BitterSweet

Many months back, I was browsing through a local jewelry store when I came across some funky crocheted beads and instantly thought, “Hey, I can do that!” Well, thinking and doing are two different things, so for a long time this idea was kept on the back burner, since I don’t know many people who would wear such a large and colorful necklace. Even after going out and buying wooden beads to crochet around, nothing more came of it for weeks and months on end.

Finally, nearing the end of my project list and searching around in desperation for something to make, I rediscovered my earlier purchase. I aimlessly made a handful in purple, and then spent another good chunk of time wondering what to do with them now. In this way, I learned that it can be extremely difficult to finish a project when you’re not exactly sure what you’re hoping the end outcome will be.

Strangely enough, the grocery store has been a good place for inspiration lately. Picking over some grapes in the produce section, I glanced over beyond my typical choice (Seedless red grapes) and noticed how very large and round the seeded variety are. After fitting the pieces together, let’s just say I shopped as quick as I could, rushing home to uncover those forgotten crocheted beads.

Don’t they fit in perfectly with the other fruits? Sure these are a bit darker than your typical grape, but this is what I had on hand, so show me you have better color sense than I do and make your own in a more appropriate shade! But hey, atleast I hadn’t originally made blue or black beads in the beginning… That would have made for one scary looking bunch of grapes.

Using an E hook and worsted weight yarn in purple you will be making two different sizes of grapes. The first is made with a…

2 Cm Wooden Bead [Make 5]

Sc8 into ring
*Sc1, sc2 into 1 st* around
*Sc1, sc2 into 1 st* around
Sc around, 3x
[Insert bead]
*Sc1, sc2tog* around
*Sc1, sc2tog* around
Cut thread, gather remaining stitches together and pull tight, fastening off and leaving a long tail.

1.5 Cm Wooden Bead [Make 7]

Sc6 into circle
*Sc1, sc2 into 1 st* around
*Sc1, sc2 into 1 st* around
Sc around, 2x
[Insert bead]
*Sc1, sc2tog*
*Sc1, sc2tog*
Cut yarn leaving a long tail, gather remaining stitches together and pull tight.

Leaf

Ch10, sc into 2nd stitch from hook, sc twice more, dc 3 times, tc twice, and then 4 tc into the last stitch
Continue around and on the opposite side, tc twice, dc 3 times, sc twice
Cut yarn and sl st through final stitch

Assembly:

Okay, this is a little bit tricky and I’m not sure if I can fully explain it in a comprehensible manner.

What I did first was arrange the larger beads into positions that I thought looked alright, and then tied them together at the top. I then proceeded to tie the other smaller beads between the larger ones, allowing them more or less space to hang below. As my bunch of grapes grew, I continued tying the remaining small beads to the other small ones already attached.

Continue until you use up all of your beads, and weave ends into the sides EXCEPT for the ones up top. Tie the leaf around the ends at the top to secure. Finally, I twisted all of the remaining loose ends of yarn together and sealed them with a thin coat of mod-podge to form the stem. Let dry and enjoy the new addition to your fruit bowl!