Cherokee Rose Tablecloth

Many years ago (about 1991) when my eyes were much better than they are now, I made a tablecloth. For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to use size 20 thread and a size 10 hook. I spent a week charting out the design with a pencil on 4 sheets of graph paper that I had taped together. Then I spent the next 4 months crocheting it, working on it about 8 hours every day. At this time, I had 5 children and was expecting my 6th (and last, Bethany) so how I had the patience to do it I do not know.
I called it "Cherokee Rose" after the  roses that grew wild in the woods near my home. I sold the design to Annie's Attic and it was published in a book called "Keepsake Tablecloths." If I told you how much I was paid for the design, you would think I was crazy (it worked out to pennies per hour.) But I was very proud of it. I only used the tablecloth one time, when my daughter Robyn got married. Then I wrapped it up and packed it away.
Years later, when I was in the process of moving, someone stole the tablecloth along with some other items it was packed with. Why anyone would want to steal a tablecloth, I do not understand, but then again, I don't understand why anyone would steal anything.
But that is the story of my tablecloth. The end.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

I love Fall!

I made a new floral arrangment to place on my Grandmother's old treadle sewing machine this morning, and lit a pumpkin spice candle. It is still pretty warm here in Texas, but I know it won't be long until we get some cooler weather.

Can you see the Black Widow doily under the pitcher? It doesn't show up very well, but I wanted to use it anyway.

Hope you are having a lovely day!

Sunflower Dish or Wash Cloth, a Free Pattern

If you missed the Sunflower Dish or Wash Cloth pattern in the first issue of the BellaCrochet newsletter, you can still get a copy here:
SunflowerPattern

You will need to sign into your account (or create one if you have not already) and go through the check out process, but you will not be charged for the pattern. Please remember to select "Save" and not "Open" when given the option. Once it is saved to your computer, you will be able to open it when ever you like.
Remember, all my patterns (even the free ones) are for your personal use only, and may not be shared or distributed in any way.
Which brings me to another thing I would like to mention. If you know of anyone who is distributing any of my patterns illegally, please contact me and you may be eligible to receive a reward (kind of like a bounty hunter!!!) If I determine that you are correct, and the person is distributing any of my patterns (even the free ones) you will receive your choice of any 5 (FIVE!!!) patterns from my website. Of course you will remain completely anonymous! You can contact me at : bellacrochet.info@yahoo.com
Thanks for your help!

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

 Double, Double, Toil and Trouble is now available on BellaCrochet.com!

Here is the Black Widow Doily, that comes with it. I really love the spiderwebs, even though they are a pain to write!

Double, double, toil and trouble,

Fire burn and cauldron bubble!

Something New or Tried and True?

As a designer, I have my favorite stitches, techniques and ways of doing things.  I have  a collection of different roses, leaves and butterflies that I have used in several different designs. I also have my formulas for basic shapes (circles, squares, ovals) memorized. It makes life easier and projects turn out the way I envision them (usually!) Some of my favorite discoveries in the past have been the Eyelet Foundation, love knots and the sc shell stitch, all of which I now use regularly in my designs.

But sometimes, I just get in the mood to try something new. If I like it, I add to to my repertoire. If I don't, well then, that is the end of that! I know in order to keep my designs fresh, I need to add new elements to them. While I hope I have a distinctive style that my customers will recognize, I don't want my designs to get stale and predictable! And through the years, I have learned that just because something is complicated or hard to do doesn't mean it is good;  sometimes, the simplest things are the best.

Lately, I have been doing a lot of designs in sc ribbing stitch. Basically, you just work rows of sc stitches in the back loops only. But I love the texture of the fabric it creates. I love how it is so simple, yet gives such an elegant, sophisticated look to the finished design. I designed this Sweet and Simple Scarflette to be the gift pattern that will come with some of my new designs that will be released soon. It is so quick and easy to make that I was afraid it was too simple, so I added a little rose to go with it. I really like how it turned out, so versatile and sweet. I hope you like it too!

Update: The Sweet and Simple Scarflette pattern is now available for free here on the blog:
Sweet and Simple Scarflette

Let Me Grow Lovely....