Funky Lamp Yarnbomb :: Ta-dah!

It seems like a long time since I did any ta-dahing around here, so needless to say I am really pretty darn excited about this particular fun and funky reveal.

Earlier on today I had to go and do a little bit of hunting through my photo archives, as I couldn't actually remember when I started this project. Turns out it was way back in May, in the pre-Bunting period of my life (and that does really seem like a previous life time). It was also pre-pointy-finger-injury, when I was able to whip my way speedily through stripe after stripe without any hooky cares.

This pretty bit of stripy crochet is all set to wrap itself around the stick of my lamp, which is about 120cm tall. I worked simple, short rows of double crochet, the colours worked completely at random. The delicious yarn is Rico Essentials Merino DK, worked on a 3.5mm hook. I left all the tail ends in place, as I knew I would use them to do the stitching up bit...that way, each stripe gets stitched up in it's own colour which makes for a very neat finish.

I worked on the circular cover for the base throughout July, and I was really struggling with my poorly finger at the time. The rows happened incredibly painfully and slowly, gosh it makes me wince just thinking about it. But eventually I got there, slowly but surely, and it was then time to begin work on the shade.

The shade was most definitely the most fun bit of the whole project, perhaps because my finger was finally pain-free again by this time. The shade is quite large (The bottom circle measures 45cm across), and although I had a rough idea of how I wanted it to look, I took a very spontaneous, wing-it kind of approach. I made a foundation chain that fit snuggly around the top of the shade, then worked a few rows of double crochet before joining it neatly into a ring. I then switched to working Granny Clusters (groups of three treble crochet stitches).

The method of increasing was a bit trial and error, but this is how I did it ::

The first rows of granny clusters have no chain spaces between. When that gets to be a tight fit, start making chain-1 spaces between clusters. And when that gets snug, make ch-2 spaces between. Finally, when those rows become a tight fit, it's time to increase. Work a row of double crochet into every stitch, including the chain spaces (that's the dinky little teal coloured row in the above picture).

You then go back to making granny clusters with no spaces, then ch-1 spaces, then ch-2 spaces before adding in another little increase row of dc...... does that make sense?

I absolutely LOVED working these rows.

I loved the vibrant colours and loved the feel of the soft merino yarn.

It was an absolute pleasure-fest.

ooooooooooooo-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

Row after row after row of colour-filled happiness ♥

I kind of almost didn't want it to end. Kind of. But I was also getting really excited at the thought of seeing it all come together.

The crochet sits neatly on top of the original shade with no effort whatsoever. No glue, no stitching, no nothing. Just a neat, snug fit.

The crochet shade was/is such a lovely object. It pleases me so much just to look at it.

You might remember me making these Weeny Balls a few weeks ago as a final flourish for the bottom of the lampshade. In case you missed it first time around, here is the pattern for these cute little things ::

Make a slip knot leaving a 20cm tail end (to use as stuffing). Work in a continuous round in arigurumi style, counting stitches carefully as you go.
Ch 2, work 6dc into 2nd ch from hook [6 sts]
(2dc in next st, dc in next st) 3 times [9 sts]
dc in each of next 9 sts [9 sts]
Use the end of hook to help stuff the tail end up inside the little ball.
(sk 1 st, dc in next st) 5 times, then make one final slip stitch so that the hole closes completely.
Fasten off, then use a needle to thread tail end down through the weeny ball, pull gently to neaten the round shape, then darn back up again. Snip off yarn end.

I made 36 of them altogether.

My first idea was to create some sort of fine, lacy edging from which to dangle my balls, but after many failed attempts to get it right I opted instead for simple scallops.

After the scallops were made, I worked around them in double crochet, stopping half way along each scallop to attach a weeny ball with a slip stitch, before continuing. The balls are secure as they are crocheted on as opposed to being stitched on, and the finish is beautifully neat. Oh, and I worked this final row from the Wrong Side as for some reason the balls dangled better this way.

Wanna see it then?

OK

here

it

comes........................................

Yeeeee-hawwwwwwww!!!!

So funky!!! So fun!!! And quite a bit eccentric!!!

You have to remember that this is a Yarn Bomb thing. It was always meant to be a bit wacky, a bit of a joke, Ok? We can't take it too seriously. Hold that thought...............

............cos it's going to get even more outlandish as it all comes together!

I wish I'd photographed the coming-together bit to show you, but truthfully it wasn't pretty. It involved swear words and a mild tantrum when I realised that the crocheted circular base could IN NO WAY simply be popped in place. Of course not! Even with the stick unbolted from underneath, there was still the electric flex running through. I ended up having to remove the plug to thread the flex through the crochet, then re-wiring the plug and putting the whole shebang back together again. Hence no photos. The stripy stick was easy enough to do though, it just involved lots of sewing with all those ends.

So. Here we have it.....one yarn bombed lamp

Complete with shade, sporting it's dingle-dangle balls.

Ta-dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the Before and After.

The Before was a tired old Ikea lamp, purchased many moons ago for very little money, and pretty past it's best. It never stood straight, not ever. It was always wonky.

The After is this rather crazy creation which will take pride of place in my Attic24 Home Corner at Yarndale next weekend. It is crying out to be exhibited and shown off in public. It's just a tad OTT for home.

It's pretty good all lit up, although it has lowered the light levels in the room somewhat.

And really, with all the other crochet items that live in this room, the lamp is just a bit much. I still love it though, it has charm and a very happy character. After Yarndale, I'll take it to live in my studio and we'll treat ourselves to something new for home.

I had to share this last photo with you :: this is where Little B sneakily gets hold of my camera and takes some snaps of his own (there were various other pictures of his feet and his toys on the coffee table too). He loves to help, loves to be in on the action. Sweet boy.

And finally....I'd like to share the inspiration behind this project which came from two amazing hooky ladies >>>>

This glorious crochet chair, made by Aussie yarn bomb queen Dell Nolan, AKA Dellicious Crochet.

And this wonderful crochet by textile artist Kate Jenkins, who famously yarn bombed an entire hotel room.

Next year, I'll do a chair. I'd love to do that.

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Comments

[Rebecca]

Yarndale was incredible - thank you so much. I had the best time ever. I agree that the lamp is wonderful and I would happily give it a home in my house given the opportunity!! x

[Deanna McArthur]

Oh wow! That is absolutely amazing! Haven't seen anything like that before and it is beautiful! I will have to save this and try it someday for my daughter!

[Bonnie T]

WOW! Immediate thought - that would make a GREAT skirt! Second thought - I want one for my lounge room! Is it almost OTT enough for me :) I just love that you were inspired by Dell, she is my crochet hero and part of my online crochet group (Facebook version of knit and natter). Well done Lucy! It's fantastic!

[Maple Trueheart]

Dear Lucy, this is one of the loveliest crochet projects I've ever seen and I must say: Your lampshade is sooo much more pretty than the inspiration lampshade because of its colours, its pattern and the sweet dingle-dangle balls that are as cute as a button.(Sorry, Kate Jenkins)I think I'm going to copy that idea.(Sorry, Lucy)

[Mrs Dawn Cooke]

Loved your yarnbombing creations. Am hoping to do some kind of yarnbombing project in the future.This site has given me much encouragement.

[Kim W]

I am in awe. You are the best! I really like the photo taken by little B. Thank you for reminding me how sweet the little ones can be. I love your color palette. I wish I could find similar ones here in the States. any suggestions?
hugs.

[Sabrina]

A great piece of art....you are immensely talented...all those beautiful colors alongwith those little balls make it perfect....Loved it!!!

[Anna]

Wonderful lamp now! Alone the lamp shade looks like a skirt :)hehe Well done, Lucy!

[Do you love him Loretta (Arda)]

It is perfect!

[Emily]

So inspirational! LOVE it!

[Shannon]

Your lamp made me absolutely, completely happy.

[Giesta]

Fabulous. Fantastic. You have very very talentend! I love the idea and the colours!

[Carol]

Beautiful! I am so looking forward to seeing all these wonderful creations in the "flesh" .
Only 3 more sleeps!
Carol xx

[Steinunn Knútsdóttir]

Hi Lucy,
I love your work, you are amazing, how you put the colors together and just everything you do. Thank you so much for sharing all the pictures.

Steinunn

[Janice Franssen]

I think after you have used it at Yarndale you should put it in your studio, it would look great there.

Janice

[Julie Evans]

Just wanted to wish you good luck for the weekend - I am so looking forward to Yarndale - feel like a kid at Christmas! I'm sure it will be a brilliant success there's so much good will coming your way for all the hard work you've put in xx

[Debbie Hall]

Hello -

My name is Debbie and I'm from Buffalo, NY in the US. I am always looking for fun and creative things to do with crochet and was inspired when I came to your site. I would like very much to follow your blog for more creative ideas. Thank you!

[Erika]

Oh, I forgot to mention that we have now our own little "ConnyVan". You can find some pics on my blog... But it will take ages until it looks that neatly decorated with crocheted pillows and throws!!

[Erika]

Is it really too much for a living room?? I think on dark winter evenings such a lamp could bring light into my heart :-)) I am pleased, that you plan to use this lamp in your studio after yarndale!!
Erika

[Chelsey]

It looks SO good!
If we could all yarn bomb everything, that would be my ideal world.

[beth]

I LOVE it...I actually laughed out loud with delight when I saw that you had covered the whole base, too. It is so much fun! Beth

[Trillian Locke]

I am flabbergasted. What an amazing, gorgeous, delightful creation in all its eccentricity. I love quirky things that make me smile and warm my heart with their playfulness. What a joy to behold dear Lucy. I so wish I could be there for Yarndale but alas I have to wait till next May to visit UK. Now I'm off to visit the blog of the chair bomber, another delight. Blessings, Trills.

[Barb]

Lucy, I love the lamp. I also love the picture that little B took. You should show your teeth more when you smile.

[Kim]

Your lamp looks fantastic Lucy and totally looks in place within your home :-) I looooove that chair too and would rather like one myself. Wonder if you could quilt one in funky patchwork?......

[Tanya Miller]

Amazing work as always. Wish I could make it to Yarndale to see it in person but can't this year. I will tell my friend to look out for it.