3.24.2011

elegance

I love all things elegant.

Definition of ELEGANCE
1a : refined grace or dignified propriety  b : tasteful richness of design or ornamentation c : dignified gracefulness or restrained beauty of style : polish d : scientific precision, neatness, and simplicity
2: something that is elegant


But step into my house and you will see:
,
 a brand-new puppy keen on chasing crabby kitties
,
homework that seems to be geared heavily toward stupifying the smartest of parents
 
a dryer & a Jeep that pick the most inopportune time to stop working
 
a prognosis of acute cabin fever,
 
yadda, yadda, yadda.....
 
 
 
And...my life is anything but elegant.
 
How to remedy that?

Simple.  You crochet something that is elegant.



First off ---->My Cascading Elegance pineapple doily from : Crochet Pineapple Centerpieces from HouseWhite Birches. (I have had this book forever & don't know if it is available to purchase anywhere.)

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And you know --there is something so elegant about a crochet pineapple pattern --- and of course, this Aunt Lydia Bamboo Cotton thread is still my fAvOrItE!! The drape alone is more than sumptuous.


And then on to this book.  My sister purchased this for me and not only does she know me oh, so well, she learned  how to knit!--drat her...but that is a whole 'nother post for a whole 'nother time...ahem.




In her book, Linda Permann shows so many delightful stitches and one that I have always wanted to do is: Catherine Wheel.  Every time I have tried to crochet this stitch -- ugh, let's just say it never resembled the pattern. 

Ever.



But man! her directions were clear.  The diagrams were clear...


....ta-da!  A Catherine Wheel Washcloth.


Love this so much, that I am trying two totally different colors.


Okay.  Now it's onto my very sagging inbox...







27 comments:

QuiltedSimple said...

Glad to see you back! And that crochet dishcloth is oh so very lovely! I hear you on the homework and the puppy though....that is the only reason I cannot wait for summer:) Have a good day!
Kris

glor said...

Well now, your life sounds normal ... lol. Always loved elegance but like you have to make something to get it, which isn't a bad thing ... you certainly have created such beauty! Have a wonderful day.

Donna said...

I am so glad you are back! I have missed your beautiful work. I love your photographs and especially love your color choices. I am not even much of a crocheter, but it makes me happy to see the things you make. Thanks so much for sharing.

Cheri said...

Your photos are amazing....so inspiring. I am overwhelmed with all the ideas I'm getting from all my new crochet friends.....thanks for the sweet comments on my blog!

Marilyn said...

I am also happy to see you back. I hope you had a good break and look forward to all the new treasures. :)

Jennifer Stumpf said...

Yay, you're back!! Happy day! And with pretty new projects! As always, they are all beautiful!

Susana said...

Beautiful!!!!!!Do you have the graphic or diagram? Thanks from Argentina.Kisses

Madeleine said...

this looks absolutely gorgeous! :D

Andi said...

Welcome back Mr Kotter- :)
You always crochet such elegant things that I find it hard to believe that your home is not the same. Oh and the sister is knitting-fantastic! Can't wait to hear about that.
Have a great week.

Aisyah Helga said...

Hi Dawn,

I love everything! The colors, too! I haven't tried the Catherine Wheel stitch, yet but will give it a try soon. Yours are lovely!
When you have small kids up 'til teens, your house will NEVER be elegant! My husband and I are waiting for the day when we'll have the house all to ourselves. Not that we don't love them but you know what I mean! :)

Pradeepa said...

The color is beautiful. All the photos are excellent as always. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting.

Pepa said...

Dawn .hola me gusta mucho tus trabajos yo tambien tengo un blog de trabajos como los tullos espero que los veas mariajoseveira .com

"Never Knew" said...

Your work - as always - looks beautiful! I love your Catherine Wheels. And the yarn you are using for them looks lovely - what is it?

Great to see a post from you again. I have been a bit sporadic with my posts lately, but I am still around. :)

Caz from Never Knew

Unknown said...

Ma come sono felice di rileggere i tuoi post!!!! mi mancavano le tue meravigliose foto che sono sempre una gioia per gli occhi!!!!! Il centrino è bellissimo e come dici tu elegantissimo!!! spero di vedere al più presto tuoi nuovi lavori!!!! Ma per il lavoro a due colori usi la lana????..viene benissimo.... un abbraccio Antonella

Everlasting said...

Oh la la !!!
So chic and truly élégant. This doily is beautiful and original. And this blue look so vibrant...
I am happy to know that you are back :)

Sassyseamstress said...

I'm so happy to see you have come back. My daughter and I check you every day and have missed your lovely, elegant things.
Ann

liz said...

Such lovely creations. :)

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

It's great to have a way to be elegant and you sure do!

liset said...

Beautiful, beautiful beautiful beautiful crochet!!!!

Delphine said...

WAOUUUU
It's beautiful !!!

annemarie said...

Am glad you are back - the doily is so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful catherine wheel!! Lovely to find your blog - I came across via my friend Andi!! :)

sylviesgarden said...

What a fabulous doily! The colour is wonderful.
x

thread bear said...

I have just discovered your blog, and I LOVE it! Clear, bright, happy.

You are so on my reading list, now. : )

Lycka är ~ Onnea on said...

looks great! you make so lovely things.
nice blog!
~marita~

Anna said...

that's a lovely dish cloth, I'd love to try that pattern some day :) maybe I have to buy that book :)

Killiecrankie Farm said...

the catherine wheel stitch is just lovely - you have pulled it off with style.
Sometimes I think a pattern just needs the "right" yarn to match your tension to work where all other attempts have failed :)