "If only I had a measuring tape right now". Go and buy one of the cheap little retractable measuring tapes from your local craft shop and keep it in your bag. It's great for wiping out when you need to know the size of an object.

- Carry a ball of yarn and a hook at all times.
We all know how annoying it is to get stuck somewhere with nothing to do. Waiting for public transport. Waiting for someone at a cafe. Waiting in line for something. If you have your ball of yarn and a crochet hook or some knitting needles already with you, then there's your perfect chance to get started on a new yarn bomb. I always have something on the go and something in my bag waiting for that perfect opportunity. My tram to work is 20 minutes and it's surprising how much crochet can be done in that amount of time.

- Yarn bombing is meant to be fun!
Don't get too carried away. Yarn bombing is meant to be fun. Don't stress too much about the small things. If it looks perfect. The best place for the tag to go. Who will look at it. Will it get taken down? Too much analyzing takes the fun out of the whole thing. Many times I've gotten myself into a panic about a tag or an expedition and I've had to reel myself in and think "this is only meant to to fun - not a chore!"

Luv Bali.

What You'll Need To Take When Yarn Bombing

2011-03-14T02:04:00.000+11:00

Here's a list of things you'll need to take when yarn bombing...

1. Scissors
Take a little pair of scissors with you to cut your yarn, cable ties etc.

2. Needles
Needles to sew the tag to the object. Larger needles will be easier for threading the yarn.

3. Cable ties
These are good if you're not sewing your piece or if you're wanting extra security for the tag, or to attach your calling cards.

4. Yarn bomb piece
The piece that you want to show off to the world.

5. Calling Card
The business cards or labels that you want to attach to your tag.

6. Extra yarn
You'll be surprised at how many times you don't bring along extra yarn and run out.

7. Camera
For proof that you've done your yarn bombing.

Luv Bali.

How To Yarn Bomb

2011-03-14T01:54:00.000+11:00

I get asked all the time "How do you yarn bomb exactly?" So here's a How To guide on yarn bombing. This is just from my personal experience. Everyone does it differently. Everyone needs to find their own flow. Also keep in mind that I only crochet my yarn bombs. Yes I knit but very very rarely. Crochet is my ultimate craft so I only refer to crocheting yarn bombs not knitting them. Also forgive my wordiness. I like to write a lot.

1. Start easy!
We all get carried away and want to do something but like the famous pink tanker or even a tree but starting small is much better.

Start with something small like a small pole piece or a granny square and then you'd be done in no time and won't be discouraged with such a large time consuming project.

2. Make your yarn bomb tight
Don't subject yourself to watching your tag slide off your object because it's too big. Make your tags smaller than your object and stretch the piece so it hugs the object tightly. Example: if your pole is 18cm around, generally go for around 16cm around.

3. Pick a pattern that's quick to work up. Try harder ones next time.
When first getting into yarn bombing, pick an easy pattern for your tag. For crocheting, I like to do a row of DC and a row of TR because this works up quite quickly. Using patterns that work up quickly will again help you from becoming discouraged with the process of making a tag. Once you have this down pat, you can move on to some more complicated pattern pieces.

SIMPLE:

MORE COMPLICATED:

4. To sew or to tie?
To sew your tag or to cable tie your tag... Different people will say different things and it's also different depending on your tag and what object you're attaching it to.

If using only cable ties, you run the risk of the piece not looking neat and tidy.

If using only sewing, you run the risk of the piece not staying tied securely to the object.

Sewing a tag onto a horizontal object like a banister is fine as it will generally stay well. If tagging, say a pole, I like to sew the tag but also but a cable tie at the top of the pole and middle, just for added security.

Keep in mind - sewing takes a long time. If you have a piece that you need to run and dash - use cable ties. If you're able to stand around for a bit then sewing is fine.

TIP: If sewing a long piece, attach yarn at every third of the way along. Once you've sewn and reached the new piece of yarn, use that one and carry along to the next third. Using one long piece of yarn for the whole piece is irritating. The yarn can become tangled and it's very hard to keep it looking nice the whole way along.

5. Pre-planner or not? Find your yarn bombing location now or later.
Are you a pre-planner? Another part of yarn bombing is working out what type of person you are with your planning. Are you someone that wants to plan everything before hand. Do you go out and measure your work and then plan the sort of yarn bomb you want? Or will you just go with the flow and work something up and hope you can find an object that will fit the tag?

Personally, I'm a bit of both but more of a planner. Sometimes I'll just make something and hope it fits but more of the time, I like to make up projects or ideas and plan everything and follow it through to the end. I like to measure the object, work out how much yarn I'll need, work out what colors I'll make it and then work on it until the end.

6. Yarn bombing in the light or dark?
Are you game enough to yarn bomb in the day or will you put on your blacks and slink around in the dark? Suss out what your area is like. Will someone bother you if you're tagging in the day? Are you likely to be pulled over by the council or the police? What do you feel more safe doing? Do you want to go it alone or would you rather take a friend or another fellow yarn bomber. Personally I've found safety in numbers. It's easier to pull the "It's for a community art project" line if you're with a bunch of people. Try and rope someone in with you, even if all they do is take photos of you and keep a watch out.

7. Anonymous or not? Leave a tag or not?
Some yarn bombers prefer to remain anonymous and not leave a "calling card" and some love to know that a supporter can find out who is leaving wonderful tags around. Cards or labels can be bought over the internet or made at home. I make mine on the Vistaprint website and have them shipped to me. Before putting on a tag, I usually laminate them to protect them from the rain.

8. Taking photo's is a must!
Be prepared to know that your tag might not last a long time - therefore photos are a must! Try to get them straight after you've put them up otherwise if you say to yourself "I'll come back later and photograph them", you might come back later to an empty spot. Take several shots with varying angles and set up's. People love to see lots of photos of your handy work.

9. Blog your work.
Blogging about your yarn bombing is fun. It also provides people a chance to comment on what you've been doing. Also don't just blog about the end result of yarn bombing. People like to see your work's in progress as you go along, and then the eventual yarn bombing expedition.

I hope this helps a bit. Try yarn bombing once and then you'll be hooked. Give it a go! It's awesome fun.

More helpful links:
What You'll Need To Take When Yarn Bombing
Things To Remember About Yarn Bombing
Ideas For Yarn Bombs To Make

Luv Bali.

P.S. Feel free to repost or link this to other blogs/sites etc.

Getting It Together

2011-03-13T13:59:00.000+11:00

Hello all and welcome to Twilight Taggers first blog.

I'm just getting it together and finally sitting down to put everything in a blog. There is a facebook page for the group [check it out under Twilight Taggers] but I'm finding that there are restrictions with it and I feel like everything can be more accessable to you all to read here.

Over the coming days/weeks I'll be adding more and more to the blog, like a 'How To' section, a pattern section, more photos etc. If there was anything in particular that you're wondering about yarn bombing or that you wanted an explanation about, then just let me know and I'll add it to the list of things to do.

You'll notice that I've added photos down the side of the page. Just click on the photo and it will take you to my Flickr account with the rest of the photos under that heading. There's quite a lot so have fun looking around. I'm currently waiting for pay day to come so I can upgrade to a Pro account, so some of the photos may be hiding as I've reached the max limit to show for a free account.

I'm only just new to blogspot and I'm used to Livejournal, so if anyone has any tips or suggestions for the page/the content of the page/the layout of the page, then please suggest away.

If you're interested in hiring me for a community project [etc] then please email me with your comments/requirements and we'll chat it over. Email me at twilighttaggers@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Bali.