CRAFTY CROCHET; Pretty Potholders

Most of us want something to do while we watch TV, sit by the fireplace or just feel creative. Most of us crochet, at least the basics such as single and double crochet stitches. There you are; potholder pretties comin' up!

The following sites have some creative ideas with fairly simple patterns.

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa071297.htm This little cutie will catch the eye of everyone who visits your kitchen, especially the kitty lovers in your circle. There are several more patterns on this site.

http://www.netw.com/~rafter4/knitpad.htm This heart-shaped potholder is not only pretty, but uses rags for its creation, a utilitarian project.

http://potholderswap.blogspot.com/
This site gave me pause; these may be the prettiest potholders ever! So many patterns, so little time.

http://www.mielkesfarm.com/diagonal_hotpad.htm If you go to craft shows, you've probably seen this potholder already. The pattern directions are easy and well photographed.

http: //www.freevintagecrochet.com/potholders/multicolored.html This log cabin quilt block look-alike is unusual and classy, definitively one from the 'guesthouse' potholders. Towards the bottom left of the page, they have a list of other patterns, very much worth your time if you're looking for unique patterns.

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/noahsatticantiques/item/PT301?gbase=1
These crochet books from 1944 and 1950, might interest you if you enjoy making potholders of various shapes such as cowboy boots, strawberries, gingerbread men, etc.

I wanted something different for my last craft show. A pattern for a 'scrubby' popped up and looked so intriguing, I made it as a potholder (just made it a bit larger). After one row of single crochet stitches, I alternated triple crochet stitches with single ones. The effect is a 'bumpy'/'nubby' texture, quite lovely and unique. Let me know if you try it, we'd enjoy hearing your thoughts about it.



"Tangled Yarns" has the pattern at the link below. http://www.tangledyarns.ca/crochet/2009/6/11/free-crochet-pattern-nubby-dishcloth.html

Happy crocheting, from Potholders Plus.