Learn why Frances Taylor loves Free Form Crochet

 
 

Who is Frances Taylor?

Born in England, Frances Taylor emigrated to Canada in the late 1960’s and completed degrees in Biology and Business Administration. While she has been practicing her art work for decades, since retirement she has devoted most or her time to her fibre art. Frances’ training and environmental awareness brings a deep ecological and wildlife conservation focus to her art. Frances has also established herself as a milliner and plumassiere (ornamental feather-work) producing wearable art that has proven successful at various locations in the Ottawa area. She is a new emerging artist in mixed media and fibre arts

 

Why Frances works with fibre?

Because it can be manipulated endlessly into new forms, shapes and textures, my preferred medium for my artwork is fibre. I use natural fibres such as silk, wool, sometimes hand-dyed, but also man-made fibres, and usually embellish my work with various combinations of hand and machine embroidery, fabric paints and inks, beads such as pearls and semi-precious stones and occasionally recycled copper. I draw my inspiration not only from my early remembered images of the slate-grey, blue-green North Sea where I grew up, but also from the beautiful but fragile marshes and alvar landscapes of Ontario. I strive to convey the many layers and dual nature of these images in my work and to foster care for our natural environment. 

How she got hooked...

While most members of my avid knitter family tried to teach me how to knit, I found the process of following a pattern too restrictive. But, when my other grandmother taught me how to make a crocheted beret with no pattern, I was literally “hooked”. I have been crocheting ever since, and have only used a pattern once or twice during the past 45 years. During all this time, I have also accumulated lots of small balls of yarn that I had saved – but you can only use so many granny squares! I also love highly textured surfaces. So, when I discovered free-form crochet, it was a natural fit with my style. I could use up all those wonderful bits of yarn and make something that is not only useful but beautiful. Free-form crochet work can be used to create scarves, cushion covers, bags, hats, shawls, coats, cardigans, sweaters – even three-dimensional artwork. It can be made into any shape you can think of! It can be very dense, open like lace, with high or low relief.  

Comments

[Air Jordans]

So funny, I think.*

[Air Jordans]

So funny, I think.*

[fresno ca self storage]

I would spend some time doing and mastering this hobby.