Those of you who live in Melbourne will know of its' laneways and vibrant street art. Recently I went along to an event run by Yarn Corner. They are a stitch'n'bitch group for people interested in yarn bombing, which is a form of creative street art using yarn, usually knitting or crochet. I have been interested in yarn bombing for a while and although amigurumi are my first love, wanted to give it a go.

Yarn corner gave workshops on learning to knit and crochet as well as the basics of making a yarn bomb. In the background of the workshops were the wonderful yarn corner, cosy covered the trees. They meet regularly on a Sunday in the city. If you are interested check out their website. I have and I am thinking about joining.

Here are a few pics of the City Square installation:

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Click here to download:

yarn-bombing-geCswkwrCAfvFnkucdHr.zip (11.74 MB)

They inspired me to create my first yarn tags which magically appeared around Prahran:

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yarn-bombing-AyntrtfmaIDmJBansJej.zip (10.89 MB)

Finally for those who have asked here is the pattern for a red angry bird - my homage to the game I love. It is available on my free patterns page. If you make it I would love to see photos and a link back to my blog would be appreciated. Keep an eye out in the next few weeks I will be posting a green pig pattern too! 

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Click here to download:

this-bird-is-angry-free-pattern-gAmAhscjyGvuBtinBAsJ.zip (4.42 MB)

Kate and I (@katejf) jointly made the following. Kate knitted the hats and I made the allsorts. The pattern is available from the NZMS website. As mentioned in previous posts the hats were the hit of the LIANZA10 conference in 2010.

Can't wait for it to be cold enough to warrant wearing a hat again in Melbourne.

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licorice-allsorts-hats-finished-DkhueDCdglhfDzzItgpC.zip (3.32 MB)

Here is my latest amigurumi. I am going to write up the pattern when I make the next one and will make it freely available. Pattern is now available: here. Argggg brains.

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Click here to download:

zombie-amigurumi-aJuelHHFaipmkhIjlukC.zip (11.56 MB)

Today my friend Mary bought in the wonderful hanko stamp she made in exchange for some handwarmers. It says haiku woman in kanji. Haikugirloz was too long for the size stamp I wanted.

I plan to use it on my haiku and on tags for handmade goodies. Hanko stamps are signature stamps used in Japan. I have always wanted one.

Thank you Mary I will treasure it.

I have framed the art works produced by @Zaana and @sallysetsforth. They were exchanged for a crochet lesson and handwarmers for Zaana and a creepy-but-cute knight for Sally. Zaana created the wonderful hand print of the Sun Theatre in Yarraville based on a photo I sent her and Sally made the wonderful cross-stitch based on one of my tattoos. Not only ace librarians but talented crafters/artists as well.

Creative bartering is a win-win for participants. The art works look amazing in their new home. I will do another post about the concept this week featurign Ruth's (@restructuregirl) bowls.

I am packing up an envelope and sending it off to meet me at mikes to be a part of the envelope project. The idea is that you send an envelope with a few handmade, inexpensive things and the envelopes are displayed in the window. Pip Lincoln has provided some suggestions for things you might like to put in the envelopes.

The project runs for 6 weeks and photos will be put up on Flickr. Window displays start on 14 June. At the end an envelope is drawn randomly and they win all the lovely things sent in. Awesome idea. You can be a part of it too. Find out more at meet me at mikes.