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DIY Dream Catchers - Sweet Dreams, Everyone!

by on ‎05-09-2014 04:31 PM

Hi, everyone!


I’m REALLY excited about this Wednesday’s You’re Home with Jill…we’re doing a whole Southwestern theme and making crafts and recipes that will whisk you away to New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Arizona—wherever your mind goes when you think about that beautiful area. I’ve always loved the people, culture, and rich history that stems in that region and the color palate is by far my favorite from which to work and decorate—especially during the summer months when bright colors like turquoise, yellow, and purple are everywhere.


I’m sure most of you have heard of a dream catcher, yes?


YHJ Dream Catcher


Dream catchers are handmade Native American creations designed to ward off bad dreams. According to some research I’ve done, it’s common for Native American parents and grandparents to weave these and hang them above a baby’s crib. The bad dreams get caught in the web, while the positive dreams slip through the hole in the center of the dream catcher and glide down the feathers to the sleeping child below.


I love the symbolism behind these crafts as well as their decorative beauty, and so I decided to gave making my own dream catcher a try. I was surprised how easy it is once you get the hang of the looping!


how to make a dream catcher


To begin, you’ll need two spools of yarn—one thick and wooly, one thin and tightly spun. Take the wooly yarn and wrap it around an embroidery hoop you can find at your local craft store—it doesn’t matter the size. After you’ve covered the wood, knot a loop on one end and create a hanging loop.


how to make a dream catcher


how to make a dream catcher


To make the “web” of the dream catcher, circle the yarn around the hoop and knot it. Turn the hoop (like a steering wheel) and create another knot 1-2” away from the first. The string should be taught, but not too tight, otherwise it may not lie flat when you’re finished. Repeat all the way around the hoop.


how to make a dream catcher


Then, start tying more knots on the first “row” of strings, so the web continues. Don’t tie the knots on previous knots, otherwise you won’t get that woven effect. Just keep telling yourself, “find the centers!”


When you’ve got a 2-3” hole in the center, allow 6-8” of string to hang down from the center and tie a feather or two at the bottom.


YHJ Dream Catcher


Isn't it beautiful!


I wholeheartedly encourage you to look up the symbolism behind these spiritual creations…many dream catchers are woven with a single bead, which represents a spider, or even several beads—all of which carry their own meaning. Some are also made with feathers from noble birds—like eagles. To make yours unique to you and your family, see how you can personalize your dream catcher. A wealth of knowledge is at your fingertips with one Google search!


YHJ Dream Catcher


I hope you’ll join me on Wednesday for our Southwestern-inspired You’re Home with Jill. You can watch it at 7pm ET on QVC Plus or on QVC.com anytime you like.


From my home to yours,
—Jill