Greetings Friends!
Let me just say that it is mighty cold in Massachusetts. The eye watering, face burning, toe numbing cold that grips us every winter. Our ability to endure must be coded into our DNA, because otherwise I fear after a week like this we would flee en masse leaving behind all but our most cherished valuables (yarn and books!) in search of a more hospitable climate!
For months I've been focused on making things that keep you warm, like hats, mittens, and sweaters. As awesome (and important!) as they are I think we can use a splash of spring, and that's what this flowery jar topper reminds me of.
This is the Flower Jewelry Keeper from the August 2012 issue of Crochet World magazine. I think the idea of crocheting a decorative topper for any type of jar is very clever, and I can imagine making them in a variety of different flowers, designs and yarns.
Let me just say that it is mighty cold in Massachusetts. The eye watering, face burning, toe numbing cold that grips us every winter. Our ability to endure must be coded into our DNA, because otherwise I fear after a week like this we would flee en masse leaving behind all but our most cherished valuables (yarn and books!) in search of a more hospitable climate!
For months I've been focused on making things that keep you warm, like hats, mittens, and sweaters. As awesome (and important!) as they are I think we can use a splash of spring, and that's what this flowery jar topper reminds me of.
This is the Flower Jewelry Keeper from the August 2012 issue of Crochet World magazine. I think the idea of crocheting a decorative topper for any type of jar is very clever, and I can imagine making them in a variety of different flowers, designs and yarns.
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The pattern calls for a wide mouth half-pint canning jar. I didn't have one of those, but I did have this cutie languishing on the door of the refrigerator with a smidge of orange marmalade in it that no one was ever going to eat. After a hot soapy bath it was ready to be repurposed!
| The pattern calls for DK weight cotton, and all I had on hand was worsted. That, along with the different type of jar meant that I needed to make a few modifications. Here's the basic technique: Crochet a circle a bit smaller that the jar's lid (working in the back loops only so you have something to attach the flower to). Make the center of the flower (I did this according to the pattern). Make the body (in pink here) by working in a spiral to the bottom of the lid. I did the last round in the front loops only and added a few decreases so it kind of makes a lip. |
Finish by making the petals. My version looks identical to the one in the magazine, but is simpler because I skipped the part where you make a second circle, stitch them together and stuff it with fiber fill. They also secure the crocheted topper to the lid with hot glue. Since I ended up with a nice snug fit I didn't bother.
The bright cotton makes a color saturated flower that is a welcome reminder of spring and the warmth it promises. I'm using my jar to hold a pile of stitch markers. With this technique you could decorate jars for the kitchen, bath, office, or studio - any room that needs organizing would benefit from one or even a set of coordinating storage containers. It's a great way to do something creative with all those uniquely shaped jars that would otherwise be destine for the recycle bin. Plus, it's a project you can easily finish in one sitting which I always find appealing! You can be sure that there are lots of toppers in my future!
The bright cotton makes a color saturated flower that is a welcome reminder of spring and the warmth it promises. I'm using my jar to hold a pile of stitch markers. With this technique you could decorate jars for the kitchen, bath, office, or studio - any room that needs organizing would benefit from one or even a set of coordinating storage containers. It's a great way to do something creative with all those uniquely shaped jars that would otherwise be destine for the recycle bin. Plus, it's a project you can easily finish in one sitting which I always find appealing! You can be sure that there are lots of toppers in my future!
And finally today I want to tell you about the giveaway that I'm hosting on Robin Reads & Writes. Just in time for Valentine's Day I'm giving away an advance reader copy of Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas, and a heart shaped thread bookmark made by yours truly. Pop over and have a look at the review. I really enjoyed the book, and hope the lucky winner feels the same. After all, what could be better than a bit of romance and magic to round out your Valentine plans?
Thanks for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
Thanks for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
