Place Mat Progress

Place Mats in Progress

Thus far, two place mats are almost completed and am diligently working on the third.  Once I add the white border, the place mats will look more "finished".  I am surprised at how quickly I am progressing (only began this project at start of May).  At this rate, I should be finished well before the end of June--plenty of time to weave in all those pesky ends. 

I've been mulling over the final gift presentation.  An inexpensive basket would be a lovely receptacle for all the handmade kitchenware.  Maybe I could line the basket with matching fabric and ribbon?  I do own a sewing machine and can sew a straight line--um, well sort of straight.  I suppose I could use pinking shears instead (I can cut straight lines on paper; not sure about fabric).

Dishcloth

Dish Soap Apron

Of course I'm including some dishcloths and hand towels.  Perhaps even a bottle of enviro-friendly dish soap wearing it's own apron?  What else could I add?  Sponges?  Fridge magnets?  Any other ideas?  Maybe I need to wander up and down the housewares and linen aisles at my local Walmart . . .

Happy crafting :)

The Ubiquitous Dish Cloth (and Other Cotton Tales)

So the crocheting continues here at casa d'Acrylic Girl.  Looking through the growing stash, I came across some leftover Bernat Handicrafter Cotton from a toy project I made a few years back.

Have you been not been formally introduced?  The yellow fellow with the jaunty beret is our resident Francophone.  Meet Pierre, also know as French Bear (have I mentioned that my kids name their toys?).

French Bear (aka Pierre)

The pattern had come from Debbie Bliss' Knitted Bears.  Loved the pictures of the cute bears in lovely costumes, but intensely disliked the fiddly patterns with lots of pieces to sew (have I mentioned I dislike sewing?).  The one good thing about the project is that I "cut my teeth" on various knitting techniques and finishing.  I also learned to dislike garter stitch and worsted cotton . . .until today.  

Generally worsted cotton can be hard on the hands, especially when knitting.  But for crochet?  Well, its not too bad, especially when working a small project (like the items pictured below). 

Matching Dish Cloth and Dish Soap Apron

With my handy dandy hook, I finished a simple dishcloth and a dish soap apron. Does dish soap need an apron? Maybe not, but it sure does look cute. N'est pas?  Both patterns came from a Bernat booklet I picked up in the fall  for a dollar.  Both items allowed me to practise my crochet skills, especially decreasing and increasing.  And I need practice.

Adding a Splash of Colour at the Kitchen Sink

Happy hooking! ;)