Crocheted Potholder Wreath

Do you have alot of the old crocheted potholders from your Mom and/or Grandmother?  Do you have a lot you have picked up at estate sales, flea markets, etc?

Here is a really cute idea to use them and have them out for display all the time.

Start with a plain old straw wreath - you can purchase these at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc.  I leave the clear wrapping on to keep the wreath from shedding.

 

Then, I take old lace - not vintage, just the kind you don't use anymore - and totally wrap the wreath.  This way, if the potholders don't completely cover the area, you will only see the lace versus the straw wreath.  I attach the lace at the start and finish with straight pins.  Be sure to use the ones with the large heads on them so the lace won't slip thru.  You can also add a dab of fabric glue.

This is a sample of the lace I used.

Here is the wreath completely covered with lace.

Now, to the fun part!!

Start with the heavier potholders and the ones with less color.  These will be your base.  Pin them on the back and start adding fabric glue at all of the integral parts - tips and centers

You will start with one potholder pinned on the backside and continue adding potholders as you go around.  Tuck one under another but not in a steady pattern.  In other words, you might tuck one in on the right side and another on the left - just to make an irregular pattern.

If you need to, you can add small doilies to the base part to fill in.  You don't need to worry about the back, just make sure you cover the sides with the crocheted work so that when it is hanging, it looks good.

At this point, you want to look and check out your color arrangement and design.  Some potholders have big patterns (like roses) and others don't.  So, space your patterns accordingly.

Here is another one I did in more pastel shades.

I can find these potholders for around $1.00 - $2.00 at sales.  The red ones are usually more expensive.  Don't hesitate to buy ones with spots on them because you can cover them up pretty easily.

Apply your fabric glue and pin occasionally to hold till glue dries.  You can move them around a bit if you need to while the glue is still wet.  It takes a day or so to completely dry.

Add a ribbon and/or lace hanger and you're done.  Now, isn't that alot cuter than being stored in a box??

Enjoy!

I'm joining Claudia's My Favorite Thing Saturday.

Till next time, Judy