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

[Christina]

It's Perfect! I especially love the balls. They really make it fun!

[Adrianne]

Hi Lucy,

Oh my goodness, it looks so lovely. No dull interior for you! Very brave. I enjoy your updates very much. I have a blog also, but I have to update it more frequently.
And I wish I would live closer to you, so I could visit the Studio and the lovely town you live in. Perhaps in the future when I visit the UK again.

Keep up the good work!!

Best wishes,
Adrianne

[creativemau]

You are absolutely brilliant!!!
speechless !!

[janjan]

Love each and every single thing..... why oh why can't I crochet???

[Louise]

Absolutely stunning! You are A-MAZ-ING! And I love the photo of you taken by Little B! He should take more! It's so lovely to see you! Thanks, as always.

[gloria g.]

O M Goodness......it is just beautiful.....wish I could have one.....you are so talented.

And that chair. When you do one, you must show all of us......but just love your lamp.....

Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.

gloria g. happy in quilting, South Carolina

[winifred]

Really gorgeous. What a great way to reclaim that lamp. Love the little bobbles too.

[Carol]

Beautiful!

[sew]

Can't believe it's almost a year since you were here - and so much has passed - and how much your hair has grown too! All love and good wishes for Yarndale. xx

[Chel C]

This is brilliant! I wish I was going to Yarndale to see everything in its splendour. I'm looking forward to seeing and reading all about it. x

[Silly Old Suitcase]

Amazing! :-) xx

[jen]

It looks lovely, look forward to seeing it next weekend. I am going to crochet a cover for my bedroom lamp. Have a lovely week x

[Winwick Mum]

What a fun lamp - it looks lovely! x

[Liesbeth Houtman-Asselbergs]

Hello Lucy,
I like your New Profile Foto very much!
And of course everything you do. Keep up the good work and hang in there! Enjoy Yarndale!
Love,
Liesbeth Houtman, the Netherlands

[Dawn]

A chair ? What a fabulous idea, i cant wait to see!! Love your lamp!

[Beth]

That is the cutest lamp I have ever seen!!! It really makes me want to yarn bomb a couple of mine.

[Tracy Lucas]

Absolutely gorgeous, I really need to learn to crochet, you are so inspirational!

[Jane Garry]

OMG OMG that is the best thing I have ever seen!!!! Well done lucy, it's beautiful. Good luck at Yarndale...... wish I was there

[Pom Pom]

How amazing! I love your lamp!
I like your green pants, too! Colorful YOU!

[lazydaisyjones]

Its divine...adorable....well done hope your finger is finally healed...good luck with yarndale....!
bestest to you and yours today...
Daisy j

[Jo]

It's fabulous. I wish I could see it in all its glory at Yarndale, but even though I've had the date written in my diary since it was first announced, it turns out that it's the weekend when my son leaves for university so I can't make it afterall. Looking forward to hearing all about it on your blog though.

[Rachel keeling]

Brilliant x

[The House of Jones]

Tremendous!! And the little pom pom weeny balls completely make it. I CAN'T WAIT to see this at Yarndale next weekend (eek coming around so quickly!!) - it's even more impressive knowing the hours and pointy-finger-pain that went into the making.

Jones x

[Eva]

All I can say is WOWWW!!

[Devika]

How exciting!! Well done, Lucy...;)