Three of my favorite home crafts this past year were crochet projects – the Celtic Hearts placemat, the beaded lampshade cover, and the Spice Market mandala. Each one of these projects used either cotton crochet thread or laceweight cotton yarn. The lampshade cover used the same taupe cotton that is part of the mandala. All of the projects were special because each taught me something new, and were a joy to make during my extra alone time this year.
I wanted to practice the filet technique, and found the placemat pattern on Etsy. It was the perfect project to practice, with a simple but fun pattern that helped me improve. I was so happy with the result that I gifted this little treasure to my friend’s mom.
The lampshade skirt came about because I needed a lamp in my living room, and wanted something unique. At first, I thought to buy a simple lamp and paint the shade, but one day in Pinterest I saw the idea of crocheting a lampshade skirt, and really liked the idea. I found the free pattern after doing a search on the Internet. I had to order the fire-polished beads from the Czech Republic, which took a few weeks to arrive. I’m so happy with how the project turned out. It really gives personality to a plain white lampshade.
The Spice Market mandala is probably my proudest project of the year, and was a constant morning companion during the first few months of the pandemic. The process of making it was really educational and helped me become much more confident with the mosaic stitch in particular. This was a labor of love that is now hanging in my living room.
I’ll write again soon to share my favorite toy makes of this year, as well as some delights that will be coming out of my kitchen this week! Until then, be well and stay safe.
The Frill Seeker 
Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person