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AI Crochet Images and Patterns

 The Rise of AI in the Art World What do you think of this image? It's very pretty at first glance, isn't it? Does it make you immediately want to seek out the pattern to make them yourself? You're not alone. I took this image from a random page on Facebook that showed up on my newsfeed. I have no idea who originally made it. It's being shared by pages that appear to be run by bots, as the caption is always the exact same.  So What's the Problem? The problem is these crochet parrots are not real. That is not real crochet. The photo is generated by AI. How can you tell? Firstly, they are too perfect. Creating crochet birds that could sit like that on a perch without falling over would be challenging. The direction of some of the stitches doesn't make sense. If you zoom in, you can see the stitches on the head especially do not look like crochet stitches. The yellow feathers on the left bird's head look like real feathers, which you wouldn't be able to rep...
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Let's Talk About Yarn Types: Wool

 Let's Talk Yarn: Wool



Welcome back to my series on yarn types. Today we're looking at wool. I'm sure you know where wool comes from, sheep. Sheep are one of the oldest domesticated animals, as they are a good all-in-one farm animal. Sheep produce a woolly coat, as well as being bred for milk and meat production. Sheep farming is also one of the most eco-friendly as they can cope with a variety of climates and spend most of the year grazing outside. 

Some people will insist that it is cruel and unethical to shear sheep for their wool. That's not the case, as sheep are not harmed in the process of shearing. It's actually more cruel not to shear them, as the wool gets matted and tangled, and if not sheared every summer, they can overheat or get skin infections. These can lead to fly strike and eventually death. There are hundreds of breeds of sheep, with different types of wool. Merino wool is a popular example. 

Properties of Wool Fibre

Wool is a natural fibre shorn from sheep every summer, which can then be spun into a yarn we can use for knitting or crochet. Because it is natural, it is biodegradable so it won't release microplastics and will break down. It is naturally insulating, making for warm winter clothing, but it resists external heat too so it can be suitable for warm climates too. 

Wool can be water resistant and controls moisture, depending on how much lanolin is in it. It is hard wearing and usually machine washable, although it can felt at high temperatures. Felting may be desirable for some projects though. Wool is also naturally fire-resistant with a higher ignition temperature and slower burning rate than a lot of synthetic fibres. This makes it suitable for rugs, carpets, blankets and clothing.

Pros of Wool Fibre

  • Wool is more breathable and regulates temperature very well
  • Wool is soft but also retains its shape pretty well
  • It's naturally flame-resistant 
  • Can absorb moisture, and can be quite water-proof
  • Wool is durable and can last a long time if well cared for
  • It can be felted which you might want for certain projects

Cons of Wool Fibre

  • doesn't hold vibrant dyes as well as synthetic fibers can so colours tend to be more matte 
  • requires careful maintenance: wool items can shrink if machine washed
  • the felting can be undesirable for some projects so it is important to be careful of temperature
  • exposure to sunlight can lead to fading of the colour
  • natural fibres can attract insects: particularly moth larvae will damage wool 
  • wool can be more expensive than synthetics like acrylic if you're on a budget
  • wool can be itchy and as a natural fibre there is a potential for allergies
Wool can be great to work with and makes for lovely garments, winter clothing and blankets. There are some downsides and wool does require a bit more care than synthetic fibres. These days you can often find mixed fibre yarns that incorporate other fibres to change the properties. The options are endless, and I really love to see how popular the fibre arts have become. Especially in crochet, which is something that can't be mass produced, but making your own clothing or housewares is so satisfying. 


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