Jo Bodley 10 06 241

G and B 'Weird and Wonderful' Competition. I lost out to a man who makes sculpture out of his kidney stones and a stripping bassoon player, among others !

Positive Talents - Jo B comedy act

My contribution to Positive Talents Carers event

Recycling cashmere

 I return to one of my favourite subjects. You cant beat cashmere for lightness, warmth and softness. The downside is, the washing machine is not its friend and I can't be the only person whose gorgeous beige luxe cowl neck jumper came out looking like a needle felted Yoda toy- now there's an idea...

I've been experimenting with some cashmere samples. fashion industry waste, and here are two ideas I've come up with so far.

500ml mini hot water bottles from ebay, the pre-felted samples are hand sewn on and the tops are stretchy so you can fill them with hot- not boiling- water.

I used a washing machine cycle which takes about 2 hours set at 30 degrees, with a towel or pair of jeans for company.This was enough to provide a thick but not too thick felted material which is still soft to the touch. Felting in the machine is always something of a lottery though, if in doubt experiment with a small piece first, measure before and after to gauge percentage of shrinkage and use this when designing. 40-50 % in this case.

 There's a pattern online for slippers by making one large ' bag' shape which looks for all the world like a pair of dangly breasts. After felting in the machine, one 'breast' shape is turned through into the other to make a lined felted slipper.

I had a go using cashmere strips sewn together and washed as detailed above, not bad for a first attempt. I might put a sole on made from manufactured felt to prolong their lives.

Last but not least, this lap blanket is made using double crochet (20sts using 4mm hook)strips, sewn together and a border worked inc by 3 at each corner.Border uses a mix of sc, dc and tr depending on how wavy it gets. The border is twisted  fringe, easy but time and yarn consuming- there are tutorials on the internet on how to make it.

The yarn I had hanging around from a time I had the patience to unpick and unravel fine knit cashmere sweaters and ply the yarn into a knitting weight, akin to aran. 

Josie Bodley Stand up at G and B comedy

Finally getting to explore the world of comedy, a long held ambition of mine, turns out, its all in the timing...mine isnt so great in this, but as its my first live gig in front of a live audience, its not surprising. Had a really fun evening!

Full G and B review here:

So last night at The Star of Kings was our Dark Delights evening, our show dedicated to comedy’s darker side. Now these shows aren’t easy to organise. Too dark too soon and the audience end up punch drunk before the end; not dark enough and the crowd feel cheated and lose interest. So long as the acts understand the rules and have absolute respect for the crowd, these nights are an absolute blast. Well, last night’s Dark Delights was the best one we’ve ever had. It was a delicious joy of twisted, deviant darkness and everyone loved every minute of it. First to the pulpit was Andrew Dipple who is collecting acronyms and desserts. It was then over to Mr Punman, Mark Rivlin, who proved even puns can be downright dark and twisted. Mark’s annual anal and banging Olaf’s son were particular hits. Fred Bell then gave us an insight into geopolitical consumer protests and why beef and smack can play their part. It was then over to Barbara Fernandez and why being from the US has its advantages: the bullies from high school either get shot or die of obesity. Becky Jade then gave us mangled Dad’s and barbie empowerment before Sonia Ginty told us how the fountain of youth might have more iron in it than you might have imagined. After Sonia was Seraj Alijan who wants his write-up to be explosively short. Andris Gerasimovics then gave us some great advice: never listen to your inner voice…it can be a bit of a dick at times. Colin D.H. Smith then had the room quite literally in pain with laughter, which was coincidentally rather the theme of his BDSM on a budget demonstration. Next was Will Earle, who may not have been the biggest hit with the ladies, but he’s got an impressive degree in engineering. Closing the first half was Jeroen Bloemhoff. No evening dedicated to dark comedy could hold its head high without one thing: a rendition of The Aristocrats. Well, Jeroen’s take on this comedy classic was everything even the darkest, most twisted among the crowd could want.

After the break we got off to a fabulous start thanks to the wonderful Kim Hope and just why the worst people seem so death resistant. John Gadsden then told us he has a mysterious pic of Epstein on his wall at home. He’s no idea how it got there. Did it hang itself? Jo Bodley then explained just how she arrived via the portal from Middle-earth before Rajesh Patell told us just how much his mum and our late Queen had in common. It was then over to Tomas Bepalo and just what is the right amount of loo roll squares per crap. Hot on Tomas’ heels was Stephen Portlock who had decided to dress in bright colours for the evening (pictured). The night’s penultimate act was Peter Withers and the joys of having blind parents and the shock of discovering at age 7 that the Simpsons are yellow. Closing the show was the awesome craziness of Phil Zimmerman. From the mysterious strangulations on the Circle Line to a very special guest all the way from Silicone Valley, Phil had them baaa’ing like sheep for more.

So that was last night and what a brilliant night it was. Headlining next Monday we’ve the hilarious Ricky Boby and the brilliant Laura Gómez. See you then.

TAGS: Andrew DippleAndris GerasimovicsBarbara FernandezBecky JadeColin D.H. SmithFred BellJeroen BloemhoffJo BodleyJohn GadsdenKim HopeLaura GomezMark RivlinPeter WithersPhil ZimmermanRajesh PatelRicky BobbySeraj AlijanSonia GintyStephen PortlockTomas BepaloWill Earle

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 I began this as an Art, Craft, Knitting blog, but among my other interests is Writing. I've always enjoyed writing, despite the ritual humiliation of having to read out a piece of my prose to classmates- a Raymond Chandler pastiche, ridiculously sophisticated for a fourteen year old! Thanks, Mr King, RIP. My secondary school English Teacher.

So in 2017 I joined 'Croydon Writers,' a local writing group.Despite my initial terrors around sharing my writing with others and receiving criticism, positive and negative, overall the experience has really helped me to develop and I encourage anyone who feels that they 'have a book in them' to take steps toward getting it out. A writers' group can provide support in numerous ways.

In 2018 I had 3 pieces, a  short story, a memoir piece and a poem, published in the Croydon Writer's Anthology, 'The Trouble with young writers,' a quote from Somerset Maughm, which ends, 'is that most of them are over 60.'

https://www.rainbowvalleybooks.com/the-trouble-with-young-writers

I've a few pieces in the 2023 Anthology, 'Writing', more details here:

https://www.croydonwriters.com/test1

Since then, I've written Dance Reviews for Croydonites New Festival of Theatre , and spent a not inconsiderable amount of money entering competitions without success. Until recently...

A new venture based in Bristol, 'Glittery Literary' asks for content and the cost of entry is minimal. To my amazement, a 400 word piece of mine entered in to the 'Shimmering Short'category came second, and features in the third edition of the Glittery Literary Anthology. The volunteer team who produce this book do so with the aim of benefitting children's charities. I enjoyed reading the other submissions and they reflect a wide range of subjects and experiences.It is open to anyone in the world to submit writing in English. Details how to submit on the website.

https://www.glitteryliterary.com/

If 

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HHMMRJD           

                                     I've just been informed that a short piece of mine has been accepted for a forthcoming anthology by these people:

https://www.bagofbonespress.com/

£13 on Amazon

'

The editor of Bag of Bones mentioned a website called 'Secret Attic,' so I entered a short story and it is going to be in  booklet #28.

They run several different competitions, including for Flash Fiction and Drabbles (100 word pieces).

More about them, here:

https://www.secret-attic.co.uk/

You can buy the booklet here: It is good quality, A4 sized, with a soft cardboard cover,

https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/various-contributors/secret-attic-booklet-28/paperback/product-8g8ng6.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Came second in a Lets Write contest at https://www.fictionette.co.uk/

Prompt was, 'And then you were gone'

 

Amigurumi frog pattern

 

Free Chartwell Children's Cancer Trust Frog Toy

 

Croydon University Hospital has a new charity shop raising funds to improve services for children with cancer.I came up with a pattern for a Frog toy to be sold in the shop in aid of the charity.
https://chartwellcancertrust.co.uk/

I designed this amigurumi toy to be seamless; it works in any weight of yarn, from 3ply to chunky, with hook size variable, what matters is that the fabric be tight enough so no stuffing shows through.I used polyester toy stuffing and embroidered eyes and nose to make it safe for children and cats! So far  I've made the frog into key rings, catnip toys, and plan to use some in an animation. (Had to abandon this however, as guess what, animation requires use of a green screen!)

Inspired by builders over the road, I made these hi-vis jacket wearing frogs for them, and they generously bought some!Leftover ones for sale at Croydon Hospital Charity Shop.

Lily the Frog by Jo Bodley

Intermediate

  Stitches used(UK terms)

ch- chain

dc-double crochet

htr-half treble

Bobble stitch- Insert hook into 1^st st of round, yrh, pull yarn through both loops- 1 lp on hook. Pull this loop out about 5mm (may be longer or shorter if using different yarn weight).*Yrh, insert through same st as before, pull through to match 5mm lp. Repeat from * twice.(7 loops on hook).Yrh,pull through all 7 lps. Insert hook into same st loops are in and ss to close bobble.

Increasing and decreasing

Materials

● This pattern uses approx.. 25g any DK yarn in mid green(A), though other weights can also be used. If making collar, you will need small amounts of dk in bright pink and acid green

● This pattern uses a 3mm hook, but as a general rule, size is not important for this project; what matters is, that the hook used produces a firm fabric so that stuffing will not show through.

● Polyester toy stuffing

Small amounts of black and white DK yarn or embroidery thread for eyes and mouth

Tapestry needle

Yarn Alternatives

Any yarn can be used for this project, as long as the guideline above about hook size is taken into consideration. A  4mm hook was used with a variegated aran yarn, to produce a frog which looks like he’s streaked with slime! A fine cotton and a size 14 hook produces a tiny frog which could be a key ring or, the body unstuffed, a finger puppet.

Tension

Tension is not important for this project; a smaller gauge than that recommended on the ball band will produce a tighter fabric- you do not want stuffing to show through.(Exception to this is using felting wool; in this case, you can work at a looser tension, as washing in the machine will shrink frog, produce dense fabric and hide stuffing))

Measurements

Not important for this project, however,

(From top of head to tip of toes )

A DK frog is about 19cm.

An Aran weight frog is 22cm

A chunky frog made using a 6mm hook is 32cm

Special stitch patterns

Bobble 

Pattern Notes

Commence at top of head and work in a spiral, making bobbles for eyes. Once head is completed, stuff it. Arms are worked by making a length of ch, making 3tr for paws and working a bobble into the top of each tr. A row of half trebles is worked into the remaining chain, dc to other side of body, second arm made in the same way. Work straight till body is desired length, then legs are worked like arms only longer. Decrease rounds are worked until about 6 sts remain; stuff body, run yarn end round rem sts like a drawstring, pull tight and sew in end.

Collar is a length of chain with leaf spines made by ch and ss back to top, 8 times. Into each leaf spine sts of varying sizes are worked in pink to make petals, carried along to next spine by ss. Collar can be sewn around neck of frog or sewn together separately and pulled over frog’s head.

Designer Biography

A lifelong knitter,I learnt to crochet in 2010 via a youtube video (thanks, bethin Texas, or bethinxt).I find crochet  a great outlet for creativity.

Instructions

Ch2, work 5 dcs into 2^nd ch from hook. 6sts.

Rnd 1: 2dc into each st.(12sts.)

Rnd 2:*2dcinto next st,1dc, rep from *.(18sts.)

Eye round

Rnd 3:Insert marker for start of rnd. Make bobble,thus.

 Insert hook into 1^st st of round, yrh, pull yarn through both loops- 1 lp on hook. Pull this loop out about 5mm (may be longer or shorter if using different yarn weight).*Yrh, insert through same st as before, pull through to match 5mm lp. Repeat from * twice.(7 loops on hook).Yrh,pull through all 7 lps. Insert hook into same st loops are in and ss to close bobble.

*2dc in next st,2dc until there are 11 sts from bobble (next st should be opposite first bobble).Repeat instructions from make bobble to end. 24sts.

Rnd 4: Manoeuvre bobble to front of hook and make a dc behind it. There needs to be 14 dcs between bobbles and one dc behind each bobble. In order to attain this make 3 evenly spaced increases either side of bobbles. Work second bobble as first, make 3 increases to end. 30sts.

Rnds 5-6: 1dc in each st.

Rnd 7:(2dctog,3dc,) repeat to end.(24sts.)

Rnd 9: (2dctog,2dc)repeat to end.(18sts.)

Rnd 10: (2dctog,1dc) to end.(12sts.)

Rnd11: 1dc in each st.(12sts.)

Rnd 12; 2dc in next st, 1dc to end. (18sts.)

Stuff head.

Arm round

Commence round in stitch which lines up with one eye

Rnd 13:Insert hook into st indicated above,*Ch 13 fairly loosely.

Into 3^rd ch from hook, work 2tr.Make a ss. Pull out loop and make bobble at top of first tr.Repeat twice more- 3 bobbles made. Sl st to st you made the trs into.10 htr into each rem ch.Dc to rejoin body of frog.

(2dc into next st,1dc) twice, 1dc.Repeat from *.

Rnd 14:*Dc into edge of top of arm, fold arm over head and insert hook through middle of arm, 1dc, dc other edge of arm.9dc, repeat from* as for other arm.24sts.

Rnds 15-22:1dc in each st .

Leg round.

Starting point should be aligned with arm and eye.

Rnd 22:1dc in next 2 sts.*Ch 18.

Make foot as for hand,

Htr into 15 ch to top of leg.3dc.Repeat from * for other leg.

Rnd 24:(3dc,2dctog)all around.When you come to legs , work a 2dc behind each leg.

Rnd 25:(2dc,2dctog) to start of round.18sts

Stuff body.

Rnd 26: (1dc,2dctog) to start of round.12sts

 Rnd 27(2dctog)to start of round. 6sts

Break off yarn.

Weave yarn in and out around sts of final rnd and pull tight like a drawstring. Fasten off securely.

Embroider on eyes as per photograph. Satin st or lazy daisies. For mouth, bring yarn out just below eye, make a smile shape with yarn and insert needle to match other side.Tether the loose ‘smile’ with tiny sts in 3 or 4 places.

Fasten off.

Petal Collar.(optional)

 With B make 21ch.

Row 1. 1dc into 2^nd ch from hook,1dc.

*ch6.Sl st into 2^nd ch from hook and foll 5 sts.idc into each of next 2 sts.Rep from *.

Row 2. Start at one end, sl st into first 2sts.Into first leaf ‘spine’, work (1dc,1htr,3tr).Into end st work (1htr,1tr,1htr).Into second edge of spine work 3tr,1htr, 1dc.

Repeat to end. 8 petals.

Darn in all ends.Press under damp cloth with a warm iron. Either sew collar on to frog, or sew short edges together and pull over frog’s head.

More variations

Hula Frog (and child)

Punk Frog

                                                         Guitar playing frog

Pieter Boel's Head of a Dog revisited

         This is reposted from April 2020. I can truthfully say, doing this helped me through lockdown.

 I finally started on a project I have been thinking about, for a long time. A year or so ago,I trained as a Peer Facilitator at Dulwich Picture Gallery, as part of a project called 'Together through Art,' which was targeted at Mental Health Service Users, in their 50s.

In the DPG collection of Old Master paintings is this Head of a dog by Flemish artist, Pieter Boel. I think it is an old dog. That makes it all the more poignant, for me. I have a lovely book of dog portraits by a favourite artist of my mother's called Cecil Aldin. He says always start with the eyes.
The blue cast is just the camera on my  phone.
When I was an Art Student at Middlesex University in the early 1980s, I went through a phase of making art about greyhounds.

It is nice to see my efforts win the supreme seal of approval.

As you do, I googled to see what was already happening in the world of Fine Art crochet. Check out this guy, Pat Ahern!  Amazing work!      https://www.facebook.com/padurn/

Also,check out  https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2011/04/jo-hamiltons-crochet-portraits/

I think he works completely freeform, without a support as such. That is somewhat hardcore, for me, so I am using a piece of old hessian (sackcloth) I had hanging around.

Doesn't look much at the moment,but hopefully, as time goes on, there will be progress...watch this space!

I think we are done now, pretty much. I've really enjoyed spending time with Pieter Boel's dog.

As he did, I suspect. But for different reasons.

Now we are done. I think.