utilitarian crafts: plant sling

i like to make pretty things for other people. when it comes to making things for myself they either need to be weird, like the bacon cups, or utilitarian - which is why i have about 20 different reusable shopping bags. the latest utilitarian need arose from the variegated spider plant living on top of our refrigerator that has been looking a little sad and like it might want more sunlight and some suspension. i've been eyeing a hook that's already in our living room ceiling and thinking about pairing the two for a while. i found this pattern for a hanging plant sling and decided to whip out the crochet hook and give it a try.i've never done doily-type crochet work. mostly my crocheting has been focused on such utilitarian projects as dish scrubbies made of tutu tooling, and rugs and bags made of recycled plastic bags or old fabric. what i haven't done is any sort of granny-ish lacy work. and i was hesitant to crochet a plant sling based on some gaudy ones i've seen, but this pattern is a pretty basic net and doesn't look over the top, so i tried it out.it turns out that utilitarian projects are just not as exciting as pretty projects, so the plant sling has been sitting around in my purse and on the couch for moments when i'm focusing my attention elsewhere but could be doing something with my hands. i found time to finish it on the plane (my favorite place to knit and crochet) this weekend. i think if i were going to make it again i'd use some sort of twine or heavy string to crochet with - but i wanted to use up a ball of yarn i knew i'd never use for anything else. it worked fine it's just not as weight-bearing as it should be. so it turns out the variegated spider plant from the fridge is too heavy for it and its little spider plant cousin is going to get the seat of honor instead.