NY State Fair 2013

So, exciting news... I won 1st place at the NY State Fair! I entered a crocheted table runner that I finished this spring. You may have noticed that I referenced it earlier in the blog in this post. I'm really excited about it since it's the first entry I've ever made to any fair anywhere! Here are some pictures of the display at the fair and my piece. It was an honor to be included among some really talented individuals.

Crochet Jewelry

Using some easy and free patterns I found online, I made these sweet little earrings. I used both size 10 crochet thread as well as regular sewing thread, which created even smaller earrings. I pinned the earrings to some foam and used clear nail polish rather than starch to stiffen them.

The patterns I used are available here and here.

Sunshine Pillows

Washable pillow covers are the best. Especially when they're made from 97% cotton, 3% spandex fabric that stretches just enough to make the on/off process super easy. The fabric is breathable, stays firmly in place on the pillow, and is super comfy under your noggin.

I have to mention that I covered pillows I bought at Joann Fabric on a St. Patty's day sale at 80% off. That makes these pillows even better.

Remember when I posted about crocheting doilies? These yellow ones happened right around that time.  I had this need to put them up against blue fabric for a sunshine-y effect. It's probably the time of year. I'm aching for summer!

I pinned them carefully, insuring that they were evenly placed and spaced before sewing them onto the squares of fabric that would become the pillow covers.

Sewing them on was a bit painstaking, but went quickly. And the yellow thread matched the yarn perfectly.

I made a simple envelope style closure with two smaller back pieces that were hemmed and overlapped one another. My serger does such an excellent job of finishing fabric. And, since these get washed frequently, the serged edges insure that the ends stay intact. I followed the serger with a clean, tight straight stitch to really reinforce those edges.

Voila! Pretty little sunshine pillows.

Crocheted Wrap

I decided to make a spring wrap which I love to wear as I sit and read on my couch or on a chair on my porch. It's cozy. It makes me feel snuggly and refined all at once. Yes. I could put on a sweater. Or, I could throw a wrap around my shoulders and feel casually elegant.

I used this vintage pattern for a fantasy shawl. Hilarious name. Super simple wrap pattern with two repeating rows. And, it's nice for spring since the filet stitch makes it a bit lacy. I love it.

Crocheted Cotton Doilies

Lately, I've been making lots of doilies. For me, it's so soothing to complete each round and watch as a symmetrical, satisfyingly even, pretty piece comes together. Sometimes, I can't think of anything more calming than to make a doily.

There are so many free patterns online. I especially love ravelry.com. Free membership and there are so many free patterns. Of course, there are plenty for purchase, too. Also, freepatterns.com has a pretty good size database. Of course, Pinterest is a motherload of links for free patterns from everywhere. Ah, the internet...

Here's my mantilla doily:

And a pineapple doily (can't find the pattern link again):

And a pretty table runner: