The new Circle of Crafters Crinoline Doily is finished. I have each girl holding a miniature doily between. Once I started adding the doilies it reminded me of a crochet-a-long and am thinking about adding that to the title - Hmmmmm Circle of Crafters Crochet-a-Long Crinoline Doily…. a little long - but what better month than March!
The pineapple tablecloth (draped over our antique four-poster in the guest bedroom), was one I made from one of my vintage magazines - eons ago! Actually our son was in 8th grade and he’s now 36. For some reason the cloth seems to be in better shape than the one I made 13 years ago… maybe the quality of thread? I’m not sure, but this was a lot of work. On one of the latter rnds of pineapples I noticed as I was getting ready to close the tip, I had made a mistake and didn’t work enough trc at the base of one pineapple. I frogged what I figure was an easy week’s worth of work. I was NOT a happy camper. I made this tablecloth for another one of my mom’s Christmases. I have no idea what happened to the other tablecloths I made.
Because I don’t have a round table anymore, I just draped it over the post of the bed. I need to get a quilt rack and drape some of my larger projects over it!
I made this tablecloth for my mom around 13 years ago. It was from either a Magic Crochet or Decorative Crochet Magazine. Unfortunately the last 2 rnds of the charting for the symbol crochet for this project was messed up and I ended up designing my own border. For awhile it’ll grace my antique breakfast table but I’m really afraid it might fall apart when I try laundering it. Easy does it!
I haven’t blogged in probably two months now and find it hard to resume - as if nothing ever happened. So many of you are aware that my mom passed on January 30th after collapsing at home the first week of January. After a hospitalization where she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and pneumonia, she was released to a nursing care facility to gain strength and heal more before coming home. Because of the pneumonia, the doctors put her in a drug induced coma which we felt accelerated her illness with Alzheimer’s. Although she was never diagnosed; it was apparent over the last year that what she had wasn’t merely senility. In addition to this she also suffered from severe cases of shingles, Edema and emphazema (sp).
Once mom was released from the nursing care facility I went up to help dad in caring for her and do a “spring cleaning.” The first couple of days mom’s recuperation was wonderful - she seemed in high spirits and was able to walk somewhat. By the third day her appetite fell away, on the 4th day she was almost in a coma-like stance, and three days later she passed. During that time I watched her struggle to breathe and will never forget her fight to live for as long as I live. I have a high respect for those in the profession of caring for our seniors. It’s been more than just a tough 2010 so far; it’s been heart wrenching. I lost more than a mom, I lost my best friend.
To help myself through the grieving process I designed a doily to include mom’s favorite stitches and I felt a need for creating a piece that involved my entire self - it’s hard to explain, but I wanted the doily perfect. I’d like to think that throughout the process of designing mom was watching over my shoulder cheering me on, once again being my most ardent fan and admirer. I’ll miss that very much. I will no longer have her in my corner wishing the very best for me; it’s not often that others wish you the very best that life can bring. In a get rich, cut throat world, all too often others don’t care about your hurts, your wounds, but enjoy and relish seeing you fall. If push comes to shove, I hope I never have that mentality.
I see designing as everyone having their own expertise, style, and distinction. I see designing as a talent given by God. As such, there is room for everyone to create, enjoy, and thrive. It also means that one’s designs are of no less consequence due to what they design; it means they’re simply different. I personally enjoy the bible verse Philippians 2:3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
All too often I wear my heart on my sleeve and when life throws rotten apples; I’m more vulnerable than ever. It makes standing up and brushing the dust off myself that much harder. But I’m trying… I’ve picked up my hook and started with an idea for a doily in memory of mom and now I’m working on yet another doily.
What I’ve learned is that I want to reach out to whoever is hurting and not let vanity and puffery keep me from being human. I’d like to think I can reach out and touch someone regardless if I care for that individual. I don’t have to like someone to feel empathy and I don’t have to like a person to express my care, and hope I never get to a point I turn my back when they’re hurting most.
What has encouraged me are the many wonderful customers and subscribers to the Crochet Corner who have reached out with heart touching stories, prayers, support and understanding. I can’t thank you enouh - but just the same a big heart felt thank you to each of you. The simplest note to the longest story have touched me in a way I never thought possible and have helped bring about a healing I contribute to the love of my fellow-women!
Let’s pick up our hooks! 
Our new decorator pillow is available. Worked up in worsted weight yarn it features two holidays; Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s but also combines two needle arts - crochet and cross stitch! Featured on one side are dainty hearts and a big shamrock on the other.
Wreath
Ever since designing this braided wreath with Mary Blake, I’ve placed it on our back door each year. I usually have a suncatcher (free pattern) on the door which I take down. This year I decided to just leave it up and place the wreath over it. I think it looks great this way. You can find both patterns here:
4th of July Suncatcher Crochet-a-Long Pattern and Braided Christmas Wreath.
Enjoy!
Christmas Mantel
Now I have all four Christmas stockings hung on the mantel - with care! The blue stocking is the newest design - available for next year. The other stockings include the Pineapple Lace and Ye Olde Christmas Stockings (on both ends). The gold stocking; Country Calico Christmas Stocking was published not too long ago. Three of the stockings have matching tissue covers! The Pineapple Snowflake Mantel Scarf has a matching tree skirt and tree topper.
Reindeer Runner
After displaying the reindeer runner on the dining table, I got the idea of hanging it on the back hutch wall between the top and cabinets. I tacked a few of the lights to the top of the runner so the entire cord wouldn’t slip to the bottom and then used a running stitch across the top to secure the top of the filet to the fabric backing. Included in the photo is of course the Christmas Eve Ride Runner, Christmas Polar Bear Door Hanger, and the Royal Pineapple Seraphim projects.
I’ll be posting later this afternoon another photo that includes two free patterns!
Everywhere I go! I’m long overdue on keeping up with my blog. Sometimes I wished I could be several places at once but that’s not likely!
I wanted to take a moment and post a couple of pictures. I often have people write and ask what I do with the models of my designs. Mostly I design with gifts in mind, or for my own needs/wants, and I give a lot away. But some designs are very hard to part with and I end up enjoying them myself.
Angels...
This year I decided I just couldn’t part with my Circle of Angels Crinoline Doily located on our Angel Menu and have it displayed on my coffee table in the living room. To each side I have glass angel candle holders and in the background, placed atop a “quillo” is the Christmas Angel Crinoline Doily. You can find her at www.crochetmemories.com/patterns/dollmenu3.php.
The Secretary
Our antique secretary houses the Poinsettia Pineapple Runner and the North Pole Elf Shoe (of the North Elf Bath Pattern Set). I think it looks equally cute filled with candy canes. Most people think a runner has to lie flat but as you can see, it looks beautiful draped over the open secretary desk lid and having my “fake” poinsettias and an old picture of my grandmother when she graduated from the orphanage in the early 1900’s, look beautiful displayed off to the side (or they do in my humble opinion). Poinsettia Pineapple Runner and Christmas Bath Patterns
I should have asked hubby to take a picture of our Christmas tree with some of the crocheted snowflakes, small ornaments, crocheted tree skirt and angel topper. Don’t forget that doilies, crinolines and other smaller projects look beautiful draped over an accent pillow, dressing it up for Christmas. I’ve even used placemats over pillow to accent them!
Of course I love showcasing photos submitted by customers - who wouldn’t? And here they are…
Thank you Jewel, the Pineapple Lace Christmas Tissue Cover turned out beautifully. Thank you for sharing with us!
Erica writes: “I just finished the angel this morning and I am so completely thrilled with the finished product! Your pattern is so beautiful. This is the most complicated crochet project I’ve ever attempted (I’ve never done any kind of lacework before) so I was a little worried I wouldn’t be able to make it look right, but it wasn’t bad at all! My whole family loves it. Thanks again for creating a gorgeous pattern!”
Thank you Jewel, the Ye Old Christmas Tissue Cover turned out beautifully. Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you Jewel, the Pineapple Star Tree Top Ornament is just lovely!
I know there are more images to share which I’ll do at a later time! Enjoy and thank you to Jewel and Erica for contributing to the album.
And a perfect day to bake or crochet - maybe both! This afternoon my plans are to pick up an older design and revamp it a bit and get it published in time for the December 15th deadline (newsletter). It’s a small little angel; one I originally started designing to publish with Kustom Krafts. Unfortunately they phazed out the crochet publications before I could get this little angel ready. A little tweaking and I should have her ready to go in no time.
Before I begin though I’ll be finishing up another design for Christmas. This design will be tucked into a box and sent off as a gift which is why I need to finish it NOW!
2010 goals are to cut back. For more than a year I’ve been putting out quite a few designs each month and to be honest; I’m tired! I’ve left no room for life or errors. When that happens I become stressed to the point I burn out quickly and easily. This means in 2010 I’ll be designing only 4 new patterns each month. And allowing more breathing room in my life, for family, friends, hobbies, and problems.
Until then, I best get busy!