1960's Crochet Doily finished

My craft resolution for this year was to tackle my huge pile of unfinished projects (ufo's). Believe it or not, this doily has been in my pile for way over 40 years (that's telling something about me). I started it as a teenager in the days when we worked on our "glory box". I had lost the pattern, then thought I found a similar one, but it wasn't right. I had to work out the pattern.

My tension must have been super tight, as the recently completed motifs are larger than the old ones, even though I used a 0.6mm crochet hook.

Does anyone else remember working on their "Glory Box". I think some people referred to it as the bottom drawer. We used to buy small items, or complete handwork, and show each other what we had collected. Before I was married, I did complete a cross stitch table cloth, and several stitched doilys with crochet edges. I also completed several small thread  doilys. My ambition was to complete a tablecloth. I got as far as making 4 motifs in white, then decided I didn't like the start and stop, not to mention the weaving in of ends. It was also in very fine thread, with a fine hook. I totally admire anyone who ever completed a tablecloth.

However, I still have several unfinished doilys in my pile. I went to Spotlight to see if I could match the thread of a yellow one I have, but they had nothing like it. I guess after all this time, I will be lucky to match the thread.I'll have to look around the internet, but it will be hard to match with just a picture of the shade. Excuses, excuses.

Why do I knit, crochet, sew, embroider?

Despite all my great resolutions, I haven't posted for over a year. It has been a very eventful time for our family, with many difficult challenges. Although I haven't posted, I have continued with my fiber crafts. I wanted to share some of the reasons I spend my time in these pursuits.

Ribbed Bed Socks

Haruni lace shawl

I tend to give away most of my knitted and crocheted items. When I complete a project, it gives me a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

I hope that the item will be a source of comfort or even joy to the recipient, whether it is a plain pair of ribbed bed socks for my grandson, or a delicate lace shawl for a sister-in-law.

Having several "take along" projects with me
whenever I leave home is essential. (I need more than one in case I run into problems) These are usually fairly simple, even mindless knit or crochet projects. There are so many times and places where my handcraft stops me getting impatient - waiting for appointments, being a passenger in the car, long plane trips.

My "take alongs" are helpful in keeping my mind and hands occupied under stressful conditions. Again, I usually can't cope with anything complex when I am anxious. 

My design knit baby cardi and hat

  

I enjoy variety in my hand crafts, but the last few years, my sewing is mostly utilitarian. I make curtains, sheets, blankets and flags for the centre - metres and metres of straight sewing. However, it save a lot of money compared with buying ready made. I also mend and alter clothing, which again saves money.

Sue Box machine embroidery baby wrap

My main creative sewing is making machine embroidered baby wraps. I intend to spend more time with my machine this year.

With fiber crafts, there is so much to learn, and so many avenues to explore. I rarely knit, crochet or sew exactly according to the pattern. Sometimes this leads to disaster, but fiber is forgiving, and most projects can be salvaged, after they have spent enough time in the dark cupboard, out of sight.

My design, crochet baby cardi

One day, I mean to write up my original patterns. Meanwhile, I enjoy being creative.

My design, knit baby dress