New Sculpture

The latest project in soft sculpture that I'm working on is a Native American boy baby. I hope to have him done by the end of January or February- no kidding- it takes a long time to complete one of these pieces.

His hair is made of black maribou feathers, his eyes from painted marbles. He will be about 14" to 15" long, completed. Much of the sculpture is created utilizing techniques similar to the great Lisa L. Lichtenfels' work. I have also created many of my own unique methods, using Lisa's methods as a springboard for some of my own innovations. I would definitely like to see more people get involved in creating this kind of art- it is amazing!

It is tedious however, so anyone who wants to go forward with this phenomenal type of art should brace themselves for a lot of dedicated study and execution of the form, if they want to excel in it.

Pineapple Gown

Pineapple Rows


Suggested Yarn: Coats & Clark's Luster~Sheen -- 100%   acrylic, it's soft, has a lovely sheen when
photographed with a flash, & is machine washable & dryable, & it drapes beautifully!
Hook Size: Aluminum hook F.
Gauge: 1 pineapple & 1 shell = 3” wide; 1 pineapple from bottom of center trc to top
of pineapple = 3 1/2” long. Shell stitch: 4 rows & 2 shells w/ 2 chs = 2”.
(The straight dress featured on the cover was worked with an aluminum hook size F.)
Note: Gown is worked in two separate panels & crocheted together on the sides,
leaving 7” for arm holes & side slits @ hem.


Sizes: Misses 8-10 (S); 12-14 (M); 16-18 (L).


Multiple of 16 + 1.


Lace Panel: (Make 2)


Beginning: Ch 97 (113) (129).


Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 2nd ch from hook & in each ch across; ch 3, turn.
Row 2: 1 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in same sc as turning ch (beg. shell made), in 1st sc; *skip next 3 sc,
sc in next sc, skip next 3 sc, 7 dc in next sc, skip next 3 sc,
sc in next sc, skip next 3 sc, 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in next sc (shell made)*; 
rep  from * to * across, end with shell in last sc, turn.
Row 3: Sl st to ch 1 in center of shell, ch 3, work  beg. shell, *[ch 1, 1 dc] in ea dc, (7 dc); ch 1,
shell in next shell; rep from * to * across, end with shell in shell: turn.
Row 4: Work  beg.  of row as before (shell in shell), *ch 2, [sc, ch 3] in next 5 ch-1 sps, (5 ch-3 sps)
sc in last ch-1 sp, ch 2, shell in shell*; rep from * to * across; turn.
Row 5: Shell in shell, *ch 3, [sc, ch 3] in next 4 ch-3 sps, (4 ch-3 sps), sc in next ch-3 sp,
ch 3, shell in shell*; rep from * to * across; turn.
Row 6: Shell in shell, *ch 4, [sc, ch 3] in next 3 ch-3 sps, (3 ch-3 sps), sc in next ch-3 sp,
ch 4, shell in shell*; rep from * to * across; turn.
Row 7: Shell in shell, *ch 5, [sc, ch 3] in next 2 ch-3 sps, (2 ch-3 sps), sc in next ch-3 sp,
ch 5, shell in shell*; rep from * to * across; turn.
Row 8: Shell in shell, *ch 6, [sc, ch 3] in 1st ch-3  sp, (1 ch-3 sp), sc in last ch-3 sp,
ch 6, shell in shell*; rep from * to * across; turn.
Row 9: Shell in shell, *ch 3, [trc, ch 3, trc] in ch-3 sp, ch 3, shell in shell*; rep from * to * across; turn.
Row 10: Shell in shell, *ch 1, sc in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, 7 dc in next ch-3 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-3 sp,
ch 1, shell in shell*; rep from * to * across; turn.


Repeat rows 3-10 for pattern, ending with row 8 for scalloped hem.


To Increase: On row 9 where an increase is desired, work shell in shell, ch 3, shell in same shell;
then work row 10 the same as row 2, working an extra pineapple base [7 dc]  in  each 
ch-3 sp between shells that are together in the same place.
To Add A Ruffle: Double or triple the amount of increases across the row; this is an especially
beautiful effect with this pineapple stitch for trains & ruffles on wedding dresses
using this pattern and the scalloped edging is so pretty!
Sleeves: Attach yarn in sp under arm, work beg. shell, ch 1,  shell in same sp, ch 1,
[1 shell, ch 1, 1 shell, ch 1,] in each sp around arm, join in top of ch-3 of beg. shell; 
sl st to center of shell, work shell, ch 1, in ea shell around; join as before.
Work sleeve to desired length. End off; repeat for other sleeve.

Blocking, Blocking, Blocking

The photo of this WIP has nothing to do really with the subject of this post- at least not yet! But when I got on Ravelry, I noticed that the difference between a nice looking crocheted project and a spectacular one, was contingent upon whether or not the project had been properly blocked.

As a teacher of advanced crochet techniques and the basics of knitting, I have to say that the three most important things that I teach students are:

* Wash Your Hands Before You Touch The Yarn/Thread.

* Weave In Your Ends And Sew Your Seams Neatly And Invisibly

* Block Your Pieces To Showcase Fabulous Detail In Your Project

I have noticed that many people do not pay strict attention to the second two details, and sadly the photos of their projects lack luster and impressiveness because of it. This is especially true in the case of blocking.

Ladies and Gentlemen: BLOCK YOUR WORK. After all, don't you knit and crochet in the first place to create a stunning and spectacular work of art ? ?