AKA Amigurumi

My name is Kwokkie Doll
a.k.a. AKA Amigurumi!
(Made by Jodiebodie 2013)

G'day! 

It's me again, in my Christmas hat, wishing everyone hope and goodwill for the holiday season and beyond.

I first popped up on Lupey Loops at Christmas in 2013. 

Do you remember?  Jodiebodie promised to give me a blog entry all to myself.  I thought she was going to introduce me properly in April 2014 but that must have been an April Fools' joke because nothing more ever came of that.
How disappointing.

Not to worry! I am here to tell you myself! 
My name is "Kwokkie Doll" and this is my story …

More Examples of Crochet Spider Stitch

Spider stitch features in this scarf.
(Made by Jodiebodie 2014.
Pattern: Diamond-Strike Scarf by Kristen Stolzfus)

Are you familiar with the phenomenon where you buy a new car and when you go driving, you suddenly start seeing lots of cars of the same model and make where previously you had never noticed them before?

I think that is what happened to me with spider stitches!

Adelaide Mini Maker Faire 2015

On the first of November I went to the Adelaide Mini Maker Faire.  It is all about 'makers' and 'making'. The first 'Maker Faires' were held in 2006 in the USA to promote the 'Maker Movement'. It sounds to me like fancy words to give a modern label to the old DIY (do-it-yourself) and home-made trends (some call them 'granny skills) which are experiencing a resurgence.

It's the second Mini Maker Faire to be held in Adelaide (the first was in 2013) but the first one for me and I have some photos to share.

Procrastinate Now!

Almost finished tea towel top!

The school term has finished and I'm settling into a more relaxed pace with more time to crochet but I have to ask myself, "If I want to get the crocheted projects done in time for Christmas Day, why am I getting out the sewing machine?"

Adelaide Moon Lantern Festival 2015

In October, I posted a Quick WIP Round of my activities as spring shaped up to be a hectic season. With barely time to pick up a crochet hook, it's been slow going on my projects; however, the good news is that my hospital treatments seem to be working and it has been a joy to be able to increase my activity levels and enjoy some outings.

Spring Stories & Spider Stitches

A deadly redback spider.

Spring is not my favourite season.
Itches, asthma, too much sneezin'
Blowflies, spiders, creepy crawlies,
Coughs and colds and feeling poorly,

Lack of sleep from daylight savings,
Gives cause to senseless daytime ravings!
New growth, flowers, seeds and sprouts,
(until the bunny digs them out!)

Weeds and wildlife, changing weather,
Pure vexation altogether;
For a multitude of reasons
Spring is not my favourite season.

Here is a glimpse of my South Australian springtime with a few crochet inspirations too.

What Happened to All Those Poppies?

Did you guess the number of poppies
in this pile?
The answer is in June's blog entry
 "Poppies Shaping Up"
 


 

In June, I was busy making poppies for a special project.

Today, Remembrance Day, poppies come into prominence again.  These poppies were used in a commemorative project so today is an appropriate day to show you the results.

How to Add a Lining to a Bag

Adding a fabric lining is my last step to complete Janet Brani's WIP Project Bag–a crocheted drawstring bag which converts to a backpack.

Why bother with a lining?  This post provides good reasons for lining crocheted bags and shows my method step-by-step.

A Quick WIP Round

The last month has been extremely hectic around here so if you haven't seen me online for a while, it is because I haven't been online for a while.  I 'ditched' the computer and got busy.  

Here's a quick whip-round of what I have been doing (WIPs* included) …

Sunshine Award

Last week, Raphaela of the blog, Hummingbird Redemption, nominated me for a Sunshine Award!

Thank you so much for your kindness, Raphaela!

It is an honour to be recognised by someone who is a beautiful ray of sunshine herself.  That is what this award is about: 
to add 'sunshine' to other bloggers by sharing blogs that bring joy and inspire with creativity, positive outlooks and the overcoming of adversity.

How to Turn a Drawstring Bag into a Backpack

This useful drawstring bag is just the right size for a take-along crochet project.  

It becomes more useful when carried on your back, keeping hands free for riding a bike, wheeling a chair or holding on for dear life on crowded public transport!

Hold little ones' hands as you stroll to the park where they can play and so can you (with your crochet)!

This is how Janet Brani's "WIP Project Bag" pattern changes a simple drawstring bag into a convenient backpack.

Messy to the Max

Meet Max …

Liebster Antwoorden in het Nederlands (Dutch Liebster Answers)

Further to my second nomination for a Liebster Award, here are the Dutch questions with my Dutch answers together with a list of other Liebster-deserving blogs.

Don't worry if you cannot read Dutch–my English answers can be found further down the page.

Eindelijk schrijf ik iets in het Nederlandse taal om de Liebster Award te eren. Bedankt Anne Vanderkerckhove. Zij heeft me genomineerd door haar blog Anne's Crochet Palace. 

Het spijt me dat een lange tijd had geweest - ik moet mijn verstand van het Engels naar het Nederlands veranderen - moeilijk als man altijd vermoien zijn. Maar vandaag ben ik blij en krachtig. Nu krijgen we de antwoorden van Anne's vragen. 

(Nederlands is niet mijn eerste taal - als je iets verkeerd zien, alstublieft vertellen! Dan zal ik het beter leren.)

WIP Project Bag: Progress Photos At Last!

Way back in January, I started work on a little bag.

I chose a variegated sock yarn from my stash
to highlight the stitch pattern.

Struggles with Blogger & Google+ Community Friend Connections

I need help with my housekeeping!

Blog housekeeping, that is; to link to the blog a friendly, private online space just for Lupey Loops friends to meet, chat and share with each other.

Now there is such a space: a Lupey Loops Google+ 'Community':  https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/114403140403082646908

My problem now is to somehow connect the Lupey Loops blog 'Members' with the new Google+ 'Community' and your help is needed, especially if you would like to participate. 

Access All Areas: Stairs or Stares?

I am trying to decide which is the greater barrier to disability access–stairs or stares?

Perhaps you or somebody else can be the judge.

Footy Friendships & Corporate Crochet

I'm losing my voice, 

My throat is hoarse,

But not to the lurgy–

From footy, of course! 

Let's just say I got quite excited at the Adelaide Crows' last home game for the season. There was so much to cheer about:

Lost without Lists

Today I find myself revisiting  Packing for Hospital as I prepare for another overnight stay in hospital while undergoing more tests.  I have known this was coming since the iron infusion but infusion was so successful, I have been living a bit of the high life while I can!

Long Fingerless Mitts

More fingerless mitts!

Hooray! A finished item! 

Actually, two finished items:
a pair of fingerless mitts.
 

Getting My Head Around … Results!

It's not 'just me'.
These autoimmune diseases are difficult to fathom for my doctors too.

Getting My Head Around It

"You've got to get your head around this, Jodie."

These are the words of my General Practitioner (GP) as we review my medical status.

I fear the positive effects of a recent iron infusion have been totally undone by the stress of forced household upheaval.

Love a Good Yarn at the Migration Museum

Love a Good Yarn:
knitting and crochet from Nanna to now

–a current exhibition at 

the Migration Museum of South Australia.

This historic building houses the main display
of the Love a Good Yarn Exhibition

Open until 31 August 2015, entry is free.  

Last week, I went with my friend Cheryl to have a look …

Double the Magazine Fun

I went to the newsagency to buy one magazine …

 … and came home with two!

Shame & Solidarity.

The Adelaide Crows play the Sydney Swans today. 

A Crafter's Natural Habitat

Do you ever lose track of time when you are crafting?

Hooks, Needles & Nurses!

A day in hospital need not be boring, especially with hooks and needles in tow!

Dutch Mandala #MandalasForWink #MandalasForMarinke

"Dutch Mandala"
crocheted by Jodiebodie
#MandalasForWink

These two Dutch bunnies hopped across their shelf today to discover my tribute to Dutch crochet designer and author, Marinke Slump, also known as 'Wink' from the blog A Creative Being.

Tiny Flower

Last night I made a tiny flower from very fine thread and I think I will be needing glasses very soon!

Ton of Wool

Lookie! I received a 'ton of wool' in the post!

A Tragic Twenty-four Hours

Last night, my family and I were greatly saddened to learn that the well-known and well-loved crocheter and blogger Marinke Slump of A Creative Being had lost her battle with depression.

This morning, I woke to the news that Phil Walsh, Adelaide Crows' coach, had died suddenly overnight in tragic circumstances. 

Silk Mohair Scarf Delivery

Silk mohair scarf (folded)
designed by Jodiebodie

The latest silk mohair scarf has been delivered!

2015 Half-yearly Review

As the 30th of June marks the halfway mark of 2015, I am undergoing a half-yearly review.

Slip Stitch (Bosnian Crochet) Scarves

My two finished scarves!
Pattern: Slip Slope Scarf
by Vashti Braha

At last! Two complete scarves, both done with the 'slip stitch crochet' technique, also known as 'Bosnian crochet'. 

I promised to blog about this last May so now it is time to gather photos, pattern details and resources for further learning about slip stitch crochet.

Scarves, Exhausted with Colour

 Seeking comfort in the colours of crochet during a very challenging week.

Close-up of finished slip stitch scarf.

Going Out for a Crochet Night In

The month of May 2015 brought some happy crafting social events to my fair city of Adelaide, South Australia.

First of all, the Stitches and Craft Show which I attended with my multi-craftual friend 'M': I got to catch up with old acquaintances like Prudence Mapstone and friends, and make new friends like 'Sheepish' Sarah and Charmaine from Yarnarama.

Then I found out that fellow crochet blogger Michelle Westlund was coming to visit from New South Wales. How exciting! For the first time we would be in the same city at the same time and couldn't let the opportunity slip. 

Poppies Shaping Up

This is what a big bunch of poppies look like!
How many do you think there are?

BHG's Knitting & Crochet Collection

 

The Better Homes & Gardens' winter yarn crafting issue has hit the shops.

It comes with two acrylic crochet hooks 

(5 mm and 6.5 mm) and 

two pom pom makers (7.6 cm and 10 cm).

A 'Drafty' Mind as the Fog Lifts

A jar of crocheted poppies
between the pot plants

Has it truly been two weeks since the last blog entry? That's what happens when life gets hectic (and when one loses an entire week to being crook) but I managed to get so much done regardless!

Lots Going On! (Update)

Lupey Loops blog posts have been irregular lately because it has been such a busy time in many areas of my life: health, family, community, crochet and the blogosphere!

This post is about sharing all the news!

Adelaide Stitches & Craft Show

This badge was given to me
when I collected my ticket.

After a short break from the online world, and with renewed vigor, I am here to tell you about the current Stitches & Craft Show in Adelaide,  South Australia.  

You have 1 more day (today) to visit the Wayville Showgrounds and enjoy some crafty goodness. The show started on Thursday and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily until Saturday 9 May 2015.

Waking up with extreme tiredness and flaring symptoms, Thursday was not the best of mornings but I persevered and was rewarded with a happy day and some photographs.

Access All Areas: Adaptive Crochet

International Access Symbol
crocheted by Jodie

As a regular visitor to Rachel Choi's extremely useful and informative Crochet Spot web site, I was very pleased to read an article about 'Adaptive Crochet for the Legally Blind'. 

Poppy Patterns

A community poppy display (close-up).
(Photo: M. Prime)

As Anzac Day approaches, I'm on a quest to find the perfect crocheted poppy.

Here is a collection of poppy patterns …

What Do Trains Have to Do with Crochet?

Many people like to crochet (or knit) while travelling on trains.

Further to an earlier post about trains, I am continuing the theme to reflect on what makes a good pattern for travel and investigate train-themed projects; but before I do that, I have some photos to share of a recent encounter with steam locomotives.

Access All Areas: Training the Transport Department

International Access Symbol
crocheted by Jodie


 

In 2011, I attended a 'Come and Try Accessible Public Transport' day organised by the government's transport department. 

It was a chance to try out the various forms of transport in a safe environment while at the same time provide feedback to the government about the transport system of the day and how to best cater for the needs of people with disabilities.  

New trains and trams had been commissioned and the government was seeking advice from people with disabilities about how to design the internal features of the trains to make them more accessible.

It was very exciting to be able to influence positive change and communicate with decision-makers.

Easter Greetings & More Stash-busting Mini Baskets

Happy Easter!

An awesome Easter for me and my family as we spent the evening observing the lunar eclipse.

Happy Hospitals

Tuesday: hospital day.

I woke just before dawn but this particular Tuesday found me feeling rather fragile emotionally and physically.  

Better Than a Bought One

This is the penultimate post about my purple Belcarra Cardigan of 2014. 
(Pattern designed by Robyn Chachula.)  

During the life of this project, I've grappled with indecision and incorrect information,  'swatch sagas' and 'tension headaches', over-analysis and adjustments, and fussing and finishing. 

Now, the Belcarra Cardigan is done in spite of mathematical and motivational challenges, and I am pleased to model it for you today!

Whoooo's this?

I love wrapping presents!

Nog een Liebster! (Another Liebster Award!)

I never intended Lupey Loops to be multi-lingual, but  participation by bloggers from all over the world is the beautiful nature of the blogosphere.

This week I must thank Belgian blogger Anne Vandekerckhove from Anne's Crochet Palace blog who loves her cats and loves to crochet toy cats and cat toys amongst many other amazing things.  

She has nominated me for another Liebster Award which is very kind
–thank you Anne!

A Personal Touch

My speedy ripple blanket is hanging on the line.

A Week in WIPs

A summary of my week in crochet.

My blog entries have been irregular lately due to 

'hatches, dispatches and bad health patches'! 

Thank you for your patience with the pause between posts.

Speedy Blankets

Need a blanket in a hurry?  

I managed to crochet a snuggly throw in less than 10 days. 

Here's how …

Access All Areas: Michelle's Melbourne Adventure

International Access Symbol
crocheted by Jodie

In the aftermath of Stella Young's untimely death, I am pleased to see active discussion about disability issues continuing around me.

I discovered that my blogging friend, MichelleWestlund of Crochet Between Worlds, is also a wheelchair user who has experienced exclusion from public spaces when using her wheelchair. This affected one of her (able-bodied) friends so profoundly that he wrote an article about it: