ruffle wreath

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It is spring break here, and a busy one at that, but I did finally find time today to finish a quick project. My poor front door has been naked since Christmas. I think this orange and gray ruffled wreath is prefect for spring, even if the weather still says it's winter!

 

 

I made this wreath with a foam wreath form that I wrapped heavily with gray yarn. For the ruffles, I chose an orange print fabric and a coordinating orange solid. I cut the print 6" wide by 42" long and the solid is 4" wide by 42" long. I put a 1/4" hem down both sides of each fabric strip, although I think cutting the strips with pinking shears, would be just as cute and much quicker. I sewed with a long stitch down the center of each strip and then gathered the strips. I gathered the print to go around the wreath 3 times, which was about 18" and the solid to go around the wreath twice, which was 12". I secured the back with safety pins just in case I because I will get tired of the orange and want to change it. I used a little of the print fabric to make a hanger for the wreath and to attach the letter.

 

About the letter... when my kids saw me get out the paint, they thought that today was craft painting day... so my "quick" project quickly turned into an afternoon of paint and cleaning. It never seems to be a "quick" project when the kids are on spring break!

floor duster cover

Anyone who is cash conscious knows how much the covers for these guys cost. I haven't bougt refills for mine in a few years because I just couldn't bring myself to spend money on something that I was just going to throw away, even if my house is covered is wood floors and tile.

Duster Cover -Eeek! I should have cleaned it first!

I have been using lap sponges from the operating room to cover mine when I have them. They work great, but they are not something I can just go pick up at the store. I only get a pack of them every once in a while as it is rare that they are available and there many nurses who see their value when it comes to cleaning our homes. And for those of you who may wonder, no, I do not practice workplace thievery!

Last week, I came across a pattern for this crocheted Duster Cover. It was reusable and looked so simple to make. I had to try it. I was correct in my judgment; they were simple to make. I made two from one ball of yarn in just about 3 hours. (I feel like I crochet slowly, so yours could go much faster!) However, true to my crafty nature, I made the first one exactly like the pattern and then modified the pattern on the second one to make it "easier". This is the link to the website where I found the pattern. And below is my modified pattern. At less than $2 for two of these reusable covers, my duster may see a lot more work!

Duster Cover Pattern

1 Ball Peaches and Creame cotton yarn, makes 2
Size H (5mm) crochet hook

Chain 61
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. 1 sc in each ch across. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1. Working in back loop of each sc,  sc in each sc across. Turn.
Repeat row 2 until work measures about 4 inches wide. Then make one more row. Fasten off.

On the length of the work, count 12 stitches in from the end and fold over at that point, right sides together. Whipstitch into place to form a pocket. (See photo above.) Repeat on the other side. Turn right side out and you are done!