Back to the rug...and other stuff

Remember this? The first 3 rows of the newly begun crocheted rug...from last Wednesday. At the time, I had 3 tennis ball size rag balls sewn for this rug. The size you make the balls is up to you. I find it hard to hold and wind a ball much bigger than a tennis ball. Friend Jean makes them bigger than grapefruit, but that size makes my hands and wrists hurt. Make yours according to what works for you. The 3 balls took the rug out to about 10". I didn't think to measure. More sewing of strips was needed, but I didn't get around to that until yesterday.
 An hour of sewing will result in a nice pile of "stuff". I watched a movie last evening and did the snipping apart and excess trimming. Got the balls wrapped and even managed a bit of crocheting before bedtime. The little rug is now out to 14". Progress begins to slow down as the rug gets larger.INCREASES change as it gets larger. I find I only need to increase(2 sc in same stitch) about every 4th to 9th stitches as it grows. That's a big spread I know, but you will learn to keep an eye on the stitch you are doing and when it is laying as if PULLED to the right, it's time for a 2nd one in that same stitch. This is NOT an exact science. Way too many variables...the weight of your fabric, the width you made the strips, how tight or loosely you crochet, etc. I think it is as variable as we are individual. That seems to be true in cooking also. You can follow an exact recipe and still get a different result. Just don't get discouraged. *VBS*
 I think most of you know that I also make "mug rugs" from the same basic beginning of the bigger rug. Just quit when you have the desired size. I used to make them about 4-4.5", but I now go out to a full 5". That way if the mug or glass is larger, the rim of the rug doesn't 'throw' the balance off. I also do what I call fabric baskets(altho I suppose they are more 'bowl' like).Determine the size you want them to be by the BASE size. Once you have the(i.e.) 6" base, you STOP increasing...period. Within a round or two the piece will begin to curl up and continue to curl up into straight sides as you go. The heighth you make them is up to you. I've made tiny 2" and 3" baskets, using a smaller hook and narrower strips, and I've made big 10+" base ones. I've made one just the perfect size to hold 8 of the 5" mug rugs *VBS* It was a gift for Betsy. With the one in this picture, I decided to see if I could make a COVER for an odd plastic container. It sits next to my sewing chair and holds spools of thread, seam ripper, safety pins, a small scissor, an emory board and a few other odds and ends. I measuredthe crocheted base against the container and once I had it big enough, I stopped increasing. This is the result. It was crocheted from odd bits left over balls. It's NOT gorgeous, but the idea works. You could crochet a handle for it, if you wanted a true basket.
 
And last but not least today, a wonderful package arrived yesterday from my PIF partner, Dee of Thea Quilts. I received this absolutely gorgeous little quilt, love those tiny buttons Dee!! And such fun Aunt Gracies type fabrics. I also received some scrump-DEE-lishous Dove and Ghirardelli Chocolates. AND, as a special treat, a bag of Dunkin' Donuts coffee beans! I was just astonished at all the goodies you sent me Dee, and I thank you for my wonderful treats!!