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Sunday, March 24, 2013

Sunday Stitching

Ever since I saw the cute spool pin doilies over at Quiltville, I have been trying to make one for my treadle so that the thread spool won't wear the decals off over the years of use. I could use a plain old piece of felt, but that would be boring! 
Bonnie even posted the pattern on her blog, but there is one problem...I don't know how to crochet!
I have had a couple of lessons from patient friends, but I must admit that it's a challenge. These are my first two attempts, but they are too big, so either I need a different needle or different thread. I will keep trying!
What are you hand stitching this week?
Link up your blog post below and share your project.

13 comments:

  1. Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com Sunday, March 24, 2013

    A lady at work is trying to learn crochet ; she was fine until she had to deal with more than the first stitch...seems complicated! :)

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  2. KarenSunday, March 24, 2013

    Smaller thread and smaller needle. When I first learned to crochet, I made a pineapple doily only it turned out table cloth size. LOL!

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  3. KateSunday, March 24, 2013

    As long as the thread goes into the fabric, I can make it work. Knitting and crocheting continue to mystify me. Good luck!

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  4. Stitched With PrayerSunday, March 24, 2013

    Hi Kathy, My mom taught me to crochet when I was just 7 years old and I was immediately and forever in love with making doilies and tablecloths. Though my first project was a stack of granny squares that she helped me put together for a sweater, just three weeks after my first lesson. Then, even though she thought I was a bit young to attempt doilies, she told me if I would learn to read a pattern correctly first, she would help me to do a doily. One week later, I had my first doily finished and on my dresser, one my young life's proudest moments, LOL. The one problem I always had was the opposite of yours. I crochet WAY to tight...even almost 60 years later, I still do it. It is the way I hold my thread, I know it, and I can't change it, so I adjust for it. Most new crocheters projects are too loose because you are trying to concentrate on so many things that thread tension kind of slips away from us. BUT, once you get comfortable with the way you hold your thread (there are many options and it doesn't matter which you use, whatever is best for you is what you should go with). The thread size depends on how delicate or sturdy you want your doily to look appearance wise. I go for the frilly delicate look most of the time. You can use any thread you want on any pattern by adjusting the crochet hook size. But for me, I always go up two sizes from what the pattern calls for if I'm following the thread suggestions it calls for to ensure it will be the correct size when I'm finished. (remember, the larger, the number, the smaller the hook). I don't know if anyone has told you or if you have it already, but there is a great book, still published it seems, called "Learn to Crochet". I still have my 1959 copy and they haven't changed a lot over the years. It is a huge help and I still pull it out now and then for advice. Even though I have some advanced books...this little paper pamplet remains my favorite source for the simple question. Okay, it seems I've gotten carried away...but I have some pattern books I'd be happy to share with you, including a very easy pinwheel pattern that was my mothers favorite. Email me if you are interested or have any questions about crocheting itself. I'd be delighted to help if I can. Big Hugs...

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  5. Stitched With PrayerSunday, March 24, 2013

    Okay, it's me again, run for the hills...LOL. Sorry, I just meant to tell you, in that volume I just left a minute ago was that I looked closely at your picture and you are useing 'yarn' crochet hooks on 'thread'. Thread crochet hooks are much smaller.
    Your stitches actually look very good, just too loose and my guess is that it is due to the large hooks. Okay, I'm really leaving now. More Hugs...

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  6. Missy ShaySunday, March 24, 2013

    After seeing your post, it prompted me to share a post about the spool pin doilies my husband tatted for me! I can't crochet either! LOL

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  7. AnnieOSunday, March 24, 2013

    I think you were very brave to attempt such a small and delicate project to start crocheting with! Those little doilies are adorable.

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  8. MarySunday, March 24, 2013

    Send me your address and I'll send you one that I made. I have yellow and lavender ones.

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  9. SheilaSunday, March 24, 2013

    I think maybe you need a small hook and finer thread and also choose a pattern that is a little closer .I don't crochet anymore but I did for years and I see a lot more crochet showing up this past while . Have fun with it .

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  10. Rose Prairie Quilts and FarmSunday, March 24, 2013

    For not knowing you have done really well if you ask me. I too seen those at Bonnie's so I decided to to attempt making some. I did and I posted about it my pattern here's the post address.
    http://roseprairiequilts.blogspot.com/2013/02/yarn-along-22013-spoon-pin-doily.html
    Take a look and see if it is something you can do.
    I think you can
    Have a good Sunday

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  11. Carla A Few Of My Favorite ThingsSunday, March 24, 2013

    I can crochet, but it bothers hands, so I have pretty much given it up. I wondered why you would use the doily under the spool, thanks for explaining.

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  12. Cheryl's Teapots2QuiltingMonday, March 25, 2013

    I've purchased many of my spool pin doilies from a nice lady in Florida. They come in lots of fun colors, too. I can change them, depending on my mood, or what machine I'm using.

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  13. Denise :)Tuesday, March 26, 2013

    What sweet little attempts -- I think they look terrific! Not bad at all for a beginner -- I'm afraid to even try! LOL!! :)

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