MICRO KNITTING NEWS

from Althea Crome

July 2019

Creating new twists to original patterns

Revising History

 

I have spent the last few months revising and updating older patterns. The sweaters pictured above and to the right are my Queen Elizabeth Cardigan. I am in the process of re-writing the pattern and each time I revise it, I knit it in a new thread. The image to the right is knit from a lovely silk-wool blend and the silver and enamel buttons are hand-made by Diane Almeda. The sweater above in the background is cotton and the one above on the far right is pure silk with gorgeous silver buttons, hand-made by Stephan Wein in Germany. Using different threads in this small scale provide color and textural differences that, while subtle, create a noticeable variety.

 
More versions of Queen Elizabeth
 

Sheep farm Trio

Something about pastoral scenes with sheep and barns makes me happy. This little trio of sweaters is made with over 45 colors of thread and images of trees, barns, sheep and rolling hills. 

 

 
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Same pattern, different threads

 

Experimenting with different sized threads yields significant difference in size and gauge. This Sheep Farm micro cardigans were made with silk--Gutermann 50 on the left and YLI 100 on the right. They have the same number of stitches but as you can see, the smaller thread resulted in a sweater that was half the size

 
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Inspiration for my work in stitches

 

I often get asked what kind of art inspires me and the answer is, of course, multi facetted. However, I do find portrait miniatures and small pretty items of great interest. Pastoral scenes like the ones on these silver boxes, bags and small paintings charm me and inspire me to design similar scenes on my knitted miniatures.

 
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Beaded Handbags

 

I will admit that Iam a sucker for pretty girly things! Beaded handbags can be unbelievably elaborate and complex and can depict marvelous scenes like a tapestry with the added dimension of glass beads which add depth and shimmer. 

 
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Knittitng needles for sale at last!!

 

You asked for it and I have finally finished making a large supply of miniature knitting needles. Honestly, I hate making the needles, but I love that they might provide creative inspiration for future miniature knitters so...I have made them available for sale on my website again--click on the link below if you wish to order some. 

 
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ARTIST IN RESIDENCY 2019 AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS AND MINIATURES 

Kansas City, MO Sept 7th and 8th, 2019

 

MEET THE EXPERTS | 80 STITCHES TO THE INCH: THE MICROSCOPIC WORLD OF ALTHEA CROME

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 | 2 - 3 PM

 

Indiana-based Althea Crome is a self-taught fiber artist who has pioneered conceptual knitting in small scale. She makes her own knitting needles from surgical wire and uses fine silk sewing thread to achieve the tiny stitches that compose her work. As part of our Meet the Experts series, Crome will discuss how she developed her process, the challenges she faces in her work, and her career highlights, including the use of her miniature garments in the 2009 stop motion film Coraline. Included with admission. Free for members.

 

PHOTO CURTESY OF KSB MINIATURES COLLECTION

 
Upcoming Events
 

INTRODUCTION TO MICRO KNITTING WITH ALTHEA CROME

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2019 |10 AM - 2:30 PM

 

In this workshop, you will learn how to knit with fine threads and small needles while also making a beautiful miniature knitted sampler project that you can display in a 1:12 scale basket. Students will be provided with everything required including threads, needles, patterns and a hand-made basket. Recommended optional supplies are magnifying glasses, a bright light and small, sharp scissors. Space is limited. Public: $55, Members: $50. RSVP and prepayment are required. 816.235.8011

 

or 

 

bernardinih@toyandminiaturemuseum.org

 
More info on this workshop

 

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