Crazy Daisy Winder

Day 131: I doubt many people will recognize the Crazy Daisy daisy winders which were used in making this full-sized afghan. In fact, I'm not sure they're even available today other than as antiques. I learned the art of making daisies from my grandmother before I was of school age, a delightful and quick project for young hands. The winder in the background was her own and still functions perfectly.

This novel tool resembles a ship's wheel when the spokes are extended by turning the knurled knob in the center. Yarn is wound around them, crossing in the center for one or two complete circuits of the wheel. The centers are backstitched firmly once or twice to bind the petals together, and then the knob is turned in reverse and the completed daisy pops off into your lap. Daisies can be crocheted together. Made with lightweight yarn and used in conjunction with hairpin lace (a type of needlework made on a "staple" of wire), they make a pretty scarf. It takes a lot of daisies for a complete afghan, but they're a nice diversion from granny squares if you want to use up tag ends of yarn.