After being inspired by a stylish arrangement of ceramic vases, I designed these crocheted vases to see whether I could make lace containers that stand up on their own. First I was going to make my own rubber molds and learn to mix up resins, then I took my plans down a few necessary notches and dipped the crocheted vases in fabric stiffener. This project is fast, easy, and, best of all, doesn't require a hazardous materials mask. (Vases shown from left to right: kitchen string, jute, and hemp.) Finished Size
Hemp (off-white; open base): 2 1/2" (w) x 5" (h) [6.5 cm x 13 cm]
Kitchen String (white; closed base): 2" (w) x 5" (h) [5 cm x 13 cm]
Jute (brown; closed base): 3" (w) x 6" (h) [7.5 cm x 15 cm]
Materials
- See individual patterns for fiber and hook specifics
- Aleene's Fabric Stiffener & Draping Liquid
- Plastic mesh canvas or glass, for shaping
Gauge
Hemp: 3 mesh spaces x 2 rnds = 1 1/2" (4 cm)
Kitchen String: 3 1/2 mesh spaces x 3 rnds = 2" (5 cm)
Jute: 3 mesh space x 2 rnds = 1 1/2" (4 cm)
Design Notes: The gauge varies depending on the fiber you use. It's more important to keep the stitches snug.
Hemp
Materials
- 50 yards (46 m) 1-mm hemp in natural
- Size 3.5 mm (E/4) hook
Instructions
Open Base
Fsc 36, leaving a 4-inch (10 cm) tail.
Rnds 1-6: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st in first sc to join.
Rectangles and Squares Mesh Pattern
Rnd 1: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), sk next st, (dc in next st, ch 3, sk next 3 sts, dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st) around ending with ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch 1), sk next ch-1 sp, (dc in next dc, ch 3, sk next ch-3 sp, dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next ch-1 sp) around ending with ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-4 to join.
Rep Rnd 2 until desired height.
Last rnd: Ch 1, sc in same st as sl st, sc around working 1 sc in each dc, 1 sc in each ch-1 sp and 3 sc in each ch-3 sp, sl st in first sc to join.
Fasten off and weave in any loose ends. Follow Finishing instructions to stiffen fiber.
Reprinted with permission from "Uncommon Crochet" by Julie Holetz. Copyright © 2007 Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA. www.tenspeed.com. Photography: Angie Cao. Publisher retains all copyrights and the right to require immediate removal of this excerpt for copyright or other business reasons.
