Blog Posts

Freeforming into the future

Creating textured surfaces with Jenny Dowde. ‘Surface Works’ by Australian artist, Jenny Dowde, is about adding surface decoration to plain knitted or crocheted backgrounds. Through more than 30 projects Jenny, using traditional and freeform approaches, provides numerous suggestions for creating textured surfaces in knitting and crochet, using fancy yarns, handmade ...

Crochet terminology

Terminology between USA & Australia/International

Max Walters

Max Walters is a creative explosion. Stationed at Spotlight’s new South Melbourne store, he is an inspiration to all he meets and, after only months living in the city, has already forged friendships and working relationships with creative groups in the local community. Max sees purple as his “royal colour” ...

Non judgemental knitters - knitting for Brisbane’s needy

A chance introduction with a pastor at a local church led Queensland woman, Karen Croke, to begin knitting for the homeless and underprivileged in Brisbane. Two years later 164 members have joined her cause and all of them are learning valuable lessons along the way. “I can knit, I learned ...

Jenny King

Regular readers of the 'get creative' magazine and visitors to Quilt & Craft Fairs around Australia will be familiar with the woman we have, in the past, referred to as a doyen of the crochet world. Queensland-based Jenny King is a one woman revolution in the crochet and yarn field ...

Artist Profile - Lisa Daehlin

There’s something about the Big Apple - that old town New York - that breeds uber-talented knitters and artists of all types. Could there be something in the water? Certainly there seems to be inspiration in the air. Our latest Manhattan discovery is opera singer and knitting designer, Lisa Daehlin, ...

Yarn - get the basics

'Basics' Harvest (50g) 100% wool; available in up to 23 colours. Knit or crochet fashionable garments and accessories. This pure wool is great for felting. 'Moda Vera’ Grace (100g) 80% acrylic, 20% wool; available in up to nine colours. Great for cushions and throws. 'Basics' 8 Ply Pure Wool (50g) ...

Projects

Crochet motif collar necklace

“Not your grandma’s crochet” is a term that gets thrown around a lot lately & this artistic, alluring creation shows you why. Dress up transeasonal garments, draw attention to the wearer’s face and, of course, expand your crochet skills with this wonderfully modern project.

Granny Square Scarf

The politically correct police are yet to come up with a new word to describe one of the world’s favourite crochet terms.

Granny Square Bag

The politically correct police are yet to come up with a new word to describe one of the world's favourite crochet terms

Granny Square dog coat

The politically correct police are yet to come up with a new word to describe one of the world’s favourite crochet terms.

Perky Poncho

The artist formerly known as Prince sang about a raspberry beret... if only he had seen this gorgeous creation... surely he would have come up with a second instalment for that tune!

Crochet neck tie

This 225cm long, thin crochet scarf is the height of fashion & versatility.

Granny Square Hat

The politically correct police are yet to come up with a new word to describe one of the world’s favourite crochet terms.

Crochet radial hat

The hat’s back! Keep your locks under wraps this winter with this distinctive crochet design.

Crochet beret

The hat’s back! Keep your locks under wraps this winter with this distinctive crochet design.

Crochet snow cone hat

The hat’s back! Keep your locks under wraps this winter with this distinctive crochet design.

Granny square knee rug

Purple Glamour - Granny square knee rug by Max Walters from the South Melbourne (VIC) Spotlight store

Curlicue scarf

Summer sun is lovely but colder months allow many of us to indulge our wildest, woolliest, accessory ambitions.

Dare to dangle

Like all chokers, this unusual piece sits close to the throat, drawing all eyes to you.

Snug style choker

The origins of the choker may go back to the days where women wore a ribbon around their neck. Our version is a tad more glam!

Crochet overshirt

Not a winter woolly but definitely a fashion traffic stopper & quick to make to boot.

Crochet capelet

Crochet continues its new millenium make-over with cheeky little ‘glitz’ designs like this.

Strawberry parfait throw rug

Brighten up the coldest room with a knit that’s proud & loud.

Crochet daisy

The hottest look in yarn accessories at the moment are embellishments like these.

Crochet two tiered flower

As stand-alone decorative items or as additions to garments, bags, wraps & more, these flowers come in handy.

Crochet for diners

A ‘get creative’ readers project by Inna Ohandi from Castle Hill NSW.

Crochet market bag

Don’t go green, go multi-coloured with this useful, fun crochet project.

Red dragon

Project supplied by one of our favourite Creative Teachers, Jenny King, a beautiful little character

Afghan adventures - Afghan

Make this wonderful afghan, there is also available a project for matching floor rug & basic bag in the Inspiration Room.

Afghan adventures - Floor rug

Make this wonderful floor rug, there is also available a project for matching striped bag & afghan in the Inspiration Room.

Afghan adventures - Striped bag

Make this wonderful striped bag, there is also available a project for matching floor rug & afghan in the Inspiration Room.

Crochet Christmas - candy cane covers

Utilise your yarn skills this Christmas with these daringly different, colourful creations.

Crochet Christmas - Star dreamcatcher

Utilise your yarn skills this Christmas with these daringly different, colourful creations.

Crochet Christmas - snow flake dreamcatcher

Utilise your yarn skills this Christmas with these daringly different, colourful creations.

Crochet Christmas - flower dreamcatcher

Utilise your yarn skills this Christmas with these daringly different, colourful creations.

Two colour crochet clutch

With thanks to ‘get creative’ reader, Kylie Bowers from Langwarrin, Victoria.

Crochet cat

Expand your crochet skills to make a feline with finesse.

Crochet V-stitch wrap 1 (multi)

Keep crocheting throughout the summer with these cute, simple swimsuit cover-ups.

Crochet wraps - V-stitch wrap 2 (blue)

Keep crocheting throughout the summer with these cute, simple swimsuit cover-ups.

Crochet monkey with scarf

A gift that they’ll treasure forever; this crocheted critter is sure to delight.

Crochet dress

Cover up with crochet this summer with this project for those wishing to advance their yarn skills.

How to - Fringing

Step by step lesson - for teachers or learners

Doily décor - black square cushion

Recycle grandma’s doilies with ready-made or handmade cushion covers.

Doily décor - pink square cushion

Recycle grandma’s doilies with ready-made or handmade cushion covers.

Doily décor - pink rectangle cushion

Recycle grandma’s doilies with ready-made or handmade cushion covers.

Crochet fruity bags - Pineapple

Crochet lovers beware! Once you start making these bags, everyone will want one.

Crochet fruity bags - strawberry

Crochet lovers beware! Once you start making these bags, everyone will want one.

Crochet bangles

Perfect for teenagers and tweens

Crochet wire coat hanger

Good ideas never die. Hold on to slippery fabrics & avoid creasing with this old-school crochet project.

Crochet wooden coat hanger

Good ideas never die. Hold on to slippery fabrics & avoid creasing with this old-school crochet project.

Your Inspiration Room