People all over the world have loved crocheting for centuries. After all, with a little skill and some yarn, you can create anything you need!
But if you think that crochet is tame and timid, maybe you need to see what people are really doing with their crochet hooks.
As evidenced by the gang of centenarian crocheters who enjoy "yarn-bombing" local landmarks, crochet has a wild, artsy side, and it's showing people what amazing things can be done with the traditional craft.
One artist is Phil Ferguson, who hails from Melbourne and wants to show the world that crochet can be pretty crazy — and unexpectedly hilarious.
Over the past year or so, he's created a number of bizarre headgear in the shape of foods and other objects and posts them on Instagram to the delight of thousands.
He's also entirely self-taught, which makes his creations all the more impressive, and shows that practice really does make perfect.
Check out some of his work below, and let us know which is your favorite!
[H/T: Lost At E Minor]
Meet Phil Ferguson. After moving to Melbourne and looking to make new friends, he decided to share his artwork via Instagram to find people with similar tastes.
After all, if someone loves your pancake hat, then you'll probably hit it off pretty well.
In the course of about a year, this self-taught crochet enthusiast has created all kinds of silly headgear, much of it based on food.
He comes up with his own designs and patterns, and it takes about a day or two to create the completed piece.
And while many pieces are food, he sometimes branches out, like with this little cactus hat.
When he gets an idea, he says, he likes to get started and get it "out into real life" as soon as possible.
He wanted to share his crafts with the world, and the world loved them! In just a year, he gathered over 100,000 followers on Instagram. And he's very happy about that (even if this picture isn't very smiley).
Of course, his creations aren't the most practical, and even Phil says he doesn't wear them in public — on most days. He says he's worn a few to parties, but for the most part, it's a normal hat for him!
Still, there's something undeniably charming about his creations.
It just goes to show you that when you show the world what you have to offer, people will respond! Especially if it's giant crocheted food hats.
And it's not just fans. He's gained the attention of several companies, so much so that crocheting is now his full-time job.
Which is a pretty awesome way to make a living, when you think about it.
And luckily, he's far from running out of inspiration, so the food hats will keep coming.
"I just have so many ideas," he explained in an interview, "that once there's one I know I can actually execute, I just go for it."
You can see more of Phil's creations on his website and of course on Instagram, where you can keep up with his latest projects.
And if you know someone who loves to crochet but might need some inspiration, SHARE Phil's hilarious crafts with them! Just don't be surprised if you end up with a hat shaped like a pork chop on your birthday.
