This is a diary for crafters, no matter what the project whether you craft for yourself or others (and you are most likely not getting rich off your work) but you like to share your results. Let's face it, there is a certain pride in the finishing of a project, no matter how small or large. So all you crafty people out there, share your efforts so the rest of us won't feel so lonely, especially when the frustration sets in and the project isn't exactly turning out as you hoped.
I like to crochet doilies. (Basically because I don't have the patience for anything larger) A lot of my patterns I have found for free online but I have also purchased quite a few. I do it for myself. Besides, it is therapeutic. Good for the mind, the counting helps keep the brain alert and great for the arthritis....reminds you that it is still there in your hands and fingers.
I purchased a "Bluebirds of Happiness" pattern a few years ago and finally decided to try it out. Cute doily with two little bluebirds sitting in the semicircles.
Join me below the embroidered motif for photos:
The pattern and bluebirds look like this:
I had done the semi circles and all I had to do was join them.
They did seem to be a little large for the birds, but I was sure I had followed the pattern correctly, since I had started, pulled the loops out and restarted the birds various times to make sure I was doing it right. Finally I was almost done and placed the bird in the doily to get an idea of placement....That is when the shock came... The D..n birds were way too small! And I didn't like them anyway! Especially after fussing so much with the pattern! I could fit 2 birds in one semicircle they were so small! I was going to make 2 more of each so they could be kissing, but I realized, I didn't like them and 4 of them was just too much!
Thank goodness for the internet and free patterns. I was in a time crunch...the grandsons were coming over in 2 days and would tear the house apart so I needed to finish the doily asap!
I found a suitable bird pattern...in vintage bird patterns..unfortunately it was in French.
So I printed out the picture, counted the rows and stitches, had to make my own template for size and I was in business again!
I was happier with this result and the birds were the correct size!
The finished doily:
Finished just in time to put away before the 4 year old discovers my hooks and thread and either unravels it all over the house or pokes his 2 year old brother in the eye!
(They are at that happy stage where everything is fun and new and they just tear the house apart. Besides, the grandparents are such pushovers!!!!)
So share your endeavors and let us all admire your perspicacity and diligence and feel the bond that connects us all in that joy of finishing a creation!
(If you get a chance, visit KosCraft on Saturday Mornings along with Artkos, Garden Blogging, Painting Palooza and all the other fun diaries!) I live for weekends!