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This pillow (pattern at the top of the page!) was the single most satisfying crochet project I've worked on. Hands down.
Why? It was so easy! I've been crocheting for a few years now, but I still think of myself as an advanced beginner. One thing I've always had trouble with is crocheting in the round. My rows are just always off. I tried to make a beret for my Blythe a long time ago and I thought I'd lose my mind!
You may think this was crocheted in the round.. but technically I'm not even sure it was! You are basically making a tube of zig zag rows over and over. I say a tube because instead of it being a flat piece of zig zag like you'd do for a blanket, you connect your first chain into a loop and then crochet around in zig zags until you have enough for a pillow (the front and back are the same)!
(afternoon snack after school)
The finished project is very deceiving. It looks way more complicated than it actually is. And that is a good thing! We won't tell anyone right? Let them think it was mind-boggling complex. ; )
You do the same stitches row for row. And the middle part that looks like a pinwheel? The zig zags just come/lay together like that naturally. Crazy, huh?
I don't know why but I found that pretty amazing! No fancy stitchery to get it to do that.
The button is a leftover giant fabric covered button that I didn't use for my Blythe Headbands a while back. You would definitely need to cover it with fabric, preferably the same color as the yarn you used for the button "cover" (a square of single crochet). Since crocheted fabric is so holey, you'd be able to see the silver of the blank button otherwise.
I used worsted weight yarn except for the berry colored yarn which I think was a sport or DK weight. I just used what was in my stash (this is a great stash buster project!) I used a 4.25 mm hook because I couldn't find my 4 mm (which the pattern recommends). It fit a 14" pillow form from Joann's perfectly (thanks Twitter friend for pointing me in the right direction for pillow forms!)
I bought a 16" pillow form too while I was there because, well, I just love pillows. What design-loving-person doesn't love lots of pillows? I have a feeling I'll be making more of these. The immediate satisfaction is too addicting. ; )
Right now I have my mind set on this one, of which I can't find the original vintage pattern anywhere! I originally saw it in a vintage McCall's craft book at an antique mall this weekend. Although the pattern wasn't in the book. So when I got home I did some googling (of which I turned up empty handed!). I did find this girl's pattern inspired by the original. I've inquired to see if I can buy it. This "pop-smocking" look is just so lovely. When I saw it I had that uncontrollable crafter's urge to MAKE IT NOW. I know my fellow crafter's know that feeling. The round one is the one I'm eying to make.
I haven't shown this room much over the years because it's the most used room in our home. And you know what that means. It's usually a hot mess. It's our living room slash playroom now. But now that the fugly futon is gone and we have a pretty couch, this room is shaping up! The white/pink/yellow checked blanket is covering the back of an IKEA dresser that we're using for storage and a sort of sofa table. The back is some kind of raw backer board that I plan on covering with vintage wallpaper that I ordered. For these photos I just used the blanket.. usually I have the blanket covering the cushions on the couch. So the boys don't get all artsy on it again. :P
I'm working on some curtains to hide the cubbies in two Expedit shelves in the room (I'm not sure, but at one time we got way too Expedit happy and we have THREE in the house! What can I say, they're just practical for kiddo stuff. But I'd love to find a new solution in the future just to change things up.)
The shelves hold all the boys toys and books. They just look cluttery, so I'm hoping some curtains like I made for this Expedit shelf will help.
Did you all have a nice weekend? Our's was nice! We went to Campbell's first soccer game (ever).. watching 4 yr olds play soccer is a bit like watching people herd cats, but it was fun. ; ) Cooper also had a game and we went to the county fair. Yesterday Coop & Daddy went to some car races and Cam and I went thrifting. I would say the weekend was a success.
Did you start (or finish) any craft projects this weekend? Link me up! I'd love to see!
where oh where did you get the zigzag quilt from? or did you make it? <3 lovely home.
Posted by: Renea Hanna | September 19, 2011 at 01:59 PM
aaha! Now, I get the pillow construction. That design has always baffled me so much I never even attempted to look for a pattern.
It's beautiful!! Once I finish some of the projects I've got going on right now, I'll start one. I need to not have a bajillion things going at once. But that's tough.
Posted by: Lisa Gutierrez | September 19, 2011 at 02:10 PM
ohemgeee! i effing love it! that velvet pop-smock thing is great, too! i think it's time to change the pillows in my living room!
Posted by: knitxcore | September 19, 2011 at 02:53 PM
OMG I love this pillow!! Totally going to have to make this!! Thanks! XO
Posted by: Lauren | September 19, 2011 at 03:34 PM
What a cute pillow. You're house is to die for cute. Oh my! I just love it. So inspiring. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | September 19, 2011 at 05:00 PM
AHHH I LOVE THIS! I absolutely must make one. :D
Posted by: Pansy Lane | September 19, 2011 at 05:29 PM
oh wow!! it turned out amazing! the colors are fabulous and I want to make mine just like it! I really like the crocheted covered button, it looks perfect.
Posted by: Casey | September 19, 2011 at 05:59 PM
The pillow looks awesome.I'm in love with your house! Keep crocheting!!
Posted by: Sue May | September 19, 2011 at 07:22 PM
Love, love, love it!
Posted by: Vickie Howell | September 20, 2011 at 06:06 AM
LOVE it! and that blanket looks so comfy!!
Posted by: reeve | September 20, 2011 at 08:19 AM
The pillow turned out so cute! And I have to say that I love the painted walls in your house!
Posted by: Beth | September 20, 2011 at 07:52 PM
We didnt start any new projects nut are working on restocking for the ICE show in November. We had our little one's first game this past weekend too...but he's 5-6 years group. This weekend we're going to attempt a garage sale...phew. I never noticed I was the glassware queen utnil now.
Posted by: amanda | September 22, 2011 at 05:23 AM
your pillow turned out beautifully!! high five.
Posted by: jorjiapeach | September 22, 2011 at 01:00 PM
The pillow is lovely! I've had the same one bookmarked for awhile but am a definite beginner crocheter.
Where is that awesome zig zag quilt from?
Posted by: anna couzens | September 26, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Was you pillow form available online or in store? I can't see one online . . .
Posted by: Rachel | October 24, 2011 at 12:03 PM