BitterSweet

It’s becoming harder and harder to escape the facts at this point: These summer days are fading fast, being swept away by the cool winds of autumn. While I know that this is a disappointment to many beach-going, sun-loving people, I think that a lot of the joy of summer comes from the mindset it accomanies. Those endless days of vacation, freedom, the lack of stress or demanding work… Perhaps this feeling doesn’t have to dissolve as the calander pages continue to drop. That’s where my latest project comes in; to remind myself and others that autumn and winter don’t have to be gloomy and gray - Just add a splash of summer colors!

So before this season is too far gone to recover, I decided to make one last stab at something bright, cheerful, and summery. The design is much louder than your usual pot holder, which is why I think it would be best to bring out in those bright, sunny days, it could by all means be used at any time.

I’m not really sure what prompted me to creat pot holders that look like orange slices, but it most likely had a lot to do with all that left over orange and white yarn I still had [Be sure to use cotton so it doesn't burn!] The pattern is extremely simple, so the real fun comes with the added detail after you finish the basic shape. Colder weather may be on its way, but adding a little bit of warmth to your kitchen is no problem with this citrus-y addition.

Using an F hook and orange yarn,

Sc 6 into a circle

2 sc into each stitch (12)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 1 (18)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 2 (24)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 3 (30)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 4 (36)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 5 (42)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 6 (48)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 7 (54)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 8 (60)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 9 (66)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 10 (72)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 11 (78)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 12 (84)

2 sc into 1 st, sc 13 (90)

Switch to white: 2 sc into 1 st, sc 14 (96)
Ch 10 (or however many you want for the length of the hanging-loop) and sl st into the first stitch.

Crochet in straight lines across the whole length of the circle, dividing it into 6 slices.

Embroider seeds near the center.

For added insulation, cut out matching circles of ironing board fabric and sew to the back side of the pot holder. If you would rather just have them as decorative pieces, feel free to leave this step out.

If only I had thought of this fun project earlier into the summer…! But now maybe the season can last just a little bit longer, atleast in spirit.