Back to it...

Hello and welcome! It's been quite some time since the last post but this in no way reflects a dip in my enthusiasm for the world of fake food! Indeed, in the meantime I've been concentrating my efforts on making various festive foody decorations through Lost in the Wood Designs. I've not seen many examples of fake food in-situ over the last few months but will be renewing my efforts to seek them out in 2013. Armed with membership of both The National Trust & Cadw, I will be on the look out for more splendid examples & posting them here. Also, a trip to Japan last year gave me lots of lovely pics & a bit of awareness about the global fake food phenomenon. I'll write a bit about that soon too.

For now, know that my heart was gladdened by this quirky find in The Range (chain store found in retail parks selling all manner of household decorations). They had this set of fake fruit as well as other different sets featuring oranges,  lemons and limes etc.

Crochet Cuisine

Kate Jenkins's fabulous crochet art!

Crochet Pears

Rack of crochet toast

There's no doubting that fashions have revolved and crochet is a hot craft once again! Perhaps it's a make do and mend philosophy echoing the ongoing straitened economy, perhaps there's an increased trend of valuing the quirky and handmade above more commercial gifts. Possibly, its more to do with cyclical movements in crafts and it's time to plunder this one again. Indeed, my attempts to master crochet and the invariably wonky results certainly seem to make my mum smile when compared with the brown waistcoats she used to produce back in the '70s which, despite dating badly and being fairly disturbing to modern tastes, are undeniably accomplished. I have no such ambitions to produce quirky clothing however on-trend, I shall stick to small items that can be created cosily in front of the tv with two cats 'helping' me. Although small doesn't always mean beautiful, mangled stitches can show up glaringly on little things, but generally it's hugely satisfying to be able to craft a crochet pear while catching up with the Sopranos (insert your own favourite fruit & programme combo here). Don't try this watching 'Sherlock' though, much confusion re the plot and a botched crochet chocolate biscuit will be the results. 

Apple pattern from 'Tasty Crochet'

 Happily, there are lots of people crafting marvellous crochet foods at the moment. The USA definitely seems to lead the field in this and I find a lot of foodie patterns on etsy and ebay (usually available as a pdf pattern emailed to you) are by Americans. A fab book I heartily recommend is 'Tasty Crochet- A Pantry Full of Patterns for 33 Yummy Treats' by Rose Langlitz.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tasty-Crochet-Pantry-Patterns-Treats/dp/1600613128/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330619213&sr=1-1

 

Choc chip cookies from 'Tasty Crochet'

I find the instructions clear, consistent and perfect for a new crocheter impatient to get on and make something! The terminology is American though so the stitches all have different names from UK ones. I'm slowly working my way through the super-cute treats, but have come unstuck at the sushi rolls as I've not yet managed to decipher how to do the right stitch...



Magazines abound with crochet food at the moment especially Mrs Treaton favourite, Molly Makes which devoted the cover of issue 5 last year to crocheted carrots and peas (and featured instructions inside) made by the talented Cara Medus (caramedus.com). Much excitement was also generated by a piece in Making magazine on the work of knitting and crochet guru Kate Jenkins who makes brilliant crochet pieces full of humour such as a plateful of fish and chips, an amusing can of worms complete with escaping pink worms, and cute piggies bursting out of a pork pie. See pic at the top!

http://www.cardigan.ltd.uk/kate-jenkins.php

Another keen supporter of crochet food is the consistently inventive Bead Shop Scotland who have recently opened a Wool Shop in Haddington and are producing all manner of edible treats (they've been making & selling mouthwatering polymer clay sweets and grocery goods beads for ages now, perhaps a subject of a future post) in crochet form. http://shop.beadshopscotland.co.uk/stitch--kitsch-vintage-kits-836-c.asp 

I'm off to a crochet and knitting workshop there soon, am looking forwards to finding just why my creations always have dodgy bits especially in the reducing and  finishing stages!

Welcome

Welcome to the sweet and strange world of Mrs Treaton's Pantry where fake food is loved and celebrated. If you've experienced the curious yet undeniable satisfaction of a well-made piece of fake food, then rest assured you are amongst friends here. A beautifully crafted needlefelted beef burger, a delectable knitted cupcake , a cute crochet vegetable box, a resin ready-meal, all can be sources of wonder and joy. Let me persuade you...

An enjoyment of visiting National Trust and Heritage properties had slowly segued into an amused seeking out of fine fake foods and attempts (with variable success) of making them myself. An inspiring encounter with a big tray of succulent replica meat pies at Hampton Court (the kitchens are often the best bits of stately homes I find, that and the old lavatories/dungeons) reproduced lovingly with dense folds of pastry and glossy tops prompted a more active interest in this art form/ odd craft. Closer to home, the Pudding Pantry of Penrhyn Castle in Bangor, North Wales is a magnificent creation of resin (I'm guessing, I'm not yet sure of the actual materials) cast/moulded/sculpted desserts. I would like to live there, truly I would...