52 Week Challenge: #9 DIY Dreamcatcher

I've been wanting to make a dreamcatcher for some time now. I just think they are so lovely and 70's-esque and what they symbolize is also very cool. But the knotting and threading part always seemed so complicated. Then, I came across this awesome tutorial over at Lune Vintage, which uses a vintage crocheted doily for the center. How cute! I was so excited to make my very own because I had remembered seeing tons of vintage doilies at a thrift store near my house. But of course, when I actually have a use for them, I couldn't seem to find them anywhere. So, I'm keeping my eye out for pretty vintage doilies when I'm out and about. But until I find the perfect one, I just bought some from Joann's. Here's my take on the doily Dreamcatcher.

Here's what you need. 

Most of the materials are pretty self-explainable. I put the tea bag in there because I didn't like the look of the starch white doily, so I died it with a some hot water and a tea bag and I let it air dry. I thought it gave it more of a vintage look.

At first, I wrapped a thin strip of this faux leather I had, but the fabric began to fray, I wasn't happy with that. So I wrapped some multi-colored yarn around the hoop using a really simple macrame knotting technique that I learned over at Lune's tutorial. It looked complicated at first, but then I looked at her video tutorial, and some other online resources and I got the hang of it!

Place the doily in the center of the hoop, and tie four corners using a bow. Then stretch the rest of the doily using bows. I did this so I could adjust the tension evenly. Then I doubled-knotted each tie, and left the tails long.

I used matching embroidery thread to sew on beads and shells. And used leather cord to create feather tassels. I tied some corresponding wool yarn to create extra fringe. This project is great because you can really use whatever you want to make yours unique. I made one for my sister and she loved it! Happy Crafting!