Thursday, January 31, 2019

Make a Seasonal Wreath , One Wreath, Many Seasons, Unique Holiday Wreath

We seem to live in a society that loves holidays or any reason to celebrate!  We decorate our homes with seasonal or holiday themes.  Our stores are filled with seasonal and holiday items to tempt us;
But as crafty people, we can nearly always come up with unique decorations that not only look good, but cost us much less that what we would pay if we bought it at the store.


Several years ago I made this Door Wreath inspired by Attic 24.  ( If you haven't visited her blog, hop on over there and take a look!  It's awesome.)   She caught my interest with her  use of vibrant colors.

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I still love a pretty wreath on my door, but I don't want to make a new one for each occasion.  We just don't have that much storage space in our little home.  So I have been contemplating how to have my wreath and decorate it too.  So I came up with a very do-able idea!  This is  so simple!   Why have I not thought of this before?


The first ingenious idea (not my own) that I found  is to use a pool noodle to make the wreath form.  We all know that pool noodles are the magical component of a host of DIY projects.  To make a wreath from one is a no-brainer!  Simply cut the noodle to the length you desire and duct tape the ends together.  You could put a wire in the center to to help the noodle keep it's shape, but I haven't found this necessary


The next step is to crochet  (or knit) a cover for your wreath.  I would suggest a neutral color that will make a good background for any special occasion.  (As you can see, mine is white.)   Use whatever pattern you like and just make a flat piece long enough and wide enough to cover your noodle wreath snuggly..  Wrap it around the noodle and stitch it together lengthwise.  Then stitch the ends together.  You now have the base for your wreath.

So what is the secret that will make your wreath the most versatile holiday decoration in your home???

Check back for my next post and I'll tell you.  In future posts I will be featuring some easy crochet ideas to decorate your wreath, so  you might want to sign up for my email notifications so as not to miss out.

I'm so excited about this wreath  idea  and I think you will be too!

Blessings!
Reny






                                                     

Saturday, January 26, 2019

New Crochet Goals, New ideas,

Wow!  January is nearly over, and yes, I have been busy!  

The Flower Dew Scarf I completed for my daughter.   This pic does
not do justice to this scarf, but hopefully she will send a nice pic of
her wearing it!
So far this month I have completed a beautiful scarf and have two kimono's in progress.

I also have requests for a couple of Pokemon character inspired earflap beanies.

I am toying with the idea of creating my very first garment design.  More on that later as there is much research to be done as to how to write a pattern for a piece of apparel.  Very exciting times! 

In between all this I have managed to design a cute pair of bunny amigurumi and have listed the pattern in my Etsy Shop.    

 


  This is Twinkle and Flop!  They just hopped off my hook this past week.  They will make a great addition to Easter baskets this year!


So, finding time to even write a blog post has been a bit difficult.


 But check back often to see what is happening at Reny's Place.  I 
                          love sharing my work with all of you. 

Blessings! 
Reny

Saturday, January 12, 2019

A New Year, A New Season...Time to Reflect, Time to Plan



     January is always a special time.  It's the time of year that I look back on the previous year, and look ahead to what I hope the new year will look like.  This practice started years ago when a dear friend and I would just spend a day together and journal our years accomplishments and make a list of goals for the coming year.

     While I don't necessarily journal these things any more,  I still take time to reflect and think about how I want my new year to be.

     This past year I spent hours in my recliner with yarn and hook close at  hand.  I made so many different things!   My work is scattered all over the US with family members, friends and even a few customers.  I have enjoyed every project!  I have learned a lot and improved my stitching skills.  I have designed a few simple patterns.    I have learned more computer skills related to my blog and social media.  It has been a great and productive year for me.  I leave 2018 behind with a satisfied smile.  Now on to 2019!





     I'm not totally settled yet with what I hope to see happen in my little world this year, but I do have a few things in mind.  I hope to continue on my quest to feel as healthy and energetic as possible.  I want to dive deep into my relationship with Jesus.  I hope to make a few changes in our home decor and spend a good amount of time working in the yard when spring arrives.  I am looking forward to spending more time with those I love, both family and friends.



(These pics are just a few of the children that filled our home this Christmas!  What a delight!)







    As far as crocheting goes, I am thinking that I will concentrate more this year on things to wear.  I am currently working on a C2C (corner to corner) kimono that I think is going to be a very pretty wardrobe accessory.  I have made vests, shawls and kimonos before, but they were  rare projects.  But this year I hope to do several items of that sort.  Of course, I will always find time to whip up an amigurumi here and there.



  I have a scrap yarn blanket in the closet that I may pull out this year.   I have been working on it for a couple of years now.  I think it may be time to finish it.  It promises to be a warm, heavy blanket.

      So, welcome 2019!  My word for this year is 'Embrace' and I embrace this new year.



Blessings!
Reny


 Rev. 12:5  "Behold, I make all things new."  (I love this passage of scripture.  It holds so much promise!)