Gizzy in Heaven!

Gizzy in Heaven!
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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

My first Polish Star motif pot holder

For me, pot holders are a great way to practice different patterns, stitches or motifs. I like experimenting with small items to avoid investing a lot of time and money into a big project that I may end up hating and maybe not even want to finish after I started it. Loosly described, I view some of my potholders as ACEOs or ATCs, little sampler of my crocheted work.

With that in mind, I decided to tackle the Polish Star design that I've always wanted to try. I think it turned out ok!









This pot holder is super thick because there's a front and a backside. Also it's made from 100% worsted weight cotton that is an excellent heat insulator.

For those of you that are interested in crocheting the Polish Star, I am providing the link to this pattern and some other helpful information.

The pattern itself is from FreePatterns.com and registration is free! All you need is an e-mail address. It's a totally safe site. I get patterns from there all the time. They have some really pretty ones, so click below:

Free Patterns (look for Polish Star Pot Holder) you'll probably have to register first before downloading the PDF file, but it's worth it. Like I said, they have really cute patterns.

Also, here's a You Tube video clip to show the weaving process for the loops of the Polish Star. I found the video AFTER I assembled the star, but I thought I'd include it for you anyway.

Polish Star Weaving

What helped me most for the weaving process is looking at the PDF file's picture of the completed project and the diagram the directions provided, plus re-rearding the instructions over and over until it finally sunk in.
Now that I know how to do it, the next one will be a lot easier. (I'm working on a red and white one now.) It was a nice change and a fun little challenge for me. That's why I like making different things, just to keep my brain activated ;-)
I took some photos of my work in progress, so you can compare and not worry if it's supposed to look like this, because it starts out kind of unusual (at least for me.)


This is  rows 1 through 3 - see how it looks like you're going to make a circle, but it'll be a square potholder. It only looks deceiving because of the big loops in between.

This photo is my work through rows 8


This is right at the beginning of the actual weaving process (refer to You Tube video and pattern explanation.)

After the weaving is completed, then there is the back part that has to be crocheted. The instructions stated I was to use blue, but my blue cotton wasn't quite as thick as the white and it would not have matched up nicely without me having to make stitch adjustments, so I simply used white and I am very pleased with my first try. Let me tell you, that is one thick and soft pot holder to keep your fingers protected from a burn.



I'm offering this pot holder for sale in my Etsy shop and, as always, my dear blogging buddies/followers get a 10% discount! Hope you all had a very nice Memorial Day weekend!

Please bear with me, I'll be going outside pretty soon so that I can post more nature photos and such. I've just been keeping cool indoors and avoiding the bugs and therefore have been crocheting more. (I know, poor Gizzy!)

13 comments:

Deborah said...

Hi Doris, I hope your feeling better! I love your pot holders and your patriotic pot holder are beautiful! I like your bees also!
xxoo
Deborah

AkasaWolfSong said...

Very beautiful Doris! Very functional too! I adore anything with a star pattern. I'll go watch the video and maybe I can figure it out, lol!
Have a great day and thanks for the share! :)

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, that is really pretty and I'm glad you put in the pictures. I was wondering how on earth you ever got that worked out in your head. It looks WAY too complicated for this simpleton, however.

Doris Sturm said...

Believe me, it took some figuring and mind bending, but once you get the hang of it, it all makes sense. I dind't discover the You Tube video till after and even after looking at the video, it didn't look quite right. What best helped me is looking at the picture on the PDF pattern and following the diagram they provided with the direction. It's a bit of a challenge, but worth it dahhhhlings ;-)

Samantha G said...

This is very cool! I've never, ever seen this kind of crochet before :)

glor said...

Polish star, very pretty and looks like quite a complicated pattern. You did an amazing job.

Julia said...

Wow. Way cool Doris! They are lovely and functional all at once. You've got some talented hands.

ps. I've got some buckeyes starting to bloom and am about to lop off all their flowers. I forgot when I planted them about the bees... They may just have to come out now. :(

The Beneficial Bee said...

Doris, that is really beautiful. it looks really complicated as well!

Maxmom said...

Hello there Dorris
GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
I'm popping by to just say 'hello' and thank you for visiting my blog and for the comments you have made.
It's always nice to make new friends and I was enthralled with your write up on your profile. You are an amazingly creative person!...and your honey bee interest is wonderful!
Keep writing and creating. You have a lovely blog.
Sending lotsaluv from across the globe...
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

AkasaWolfSong said...

Doris...did you get my email? I sent it to your hotmail account. If not send me the addy you'd like to use and I will send off my address to you...you can just delete this then so it doesn't show up on your blog.

Just wondering Dear Lady! :)
Hope your day is cool there and the bugs are leaving you all alone!


Have a Great Day!

Anonymous said...

Doris,

Thanks for the recent comments on my blog. Not sure what happened by I somehow stopped following you - not intentionally :0) Hence the lack of comments from me.

I'm loving your recent potholder posts - this polish star is amazing.

Also, hope you're feeling better.

Sandy

Mistea said...

Just beautiful - Love the colours and the design - amazing - can't wait to see the Red one.

Unknown said...

hi hun just found your work love it can do it up to the finish of the weaving once ive done that cant work how how to finish the last row before i tie off any help will be good thanks