9.09.2010

sunflower


Sunflowers.  I just love their heavy heads of golden brown goodness.




Ah, sunflower, weary of time,


Who countest the steps of the sun;


Seeking after that sweet golden clime


Where the traveller's journey is done.
-William Blake




So when I can combine the lovely art of irish crochet with the making of a sunflower doily....well that just gets my fancy like you can not believe.

And wouldn't you know it?!  There's a book with just that pattern. 



I love, love, lOvE this book.  The author, Judy Crow has hit upon some gorgeous, out-of-the-ordinary patterns and stitch configurations that just seem to jump right off of the page...





...and onto my hook.


The petals did seem to take forever, but because the pattern for them was easily memorized I could almost do them while standing in line at the grocery store.  (Notice I said almost -- my kids seem to give me the hairy eyeball if I pull out my crochet projects while the cashier is ringing up our corn flakes.)



I would have never thought that I could take one of my most favorite techniques (irish crochet) and use deep, vibrant thread colors...


 
...to make a sunflower doily.

34 comments:

Unknown said...

Your work is always so gorgeous. I love the vibrant colors.
Teresa

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Oh Dawn - this is just so pretty and with great texture and color - I love it.
...and about those hairy eyeballs... you made me chuckle..

Misty said...

Wow, this is such a gorgeous sunflower! Congrats on your finish! This book has been on my wish list for a while--one more reason to want it.

Aussie Maria said...

It really looks like a sunflower - such a happy face to make you smile when you see it

Killiecrankie Farm said...

Dawn - I've missed your inspiration! Such a great Sunflower - the piecing must have taken you ages.
I think that book by Judy Crow MUST be added to my wishlist - it looks very out of the ordinary.
Lovely photo collage you have treated us to again.

SUADDA said...

I can just say AMAZING! WONDERFUL! =)
I love it!

Helen said...

there is only one word for this: cool. Amazing sunflower.

Unknown said...

I also love irish crochet, and this sunflower is the most beautiful I have seen in months! LOVE it!
Hugs,
Susanne

Linda said...

Wauw super,mega
Das ist der Hit...
Mal schauen ,ob es das Buch auch in der Schweiz gibt??
Liebe Grüss aus der Schweiz Linda

willywagtail said...

I really think you should have a giveaway with this as the prize and let me win it. ;) It is so, so special. Very realistic. Cherrie

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous Dawn. With this work or art, it will always be Summer in your house !

Diane said...

This is definitely a work of art! I think I must have that book....
I think it would be a beautiful wall hanging with all the texture of the center work and petals. Beautiful:)

"Never Knew" said...

Beautiful! Amazing!
Caz :)

Márcia Galti said...

Hello Dawn
Simply wonderful washcloth, beautiful, charm for the eyes to see it!
A big kiss!
Marcia

Shippymolkfred said...

The Sunflower is stunning!!!
Great work.
If you want to have a look...I finised my cat :)
Scottish Greetings
Shippy

Everlasting said...

This is so perfect!!!
The sunflower and the pictures too
Bravo you should win a price for this post.

Anonymous said...

Amazing and so fun for fall!

Unknown said...

Ciao, ti ringrazio tantissimo per le tue risposte ai miei commenti ^_^, e non posso non lasciartene uno per questo girasole meraviglioso!!!! Un abbraccio e buon fine settimana Antonella

~Sabine~ said...

Your sunflower is so beautiful.

Greetings Sabine

Sandy said...

Your work is fabulous as usual! Wow!
Sandy from
Love ya to stitches....

Lia said...

Wow, this is just marvellous! Really a great crochet idea and work. Compliments! I could see it not only like a doily, but also like a wall-decoration!

Tudy said...

Love the sunflower but boy does it look like a lot of work. You did a great job on it.

Fruitful Fusion said...

The sunflower is gorgeous! I'd love to go back to some Irish crochet and do it in lovely, vibrant colours! Which hook have you used?

glor said...

How beautiful! I love sunflowers and this is so cheery. The marigold brooch is also wonderful. Your work is beautiful.

Unknown said...

Bravvo.

andi said...

I always love everything you do. You have an amazing eye for really fantastic projects and the talent to be able to execute them- BUT as I was ohhing and ahhhing over everything I could not get the term "Hairy Eyeball" out of my head! What the heck is that??? :)

MailleEnLair said...

Oh waow, this is the most amazing sunflower I've ever seen :-)))

Sindarery said...

Hi, your sunflower is so lovely and gorgeous. I've been your secret visitor and your crochets are simply amazing :) I love your work and they are all so beautiful. I fall in love with them all :) I didn't know how to crochet but sincerely you have inspired me to learn this beautiful art.

Greetings from Malaysia.
Sindarery

Miss Prudence said...

I am speechless!
yOU are truly a crochet artisan!

Ana Paula said...

Hi, I am from Brazil, and I junt find you blog. Congrats for your jobs, they are so beautiful.
Um abraço,
Ana Paula
cantosdecasa.blogspot.com

Crafty Girls Workshop said...

Hi Dawn,
I came to your blog because of your tutorial for a cute fabric flower and I found such lovely crochet inspiration! I don't know how to crochet, I tried once and didn't do more than a chain, but now I REALLY want to try this Irish crochet. It's awesome! Do you think it would be too hard for a beginner? Great photography so inspiring!

Anna

gloria g. said...

Yes, this sunflower is stunning. I have ordered the book - from Amazon......but you always have just the right thread and in such wonderful colors. Do you order on line or always just have a good stash of threads? Would you share where you order if on line? Your work is wonderful!!!!! gloria g. in South Carolina

gloria g. said...

Yes, this sunflower is stunning. I have ordered the book - from Amazon......but you always have just the right thread and in such wonderful colors. Do you order on line or always just have a good stash of threads? Would you share where you order if on line? Your work is wonderful!!!!! gloria g. in South Carolina

Puwi said...

you are gorgeous and genious!
i love the sunflower <3

http://idekuhandmade.blogspot.com/