Art Theft

There are some things that are just wrong! Stealing other peoples images of their work as your own is one of them. This web site: http://www.cakechooser.com/ was using an image of my own 3d beaded cake.

I don't even understand what it had to do with what they were making.  They seem to decorate cakes, I guess.

I contacted them a week ago, explaining that it was my image, and it was illegal to use it without my permission.  I heard nothing back, and the image was still there.  After a week I contacted their ISP.  It is now gone.

But looking at the other images, they all link to an image editing program.  So I thought probably none of these images are their own.  Looking around at images on Google, I found they were definitely stolen.

I have contacted 3 websites about their stolen images.

What sort of person can do something like this?

To use the image for your own personal use, or to show what other people can do is one thing, but to show it as your own work for monetary gain, is so wrong!

Donations

Just a reminder to everyone.

Donations are always welcome, and really appreciated.

I have had free patterns downloaded over 7,000 times.  If some of you just donated a small amount for each free pattern, it would be really helpful.

Donations are very easy to do through Paypal, and you don't even have to sign up.


Updated to add: the free patterns are still always free on the blog whether you donate or not

Freeform Crochet

Freeform crochet is so amazing.  I've never done it before, and procrastinated starting it.

For anyone who doesn't know what is.  Here's a description from wikipeadia:  ” a seemingly random combination of crochet… and possibly other fibre arts to make a piece that is not constrained by patterns, colours, stitches or other limitations….” 

Prudence Mapstone does some of the most amazing freeform work I've seen: http://www.knotjustknitting.com/

Having carpal tunnel syndrome made it difficult to use fine threads, so my doily went on to the backburner for a while (of course I have other works in progress as well, but we won't mention them now)

So I finally got to the freeform.  But what could I make with it?  That's it, I need new cushion covers for the loungeoom, maybe something to match the kitchen chairs, one of which sits in front of the keyboard.  So I would need a bunch of greens, and some wood browns, and other browns to match the couch.

I found a bit of a pattern online, and made the first one.

Then I just started and continued on, and came up with this other scrumble.

Then I saw Prudence Mapstones Project on 50 Years of Flower Power. and decided to make a scrumble for that. 

I came up with this scrumble

So now back to my cushion covers.  I was feeling a lot more confident with freeform now.

I made another four scrumbles and put them together to see how they'd look.  They need a contrasting colour just to bring it all out a bit.  Some red grapes and other shapes added made the world of difference.

But then I had to have the carpal tunnel surgery. That put me out of action for a while.  I'm just starting to be able to crochet again, so more scrumbles are coming up.

Christmas Sale

Everything listed in my Artfire shop is 25% off until January 2015.

Find them here:  Craft Cove on Artfire

There are many things to buy. Crochet items such as: Santa hats,

Christmas diaper covers

Elf hats

Doilies

Beaded Jewellery

Beaded Animals

Beaded Flowers

Chainmail

And much more.

Four Tone Spiral Mandala Pattern

My spiral mandala pattern has now been published

This pattern is made with 4 colours, or three if desired.  The spirals gradually get wider, then decrease again.

This pattern is available in US terms as well as UK/Australian terms.

Find it here:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/four-tone-spiral-mandala

And here:  http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/CraftCove/9959663/four_tone_spiral_mandala_pattern/design/patterns/crochet/home_decor

Weeks 3, 4 and 5 of CAL

I've been having a lot of fun doing the Dada Neon CAL. This is a crochet-a-long for freeform crochet. Each week there is another piece to be added to the blanket.

If you're interested in joining, here is the first week:  http://dadacrochet.blogspot.de/2014/05/your-personal-freeform-cal-week-1.html

Week 1 was an abstract shape, week 2 was a hand.

Week 3 was a flower garden:  Here's mine:

Next came Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Starry Night"
Here's my version of that:

Week 5 was favourite pet. This is very difficult for me, because I'm not really good at art, as such. Also how do I crochet every animal in the world?  They're all my favourites. I decided to go with a cat. It looks a bit like one of mine.

I decided rather than crocheting around it, I would do a netted background. Once it was joined on, I felt it needed something else, so I made a swirled ruffle in the corner. I will probably still need more, but I'll see as the blanket grows.


So this is what it looks like after week 5.

I'd gradually "loosened up"  while going through the weeks, and I started to "play" a bit more.

Floral Fantasy Mandala Pattern

 I've finished this pattern and had it tested.

It is now available from: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/floral-fantasy-mandala

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/9709288

and
http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/home-decor/floral-fantasy-mandala/103993

 
This pattern consists of a variety of stitches, creating a multi-layered textured effect.

All stitches used are explained thoroughly. Illustrations and photos are included throughout the pattern to help make everything clear.

This is great for stash busting. Use a different colour for each row, or make it all in one colour.

The finished product can be used as a doily, a wall decoration, cushion covers, and much more.