Crafting: Crochet Presents

One of the more interesting hobbies that I picked back up in college was crochet. I used to crochet when I was younger, but when I got to college my advisor and various people in my department all did a variety of needle craft -- some crochet, some knit and one person did embroidery. It was kind of funny when you think of it -- A bunch of Classics students taking up needle craft. But it was a great way to relax, and occupy your hands while listening to a lecture or discussion.




Since I have graduated, I've kept up with my crochet and even joined one of the local church groups that do needle crafts for charity. Making hats to send to overseas soldiers, newborn caps for the NICU at the local hospital, and chemo caps for cancer patients. I also made a bunch of crafts for various presents. This year I take on my most complicated project. Filet Crochet.

My father spent 27yrs in the Coast Guard. We have so many nautical themed Christmas ornaments, my parents put up a second tree with just them. This year I plan to make a filet crochet tree skirt for that tree, alternating sailboats, anchors and lighthouses, 2 panels each. Since this is such a unique idea, I have to design it myself combining snowflakes, ships, anchors, lighthouses to make individual panels. Excel has become my new best friend. It is soooo much easier to create a graph pattern like this with excel:

 But am now at the point that I can begin actual construction. Wish me luck.