fibre art

Weaving a Clasped Weft Scarf

| Valerie Baber Designs

The other week I decided I wanted to learn clasped weft weaving. With 3 colours in hand I decided to warp the dark purple and use the 2 lighter colours on the weft. One is hand painted Colour way of light purple, blue and hint of mauve pink and the other a tonal hand painted merino wool in the mauve pink colour. I love using merino wool it is so soft and lovely to wear.

The great part about clasped weft weaving is your free to decide on each row how far to move each colour. You can do so many things with this pattern. Check out the various YouTube videos online for great demonstrations on how to do this weaving technique.

Clasped weft weaving is something I want to explore further in the future. Maybe some mug rugs will be next.

Various crochet patterns by Valerie Baber Designs are available at: 

Etsy store: www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com or Ravelry www.ravelry.com/designers/valerie-baber

Follow me on my Instagram, Twitter and here on my Blog for the newest patterns, free patterns, weaving adventure, crochet journey and other fiber related items. 

Have a fibertastic day!

Weaving a space warped scarf

| Valerie Baber Designs

The space warped scarf was a style I recently finished on my Rigid Heddle Loom. I love this style as it has a modern contemporary feel to the design. I used two different yarns from SweetGeorgia Yarns. The warp was done with a Cashluxe Spark yarn in a beautiful hand painted colour way of gray, beige, brown and ivory and has a lovely sparkle in the yarn. I love using Cashluxe Spark on my warp as it adds this beautiful sheen to the scarf when the light hits it adding to the design. Unfortunately you can no longer buy this colour. The weft is done in charcoal Tough Love Sock yarn. You can see there yarn at: www.sweetgeorgiayarns.com

I really enjoyed making this scarf and love the added texture the space warps make. I put 4 spaced warps in between each set of warp yarns as shown below on a 10 dent reed. I like this size of reed on my Rigid Heddle loom with the sock weight yarn as it gives the scarf a nice soft flexibility. I have also used a 12 dent reed and like it as well, but the scarf is more firmly woven but likely warmer.

Weaving a space warped scarf was on my list of “to do”. I love the modern essence of this scarf with the beautiful texture that evolves from leaving spaces on the warp. I enjoyed the simplicity and calming ease of plain weave with the added bonus of this lovely textured outcome.

Various crochet patterns by Valerie Baber Designs are available at:

Etsy store: www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com or Ravelry www.ravelry.com/designers/valerie-baber

Follow me on my Instagram, Twitter and here on my Blog for the newest patterns, free patterns, weaving adventure, crochet journey and other fiber related items.

Have a fibertastic day!

Contemporary Crochet Scarf Pattern Collection #1:

| Valerie Baber Designs

The Contemporary Scarf Crochet Pattern Collection #1: includes 4 patterns with a classic contemporary and timeless design with a modern touch. Available at: Etsy www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com

Each pattern is Easy to crochet and is designed by Valerie Baber Designs adding a unique touch to your wardrobe. Includes the Modern Edge Collar Scarf, Lattice Lace Scarf, Scalloped Edge Collar Scarf and the Classic Crochet Ribbed Scarf.

You can change the look by changing the yarns used in each design from solid colours, gradient colours, hand painted yarns or a wonderful neutral colour. Perfect to keep you warm and cozy in the cooler months. You can also use them as and accent scarf for your favourite shirt, sweater or T shirt.

REGULAR $32.00 TO PURCHASE ALL 4 PATTERNS SEPARATELY SAVING YOU SAVE $7.00.

Written in US terminology.

Patterns are written with charts, photos and written instructions to make it easy for you to make.

To purchase separately: Etsy store: www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com or Ravelry www.ravelry.com/designers/valerie-baber

The Modern Edge Collar scarf uses Worsted weight yarn, Lattice Lace, Scalloped Edge collar scarf and the Classic Crochet Ribbed scarf all use fingerling/sock weight yarn.

Weaving some Fall Mug Rugs

| Valerie Baber Designs

With Fall just ending in my neck of the woods as we have already had several dustings of snow I wanted to share one of my recent weaving projects with the essence and colours of the autumn season. These are a set of 4 mug rugs I made with my loom perfect for making mug rugs. I like to make seasonal sets for my family so we can each enjoy the beautiful colours and patterns I have woven.

For this Fall set I chose SweetGeorgia Yarns Party of Five mini skeins in the Harvest colour way to add that special autumn colour to each piece. Each mug rug is done in different stripe combinations to add interest. I love making mug rugs for those I love. It is a very soothing and relaxing way to use your yarn bits and left overs or buy a set of mini skeins and off you go to create your own special mug rugs for those you care about or want to thank.

I hope you are inspired to learn something new today. I starting learning to weave a year ago and I have to say I am so addicted to this new adventure with fibre. I will continue to post more of my designs and weaving journey here so come along for the ride and follow my blog. Who knows where it will take you! Happy fibertastic day!

Valerie Baber Designs Crochet Patterns are available at: Etsy store: www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com or Ravelry www.ravelry.com/designers/valerie-baber

Elegant Rose X Long scarf

| Valerie Baber Designs

elegant-rose-xl-scarf-ivoryelegant-rose-xl-scarf-ivory-2elegant-rose-xl-scarf-ivory3

The Elegant Rose Scarf is now in an X – Long Style available as a finished handmade scarf and a Crochet Pattern so you can make your own.  I also carry the SweetGeorgia Super Wash Worsted weight yarn this lovely scarf is designed and made with.  You can use most worsted weight yarns to make this elegant scarf.  Available at:

www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com

www.valeriebaberdesign.com

Patterns are also available on Ravelry at:  www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/valerie-baber-designs-ravelry-store/patterns

Other pieces to match are also available as shown here:

elegant-rose-collection-patterns

The Elegant Rose hat pattern and finished handmade hat is coming soon.  You can now purchase many of these designs at the www.albertacraft.ab.ca locally in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Beach Stone Scarves

| Valerie Baber Designs

Beach Stone Scarves in various styles and colours are now available on my stores at www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com and www.valeriebaberdesign.com

Made with hand painted merino wool that is soft and luxurious to wear.  Available in the blue, ivory and gray backgrounds with beach stones and sea plants you see on the beach.  One of my favourite places to go is Vancouver, Canada.  The yarn used is from SweetGeorgia Yarns which is also in Vancouver, Canada.  A perfect match for this design as Felicia often uses inspiration from the area for the colours of her beautiful yarns. The blue is called Deep Cove which is a beautiful area outside of Vancouver that has water this amazing colour.  I had a great time popping into SweetGeorgia Yarns last week when I took a visit to Vancouver.  More on that later….

You can purchase my designs locally in the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada area at:

Alberta Craft Council:  www.albertacraft.ab.ca

Art Gallery of St. Albert:  www.artgalleryofstalbert.com

 

Crochet Christmas Dress – for my Dog!

| Valerie Baber Designs

Ms. Santa Paws is here with her beautiful Christmas dress just in time for the Season.   Adding some Christmas Joy and Happiness with the model below aka. my daughter and Fashion Blogger http://www.alittledetail.com.  Our dog Mocha is a wonderful dog who has been such an amazing addition to our family bringing peace, joy and love that I want to pass on to you this Christmas.

I just had to design and make her a special dress with a bit of sparkle like her personality.   Adorned with two white Christmas Roses and some holly leaves and berries on one side of the dress.  On the other side I chose to leave plain to show how cute this dress is on it’s own.  The yarn I used is from www.sweetgeorgiayarns.com  (Lots of new colours of their yarn now on my sites at www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com) with the trim bling yarn from www.artyarns.com  Both are beautiful luxurious yarns you would not usually use on your dogs dress, but it’s Christmas and you need a touch of bling.  Why not spoil Mocha since she gives to us all year round without asking for anything back.   I had such a great time designing this for her, she is such a special part of our family.

We also have a cat, but there is no way we could ever put anything like this on her.  I once tried putting a harness on her so she could go outside.  LOL  She became this amazing break dancer spinning around on her back.  It was so funny, but obvious it wasn’t going to happen again.  🙂

I wish everyone a most wonderful Christmas!!!!  Don’t forget to pass on giving to those around you in need.  I will be donating a over 50 scarves I have made and some hand warmers to local shelters to help keep others warm this winter.  I am mentioning this as I want to challenge you to do what you can for those in need this year.  Even 1 hat, scarf or a set of mittens helps.  You don’t have to make them, buy them and pass on the warmth this season to those who need them.

Merry Christmas from myself at Valerie Baber Designs to you!!

New yarns, patterns and designs available at:

www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com

www.valeriebaberdesign.com

 

New Designs and more…crochet and knitting

| Valerie Baber Designs

Stone Tracery XLarge Scarf

Now available on my Etsy store at www.valeriebaberdesigns.etsy.com Many other unique scarves, hand warmers, hats and more.  Check out the newest designs too.

It has been a long hard 10 weeks since I injured my right arm especially since I haven’t been able to knit or crochet since then and still not able to.  I have to say it is almost torture for a designer not to design and create everyday, but at the same time it gives you rest (even though your kicking and screaming LOL).  The injury progressed to my left arm due to over use looking after the right arm and then angered my neck and shoulders so just when I thought I was making head way everything was a mess.  Glad to say that this week I finally feel like I am getting back to doing some things myself again and it feels great.  Part of my injuries was over use from working to hard on my creations, but you know you just have to knit and crochet as it’s so much fun.  I did try to dabble a little with more pattern writing, perhaps I will work on that again soon.

I hope in the next few months that I can once again pick up my needles and create new pieces.  Luckily I was working on new designs all year prior to my injuries and will have more new designs on my Etsy store soon.  You can also link with www.valeriebaberdesign.com for my new Etsy Website.

You can also purchase my many designs locally in Edmonton, Alberta at www.albertacraft.ab.ca or in St. Albert, Alberta at www.artgalleryofstalbert.ca

Stained Glass Window Scarf – Gothic Architecture Inspiration

| Valerie Baber Designs

stained glass scarf large window scarf9stained glass scarf large window scarf

Stained Glass Window Scarf is based on the Stained Glass Windows of past Architecture with a trim reminiscent of Gothic Style Architecture. As I continue to work on my Architectural journey with yarn and needles I am inspired by many different styles and designs of the past that continue to influence us today.  In previous designs I have concentrated on the Stone Tracery on Gothic Architectural buildings.  This year I will be concentrating on the Stained Glass with an undertone of Stone Tracery and other aspects of design.  I have always loved Stained Glass and even took some course on Stained Glass for a couple of years.  I know the depth and extreme talent, patience and skill it takes to make and design a window like this.  It is very time consuming and you need to be a perfectionist to achieve the finished product.  I can tell you having made Stained Glass in the Past that is much easier to crochet it like I have.  I love both working with glass and with yarn, but now that my designing is in yarn again I just had to let my inspiration go in this direction.   SEE MORE PICTURES BELOW.  At the bottom of these pictures you will see the underside of the Stained Glass Window showing 3 buttons you can use to fasten this design where you like.

Various designs are available at www.valeriebaberdesign.com, www.valeriebaberdesign.etsy.com  and other local store locations (message me for locations of stores in the Edmonton, Alberta area).

This is my first try at Stained Glass with yarn and there is definitely room for improvement and fine tuning so pop by again to see how I improve and enhance this stained glass crochet.  I will be selling a few down the road and will let you know at that time where.  This is just the beginning of this adventure so come along with me and join in the journey by following my Social Media where I will post new blog posts and listings in this Collection and more.

This scarf was made with beautiful www.sweetgeorgiayarns.com in the dk weight Super Wash Merino wool on the base of the scarf.  The metal trim around the “crochet glass” pieces was done in the exquisite Cashluxe Spark yarn in the Slate colour way.  It has a lovely sparkle to it that shines in the light giving that perfect metallic essence.  The Stained Glass pieces were done in www.malabrigoyarn.com Rios yarn that I had on hand.  I love combining different yarns from different companies at each is unique especially when it comes to hand painted yarns like these.  Each skein of hand painted yarn is done perfectly just for you to expand the Artistic journey for the item you are making.