First, I finished the Winter's Breath Doily:
This is an easy, very well-written pattern that makes an 8-inch (approx.) sized doily (when crocheted in size 10 thread and with a size 7 steel hook). It took me longer than it needed to simply because I felt uncertain about working with a tiny hook and thread again. While it took me several days, in retrospect, there is no good reason it took me so long. I'm looking forward to making more from this pattern.
~~~~~
Inspired by how easy the above doily was to make, and thinking 8 inches in diameter about the perfect size for my purposes, I went looking for another smallish one that I especially liked. In my search I happened upon a video tutorial for making this doily with a very humble name: Easy Doily:
I believe the designer used size 3 thread and her results look a little more "solid" (which I actually like better), but I'm happy enough with how mine turned out using size 10 thread.
Joanna Stawniak has numerous video tutorials on Youtube of other pretty crocheted items. For this project I found her instructions very easy to follow and will consider more of her tutorials.
~~~~~
I was in such a groove making doilies, I decided to jump right into making another one:
The Summer Splendor Doily seems to be a fairly simple pattern, but it looks beautiful in photos, so hopefully it will be a nice addition to the other two. And hopefully, I'll be able to figure out how to modify it (if I need to) in order to keep it at around 8 inches. The designer's finished doily measures 11 inches. If I have to make mine that large, I suppose that will be okay, but I'd really like to keep it a tad smaller.
These doilies are to be a going away gift for a young Japanese lady I've been serving as a volunteer ESL tutor for. We've only been together since April and her husband got called home much earlier than they anticipated, so our meeting together has gotten cut short. But I have grown very fond of her.
Yuko and her little family are planning on coming to dinner a week from tomorrow and it is my intention to give her the three doilies at that time. I figure small(ish) doilies will be easy to pack away, possibly even in a suitcase. If, in the end, she doesn't care for doilies I hope, perhaps, she'll find another home for them after she returns to Japan. I'm thinking of suggesting she give one to her mother, if she likes. I don't know... is that an okay thing to do? Give someone a gift and suggest she share it? Or maybe I should just tell her that I'd like her to pick one to give to her mother from me. Is that weird? Her mother is my age and it tickles me to think of something I've made being enjoyed by someone(s) on the other side of the world. But maybe her mother doesn't like doilies...
I'm overthinking this. As always. Weigh in with thoughts if you have them.
And that's it for me this week! To see what other YOPpers are up to, visit our group on Ravelry.
The doilies are so sweet. What a lovelygift they will make for Yuko. I think doilies are used world wide too. Everytime she looks at them she will have such fond memories of her time with you. I see no reason not to mention to her that you would like one to be given to her mother. Do it up front. when you give them to her. Let her choose the one that would be best for her mom. You are such a giving person. I am glad to 'know' you .
ReplyDeleteAwww, Marsha, that is so kind of you to say. And thank you for the advice. That's how I will do it. It sounds so obvious coming from other people. I don't know why I overthink it so.
DeleteI'm sure Yuko's mother will be honoured to accept such a gift from you. If they don't choose to use them as doilies perhaps you could mention the option of placing them over a glass or jug to keep bugs out. I've often seen doilies used in that manner. They're all such pretty patterns and colours.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary Anne. That a good idea!
DeleteThey are all so pretty! I’d guess that both Yuko and her Mom will love them. I don’t see sny reason why you shouldn’t suggest she share with her Mom.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynn!
DeleteHi Becki wow your doilies are amazing ,love them ,all the colours look fantastic. I think that its fine to mention to her that if she wanted to give one to her mum that it was ok ,love your beautiful work,well done my friend xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shez. Both for the compliment and for the reassurance.
DeleteThe doillies are just beautiful Becki and I'm sure Yuko and her Mom will love them and I too see no reason why you wouldn't say it at the start about sharing it. They will make a lovely gift and a great way for Yuko to remember her time here with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ruth. I finished the third one and just need to block it. I'm excited to give them to her. :)
DeleteI love the colors you chose for your Doilies. I tried a few years ago to make some angels with the very small hooks and the finished project was no where as nice as yours. I think she will be very excited to receive them and to share her gifts and experiences with her mother.
ReplyDeleteYou know... I made my very first doily two years ago. It was a small one too, and while it wasn't as hard as I imagined it to be, I did feel like working with thread and a small hook was tedious. For some reason, when I made these (2 years later) they didn't feel tedious at all. I don't know what changed, but I'm so glad it did. I feel excited at the thought of making more.
DeleteI think it is a wonderful idea to have her pick one to give to her mother. The colours are so vibrant and will make gorgeous gifts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary-Anne. :)
Deletewonderful idea for her and her Mother! I am 100% sure this will be very normal for her and a way for you to make connections and honour her and her mother! lovely work! I am sure she will love them!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth. I'm feeling more confident about the idea with all the positive feedback.
DeleteYour dailies are beautiful and will make the most wonderful gifts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lucy. :)
DeleteWhat yarn is that magenta looking one made with? I love that colour.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz. I used Artiste, size 10, cotton thread (found at Hobby Lobby) in making all of these doilies. The color of the magenta looking one is called Boysenberry. It does look like a dark magenta.
DeleteWhy is it I like yours better than the pictures from the original pattern? Yours look more substantial and the colors are gorgeous. I have that yarn on my list for Hobby Lobby next week!
ReplyDeleteAs for the gift....I would just give them to her and tell her to feel free to give one to her mot her is she wants. I'm sure they will love them and you are so kind and generous to do that.
These doilies look terrific in these colors.
ReplyDelete