Towel Topper Gift

 I am so proud of my second official gift since learning to crochet in late January.  (I sent my first lavender cowl and fingerless gloves to a dear friend who said she'd love my "stitch gauge issue" cowl.  lol)  This other friend heard I picked up crochet and asked for some towel toppers.........and I was happy to oblige.  Found THIS free pattern.   The first one I made used a crocheted button.  I didn't love that, so purchased these great buttons for THIS set.   Here is what I came up:

2-sided pot holder - side 1

2-sided pot holder - side 2

 I picked this pattern because of the way it started - no cutting the towel in half, no use of a hole punch.  This uses an embroidery stitch.

Now, when I went looking for crochet labels, I was shocked to find I could purchase 10 labels for $12 and up.  HUH???   Being the internet searcher I am, I found a tutorial on making my OWN labels using transfer paper, ribbon and the computer.  Here is my first attempt.  The text WAS purple, but after heat turned brown. I will have to adjust that.  lol

I'll work on stitching this on neater ...or....stop taking zoomed photos.  lol

I love how I can totally personalize this with the recipient's name.  Will slow me down for sure, lol, but I love that.     Here is the tutorial is anyone is interested:

Custom Crochet Labels

She loved it!!  I got the most fabulous voice mail that I've played over and over  - what a way to brighten my day!  She especially loved the FULL towel aspect of this pattern.  Yay!!

I may link up to THESE parties.