Fluffy Christmas Tree Craft

Way back when I started learning how to crochet, I went yarn shopping. I picked alll the wrong yarns for a beginner! Lots of textured yarns, and chunky yarns, and fluffy yarns. Not the sort of stuff to use when you still haven't mastered the double crochet haha!

I'm a little ashamed to admit that this ball of fluffy yarn has been kicking it in the back of my stash for the past 7 years. Incredible I know! I've been umming and arring for a while now on how to use it, and when I thought about yarn wrapped trees, well it just made sense to make a fluffy one!

Of course you can use any yarn or twine you like! Go wild! This is an easy to do project, and you could easily get the kids in on this one too.

You will need:

1 Styrofoam cone
1 ball of yarn of your choice
Stick on gems
1 small star bead (or star of any type) for the top
Glue

Note: I used 450 clear drying glue by Helmar. You could also use a glue gun, Modge Podge or any other faster drying clear glue. If you use a glue gun, make sure it is a low heat one, or it may melt the Styrofoam.

Add some glue to the base of your cone and attach your yarn to the glue. Start wrapping your cone in the yarn, adding glue as you go to secure the yarn. Keep the strands close together so none of the cone show through. Keep doing this until the entire cone is covered and then leave to dry.

Attach the stick on gems. I actually added some extra glue to these just to make sure they didn't come off.

Glue your star on the top.

See, I told you it was easy! There are so many colour combinations you could try with these. Shake it up and replace yarn for twine. Or use some variegated yarn for a multi-colour tree. No gems? No worries! Use sequins or even beads to add some sparkle. I can't wait to make some more of these. Trees are easily my favourite Christmas decoration.

Enjoy!

Mini Crochet Christmas Stocking 2 Ways

Morning all!

Today's pattern is one I've had sitting in my drafts book since forever! I keep coming back and forth to it, and finally got it finished! YAY!

I love mini stockings. Felted, sewn, crocheted, they are all good! I'm hoping to get a bunch more of these done before December, not just for decorating, but because they are such a fun way to package smaller gifts!

Now, Ive done 2 versions here, both from the same pattern. I'll take you through the solid sized one first, then tell you about the alterations for the mini one at the end.

Mini Christmas Stockings

You Will Need:
3.5mm hook
4ply (fingering) weight yarn
Buttons or Beads to decorate

Size:
Cream stocking - 14cm length, 6.5cm wide

hdc2tg - half double crochet 2 together

1. Ch3, dc in the 1st chain 10 times, join.

2. Ch3, 2dc in each stitch around, join.

3-6: Ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.

5: Ch1, sc in the first 5 stitches, (hdc, dc) in the next stitch, 2dc in each of the next 8 stitches, (dc, hdc) in the next stitch, sc in the last 5 stitches, join.

6-7: Ch1, sc in the first 7 stitches, dc in the next 16 stitches, sc in the last 7 stitches.

8: Ch1, sc 10, hdc2tg 6 times, sc in the last 8 stitches

9: Ch1, sc in each stitch around, join.

10-21: Ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join,

22: Place a stitch market in the centre back stitch. This round can be either normal sc, or reverse sc (crab stitch) the choice is yours. For normal sc, ch1, sc in each stitch until you reach the marker, sc in the stitch with the marker, chain 15, sc into the same stitch with the marker, sc in each remaining stitch and join to the first sc. To finish with the crab stitch, ch1, sc in each previous stitch (working in reverse) until you reach the marker, sc into the stitch with the marker, ch15, sc into the same stitch, continue crab stitching around. End off and weave in tails.

Add any decorations you wish.

Now, to make the super small multi coloured stocking, I used size 8 cotton pearl thread and a 2mm hook. Use the contrasting colour for the first 2 rounds, then switch to the main colour for rounds 3-6. When you reach the heel section, use the contrasting colour for the hdc/dc's in round 5, and the dc's in round 6-7. You can choose to end the colour each round or just carry it with you crocheting over the excess thread as you go. Swap back to the main colour for the 8th and all remaining rounds. Again, weave in ends and decorate as desired.

Red and Green stocking - 11cm length, 4.5cm wide

This mini sized stocking would be perfect for lip glosses or nail polish bottles! The larger one would be fantastic for chocolate/candy bars, small gifts and cosmetics!

DIY Christmas (or any other themed) notepads

Good morning lovelies!

Well, here we are towards the end of the month, and the first for the year Christmas themed post!

Christmas 2017 I made up 30 small sized stockings to take to the local community houses and organisations that work with Children. I didn't want to fill them with just junk and after a long hard think about it, I decided on stationary. Kids of all ages like to draw, colour and write, and it was the perfect idea for filling these stockings!

I wanted to include notebooks, but I realised quickly that these small stockings would need equally small notebooks. Larger ones were not an option, all items needed to be contained in the stocking itself, for ease of distribution by the organisations.

The solution is a simple one, but oh so pretty at the same time. Also, totally customisation! You could make these for all sorts of occasions, and even print out your own paper for them too if you like! They are also super cheap, which is important when your making bulk lots of things on a budget.

I picked up a stack of 10 pads in Shiploads for $2 The pads were all connected together and so I had to pull them apart before starting. I used my craft knife to make this job easier, and avoid ripping any of the paper.

You will need:
Paper pads, or make your own by cutting paper to the right size and stapling
Cardstock in your chosen print/colour/theme
A craft knife or something to score cardstock with
A ruler
A glue stick

1: Separate your notepads (or make them if doing your own) and measure how big they are in width and length.

2: Grab your cardstock, and mark the width you need on it. If you are using small pads and 12x12 cardstock you should get 3 rows. Add an inch to the measurement for length, so you have enough to fold over the edge of your pads, and mark that on the cardstock too. Cut out your pieces, you should have something like this, with the cardstock being an inch longer in size than the pad. The cardstock is the bottom piece. I ended up getting 6 covers from one 12x12 sheet of cardstock.

3: Lay the notepad on top of the cardstock and score the cardstock at the same height as the pad.

4: Add some glue to the top section of the cardstock, and fold it over the edge of the pad so it sticks to the back of it.

5: Press down firmly to make sure the cardstock is both stuck and in place and that's it, you are done!

These little notepads worked great for the stockings, but I can see oodles of potential here. They would make awesome personalised save the date or thanks for coming gifts, you could use photos in place of cardstock, or get super creative and decorate some plain cardstock to use for covers. 

Deer Antlers - Free pattern

Good morning everyone!
Today's pattern comes with a little festive cheer. Last week my youngest, Miss M walked out from her room with... Well...  Like this!

Yes, she sticky taped antlers on her head. While I admire her creativity, sticky tape on ones head isn't ideal, especially when you have hair stuck in it. So in comes mamma with a promise to make some antlers, that don't involve taking your eyebrows off when you remove them! Could these have been a little neater? Sure! But you know what, we're not fussed about being super neat. Miss M LOVES her antlers and has proudly worn them every day since, I guess we'll call that a win hey! I hope your little ones enjoy these as much as mine do!

You will need
Worsted Weight yarn in 2 different browns (DK works just as well). (Use the lighter of the 2 for the ears)
4.5mm hook
Headband
Sewing needle

Main Antler Piece - Make 2
1: ch2, sc into 1st chain 6 times, place marker
2-14: sc in each stitch around (6)
15: 2sc in each front loop around (12) Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Smaller Piece - Make 2
1: ch2, sc in the first chain 5 times, place marker
2-5: sc in each stitch around (5)
6: hdc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch
7: ch1, turn, repeat row 6. Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing to main antler. Attach to the antler pointing inwards.

Band Cover
1: ch2, sc in the first chain 6 times
2+ sc in each stitch around continually until the tube is 3 inches shorter then your headband. End off and slide over your headband. You should have 1.5 inches left on each end uncovered so it can tuck behind the ears easily. Weave in all ends.

Sew antlers onto the headband.

Ears - Make 2
1: ch2, sc 6 times into the 1st chain, join. (6)
2: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next*, repeat around (9)
3: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 2 stitches*, repeat around (12)
4-5: ch2, hdc around, join.
End off leaving a long tail. Pinch the bottom of the ear in half and sew together before sewing onto the headband.

George The Snowman

Hello all!

Today I have a new free pattern for you all. Meet George. George is a snowman, and a cute one at that! He likes ginger cookies and peppermint bark and his friends (who we will meet soon enough!) Just in time for some last minute Christmas Crochet! Arr who said this year could go so fast? George is made in one piece, meaning no joining his head to his body, HORRAH! He is also worked in the round, so no need to join at the end of each round, just move your marker.George is about 6.5 inches tall from base to the top of his pompom making him a perfect shelf sitter or stocking stuffer.

Want to make a George of your own? Or perhaps a whole tribe of them! Here is how!

You will need:
DK/8ply yarn in white, orange, red and green (or any other colour combo you choose)
3mm hook
2 safety eyes (or you could sew them on, or use puff paint too)
Stitch marker
Sewing needle.
Stuffing

George
With white
1: ch2, sc 8 times in the 1st chain, place marker
2: 2sc in each stitch around
3: *2sc in the first stitch, sc in the next stitch* repeat around
4: sc in each stitch around
5: *2sc in the first stitch, sc in the next 2 stitches*, repeat around
6-10: sc in each stitch around
11: *sc2tg, sc in the next 2 stitches*, repeat around
12: *sc2tg, sc in the next stitch*, repeat around
13-14: sc in each stitch around
15: 2sc in each stitch around
16: sc in each stitch around
17: *2sc in the first stitch, sc in the next stitch*, repeat around
18-21: sc in each stitch around
Attach eyes to desired place and start stuffing head.
22: *sc2tg, sc in the next stitch*, repeat around
23-24: sc in each stitch around
25: *sc2tg, sc in the next stitch*, repeat around
26: *sc2tg, sc in the next stitch*, repeat around
Add more stuffing, George should be stuffed firmly to help him stand
27: sc2tg around.
End off leaving a long tail. Use the tail to weave in and out of the remaining stitches and gather closed.

Nose
With ornage
1: ch2, sc 5 times in the first stitch, join.
2: sc in each stitch around, join.
End off and leave a long tail to sew onto George's head.

Hat
With green
1: ch2, hdc into the 1st chain 5 times, join.
2: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch*, repeat around, join.
Change to red
3: ch2, *2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next stitch*, repeat around, join.
Change to green
4: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.
5: ch2, 2hdc in each stitch around, join.
Change to red
6: ch2, *2hdc in the next stitch, hdc in the next stitch*, repeat around, join.
Change to green
7: ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join.
8: ch1, sc in each stitch around.
End off, leaving a long tail to sew hat to George's head.

Using red and green yarn, make a small pompom. I use the fork method, if you are unfamiliar with this, there is an excellent tutorial HERE by Mollie Makes

Scarf
With green
1: ch52, sc in the second chain from hook and each chain across.
End green, change to red (I find it easier to join in the middle of the scarf rather then the end)
2: ch1, sc in each stitch across, when you get to the end, sc3 times in the end, then working on the other side of the green stitches, sc across until you get to the other end, 3sc in that end as well, and then sc in all stitches back to where you started, join. End off and weave in tails. Tie scarf around George's neck. You can choose to sew it in place if you like.

Christmas Stocking Cocoon - Free Pattern

It has been so very busy here these last few weeks! Ive been working on this beauty on and off but finally got it finished today in time to share for the holiday season!

This stocking has duel purposes. It is designed first as a photography prop, and so that is what it is sized to. You can also use it as a decoration, or as a regular giant sized stocking.
It will fit a newborn baby inside, up to maybe 10lb. If you have a bigger bub, jump the hooksize up from a 9 to a 10.
Instructions are for a solid stocking but you can very easily make one with stripes, in blocks of colour, with heel and toe in a contrasting. Multiple possibilities!

You will probably find I only have 2-3 more patterns to share this year, as I am gearing up ready for 2014. This year I aimed for a pattern a week and I came mighty close. Next year Id like that to be a reality. There is still a huge lacking of prem and angel sized items out there, it is my mission to fix that! If you have ideas, suggestions or anything that you want to see as far as keepsakes and prem related patterns, by all means please let me know!

You will need:
1 ball of your main colour in DK weight yarn (8ply)
1 ball of yarn in a contrasting colour yarn (dk or.), chenille works great for this
9mm hook
sewing needle.

The entire piece is worked double stranded to make it super thick and chunky.

1. Into a magic ring, ch2, dc 8 times, join. Pull tight (or if you prefer, ch2, dc 8 times into the first chain)

2. ch3, dc twice in the same stitch and twice in each remaining stitch around. join. (16)

3. ch3, dc twice in the same stitch, dc in the next stitch, *2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next stitch* repeat around, join. (24)

4. ch3, dc in the same stitch, dc in each stitch around, join (24)

5. ch3, dc twice in the same stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches, *2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 2 stitches* Repeat around, join. (32)

6-10. ch3, dc in the same stitch, dc in each stitch around

If changing colours for the heel this is where you would end off main and attach contrasting yarns. The next few rows are straight rows requiring turning.

11. ch3, dc in the same stitch and the next 17 stitches (18)

12-14. ch3, turn, do in each stitch across

Now we're going to go back to working in rounds
End off your yarn leaving a long tail. Sew up the heel of your work. (see image)

15. rejoin your yarn (if using a contrasting heel, switch back to your main colour) in or close to the seam and chain 3. dc evenly around the entire opening, join, you should have 28 (or close to it) stitches. If not, go back and add a enough extra ones to bring you to 28.

16. ch3, dc, 2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 5 stitches, 2dc in the next stitch, dc in the next 5 stitches, dc2 in the next stitch, dc in the next 5, dc2 in the next stitch, dc  in the next 5, dc2 in the next, dc in the last 2, join.

Now we work on gaining some height with simple dc rounds.

12-17. ch3, dc in each stitch around, join.

End off your main colour and join chenille yarn for the cuff (or contrasting normal yarn)

18-20. ch3, dc in each stitch around, join.

There you have one, one huge sized stocking as a cocoon, or a decoration, or to use as a unique giftwrap perhaps!