Crocheting With Yarn And Jute: Make A Fun Portable Vase (Cover) Or A Water Bottle Holder

There is something about my latest little crochet project that just makes me so happy! You may or may not feel the same way, but let me tell you why I think it's so wonderful. First of all, I actually set out to make a water bottle holder, not a vase cover, so this metamorphosis was a surprise all together, which is in itself fun. Secondly, as a water bottle holder I really didn't like it at all, (plus I made it too wide) but as a vase I love it enough to even put on my dining room table! Thirdly, I used someone elses's pattern for inspiration,
but added my own twist by combining yarn and jute (a roll of brown string from the hardware store) and adding a row of shell stitch at the end for a delicate/decorative touch.

This is the perfect look for bunches of wildflowers and would be great to take along on a trip or to your country cabin or campsite this summer! Just place a container (a jar or can or plastic bottle cut to the correct height) on the inside once you arrive at your destination! I was also thinking that it would make a great gift for someone in the hospital (hopefully for good reasons.....). Flowers given in vases can sometimes be a burden to take home— this one can be packed flat once the flowers have seen better days. And you could make a bunch for a large event (how about a DIY crafty wedding?) and store them afterwards without the need for lots of space!

You'll Need:

• inexpensive acrylic yarn, sport weight or worsted weight (or something else if you feel like it)
• jute string or any thick string you feel like trying out (the jute is a bit course, so for a water bottle you might want to try a cotton string or something a bit softer than my choice)
• a crochet hook that enables you to crochet with two strands you've chosen, I used a 7mm (L?) hook
• imagination: to transform your project into something that works for y0u!

Pattern:

Rnd 1: ch 2, 10 double crochet in 2nd ch from hook, slip st to first double crochet.

Rnd 2: ch 2 ( this did not count as the first double crochet) 2 double crochet in each st around, sl st into back loop of first ch2

Rnd 3: ch 2, double crochet in same st, *2 double crochet in next st, double crochet in next st, repeat from * around, sl st into back loop of first ch2.

Rnd 4: ch2, dc in same st and in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, repeat from * around, sl st into back loop of first ch2.

Note: Check diameter of your work to see if this is the desired size, if you'd like to make it wider, add more rows by adding a double crochet stitch between the "2 dc in next st" for each consecutive row. If it's too wide, so unravel a row!

Round 5 is the first row of the side of the vase/water bottle holder:

Rnd 5: ch1, sc in same st and around in back loop for this row, sl st to first sc

Rnd 6: ch 1, sc in same st, *ch2 skip next st, sc in next st, continue from * around, sl st into back loop of first sc
Rnd 7: sl st into ch 2 sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, *ch 2, skip next st, dc in next sp, around. Sl st into back loop of first ch2. Continue crocheting consecutive rows in this manner until you've reached the desired height.

For Shell Trim (for Vase): In first stitch of last rnd: *sc,2 hdc,dc,2hdc,sc, skip next stitch and repeat from *around. If your stitch count doesn't end correctly so skip two stitches before the last shell.

For Strap:Crochet a chain the length of desired strap, and add rows lengthwise with hdc to achieve desired width. Attach strap  to inside or outside a few rows from the top. Add a drawstring by weaving a piece of ribbon or crocheted chain through one of the top rows.

Enjoy, and send me photos of your creations!