Mahogany Flowerbeds

A simple frame 4 ft x 4 ft using pine boards screwed together around a base of a maple tree.  Make sure the hill area around the tree is level to the actual ground base.  Fill open areas underneath with newspaper, good for keeping the ground inside and for compost for the bed.

I used regular top soil of 3 large bags per bed.  Then fill to the top with black compost bark to add the dark touch.  I stained the frame with red mahogany and gave it a very nice even coat.

Then I added the plants and statues along with some rock for scenery.

I added a clematis to both of the beds to give some vines to grow around the trees.

Added some Arabian Dahlias to bring out more colors.

Both beds have a very nice attraction to the front yard to give it a very good taste to see as people travel by and for guests to enjoy.  I hope this idea will help you in designing your front yard.

Blue Rosette Vintage Doily

Doilies

Star Book No. 124

The American Yarn Company

1955

By Vic Pilsner

I have started this doily using a rounds of blue and white for each section up to each set of leaves.  Then on the flowers, I used the light shade of blue, ran out of that blue, found out nobody sells that shade anymore, so I went with the ones close to it and it still remained blue and it draws a nice attention where it can draw focus and yet still fits into the whole piece.  The pattern is below for you to follow and have fun creating your own piece of art.

Materials :
American Yarn Company
Puritan mercerized crochet cotton, Art. 40
1 ball each White and Shaded Blues or colors of your choice
Steel crochet hook No. 7
Doily measures: 19 inches in diameter
or -- Gem mercerized crochet cotton, Art. 35, size 20
1 ball each White and Shaded Pinks or colors of your choice
US Steel crochet hook No. 7
Approximate size: 13 1/4 inches in diameter

With White Ch 6, join to form (1) ring, Ch 6, Dc in ring,
* Ch 3, Dc in ring,
rep. from * 5 times,
Ch 3, join in 3rd st of Ch.
2nd Rnd. Ch 1,
* 4 Sc in next lp, rep. from * all around, join.
3rd Rnd. Ch 3 (counts as 1 Dc), 1 Dc in same sp,
* Ch 4, skip 3 Sc, 2 Dc in next Sc,
rep. from * all around, Ch 4, join in 3rd st of Ch.
4th Rnd. Ch 3, 1 Dc in same sp, 2 Dc in next Dc,
* Ch 4, 2 Dc in each of the next 2 Dc,
rep. from * all around, Ch 4, join in 3rd st of Ch.
5th Rnd. Ch 3, 1 Dc in each of the next 3 Dc keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time,
* Ch 4, Dc in next lp, Ch 2, Dc in same lp, Ch 4,
1 Dc in each of next 4 Dc keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time (cluster),
rep. from * 6 times
end with- Ch 4, Dc in next lp, Ch 2, Dc in same lp, Ch 4, join in top of first cluster.
6th Rnd.
* Ch 5, skip 1 lp, 4 Dc in next lp, Ch 5, skip 1 lp, Sc in top of next cluster,
rep. from * all around, join.
7th Rnd. SLst to center of lp, Ch 5, cluster over next 4 Dc group,
Ch 5, Sc in next lp, Ch 5, Sc in next lp, Ch 5,
rep. from * all around end with- Sc in same sp as last SLst.
8th Rnd. SLst to center of lp, Ch 3, 1 Dc in same sp,
* Ch 5, 2 Dc in next lp,
rep. from * all around end with- Ch 5, join in 3rd st of Ch.
9th Rnd. Ch 3, Dc in same sp, Ch 3, 2 Dc in next Dc, Ch 2,
* 2 Dc in next Dc, Ch 3, 2 Dc in next Dc (shell), Ch 2,
rep. from * all around, join in 3rd st of Ch.
10th Rnd. SLst to center of shell, Ch 3, 2 Dc in same sp, Ch 2, 3 Dc in same sp, Sc in next lp,
* 3 Dc, Ch 2, 3 Dc (shell) in center of next shell, Sc in next lp,
rep. from * all around, join in 3rd st of Ch.
11th Rnd. SLst to center of shell, Ch 1, Sc in same sp,
* Ch 4, 2 Dc in next Sc between shells, Ch 4, Sc in center of next shell,
rep. from * all around end with- Ch 4, 2 Dc in next Sc, Ch 4, join in first Sc.
12th and 13th Rounds. SLst to center of lp, Ch 3, 1 Dc in same sp,
* Ch 4, 2 Dc in next lp,
rep. from * all around end with- Ch 4, join in 3rd st of Ch.
l4th Rnd. Ch 3, Dc in same sp, 2 Dc in next Dc,
* Ch 4, Sc in next Dc group, Ch 4, 2 Dc in each of the next 2 Dc,
rep. from * all around end with- Ch 4, Sc in next Dc group, Ch 4, join in 3rd st of Ch.
15th Rnd. Ch 3,
* cluster over next 4 Dc group of previous Rnd, Ch 4, Dc in next Sc, Ch 3, Dc in same sp, Ch 4,
rep. from * all around, join in top of first cluster.
16th Rnd. Same as 6th Rnd.
17th Rnd. Same as 7th Rnd.
18th and 19th Rounds. Same as 8th Rnd.
20th Rnd. Ch 3, 1 Dc in same sp, 2 Dc in next Dc,
* Ch 5, Sc in next 2 Dc group, Ch 5, 2 Dc in each of the next 2 Dc,
rep. from * all around end with- Ch 5, Sc in next Dc group, Ch 5, join in 3rd st of Ch.
21st Rnd. Same as 15th Rnd but working Ch 5 before and after each cluster.
22nd Rnd. Same as 6th Rnd.
23rd Rnd.
* Ch 6, cluster over next 4 Dc group, Ch 6, Sc in next Sc,
rep. from * all around end with- Ch 6, join.
24th and 25th Rounds. Same as 8th Rnd but work Ch 6 between each Dc group.
26th Rnd. Ch 3, Dc in same sp, Ch 2, 2 Dc in next Dc,
* Ch 3, 2 Dc in next Dc, Ch 2, 2 Dc in next Dc (shell),
rep. from * all around, Ch 3, join in 3rd st of Ch.
27th Rnd. SLst to center of shell, Ch 3, 1 Dc, 1 Tr in same sp, Ch 3, 1 Tr, 2 Dc in same sp,
* Sc in next lp, 2 Dc, 1 Tr, Ch 3, 1 Tr, 2 Dc in center of next shell,
rep. from * all around, join in 3rd st of Ch, cut yarn.

Flowers:
With Shaded Blues
Ch 7, join to form (1) ring, Ch 1, and work 14 Sc in ring, join.
2nd Rnd. Ch 3, 3 Dc in same sp keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time,
* Ch 3, skip 1 Sc, 4 Dc in next Sc keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time (cluster st),
rep. from * all around, end with- Ch 3, join to top of first cluster-st (7 cluster-sts).
3rd Rnd. SLst to next lp, Ch 3, 3 Dc in same sp keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time,
join to center of any shell on doily, Ch 3, SLst in same sp on flower,
Sc in next cluster-st on flower, Ch 3, Sc in same sp, SLst in next lp on flower,
Ch 3, 3 Dc in same sp keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time,
Join to center of next shell on doily, Ch 3, SLst in same lp on flower,
Sc in next cluster-st on flower, Ch 3, Sc in same sp,
* SLst in next lp on flower, Ch 3, 3 Dc in same sp keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time,
Ch 3, SLst in same sp (petal), Sc in next cluster-st on flower, Ch 3, Sc in same sp,
rep. from * 4 times,
join, cut yarn (7 petals on flower).

Second Flower:
Work first and 2nd rounds same as first flower.
3rd Rnd. SLst in next lp, Ch 3, 3 Dc in same sp keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time,
join to first free petal on right hand side of first flower, Ch 3, SLst in same sp,
* Sc in top of next cluster, Ch 3, Sc in same sp, SLst in next lp,
Ch 3, 3 Dc in same sp keeping last lp of each Dc on hook,
yarn over and work off all lps at (1) time,
join to center of next shell on doily, Ch 3, SLst in same sp on flower,
rep. from * once

finish 2nd flower same as first flower, cut yarn.
Work 34 more flowers same as 2nd flower joining in same way.
Join last flower to first flower to correspond.

Thanks to Jessica-Tromp

Designing a pattern for Lace Knitting

By Vic Pilsner

Lace knitting is very simple as long as you follow the pattern to its precise guidelines.  The best method of creating a pattern for lace is to use a basic spreadsheet.  You can use Excel or OpenOffice for to create your pattern.

Rules of circular lace:

Know your rows of increases.

For a 3 stitch cast on, you increase the 4th row with knit 1 make 1 and repeat back to knit 1 and finish with a make 1.  You do this on every increase row, which is 4th, 8th, 16th, 32nd, 64th, and 128th rows.  The further you go outward, the more length of the circular needles you will need, or use more double pointed needles of the same size.

Example:  K O K O K O = Knit 1, Make 1, Knit 1, Make 1, Knit 1, and Make 1, and so on around.

Remember to always calculate the increases with designing a pattern.

How to make holes within the non increase rows.  When you are able to make a pattern inside the lace knitted pattern, for every increase or make 1, you have to do a decrease.  For each increase, you have to do the same number of decrease before the repeat of the same pattern.  You can make the decreases slant to the right or slant to the left, or make a point doing 2 decreases at the same time.  With an increase at each end of the 2 decreases.

Here are differ versions on how to make a simple pattern:

O \ / O = Make 1, Slip 1 Knit 1 Passed slipped stitch over, Knit 2 together, Make 1

O V O = Make 1, Slip 1 Knit 2 Passed slipped stitch over, Make 1

\ O O / = Slip 1 Knit 1 Passed slipped stitch over, Make 2, Kit 2

To make larger holes on the increase rows is very simple.  Instead of Making 1, you make 2 after each Knit 2 as follows:

\ O O / O O = This  will still give you the increase of stitches for the increase row, but will also configure the bigger hole on the increase row.

Placing your pattern:

Placing your pattern is based on the number of stitches and the number of repeats inside the pattern.  You do not want to overlap the pattern with the repeat.  Always make your repeat section first before the actual pattern and plan it all out with the simple easy stitches.

For beginners:  Use simple patterns until you can get used to them.

For average:  Use Intermediate and put some pizzazz and make it more intricate.

For advanced:  Use some techniques nobody has done before.

So work on creating some patterns.  Use the techniques I have displayed here for you or create your own.  Have fun creating your own pattern.

Lace Tablecloth with vintage edging

Designed by Vic Pilsner

This is my latest circular lace tablecloth designed and knitted by me.  The edging has a vintage border and the pattern starts in the center and works outward.

Yarn - off white or any color you may like.
4 dpn - US Size 5
crochet hook US size H for cast on stitches

Chart abbrev:

P – Purl

K – Knit

D – Decrease K2tog

O – Make 1

/ - K2tog

\ - SKPSO

V & 3 – S1K2togSPSO

With crochet hook, Cast on 3 stitches onto the hook.  Slide the 3 stitches onto the dpns.  1 stitch per needle.  This is considered the knit row.

Pattern A

Pattern B

Pattern C

Pattern D

Pattern E

Pattern F

Follow the patterns A through F.  

Edging

Work the edging according to the chart above.  M stands for Marker so you know where you are within the pattern.

Then after all patterns are completed, close off and sew in edges and project completed.

Good luck and enjoy the art of Lace Knitting.

Brussells Stitch Armenian Lace Doily

This doily is made with a center autumn fabric hand stitched in a circle and double sided.  The lace is in brussells stitch around the edge giving it a very lacy texture.  The pattern is very simple and done with a regular sewing needle to give it the lacy effect.

Armenian Lace goes way back through the centuries creating lace designs for clothes, doilies, and other fabrics.  This is very time consuming and if you enjoy the patience, you will enjoy creating your own piece of lace for everyone to enjoy.

Elegant Vintage Lace Doily

You will need: 3 balls of Mercerized Crochet Cotton in white or color of your choice
US Size 10 steel crochet hook.

Doily measures about 13 inches in diameter.
Crochet Pattern Collection! 317 One-of-a-kind Vintage Crochet Patterns That Are Over 100 Years Old!

Pattern: Starting at center, ch 4, sl st in first ch st to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 15 dc in ring, sl st in top of ch 3.
Rnd 2: Sc in same st with sl st, * ch 3, sc in next dc, repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, hdc in first Sc.
Rnd 3: Ch 5, dtr in lp just formed, * ch 3, 2 dtr in next lp, repeat from * around, end with ch 3, sl st in top of ch 5.
Rnd 4: Sc between sl st and next dtr, * 5 dc in center ch st of next lp for a shell, sc between next 2 dtr. Repeat from * around, end with a shell in last sp, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 5: Sl st to center of shell, sc in same st with last sl st, * shell in next sc, sc in center of next shell, ch 7, sc in center of next shell, repeat from * around, end with a ch 7, sl st in first sc.
Rnd 6: Sc in same st with sl st, * ch 5, sc in center of next shell, ch 5, sc in next sc, ch 5, sc in next lp, ch 5, sc in next sc, repeat from * around, end with ch 2, dc in first Sc.
Rnds 7 through 10: Sc in last lp formed in last rnd, * ch 5, sc in next lp, repeat from * around, end with ch 2, dc in first sc.
Rnd 11: Repeat rnd 3 except inc the ch lps to ch 5.
Rnd 12: Repeat rnd 4 except inc the shells to 7 dc.
Rnd 13: Sl st to center of shell, sc in same st with last sl st, * a 7 dc shell in next sc, sc in center of next shell, ch 7, sc in center of next shell, repeat from * around, end with a ch 3, tr in first sc.
Rnd 14: Ch 5, dtr in lp just formed, * ch 7, 2 dtr in center of next shell, ch 7, 2 dtr in center of next lp, repeat from * around, end with ch 7, sl st in top of ch 5.
Rnd 15: Repeat rnd 4 except inc the shells to 9 dc.
Rnd 16: Repeat rnd 5 except inc the shells to 9 dc.
Rnd 17: Sl st to center of next shell, ch 5, dtr in same st with sl st, * ch 9, 2 dtr in next lp, ch 9, 2 dtr in center st of next shell, repeat from * around, end with ch 9, sl st in top of ch 5.
Rnd 18: Repeat rnd 4 except inc shells to 9 tr.
Rnd 19: Repeat rnd 5 except inc shells to 9 tr and chs to ch 9 lps.
Rnd 20: Sc in same st with sl st, * ch 5, sk next 2 tr, sc in next tr, ch 5, sk next 3 tr, sc in next tr, ch 5, sc in next sc, (ch 5, sc in lp) twice, ch 5, sc in next sc, repeat from * around, end with ch 2, dc in first sc.
Rnds 21 through 31: Repeat rnd 7.
Rnd 32: Repeat rnd 3 except inc the ch lps to ch 5. Finish off.

By Victor Pilsner, Marshfield, Wisconsin

Knitted Triangular Shawl

This is my triangular knitted lace Shawl with fringes done in 2 basic earth tone colors of cream white and dark brown.  Lace is done by circular needle and given the color of Native American textures.  This project took me 6 months to make and is very warm to wear and simple with a touch of elegance.  I am very proud of this masterpiece.

This is a project that you start out at the bottom and you form diamonds using the lace knitting method.  As you add more rows, you increase on both ends and when it gets further outward, you form new diamonds and by the time you are done, you go from 1 diamond across to nine diamonds across forming a triangular shawl.  Then you add the fringes on both sides.  The increases are on both sides on the new row.  It is very simple to make for any beginner.  Triangular shawl patterns for lace can be found online.

This is an excellent project to learn to Knit and Purl and make stitches.  You can also use this to create your own projects when it comes to lace knitting.

Welcome to my new page of Crafts and Designs.  Here you will be able to view my crafts of Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Needle Lace, and plenty more.  I also like to open my online store on here so viewers like you can be open to purchase items on my blog.  Some items are for sale and some are just for show.  If you like me to make you an item of similar, just let me know and I can work something out for you.

My home is a simple country home with a touch of elegance that can welcome you to see more about the kind of person I am with my talents and skills of art.  My work is very detail but yet simple for anyone who wants to learn and know about my styles.  Elegance is the key to my work and being in simple nature.

Enjoy viewing my blog and reading my posts and if there is something you like and will like a pattern or to purchase of what is on sale, let me know and I will assist.  Thank you.

Vic Pilsner
Marshfield, Wisconsin