Update 4/5/19: HOLD THE PRESS! This tutorial is now available in portable, printable, add-free PDF format through my Ravelry , Ko-fi, and Etsy pattern shops! Get the downloadable version for easy reference AND help support my business at the same time <3 <3 <3 Thanks for visiting!
In response to many requests, I will be starting a series of tutorial posts for the freeform pixie pocket skirt belts (is that enough words for that?) that I’ve been making for a few years now. These crocheted belts feature utility belt style pockets in whimsical colors and shapes and a tattered fabric fringe skirt – they are great scrapbusters and excellent practice at creating different shapes and textures. And one of my favorite things to make!
The one pictured on me here was the first one I ever made, and I was immediately addicted – mixed media, playing with color, using up spare material, cute AND useful.. sounds good right?
“Titania”
Once I had made a few more and started posting pictures of them here, I got requests for a pattern. The challenge is that I do these belts differently each time – so figuring out a pattern or a tutorial that doesn’t lock them down into sameness took some thought.
“Nightshade”
So I ruminated on it, and finally decided that a series of technique tutorials, based around the creation of an example belt, would be best. I aimed to explain these techniques well enough for even beginners to experiment with these fun shapes and textures, and for everyone to feel confident enough to let loose and have fun with it.
“Mulberry”
This tutorial series will cover material selection, basic shapes needed to create the pockets and the belt, some textural techniques, instructions on attaching the pockets, and how to make the fabric skirt fringe – and anything else I can think of! The links to the post series will appear in order below:
- Intro (this post)
- Gathering Materials
- Belt Base
- Ruffles, Shells, and Scales
- Square Pockets
- Triangles
- Circle Pocket Part 1
- Circle Pocket Part 2
- Pointed Pouch
- Attaching the Pockets
- Fabric Fringe Skirt
- Wrap-Up
- Bonus Round: One Piece Circular Pocket
- Bonus Round: Cell Phone Pocket
If you want to stay up to date on this series as it is posted, remember to follow my blog or like & follow my Facebook page!
UPDATE! This pattern is now listed on Ravelry, so if you are a Raveler you should link up your projects made from this tutorial – I’d love to see them 😀
“Kelp”
In the next section, I’m going to go through choosing the materials for the belt. I use a theme for mine, as you may have noticed: plants and trees. I love being inspired by nature, and choosing a theme like this helps guide me when I’m not sure what sort of look I want to add to the piece. More on that later.
For more inspiration, check out the Pixie Belt section on my Pinterest crochet board.
“Hemlock”
“Hickory”
Whether you choose a theme or not, remember this is a freeform project. It’s an exercise in letting go of control, of not being married to an intended outcome. Let it be zen, spontaneous, and fun! I call these belts my “chaos therapy” projects.
“Lavender”
“Shepherd’s Purse”
That’s it for the Intro – I can’t wait to get started on this project and hopefully to see what you all make!
-MF
Pingback: PBT: Gathering Materials | Morale Fiber
Pingback: PBT: Belt Base | Morale Fiber
Are all these belts for sale? I didn’t find them on your Etsy.
Hi Paula! All the ones pictured have been sold 🙂 there is one still in the shop, but it is not pictured here
Pingback: PBT: Ruffles, Shells, and Scales | Morale Fiber
Pingback: PBT: Square Pockets | Morale Fiber
Pingback: PBT: Triangles | Morale Fiber
Pingback: PBT: Circle Pocket Part 1 | Morale Fiber
Pingback: PBT: Circle Pocket Part 2 | Morale Fiber
Pingback: PBT: Pointed Pouch | Morale Fiber
Pingback: PBT: Attaching the Pockets | Morale Fiber
You are an amazing creature!! What fun you must have in your life. The people around you must be enriched because of your imagination and fairy like spirit. I love fairies and pixies. The way they look, act, move and the whole history behind their crazy antics.
If your parents could have seen your future I’m sure they would have named you Pixie.
You are able to see what hasn’t been created yet and thus create amazing things. It is truly a gift.
Thank you for sharing your amazing gift with us believers.
My name is Faye/Fay, I have read that means Fairy.
I would like to think so anyway.
Keep dreaming the dreams, seeing the dreams, creating the dreams!!
Thank you very much Faye! I have always adored old folk tales and myths that have fantastical creatures, I guess its just part of my fascination that I want to bring a little bit of that into the world of my art 🙂 I’m so glad it resonates with you!
Pingback: PBT: Fabric Fringe Skirt | Morale Fiber
Pingback: PBT: Wrap-Up | Morale Fiber
My sweet word! Your belts are amazing and I cannot be more excited for your series!
Wow, thanks so much! I love your work as well 🙂 🙂
Pingback: Avocado Dye – Batch 1 | Morale Fiber
Pingback: One Piece Circular Pocket | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Cell Phone Pocket | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Pixie Belt PDF | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Valkyrie Top Crochet Pattern | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Elderberry Pixie Belt & Sale | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Blog Series: Cozy stories for grown-ups — ‘But I want an oompa loompa *now*’ – Nicole Field Writes
Pingback: Tree of Life Mandala | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Embla Vest Pattern | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Pattern Gallery: Scrappy | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Henbit and Housekeeping | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Freeform #1 | Morale Fiber
Pingback: The Only Constant | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Oak Sprite Hat | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Fox Claw Elf Coat | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Snapdragon Pixie Belt | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Magic Ring Tutorial | Morale Fiber
Hey! I just purchased this pattern because I think those belts are just adorable and exactly what I have been looking for. However I wanted to ask if you have the tree of life pattern for the round pouch somewhere?
Thank you! M
Thank you so much for supporting my art! 🙂 🙂 Great question – the small Tree of Life pattern featured in the round pouch on the brown belt is from 365 Crochet, it’s a wonderful little free pattern! Here’s the link 🙂
http://www.365crochet.com/2016/07/tree-of-life-free-crochet-pattern.html
Thank you!
Pingback: October Reflecting | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Morel Mushroom Video | Morale Fiber
Pingback: Instagram: Happy Earth Day! – Morale Fiber
Pingback: Ruta Pixie Belt & PDF Sale – Morale Fiber
Pingback: Embla Vest Pattern – Morale Fiber
Pingback: Pixie Belt PDF – Morale Fiber
Pingback: Knitting and Crocheting: 2022 – tuesdaynews
Pingback: Crochet Refashions – Morale Fiber
Pingback: 60+ Crochet Belt Patterns – Crochet
Pingback: 60+ Crochet Belt Patterns - Peter India Information(DIY) - Peter India News
Pingback: 60+ Crochet Belt Patterns – Crochet - Project DIY Hub
Pingback: Free Crochet Sample – Easy Child Blanket - Peter India Information(DIY) - Peter India News
Pingback: Más de 60 patrones de cinturones de ganchillo – ganchillo - Decoramano
Pingback: 60+ Crochet Belt Patterns – Crochet - Craftersoutlet
Pingback: Sassafras Pixie Belt – Morale Fiber
Pingback: Journée Tote Bag | Morale Fiber