Guess Who's Doing Some Bombing!

Guess Who's Doing Some Bombing!

Yes, I said bombing. Yarn-bombing! I am so excited to be involved in a project with the Boatyard Artspace on the canal side in Middlewich. You may have heard of yarn bombing before; or may be wondering what on earth it is. 

Yarn bombing is when a craft-artist or activist creates a knitted or crocheted piece of fabric that is custom made to be installed somewhere in the environment. Typically, bright, colourful stripes or patterened pieces are wrapped around trees and benches, bollards and statues. The purpose or this unique and quirky art practice is to reclaim urban, industrialised and corporate environments and bring in some creative energy and colour. Turning concrete and metal into a soft, familiar and comforting inhabitance. But it doesn't have to have purpose. This craft is a celebration of colour and the handmade. It can be a community project where several artists contribute or just an individual artist. Yarn bombs can be made from typical wool and acrylic blends or even recycled materials, raising issues of ecology. Yarn bombing can be a colourful and interesting way to draw attention to architecture and features of an environment. 

Over the next 3 weeks, I will be making various creations to decorate and celebrate a new and exciting community project and hopefully raise awareness of the incredible artistic talent we have harboured in Middlewich. The boatyard Artspace is developing swiftly into a creative hub of local talent. Ian Hill-Smith and other 'Middlewichian' artists have successfully turned an old boat keepers house into a tidy gallery, surfacing some of the hidden characterful architecture and traditional features of the cosy space. 

I have also been given the opportunity to display and sell some of my handmade gifts so please take a visit and have a look. The boatyard is also successfully running a tea shop so have a wonder down. The boatyard is on the section of canal opposite the British legion.

I am considering running some crochet workshops/lessons in the autumn/winter; where participants can learn to make a granny square and chunky hat. If you are interested please contact me through my Facebook page: Love Charlie Crochet, or email me at lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com

Check out the Artspace on Facebook at: Facebook/boatyardartspace

Poppy Blanket

Poppy Blanket

A month after the order was made, I have finished the bespoke poppy blanket. This project was really enjoyable and was a new pattern. I like to learn new patterns as the challenge makes me concentrate. I used aran wool so this blanket is especially warm and soft. I am happy to know that someone is receiving this unique blanket as a homemade gift. 

If you are interested in a custom made blanket, please contact me through lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com 

A Bright Future

The Liverpool John Moores' Art Degree show came to an end last week and I have received a 1st for my final exam. Although I don't know what my graduation grade is until the 29th, I am extremely happy that I have achieved this grade. The last three years have been hard, however I remained motivated and determined to remain a craftsman in the midst of contemporary artists. I am contemporary also, however, and I am pleased to have been able to celebrate craft through my work. The final year of my degree lead me to a turning point and I finally realized that I can achieve what I put my mind to. I believe I have found my niche in crochet and I feel that my ideas will blossom after engaging with my skills. Realizing that it's OK to do what you love and be who you are is enlightening and comforting. Feeling free and excited to create is something I want to embrace. I am enthusiastic at the prospect of opening an Etsy shop in the next few months and sharing my love of crochet with other lovers of craft and the handmade. I want to create beautiful, colourful home decorations and bespoke blankets. The next few months I will be making stock and experimenting with ideas. Here are some photos of my exhibition piece which measured 3.5 metres x 1.5 metres. 

  

Crochet Hearts Coming Soon!

Today, I've been playing around creating my own patterns as I couldn't find a heart shape that I loved! In the end I made two heart patterns which I will develop into garlands and stuffed heart plushes. Check back in a week or so to see what I come up with! I may even upload the pattern as a ravelry download. Check lovecharlieblog on ravelry soon. I need a bit of practice to write the patterns so they are to understandable to others. These are great to use as appliqué and to customise clothes and bags. Garlands will be for sale soon! £10 for 2.5 metres. Lovely for girls bedrooms or home decor. Colours are widely variable. 

I have a new email just for crochet queries and orders. I would love to hear from you. Drop me an email at lovecharliecrochet@gmail.com. Xx

                                  

                                 

Custom-made Poppy Blanket

New crochet square made for my first customer!!! So excited to get this blanket made. I'm using Aran wool so it's lovely and soft. Email lovecharlieillustration@gmail.com if you are interested in discussing a custom made crocheted blanket for yourself. Standard size is £40, baby blankets (1mx1m) are £20. Follow me on Instagram to see this blanket grow! :) @charlielittlearty

                                    

Flower Dream Catcher

 To add to my drawing a day collection, I give you a flower dream catcher. I really enjoyed working within the geometry of a circle. 

        

Little Bird

                      

Hello!

Hello!

Hi Reader, 

This is my first blog post! Celebrating my degree in Fine Art, I want to establish myself as a commercial illustrator and custom crochet designer. I want to develop my skills over the next 6 months to learn computer skills in Photoshop and Graphic design. I am motivated and have a drive to achieve my aspirations. I want this blog to document my work, and developments in personal style and to work as a portfolio of some sorts. 

I am following my passions and heading on a journey to accomplish rewarding work and enlightening experiences. I aim to blog at least once a week to create a collection of my work. I am based in Cheshire, UK. If you are interested in my work please contact me at charliepandauk@gmail.com 

Follow me on Instagram @charlielittlearty