12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 12 Reveal

Wow. Can you believe that 12 weeks has already flown by? I sure can't. When I first decided to do this, I had no clue that it would go so quickly. Yet, here it is...the reveal for Week 12. The free pattern given for Week 12 was the Christmas Balls pattern in small and large. The large is one that can be customized the most for characters of animated movies or other such embellishments. The colors I chose (especially for the large one) may indicate the character I am going to embellish mine for.

There will be just one more post in 2014. Please come back on December 24th for a look back on this year at Dande Creations. If you just came here for the countdown, I would like to thank you for joining me on this journey. It has been a pleasure to do.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 12

This final week was one I struggled over. I wanted to offer a free pattern as a gift to my blog readers and followers. It seemed like a great idea, yet I had no clue what I was going to do. When I saw a rash of ball ornaments transformed into animated characters, I wanted to jump head first in crocheting similar things. BUT, it goes against trademark and copyright to use a character's image in that way. So, I settled with just crocheting some simple Christmas balls for your tree. It isn't a hard project or a fancy one; however, appliques can be added to make it fancier.

For now, this pattern will only be available on my blog. At a future time I will be adding it to my Ravelry shop and perhaps Craftsy. It is available in two sizes. In the future, there may be a third size added. It will remain free for the entire time my patterns are up.

Christmas Ball Ornament

Notes:

U.S. Terminology

This pattern will contain a stitch count at the end of the round.

This pattern does not have rows. It is completed continuously. 

The "*" symbol indicates a repeating trend.

If you are a beginning crocheter, use Youtube to learn any stitch you do not know. It is a great resource.

Materials:

Size G or H hook

Scissors

Stitch marker

Fiberfil

Yarn needle

Abbreviations:

sc = single crochet

st = stitch

sts = stitches

sc2tog = single crochet 2 togther

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

Small Ball

ch 2

1. 6 sc in 2nd st (6)

2. *2 sc in each st (12)

3. *2 sc, sc in next st (18)

 4-6: sc in each st around (18)

Stuff ball.

7: sc2tog, sc in next st (12)

8. sctog around (6)

Fasten off leaving long tail. Using long tail and yarn needle, close the remaining 6 sts.

Hanger

Attach with a sl st center of ball. Ch 16. Fasten to a close space with a sl st. Weave in ends.

*Alternatively, you can use the ends to tie a bow.

Large Ball

ch 2

1. 6 sc in 2nd st (6)

2. *2 sc in each st (12)

3. *2 sc, sc in next st (18)

4. *2 sc, sc in next 2 sts (24)

5. *2 sc, sc in next 3 sts (30)

6. *2 sc, sc in next 4 sts (36)

7-12: sc around (36)

13: sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts (30)

14. sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts (24)

15. sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts (18)

Stuff ball.

16. sc2tog, sc in next st (12)

17. sc2tog (6)

Fasten off leaving long tail. Close remaining stitches with yarn needle and tail.

Hanger

Attach with a sl st center of ball. Ch 16. Fasten to a close space with a sl st. Weave in ends.

*Alternatively, you can use the ends to tie a bow.


I will reveal the pictures on Monday.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 11 Reveal

Since snowflakes are my favorite holiday symbol, I was so pleased to share Simply Sweet's snowflake pattern. I found it so quick and easy. There is no issue with being able to crochet multiple ones in a hour. I have crocheted them in dark blue, pale blue, and white, but you do not have to stop there. If you have a red tree and want red snowflakes, go for it! This time, I did crochet the snowflake in white.

Here's the photo:

The only changes I made was to add a holder. Like all my previous hangers, I usually ch 16 and sl st in the same stitch.

You can use a glue mixture to stiffen and glitter it if you wish. You would just soak the snowflakes in the glue mixture and pin it to a piece of board. There are plenty of tutorials on stiffening yarn and string ornaments. I personally do not care if the snowflake isn't stiff.

We have just one more week. I have a treat and a gift for each of you. Please stay tuned for Week 12 for yours.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 11

This week's pattern is my all time favorite snowflake pattern. What is so unique is that this pattern is actually an applique attached to a small child's beanie. The original designer is Simply Sweet. I found it one day scrolling through Pinterest. Since then, the designer has removed it from her blog; however, you can find the pattern (free) as a Ravelry download by clicking HERE!

I have made this snowflake previously. Multiple times because it is just so darling. It is quick, simple, and versatile. Add it to a wine cozy, a hat, a blanket, or make it into an ornament. Which is what I am going to do this week. Below is a picture of my previous attempts. This one is done in pale blue.

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  White.

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

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 10 Reveal

If you are like me, the week before Thanksgiving everything tends to get much busier. You find yourself running around attempting to accomplish last minute things like buying gifts, making cookies, packaging gifts, and cleaning. So when I decided to do this holiday countdown, I knew that the ornaments I wanted near the end of the countdown needed to be simple and quick. What that led me to was creating a few new patterns myself to offer. It wasn't a hard job as I love to create and design new things.

What inspired this pattern was the wreath we created in Week 8 and a few doll hair patterns I have seen. Who doesn't enjoy the thought of bouncy swirls? Okay...maybe there is a few of you. That's why it also doubles as an icicle in an abstract sort of way.

This last weekend has been a bit crazy. Holiday shopping. A Christmas party. Preparing for another Christmas party. In the midst of all that, I forced (without any reluctant behavior) to sit and prepare some of these for my own tree and for my mother. Here are the results:

Simple and to the point, this is a no thought, no focus pattern. What I love about it is that it falls down in a bit of a cascade. Here's some pictures.

This pattern will be used in 2015 for a doll pattern here at Dande Creations. Look for it soon.

We have only 2 weeks left. It's crazy to think that we are only a few weeks away from 2015. Get your hook ready for Week 11 and 12.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 10

This week is another simple pattern. It is one that I created and will be making free for the rest of December as a gift to those of you who read my blog or participate on Twitter. It was recently introduced as a new pattern in previous weeks on this blog.

The Swirl Ornament

Please click the Ravelry picture below to be transferred to the free pattern.

This pattern is written fairly simple for all types of crocheters to understand. What I love about this is that when hung on a tree, it looks like icicles hanging down. If you used some white yarn with silver thread in it, it would give that illusion even more dazzle. Had I a craft store closer to me, I would pop to the store and pick up some of that yarn to see. Unfortunately, I am stuck with the colors I have in my house.

Looking forward to reveal,

Sarah

Preparing the Ornaments

As I have mentioned previously, the ornaments I crocheted for this countdown up until tomorrow would be packaged for a Christmas party that benefited the Angel Tree in my local community. I will admit that the busyness of the season has prevented me from crocheting a lot of ornaments. What I wanted to do was share with you the packages I created.

If you ignore the blatant pink desk (My sister and I painted it years ago), you will see the ornaments are packaged individually. I added 4 of the popsicle sleds that have a tutorial here.

What I like about these little gifts is that they look so homely and lovely. I would be pleased to receive any of these as a gift or from a raffle. I know that my taste does not carry through some of society. But, parents have received gifts from their children for ages. What I hope with these is that they find a good perch on someone's tree who will love them and enjoy them.

What are you crafting now?

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 9 Reveal

I hope that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I spent my week having a wonderful get together with my extended family and a private dinner with myself, my husband, and our roommate. I used my lone pumpkin to make our pie.

This week has been a fun and easy time with crochet. Small snowflakes are not only the perfect way to decorate the tree, but this pattern is super easy and quick. That means you can spend less time crocheting gifts and ornaments and more time with your family. Especially in the week of Thanksgiving, having some extra time to spend with friends and family is amazing.

Despite the small issues I mentioned in the first post about the pattern and lack of a holder, these things are simple to correct. It worked up very easy and I had no issue understanding the pattern as a designer. If the corrections were done, this would be a perfect snowflake pattern to rely on.

Now, I am going to show you the photo of my completed ones.

If you were to crochet these with a sparkly yarn, they would glitter in your tree! You could also string them together between chains of yarn and make a garland. Such a versatile pattern!

Looking forward to Week 10. We only have 3 more weeks to go. 

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 8 Reveal

When I saw this pattern, I knew it was adorable. What I wasn't expected was how easy, quick, and fun it was to make. I found myself preening at the completed project. A few times, I even went back to look at it after I had put it away for our Christmas party. I am pretty sure that this pattern will be made again and again to fill my own trees out.

Without further ado, here is the finished product.

I chose to do this pattern with a Size I/9 hook simply because the hook was the closest to me. It probably made it slightly bigger than what you would normally get if you followed her directions. The ONLY thing I did was add a hanger. To do this, I chose the green color (as it was at the top) and attached it. I chained 16 and sl st-ed to the same space. Then I wove in all ends.

It really looks like a Christmas wreath. I chose red and green to give contrast, but if you want a green one or a red one or whatever color you want, feel free to do so.

Isn't that the beauty of crochet? We can change things to match what we like without much difficulty.

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 8

Week 8

Mini Wreath

(http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/mini-wreath-ornament/)

In recent months, I have become slightly obsessed with the swirl type ornaments as you probably guessed. One of my most recent patterns involved creating an icicle looking ornament (based on the color you choose) with one of these swirls. I absolutely love how they look. It's like little ringlets. So when I happened to stumble upon Planet June's Mini Wreath pattern that incorporated something I am so enjoying, I knew that I had to include it in my countdown. So here are the stats:

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: G or H hook (I used size I/9.)
    Recommended - H, but G will make it slightly smaller.

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

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

Uses for finished product

• gift
• ornament
• Attach to a mason jar gift

Check back on Monday to see the reveal!

Belated 12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 7 Reveal

Anyone in this world would know how it feels to have a house full of sick people who want nothing more than to remain warm, feel better, and not be sick. That is what my last week has been like. I needed to release a reveal post, but unfortunately, I have no had the energy or the ability to crochet.

Because Week 6 is my pattern, I have no notes on the design. What I would suggest is to create a stripped beanie by switching colors every 2 rows.

Here's a review of the picture of this project!

Looking forward to Week 7!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 7

This wonderful week is inspired by my newest free pattern. You can find them by clicking the following logos:

  

Like all the previous weeks, this is a quick and simple pattern for those who wish to have more time pursuing other things. I have already provided a picture of this project in the blog post, so it won't be much of a surprise for the reveal. I plan on making this pattern in multiple colors though, since they are going to charity.

Project Type: Scrap buster

Skill level: Easy/Beginners

Hook Size: I/9 5.50mm hook
    Recommended - For smaller beanie, use a smaller hook

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

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

Please join me in this Week's project. 5 more weeks until our countdown is done!

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 6 Reveal

There is something so wonderful about a pine cone. I remember taking walks with my mother and sisters when I was younger. We would walk down our country road enjoying the scenery and nature. Every once in a while I would watch my mother swoop down and pick something up. She would eagerly show us what she found. Sometimes it was a small pine cone. Sometimes it was an interesting rock. At that younger age, it was interesting to view them. Looking back as an adult, I see it as a connection to my family that shared a memory.

Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to this pattern. It reminds me off times gone by. As I am trying to fill up my tree with homemade ornaments, this fits the bill. One made from a memory.

The changes I made are:

• I did a chain 18 first and sl st to the beginning chain. This creates the hanger without having to add it later.
• I did not weave in ends. Instead, I used them to create a bow at the top so I could reduce my work. If you don't like the look, please go ahead and weave them in.
• I also slip stitched the final stitch to the same chain to create a uniform top. 
• I used a size I/9 hook instead of the suggested G hook. This created a bigger, fuller pine cone.

It is such a quick and easy pattern for experts and beginners alike. If you want a more natural looking tree, you could make these and add them. I also thought you could go back in and add some white yarn to create a "snow" capped pine cone.

Next week, we will be doing my newest pattern - The Beanie!

See you then,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas List

The 12 Weeks of Christmas is a great way to become connected to that sense of spirit that catapults our minds and hearts into the child zone of the holiday. Each week, I offer a free ornament pattern and show you what I have done to make it my own. Think of it as a "crochet"-a-long. Here's the list:

Week 1: Stocking Ornament

Week 2: Crochet Mitten

Week 3: Hot Chocolate/Coffee Mug ornament

Week 4: Lion Brand Snowman

Week 5: Granny Square Star

Week 6: Pine Cone Ornament

Week 7:

Week 8:

Week 9:

Week 10:

Week 11:

Week 12:

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 6

Week 6

Pine Cone Ornament

(http://planetmfiles.com/2008/12/18/free-crochet-pine-cone-pattern/)

I have crocheted this ornament before, like some of the others. What I love about this pattern is that it is great for individuals who want a more "natural" feel to their tree. I would say that it is also very "country" like the star ornament in Week 5. Perhaps that is why I like it so much. What is even better than all of that? Well, it is such an easy pattern. Yep! That seems to be the theme I am going for in this countdown - quick, easy, and Christmas-y.

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 Cafe Latte.

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

Uses for finished product

• gift
• ornament
• Attach to a mason jar gift
• Without a holder you can use it for a nature display.

Unfortunately, I cannot seem to find the photograph of my previous crochet project. So you will have to wait until the reveal to see it!

Announcing New Pattern

This evening, I am super proud to introduce a new free pattern available in my pattern shops at Ravelry and Craftsy. The inspiration is the increasingly colder temperatures in my neck of the woods. Just last week we were snowed in for a few days as 13+ inches dropped on our area. My family was lucky to only have our power out for a while. Some in my area was left without power for 5 days. That's what happens when winter visits the mountains!

I am trying a new format on this announcement. It will be what I do in the future for all my patterns. In the next few weeks, I plan on going through my posts and creating a similar link system for ALL my patterns. This is done to make it much easier for you to click the right place.

With no further ado, the newest pattern is.....

The Beanie Ornament

You can click the following logos to find the free pattern. The price will not be changed for this pattern. It will remain free!

       

If you want to share your created patterns, just upload a picture at Ravelry with this as a project! I can then surf through what you have created and potentially add the picture to the profile.

Happy Crafting,

Sarah

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 5 Reveal

What can I say? I keep choosing patterns that I absolutely love. Besides being extremely quick to work up, this pattern is a great addition to any tree. There was a few things that I didn't like about the pattern, but they were minor and completely based on my own desires for ornaments.

1. I do not like the third round. When using the H hook (lol...yes the H hook again), the star turned out way too big for my Christmas tree. I actually prefer to have similar sizes of ornaments throughout the tree instead of small, medium, and large. That is just personal preference.

2. The pattern was written in a way that would make it difficult for any beginner crocheter. It is very close together and hard to read. This could be a personal issue as well.

3. The author did not provide a crocheted hanger option. I used my go to by slip stitching yarn to a point ch 3 space and ch 16. I slip stitched that into the same space and fastened off. I weaved in all the ends.

Now that the discussion is out of the way, would you like to see the reveal?

Aren't they adorable? I just love the look of them. It's very "country" almost.

Sarah

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.

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