Flickr Inspiration: Crocheted Potholders, and SWAP!

I have to admit, if you had asked me a couple of years ago what my thoughts were about crocheted potholders, I would have looked at you funny. “Crocheted potholders? Really? I can’t imagine they’d be very exciting.”

Then I caught a glimpse of a potholder swap on Flickr, and saw the error in my judgement. Because who knew potholders could be so pretty?

These are some of the potholders that were swapped last year. So gorgeous.  So many patterns, so many colors. The admins of the swap say that the goal of the swap is to “produce and receive little pieces of crocheted art. Use beautiful yarns, color combinations, and patterns.” Those are definitely pieces of art – I’m not sure I’d ever want to use them, but would more likely display them!

The best part is that they’re having another swap this year! That’s right, Potholder Swap 2010 was just announced. The admins have made it incredibly simple:

- Crochet 5 potholders in the same pattern (but feel free to vary the colors)

- Send all 5 potholders with a self -addressed postage paid envelope to one central location by March 27th

- Admins will package and send back to you 5 potholders from different participants

This year they’re requesting that only 100% cotton be used. I have absolutely no cotton in my stash, but luckily I have a little leeway in my yarn budget to go shopping. I’m going to join the fun, and use this as an opportunity to test my crochet skills, as well as try to work on my color choosing skills. I’m very excited!

Want to join the fun? Details are here on Flickr, and here on Ravelry. There’s no need for a “sign-up,” just get your potholders (and postage) to the listed destination on time.

Happy crocheting!