Crochet

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What Does A Mason Jar Have To Do With Crochet?

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mason jar yarn dispenser

 

Believe it or not, I do use the computer to check out things other than crochet.  I am a regular reader of jillee’s blog and often find some very useful ideas there.  I read about this Mason jar conversion project the other day and thought it might be a cool idea to use in the kitchen.  Then, in one of those forehead slapping Aha! moments, I could just SEE how this idea would work great to dispense yarn or thread.

You might want a larger jar.  Not hard.  Buy one at Target or at a thrift store or dig one out of your basement or garage.  Buy a carton of something that has the kind of cute, plastic screw on lid like that pictured above or another kind of lid that you can open and close.  If your lid is very big, you’ll need to follow Jillee’s instructions to cut out the smaller lid cover then secure that to a sturdy piece of cardboard that will cover the opening of the jar you’re repurposing.  You can glue it or tape it.  Best to not staple it as those staples could snag your yarn or thread.

craft store yarn dispenser jar

Craft Store Yarn Jar

Now, you’ll have for free or really cheap what they charge upwards of $20 at the craft store.  I think one of those really large Deli pickle jars would work really well for this idea.  Should you prefer to use a plastic container – great especially if you’ll be on the move with your crochet – you can still use this idea.  Just cut our most of the flat top of the jar lid and follow the rest of the instructions.  Voila!

 

 

Comments

  1. Target has GALLON sized Ball/Mason jars! I bought a bunch for canisters for flour and sugar, but these would be great for larger or multiple yarn balls! Great Idea – PS, I love Jillee too 🙂

  2. One Could crochet or re-purpose a doily to use as a pretty lid with hole already in plase… 🙂

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.