doily patterns...

I mentioned in the 'My Creative Space' post the other day that I had been crocheting some doilies. I have really been trying to gain an understanding of crochet and how it works, the use of different stitches etc. The couple of doilies I have made have been extremely valuable in the terms of process and learning.  

One thing that has jumped out at me is the amount of counting and maths involved in crochet.  I am finally beginning to see why we did maths at school so when my daughter complains about maths I can tell her she will need it for crochet.  Ahh, I can hear her rebuttals now....

I must admit though, some of the patterns aren't very easy to understand and I have either not bothered to start them or had to stop midway, like this one...

(See pattern here) 

I love the delicate simplicity of this completed pattern. It's unfortunate I got stuck halfway! Perhaps when I learn more, I will revisit it and see if I can finish it.  

This one is part of a bigger doily star doily...

(See pattern here)

This pattern has a lot of potential.  You could use this pattern for a blanket or cushion cover.

And the final one is the Crochet-A-Long-Doily which I was really enjoying until my thumb seized up.  I intend to get back to it tonight in front of the t.v...

(see pattern here)

But there are heaps of free doily patterns on the web and all you have to do is go and search for them. Here's a few I'd like to try...

Pineapple a l'orange doily

Vintage crochet pineapple doily

Lacy doily

Cobweb doily lunch set

Simple doily

Ecru doily

Crown of pineapples doily - this one looks amazing and I'm really scared about trying it!!

And if any of you give any of these patterns a try then please let me know.  I'd love to hear (and see!) how you go.  It would be great to exchange feedback on the patterns etc... I believe it always helps to bounce ideas/problems/solutions off of others - as the saying goes... 'Many hands make light work' =D