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A SHAMELESS THEFT (of an idea)

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http://anestforallseasons.blogspot.com/2011/03/jar-project.html

Have you heard of  ‘pay it forward’ or ‘random acts of kindness’?  The idea is that you’ll pass along a good deed or a small gift (like a paperback book) anonymously by placing it in a public place to be ‘adopted’ by the person who finds it – or in the good deed category, maybe you’ll pay for the cup of coffee of the person behind you in line or secretly shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk.  These little things can make us feel great!  It is great to give as well as to receive.

Then, I ran across this idea.  Basically, you take a jar and lid lid that would otherwise go in the trash or recycling bin and place something small and pretty in it.  Then, you leave the jar in a public place for someone to happen on – to brighten the day of the recipient.  Since it’s unlikely that you’ll see the recipient find the ‘gift’, you just have to trust that your small token will be well received.

So, here’s my plan.  Gather all those jelly jars and other clear containers that I’d normally throw away.  Then, I’ll crochet a small item – a potholder or a flower, for instance – place it in the jar and leave it somewhere along my daily journey – probably in the atrium of the hospital where I work.  I’ll go one step farther and mark the jar with a small piece of paper that says ‘FREE’ on it.

I’ll also print up a batch of small notes to tuck in each jar stating that this is a Happiness Project.  Then, there’s a good chance that the recipient will think of a way to ‘pay it forward’.

My note will say:

I crocheted this little gift to brighten your day.

Please accept it with an open heart.

Now, it’s your turn to do something that will put a smile on the face of a stranger.

Looking for more patterns for flowers? Check out this Crochet Flower Pattern Book.

Comments

  1. Brilliant idea. I can see where this will brighten someones day–especially if they are having a bad one.

  4. What a NICE IDEA!!! EVERYONE needs SOMEONE to think of them! To make them feel SPECIAL! A COMPLETE STRANGER? Kinda nice!!!! 🙂

  9. What a fantastic idea. You’ll feel wonderful, the next person will be grateful, and it will snowball from there. Way to bring out good karma for yourself and others.

  10. thats a lovely idea, will give it ago, another one is to stamp a picture, I did a little girl hugging a teddy and “A hug is always the right size” then laminate it and give them to people but they have to accept a hug of you and then pass on the picture or keep it for themselves, it suprised me how many people took my hugs and loved the idea

  11. Yay!! I’m so glad you are shamelessly passing along goodwill! I left little notes in mine as well, but putting “free” on them is a great idea!!

  14. Mind if I post this one on my groups?? I have a few groups that have craft elements on them and we love to do RAOKs…. I love this idea and think we should all do it more often. Best of this one is that even my NON-crafty friends can do it by putting something nice in it from a $1 store or some candies (not chocolate that would melt, I mean like boiled sweets or gum etc). Brilliant idea, of course I’d be doing the craft items to go in them!!

    Oh and JD… I LOVE your blog!!

    Hugs, Paula xx

  15. PLEASE feel free to pass along this idea! I would love to have more people in different crafts join in. Almost anything can fit into a glass jar – or other container of your choice. There is a Pay It Forward paperback sharing program that is quite popular. I think it’s a small way we can brighten the day of a stranger or friend!

    jd

  16. I love the idea of passing along a hug. One of my husband’s patients brought in a pretty little framed piece that says something to the effect that hugs are free, so here’s yours. I placed it in a prominent location by the receptionist’s desk for all to see!
    jd

  17. I love this! I am starting my own today. I have done the book thing, it’s actually kind of fun.

  18. Magnificent! What a beautiful way to brighten the world! I’m in! I started crocheting little flower pins from cotton yarn this morning. Think I might take them to the maternity ward of the hospital and pass them out…si

  19. Such a great idea! I’m reading this several months after it was originally posted (love that “you might also like” button) so I have the joy of seeing what actually went into the fabulous jars of happiness that you spread around your part of the country. Just beautiful.

Have you read?

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch: An Easy Textured Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

  • Crochet mug cosies
  • Ear warmers and headbands
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Cushion covers
  • Tote bags
  • Baby rompers
  • Crochet cardigans
  • Lap blankets
  • Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.