12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 5

Week 5

Granny Square Star

(http://ahappyone.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/free-pattern-friday-granny-star-ornament-netflix-freebie/)

I recently found a cute little pattern that works up rather quickly and will look fantastic on the Christmas tree. It can be made in various colors to suit your own personal color scheme. The colors I chose match the type of theme I go for on my own tree. I was actually in the hospital waiting for my sister to deliver crocheting these. It is easy to pay attention to other things and crochet them once you have the pattern down. Anyone who has crocheted a granny square shouldn't have an issue with that.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Burgundy.

Extra requirements:
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)

Uses for finished product

• gift
• ornament
• Attach to a mason jar gift

This pattern is so cute! I can't wait to see if you like it.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 4 Reveal

This week's pattern was super fun for me. I absolutely LOVE snowmen and chose my colors to match the majority of my ornaments - cherry red and white.

Additional Notes about Pattern:

• Some suggestions if you have come here and not followed the pattern. Be sure to stuff your snowman as you go. It is difficult to maintain shape. I was able to stuff more into the head after Rnd 7.
• Overfill each section so you do not regret the shape after you have finished.
• The project lasts about 30 minutes from start to finish for me. That time will vary depending on your crochet speed.

Now, I personally did some changes to the pattern to suit what I wanted. First, I did not put a face on my snowman. I like the just plain look, and I don't have to worry about small beads falling off and my cats eating them! Secondly, I put a hanger on the top of mine with a ch 16. Instead of weaving in the ends, I added a bow that seems to suit it. Lastly, I did only one row on my scarf so that it was a thinner scarf. I like it better.

Here's the photo:

As you can see, it is cute as a button without the face and hat as well.

I want to suggest that you change the pattern to suit what you want. If you don't want a face, don't do one. If you want a smaller snowman, do so! Make the pattern fit what you need.

Looking forward to Week 5,

Sarah

Celebrations!!!

In the last week, I have become an aunt again, not once but twice! Our family grew with a little girl and a little boy. I am so happy to have two new bundles of joy in my extended family. To celebrate, I am offering a coupon code for my Ravelry shop!

How it works:

Add at least two patterns to the cart. Input the code. The cart will adjust to give you one free. You can also buy more than one pattern and get more than one free! No pattern is off limits!

Use the code auntyagain to get this great deal.

Please share!

Announcing New Pattern

Good morning readers! This beautiful autumn morning gave me a great idea for a Christmas ornament. Most people don't know this, but I am a writer outside of designing crochet patterns with some writing friends. One has become a very good friend to me. This morning, I decided I wanted to send her a set of crocheted ornaments for Christmas, but the one thing I wanted to include was a book ornament. I was hoping to find one so I didn't have to waste brain power, but there wasn't one to be found.

What was a girl to do? Well, design her own of course! So I am introducing a new pattern available through Ravelry and Craftsy. This pattern is available at an introductory cost of $1.99 USD. Get it while it is on sale!

Where you can get the pattern:

Ravelry Link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/book-ornament

Craftsy Link: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/home-decor/book-ornament/118173

12 Weeks of Christmas - Failure Reveal

Oh boy! This pattern was a brain teaser. I am a pretty good pattern reader. I have no issue with seeing mistakes and even correcting them, but this pattern needs a serious re-evaluation by Lion Brand. I have left a message stating as much on their Facebook page. Despite the issues I had with the pattern, I do feel like the ornament turned into an alright ornament.

What I did to create my ornament:

• Because I was using a thicker yarn, I chose not to double strand.
• I stuffed the pattern as I went.
• I shaped as I went as well because the bottom portion was leaning as I crocheted the second portion.
• I almost stopped after the second portion was shaped. It would make a cute ornament.
• I decided that the H hook was too large for this pattern, even if it is my favorite hook. The sc2tog holes were slightly large leaving the stuffing for viewing.

Because of the issues, I probably will never use this pattern again.

What do you think?

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Failure Ornament

Week 5

Fancy Ornament

(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fancy-ornament)

Please note: This is another Lion Brand pattern and requires a Lion Brand account. If you participated in Week 4, you will already have an account setup. If you have not, it takes only a few minutes of your time.

***Note*** There is some corrections for this pattern at the top of the pattern to the left of the photo. Please make sure you follow these to create your ornament right.

This is a pattern I have never worked up simply because of the complexity of it's look. In actuality, it does not seem too complicated. What it does require is counting, a stitch marker, and patience. This is one of the most complicated and time consuming ornaments that I have on the list. It is one I have wanted to try and recreate for my own tree.

As I worked this pattern up, I noticed a very bad issues with the pattern. It was poorly written, which does not make much sense for a Lion's Brand pattern.

Suggestions:

• Use a smaller hook. I have used an H hook to complete mine and the holes are a bit bigger than I would like with the sc2tog. For a personal ornament, it may not matter. But if you want to give this as a gift, I would suggest a G or an F hook.
• Stuff as you go! You cannot go back and restuff. 
• Stop at round 24. The pattern does not match the photograph and was causing me grief and frustration. So I chose to stop after I finished round 24 and sewed the top together. Then I created a ch 16 holder and tied the ends into a bow so I didn't have to weave them in!

I normally would not even add a pattern that is so poorly written to my blog events; however, I do like the finished product. It is nothing like the photograph, but that has to do with the pattern. I look forward to showing you what I have accomplished. So I am going to be providing this as an additional pattern if you want to try it.

Sarah

What I am working on....

Despite a few hours in the hospital this morning where I witnessed my nephew being born, I have accomplished a few things for a photo shoot on Monday. It was completely unplanned. You know how that goes. I am left here scrambling and crocheting my little fingers off to try and get things accomplished for Monday.

I will be quite honest. I did not have much of a plan in place. He was born during fall. It is my favorite season. It also is my birthday season, so I chose a "fall" type scene. Who doesn't love fall leaves, pumpkins, and pine cones? Well, my goal tonight was to try and get started once I decided the theme.

What I accomplished in the space of a few hours (minus the bit I took to cook) wasn't as much as I wanted, but it was a start. I could always wait a few weeks to take pictures, but I really wanted to newborn phase.

Here are the photos:

The pumpkin pattern can be found here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-pumpkins

As you can see the pumpkins are not quite finished. I haven't done the stems or leaves. One thing I am not doing though is trying to create the sections with the yarn in the big one. It seems like a lot of work to make a small little yarn needle go through that. If it were a real pumpkin, it would be 2-4 pounds!

The maple leaf pattern: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maple-leaf-8

The Elm leaf pattern: http://www.fiberfluxblog.com/2014/10/free-crochet-patternone-round-fall.html

Okay...I will admit. The Elm leaf pattern snagged my attention because it said one round. The designer has two other types of leaves, but it was so tiny that I would have to make TONS to do what I want even with a size H hook. 

The maple leaf pattern though...oh it's perfect! It works up super quick. I did have to keep reading the pattern, but after a few of these I might begin to remember it. As you can see from the following photos, I am doing them in orange (carrot) and green (medium thyme) for now. My plans are to crochet them in burgundy and a medium brown.

If you are planning a fall scene, please use these patterns! They are all quick and easy for a beginner. And let's face it, they would look darn cute on a Thanksgiving table!

Happy Crafting!

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 4

Week 4

Lion Brand Snowman

(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-snowman-ornament)

(http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80967AD.html)

Please note: Before starting this pattern, it requires an account with Lion Brand's website. It is a free website and takes less than 2 minutes to register. 

What I love about this pattern is that it is another adorable pattern. I LOVE snowmen, so this one just fits the bill. The first time I made it was for my mother a few years ago. It is pretty simple to follow. It does work up a little bit slower than the first two simply because of the added steps.

Here's some photos from previous makes. Excuse the photo quality and background. These were not meant for blog posting.

Before scarf and hat

After scarf and hat. And you can see my kitties to the right!

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners with a little advanced knowledge about sewing

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Burgundy and White.

Extra requirements:
Fiberfil
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)
Small mm beads for eyes (optional)
     -6 mm recommended

Uses for finished product

• Without the holder, this could be a cute baby rattle or toy. If you make it into a toy, do not put beads or other embellishments on the snowman.
• Ornament
• a cute gift
• An embellishment to a gift

Look forward to seeing your finished products!

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 3 Reveal

This is such a cute ornament. I would like to share my experience with this pattern. First, the designer of this pattern (Frayed Knots) is obviously an accomplished pattern designer. The pattern is easy to read and spaced in a nice manner making it easier to understand. There is an abbreviation list and a materials list for those who need it.

The only thing that I would desire in this pattern is a way to create a holder or hanger for the tree. Some perhaps would use the handle as a hanger, but I do not find that too desirable. If you do, YAY! I do have a way to add a hanger if you would like to continue to read.

I did choose to use a size H hook instead of the recommended G hook simply because it was near me. This gave me a bigger ornament. If you want a smaller ornament, I do suggest using a G hook or even a F hook if you crochet loosely.

I chose to use burgundy as my main color as it is a deeper red simply because the color reminds me of Christmas. The "coffee" or "hot chocolate" color I chose is Cafe Latte by Red Heart. It works with either one as the coffee that I am around (but don't drink) is usually caramel in color. The only changes I did to the pattern for my own desires is adding a hanger and creating just a chain for the handle. It still looks good!

Here's the photos!

Looking down into the cup.

From more of the side.

This years and last year's cups!

Size comparison between a H hook and a G hook.

The smaller one is a G hook.

As you can see on the first two photos, I added a hanger. What I did was attach the red yarn at the final sl st and the beginning of the cup handle. I chained up 16 and reattached it to the same spot. This will give a tipped over look on the tree as if the coffee/hot chocolate is spilling out. As you can see, I did not make the marshmallows as these are "coffee" ornaments. I also chose not to overfill the red one, but you can see the effect of overfilling on the green one.

Would you like to know where these new ornaments are heading too?

Stay tuned for an update post!

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 3

Week 3

Hot Chocolate/Coffee Ornament

(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hot-cocoa-mug-ornament)

Like the last pattern, I have crocheted this ornament before and absolutely love it. The Hot Cocoa Mug Ornament was created by Frayed Knot and is absolutely adorable! Yes, I used absolutely twice in one sentence. There is no way to not fall in love with this little ornament. Last year, I crocheted it as a gift for my roommate who grew up working in the coffee business in Puerto Rico. What a perfect gift for the coffee lover huh? He adored it!

NOTE: Please do not use the link at the bottom of the Ravelry post. You will get an File Not Found page. You can download it for free from Ravelry at the top of the note section.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners with a little advanced knowledge about sewing

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Burgundy and Cafe Latte.

Extra requirements:
Fiberfil
Scissors
Stitch marker (if you need it)

Uses for finished product

• Without using the fiberfil or the "coffee" part, you could make a set for a children's tea set.
• An ornament
• A gift

Because of the type of project, this may take a little more time. I attempted to schedule some of the more time consuming ornaments further away from Christmas. I find that it is easier to take a little extra time in October and the beginning of November than 2 weeks before Christmas. Christmas parties, shopping, and just spending time with loved ones takes priority to making last minute gifts or ornaments....for....yourself. LOL!

What do you do when it gets closer to Christmas?

Sarah

12 Weeks Christmas - Week 2 Reveal

The Week 2 ornament is one of my patterns that includes a cute, easy to make, quick mitten pattern. What I love about small patterns like the stocking and the mitten is that I can fit them into a busy schedule with no problem. Within 5-10 minutes I have a completed ornament that I can give as a gift or add to my overflowing Christmas tree. As the weeks progress, the patterns will get slightly more time needy.

I have used tons of colors of yarn on this ornament and it still looks adorable.

Like last week, I used "Christmas-y" colors to crochet the mitten. Here's the pictures:

Hanging up.

From last year.

In the above pictures you can see two different ways to accomplish the handles. I did one as I was crocheting (the first picture). The second picture was an addition of the handle by adding yarn to one side and attaching it to the other after about 15-20 chains.

What is your favorite type of ornament?

Sarah

12 Weeks Christmas - Week 2

Week 2

Crochet Mitten

(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/quick-mitten-ornament)

This little pattern is my own pattern that I offer free on my Ravelry page. Despite not being updated yet to the new format of my patterns, it has all the important information like materials and abbreviations. If you have any questions about how this pattern is written or if any instructions are unclear for you, please contact me at dandecreation@gmail.com. I will contact you as soon as I am able to help you!

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: H or I hook (I used H.)

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Paddy Green, Cherry Red, Medium Thyme and Burgundy. 

Uses for finished product

• gift
• ornament for tree
• hiding small candies
• hiding a ring

Like the stocking ornament in Week 1, this ornament has an open top that allows you to hide small objects on the tree for a "Hide and Seek" game. Not only does this add a little more fun to your holiday, but after the game is finished, you have a beautiful ornament on your tree.

There are many ways to embellish this pattern. You could sew on sequins or other beads. You could use extra yarn and sew a pattern into the main colored portion.

Look for the reveal on October 13, 2014.

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 1 Reveal

If you are like me, the weeks leading up to the holidays equals tons of stress and busyness. So, my plan has been to create one thing for each week leading up to Christmas in hopes to have something done. I do have a large family who loves receiving homemade ornaments, so my focus is usually geared toward that. In Week 1, I provided the pattern for a cute little Christmas stocking from Daisy & Her Things as a way to kick off the 12 Week Countdown. It is an easy pattern that eases everyone into Christmas making mode. Boy did it deliver.

Great factors

• Easy pattern to follow
• Quick project
• Scrap buster with no purchases required (only due to having yarn already)
• Serves multiple purposes (gift, hiding small gifts, and ornament)
• In U.S. Terminology

Bad factors

• The pattern does not give many instructions for beginner crocheters. Some may not know how to read a pattern.

Are you ready to see the finished product?

Here you go!

Not hanging up

Hanging up, but not on the tree.

Obviously, it is much too early to put them on the tree for photos in October. As it gets closer to Christmas, I will take some photos of them on the tree and update photos.

How did you enjoy this Week's ornament?

Sarah

Clothespin Snowflakes - Photo Heavy

I recently saw a pin on Pinterest for a cute and inexpensive ornament that had my heart aflutter. Snowflakes, snow, and snowmen are my most favorite ornament and Christmas decoration out of everything. I can pass up Santa for a good snowflake! So when I saw this cute little pin, I knew I had to try it. I already had the glue sticks. I had the ribbon. All I needed was the clothes pins!

A few weeks ago, I found myself in the craft section of my local Walmart looking for clothespins. They had a set of 18 or so for almost 4 dollars. That makes this project less budget friendly. So I headed to the laundry section to see if they had a better pack for cheap. They did! A 50 pack for about $0.97. That is more than budget friendly as I could pick up 3 packs of 50 for the price of 1 in the craft section.

Materials:
50 pack of Wooden Clothespins from Walmart ($0.97)
Glue sticks (In stock)
Glue Gun (In stock)
Ribbon (In stock, but cost $1.00 per spool)

Optional: paint, glitter, craft glue, paint brushes


Now, for the instructions. I will be posting a set of pictures with the instructions below it. Please view all the instructions before beginning the project.

Here's the materials. I chose to not use paint and glitter, although I am looking into adding that later.

Twist the clothes pin until the twisted one pops out the spring.

Lay the one side off and pull off the spring.

It should be relatively easy. I have no use for the spring, so I just toss them.

Now you are let with both sides. Lay the sides with the straight sides up. Make sure the cut outs are facing the same way.

Place a line of glue along the pin.

Now that it is on, place the two sides together. Match up the cut out.

Here you can see what the glued pin looks like.

Tie the ribbon. I am going to show pictures of how I do it, but feel free to do it how you feel comfortable.

I actually added my ribbon into the pin as I glued it for the most stability. It is about an inch from the top of the pin.

Next, add some glue to the bottom of one pin and attach another completely opposite.

In the center, add another bead of glue and attach another pin.

Repeat for the other side.

Now, in each area between two pins, add glue and another pin. I did have some issues getting the pins to completely adhere due to the angle, but I just added some glue up the sides so the angles attach.

Here's the completed snowflake.

From one half of the package, I got three snowflakes. These are unpainted, but still beautiful.

One thing I would caution you about is that the glue does snow, but can be covered with paint and glitter to mask. I do not have a problem with the view of paint, but some may. The original pin shows these snowflakes stained as more of a vintage look. What I say is to do what you like with them!

In about 30 minutes, I had all three completed including taking photos for this post! That is a quick and inexpensive ornament. The cost breakdown is below.

Costs

8 clothes pins  -   $0.16
1/2-1 hot glue stick   -   $0.10
Hot glue gun  - free
Ribbon     -$0.16
_____________________
Total Cost - $0.42


Each pack of wooden clothespins (50) can make 6 snowflakes.

Happy Crafting

Sarah

Introducing a New Pattern

The Swirl Ornament

Red and Green

Short and Long

This pattern is the newest ornament and pattern in my Ravelry shop. As I prepare for Christmas, I will be uploading and introducing more and more ornaments for my store. At this time and for the foreseeable future, this pattern will be available for the price of $2.50 U.S.D.

Here's the links
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-swirl-ornament
Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/home-decor/the-swirl-ornament/114771

Why 12 Weeks of Christmas

The 12 Weeks of Christmas was a project I thought about last year when I was really working on my crochet pattern business as a way to advertise the holiday season and my wonderful ornament patterns. As I am moving away from pattern design on a full time scale, I decided to still continue to maintain events on my blog as a offshoot of my own writing career.

Why I chose to continue is simple. I wanted to crochet ornaments. It gets me in the holiday spirit. Whether these ornaments become an addition to my personal Christmas ornament stash (it's getting big) or whether they are added into a gift basket, they are chosen to build me into that spirit of giving and happiness. One thing that I have also chosen to do this year is provide 1-2 ornament baskets for my husband's work party.

The owners of his work have the help and support of all the workers each Christmas to provide money and gifts to local Angel Trees. Each person is encouraged, but not required, to purchase door tickets at the party at $1.00 a piece. The owners provide door prizes from something small like a new lotion to hams, turkeys, and even skiing passes to Ober Gatlinburg. Last year, I provided a set of ornaments that they gave away individually.

This year, I am adding ornaments to a basket to create 1-2 bigger sets of ornaments. I do not claim to be rich, but I do like helping charity when I can and in what capacity I am able. If crocheting ornaments gets me in the Christmas spirit and it can benefit a less than fortunate family this Christmas, I am all for it.

What I ask of you is something simple. If you can afford to give to charity this season, please do. Our economy makes it so hard for families to provide even a Christmas dinner for their families let alone a gift for their children. Take the steps and get into the Christmas spirit by donating and giving to charity. If you do not know where to begin, contact your local fire department. They usually accept donations for Toys for Tots!

In the future weeks, I will be providing a look at the baskets for charity through my blog. 

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 1

Week 1

Stocking Ornament

(http://daisyandherthings.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/free-pattern-little-christmas-stockings/)

As I attempted to create a balanced list of ornaments that represented the holidays for me, I came across this 2011 pattern by Daisy & Her Things - a cute little Christmas stocking! How could you not fall in love with this little guy or girl if you like? I am sure I made it previously, so I can be sure that this pattern is easy for all levels of skill.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used H.)

Type of Yarn: Worsted Weight - I used Red Heart in Paddy Green, Cherry Red, Medium Thyme and Burgundy. 

Uses for finished product

• a small gift holder
• an ornament
• for small candies
• hiding candies on the tree
• a gift for someone special

This is a quick pattern that can be used to hide candies or other small trinkets on the Christmas tree. My mother in law use to do this with her sons when they were young. I have no experience with it as a child, but my husband has told me stories of finding tiny kisses and other things hidden on the tree almost like an Advent calendar activity.

Please check back on Monday to see the finished product. If you want to participate in this activity and submit a picture, please email them to dandecreation@gmail.com with a name and a photo. I will add them to the blog to share.

Sarah