exceptional

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This is Mary Werst's Exceptional doily that I started awhile ago from this book. The dense-ness of the stitches is so totally unlike any doily that I have ever crocheted.
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I love that.
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And I also love this exceptional January snow that seems to intensify the sky with a blueness that is so vibrant & jewel-like.
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This is the view from our front yard -- yup, very blessed indeed.

And so thankful that so many years ago a lovely lady took the time during my lunch recess to teach me how to crochet doilies.

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I am using my # 7 steel crochet hook and my very, very favorite crochet thread, Aunt Lydia Bamboo Crochet Thread, size 10.

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My husband is under the very sad, mistaken notion that doily-love is only for grandmas from long, long ago & teases me that he is going to list me as 'Doily Dawn' in my obituary.

But don't worry -- I will properly educate him into becoming passionate about doilies strewn all over the house.

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Hmmm. I wonder what he'd think about a lovely crocheted edging on .... say... some of his clothing?

Ha.

I'm kidding, of course........

....but if anyone has the perfect pattern for masculine edgings, let me know.

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fudge brown chatelaine

Main Entry: chat·e·laine
Pronunciation: \ˈsha-tə-ˌlān\
Function: noun
Etymology: French châtelaine, feminine of châtelain
Date: 1845
a clasp or hook for a watch, purse, or bunch of keys

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Not only do I love the way the word 'chatelaine' just seems to roll off my tongue -- I also love the delicate image it conjurs up. Dainty & feminine. And serving a purpose.
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This fudge brown chatelaine will not be used as a clasp for keys, watch or purse, but rather it is to be used/worn as a simple pincushion.
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Using size 10 crochet thread I crocheted a basic granny square for the back of this chatelaine.

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And the top? A gorgeous flower granny square (this has to be my most favorite design for a granny square!)

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.(Addendum: it comes from one of my most favorite books: Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs by Edie Eckman)

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Yes. I just love, LOVE the petals on this.

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And to compliment the brown, I found scraps of cottonwood bandana fabric for the inside.

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I sewed up the sides and added a bit of poly-stuffing.

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And crocheted a simple cord so it can be worn around the neck & then encased the whole chatelaine with a seam of single crochet around the edge.

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Simple. Delicate. And very useful.