Crochet Shamrock Leaf Pin

Saint's Patrick's Day is actually my friend's birthday! So I made her a little something - a shamrock leaf pin. The pattern is quite simple. 

Ch 5, join in ring with sl st.

 Round 1: *sc in ring, ch 7, sl st in sc* four times, join with sl st to 1^st sc.

Round 2: *sl st in next ch-7 space, in this ch-7 space makes the following: ch 1, sc, hdc, 4 dc, ch 1, hdc, ch 1, 4 dc, hdc, sc* four times; join with sl st to 1^st petal.

Ch 8, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, sc in each ch; join with sl st. 

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Block if needed. Attach a pin to the wrong side. 

Red Doily for Valentine's Day, Free Vintage Pattern

Have you done any Valentine's Day crochet projects? 

I've done one so far - this red doily. I already have a collection of Valentine's Day doilies, but I couldn't help and make one more.

This was a vintage pattern originally called Sundial Doily, from Pineapple Pageant Book No. 252, by the Spool Cotton Company, 1948 

I like this doily, but I'm not very happy with my thread choice. Instead of cotton thread, I used acrylic. This doily is a bit too soft for my liking. I prefer crisp and starched doilies.

My doily came out quite big, 20 inches in diameter.

I post the pattern bellow exactly as it appears in the original publication. 

Starting at center ch 16. Join with sl st to form ring. 

1st rnd: Ch 3, 31 dc in ring. Join. 

2nd rnd: Ch 3, dc in each dc around. Join. 

3rd rnd: Ch 3, dc in same place as sl st, 2 dc in each dc around. Join. 

4th rnd: Ch 3, dc in each dc around. Join. 

5th rnd:Sc in same place as sl st, * ch 3, skip 1 dc, sc in next dc. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 3, sl st in first sc. 

6th rnd: Sl st in next ch, sc in loop, ch 7, * tr in next loop, ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join last ch 3 to 4th ch of ch-7. 

7th rnd: Sl st in next ch, sc in same sp, * ch 4, sc in next sp. Repeat from * around. Join. 

8th rnd: Sl st in next 2 ch, sc in same loop, ch 6, * dc in next loop, ch 3. Repeat from * around. Join last ch 3 to 3rd ch of ch-6. 

9th rnd: Ch 4, tr in same place as sl st, * ch 3, 2 tr in next dc. Repeat from * around. Join. 

10th rnd: Ch 4, * 2 tr in next tr, ch 3, tr in next tr. Repeat from * around. Join. 

11th rnd:Ch 4, tr in next 2 tr, * ch 4, tr in next 3 tr. Repeat from * around. Join. 

12th to 15th rnds incl: Repeat 11th rnd, hav­ing ch-4 between tr-groups on 12th rnd, ch-5 on 13th rnd, ch-6 on 14th and 15th rnds. 

16th rnd: Ch 4, tr in next 2 tr, * ch 5, (3 tr in next tr) 3 times; ch 5, tr in next 3 tr. Repeat from * around. Join (16 pineapples started on this rnd).

17th rnd: Ch 4, tr in next 2 tr, * ch 3, 3 tr in next tr, tr in next 7 tr, 3 tr in next tr, ch 3, tr in next 3 tr. Repeat from * around. Join. 

18th rnd: Ch 4, tr in next 2 tr, * ch 3, holding back on hook the last loop of each tr make 3 tr in next tr, thread over and draw through all loops on hook (clus­ter made), ch 3, tr in next 11 tr, ch 3, make a 3-tr cluster in next tr, ch 3, tr in next 3 tr. Repeat from * around. Join. 

19th rnd: Ch 4, tr in next 2 tr, * ch 5, skip cluster and ch-3, cluster in next tr, ch 3, tr in next 9 tr, ch 3, cluster in next tr, ch 5, tr in next 3 tr. Repeat from * around. Join. 

20th, 21st and 22nd rnds: Work as for 19th rnd, having 2 tr less between clusters of pineapples on each rnd and ch-7 before and after each 3-tr group on 20th rnd, ch 9 on 21st rnd and ch-11 on 22nd rnd. 

23rd rnd: Ch 4, make a 2-tr cluster over next 2 tr, * ch 13, make a 3-tr cluster in next tr, ch 3, tr in next tr, ch 3, make a 3-tr cluster in next tr, ch 13, make a 3-tr cluster over next 3 tr. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st to tip of first cluster. 

24th rnd: Ch 4, make a 2-tr cluster in same place as sl st, * ch 17, make a 3-tr cluster in tr between clusters, ch 17, skip next cluster, make a 3-tr cluster in tip of next cluster. Repeat from * around. Join. 

25th rnd: In each loop around make (5 sc, ch 4) 5 times and 5 sc. Join and break off. Starch lightly and press.

Old Snowflakes, My Written Crochet Pattern

I made these snowflakes back in 2011, when I just started this blog.

Back then I wasn't good with written patterns, but I wanted to share my snowflake design, so I sketched a symbol chart (you can see it here).

Fast-forward four years, and now not only I write crochet patterns, but sell them too. Writing a blog is a great learning experience because your readers constantly motivate and inspire you! 

Today I looked at my old symbol chart, and wrote out the pattern.  

Ch 5, join in ring with sl st.

Round 1: ch 4, *2 dc in ring, ch 1* five times, dc in ring; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-4.

Round 2: sl st in next ch-1 space, ch 3, (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in this same ch-1 space, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in next ch-1 space* around; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Round 3: sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in this same ch-2 space, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in next ch-2 space, ch 1* around; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Round 4: sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3, (3 dc, ch 2, 4 dc) all in this same ch-2 space, ch 3, *(4 dc, ch 2, 4 dc) all in next ch-2 space, ch 3* around; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Round 5: sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3, (3 dc, ch 2, 4 dc) all in this same ch-2 space, ch 5, *(4 dc, ch 2, 4 dc) all in next ch-2 space, ch 5* around; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Round 6: sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3, (3 dc, ch 4, sl st in 3^rd ch from hook (picot made), ch 1, 4 dc) all in this same ch-2 space, ch 4, sc in next ch-5 space, ch 4, *(4 dc, ch 4, sl st in 3^rd ch from hook (picot made), ch 1, 4 dc) all in next ch-2 space, ch 4, sc in next ch-5 space, ch 4* around; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Fasten off, block and starch. 

Simple Snowflake, Easy Crochet Pattern

Here is another Holiday crochet project!

I made this snowflake using size ten crochet cotton thread and 1.25 mm hook.

The snowflake measures 3.5 inches across. 

Ch 8, join in ring with sl st.

Round 1: ch 4 (counts as 1^st dc and ch 1), *dc in ring, ch 1* eleven times; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-4.

Round 2: ch 5 (counts as 1^st dc and ch 2), *dc in next dc, ch 2* around; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-5.

Round 3: sl st in next ch-2 space, sc in same space, ch 8, *sc in next ch-2 space, ch 4, sl st in 3^rd ch from hook (picot made), ch 2, sc in next ch-2 space, ch 8* around; join with sl st to 1^st sc.

Round 4: sl st in next ch-8 space, ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), {6 dc, ch 4, sl st in 3^rd ch from hook (picot made), ch 2, 7 dc} all in this same ch-8 space, ch 4, sl st in 3^rd ch from hook, ch 2, *{7 dc, ch 4, sl st in 3^rd ch from hook, ch 2, 7 dc} all in next ch-8 space, ch 4, sl st in 3^rd ch from hook, ch 2* around; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Fasten off, block and starch. 

I'm linking my snowflake pattern to
Cooking and Crafting with J & J @ Julie's Lifestyle and Plucky's Second Thought 

Crochet Angel, My Free Pattern

Ta-dah! Here is my little crochet angel!

 I'm not sure if I like it or not! It is somewhat cute, but the wings look more like hands, and I think my angel lucks majesty! I've seen some 3-D crochet angels on Pinterest; those are truly majestic! But I couldn't find the patterns. 

Anyway, my little angel will have its place on my Christmas tree this year!

I used size ten crochet thread, and 1.25 mm crochet steel hook. The angle came out 5 inches in height.

Ch 5, join in ring with sl st.

Round 1: ch 3 (counts as 1^stdc), 15 dc in ring; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3. (16 dc)

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same beginning space, *2 dc in next dc* around; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3. (32 dc)

Round 3: sl st in next 9 dc, ch 20, skip next 14 dc, sl st in next dc, sl st in next 8 dc. (halo is made)

Continue crocheting in rows.

Row 4: ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), 4 dc in same beginning space. (5 dc)

Row 5: ch 3, turn (counts as 1^st dc), (dc, ch 1, 2 dc) all in same beginning space, *(2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next dc* across. (5 shells)

Row 6: turn, sl st to next ch-1 space, ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), (2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) all in same ch-1 space, *(3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) all in ch-1 space of next shell* across.

Row 7: turn, sl st to next ch-1 space, ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in same ch-2 space, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in ch-1 space of next shell* across.

Row 8: turn, sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in same ch-2 space, *ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in ch-2 space of next shell* across.

Row 9: turn, sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in same ch-2 space, *ch 5, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in ch-2 space of next shell* across.

Fasten off. Attach thread in ch-2 space of second shell.

Row 10: ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in same ch-2 space, *ch 2, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in 3^rd ch of next ch-5, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in ch-2 space of next shell* across, but leave the last shell unworked.

Row 11: turn, sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in same ch-2 space, *ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in ch-2 space of next shell* across. (5 shells)

Row 12: turn, sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in same ch-2 space, *ch 5, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in ch-2 space of next shell* across.

Row 13: turn, sl st to next ch-2 space, ch 3 (counts as 1^st dc), (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in same ch-2 space, *ch 3, sc in 3^rd ch of next ch-5, ch 3, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) all in ch-2 space of next shell* across. Fasten off.

Row 14: Attach second color thread in 1^st dc, sc in each dc and each ch across. Fasten off.

Attach second color thread in 1^st ch of halo; sc in each ch. Fasten off. 

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Snowflake Doily Vintage Crochet Pattern

Have you started working on any Christmas crochet projects? 

I made a Snowflake Doily! I love it; it's so cute and festive. 

I used size ten crochet cotton thread and 1.25 mm crochet steel hook. My doily came out 15 inches across.

The pattern is from Woman's Day Crochet Annual, 1948. 

Starting at center, ch 10. Join with sl st to form ring.
1st rnd: 24 sc in ring. Join.

2nd rnd: Ch 12, ** skip next sc, sc in next sc, ch 1, turn; sc in next 8 ch. Ch 1, turn. * Make sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn. Repeat from * until 6 rows of sc are completed, skip next sc of ring, tr in next sc, ch 8. Repeat from ** around, ending with 6th row of sc, sl st to 4th ch of ch-12.

3rd rnd: Ch 12, * sc in free tip of next sc-section, ch 8, tr in next tr, ch 8. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 8, sl st in 4th ch of ch-12.

4th rnd: Ch 3, * dc in next 8 ch, dc in next sc, dc in next 8 ch, dc in next tr. Repeat from * around. Sl st in 3rd ch of ch-3.

5th rnd: Ch 12, ** skip 4 dc, sc in next dc, ch 1, turn, sc in next 8 ch, ch 1, turn. * Make sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn. Repeat from * until 6 rows of sc are completed, skip next 3 dc, tr in next dc, ch 8. Repeat from ** around, ending with 6th row of sc, sl st in 4th ch of ch-12.

6th rnd: Ch 4, tr in same place as sl st, * ch 7, sc in free tip of next sc-section, ch 7, 2 tr in next tr. Repeat from * around. Join. 

7th rnd: Ch 3, dc in next tr, * dc in next 7 ch, dc in next sc, dc in next 7 ch, dc in next 2 tr. Repeat from * around. Join.

8th rnd: Ch 4, tr in next dc, * ch 7, sl st in 4th ch from hook (picot made), ch 3, skip 4 dc, dc in next 7 dc, ch 7, picot, ch 3, skip 4 dc, tr in next 2 dc. Repeat from * around. Join.

9th rnd: Ch 11, sl st in 4th ch from hook (picot made), ch 3, * tr in next tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3, skip first dc of next dc-group. dc in next 5 dc, ch 7, picot, ch 3, tr in next tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3. Repeat from * around, sl st to 4th ch of ch-11.

10th rnd: Ch 11, * picot, ch 3; in next picot make tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3 and tr; ch 7, picot, ch 3, tr in next tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3, skip first dc of next 5-dc group, dc in next 3 dc, ch 7, picot, ch 3, tr in next tr, ch 7. Repeat from * around, ending with ch 3, sl st in 4th ch of starting chain.

11th rnd: Ch 11, * picot, ch 3, tr in next tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3; in next picot make tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3, and tr; (ch 7, picot, ch 3, tr in next tr) twice; ch 7, picot, ch 3, skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 7, picot, ch 3, tr in next tr, ch 7. Repeat from * around. Sl st in 4th ch of starting chain.

12th rnd: Ch 11, * picot, ch 3, tr in next tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3, tr in next tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3; in next picot make tr, ch 7, picot, ch 3 and tr; (ch 7, picot, ch 3, tr in next tr) 3 times; tr in next tr, ch 7. Repeat from * around, sl st to 4th ch of ch-12. Join and break off.

Small Doilies as Gift Wrapping Decorations

With the Holiday Season not far away, I want to share today the idea of decorating gift wraps with small doilies. 

This is how I decorated some presents back in 2012. 

You can find free patterns for small doilies in my Free Doily Patterns Section. 

I'm linking to all these parties:
Thriving on Thursdays @ Domesblissity

Link Your Stuff @ Annamarie's Haakblog

Cup of Morning Joe @ The Cottage Market

Pinworthy Projects Link Party @ Domestic Super Hero

Craft Frenzy Friday @ Craft Dictator 
Crafting Along @ Be a Crafter
Home Sweet Home Friday @The Charm of Home,
Cooking and Crafting with J & J @ Julie's Lifestyle

Halloween Doily

Happy Halloween! 

To make my Halloween doily I followed the vintage pattern, which is called Candy Dish Doily, but I used black and orange colors. The pattern is from Star Doily Book No. 120 by American Thread Company, 1955. 

With Pink ch 6, join to form a ring, ch 4, d c in ring, * ch 1, d c in ring, repeat from * 13 times, ch 1, join in 3rd st of ch.

2nd Round. S c in next ch 1 space, * ch 3, s c in next ch 1 space, repeat from * 14 times, ch 3, join in 1st s c.

3rd Round. * 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in next loop, ch 5, skip 1 loop, repeat from * 6 times, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in next loop, ch 1, tr c in 1st s c (this brings thread in position for next round).

4th Round. 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c over the tr c, * ch 5, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in next ch 5 loop, repeat from * 6 times, ch 2, d c in tr c.

5th Round. Ch 1, s c over the dc just made, * ch 3, 3 d c in next ch 3 loop, ch 3, s c in next loop, repeat from * 6 times, ch 3, 3 d c in next loop, ch 3, join in 1st s c.

6th Round. Ch 1, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in same space, * ch 3, 1 d c, ch 3, 1 d c (shell) in center d c of next d c group, ch 3, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in next s c, repeat from * 6 times, ch 3, shell in center d c of next d c group, ch 3, join in 1st s c.

7th Round. Sl st into loop, ch 1, s c in same space, * ch 7, s c in next shell, ch 7, skip 1 loop, s c in next loop, repeat from * 6 times, ch 7, s c in next shell, ch 3, tr c in 1st s c.

8th Round. * Ch 9, s c in next loop, repeat from * all around ending with ch 4, d tr c (3 times over hook) in tr c.

9th Round. 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c over d tr c, * ch 2, 9 d c with ch 1 between each d c in next loop, ch 2, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in next loop, repeat from * 6 times, ch 2, 9 d c with ch 1 between each d c in next loop, ch 2, join in 1st s c, cut thread.

10th Round. Attach Gold and Silver Spangle or White in ch 3 loop, ch 6, d c in same space, ** ch 2, s c in next d c, * ch 3, skip 1 d c, sc in next d c, repeat from * 3 times, ch 2, skip 1 loop, shell in next loop, repeat from ** 6 times, * ch 2, s c in next d c, repeat from * 3 times, ch 2, join in 3rd st of ch.

11th Round. Sl st into loop, ch 3, 2 d c in same space, * ch 5, skip 1 loop, s c in next loop, ch 5, skip 1 s c and 1 loop, shell in next s c, ch 5, skip 1 loop, s c in next loop, ch 5, 3 d c in next shell, repeat from * 6 times, ch 5, skip 1 loop, s c in next loop, ch 5, skip 1 s c and 1 loop, shell in next s c, ch 5, skip 1 loop, s c in next loop, ch 5, join in 3rd st of ch 3.

12th Round. Sl st in next st, ch 6, d c in same space, ** ch 5, * d c in next loop keeping last loop of st on hook, repeat from * once, thread over and work off all loops at one time (d c cluster), ch 5, 3 d c in next shell, ch 5, d c cluster over next 2 loops, ch 5, shell in center d c of next d c group, repeat from ** 6 times, ch 5, d c cluster over next 2 loops, ch 5, 3 d c in next shell, ch 5, d c cluster over next 2 loops, ch 5, join in 3rd st of ch 6.

13th Round. Sl st into loop, ch 3, 2 d c in same space, * ch 6, d c cluster over next 2 loops, ch 6, shell in center d c of next d c group, ch 6, d c cluster over next 2 loops, ch 6, 3 d c in next shell, repeat from * 6 times, ch 6, d c cluster over next 2 loops, ch 6, shell in center d c of next d c group, ch 6, d c cluster over next 2 loops, ch 6, join in 3rd st of ch 3.

l4th Round. Work in same manner as 12th round but work ch 7 loops.

15th Round. Work in same manner as 13th round but work ch 7 loops.

16th Round. Work in same manner as 12th round but work ch 8 loops.

17th Round. Work in same manner as 13th round but work ch 9 loops and end with ch 4, d tr c in 3rd st of ch.

18th Round. * Ch 9, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in next large loop, repeat from * all around ending with ch 9, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in d tr c, cut thread.

19th Round. Attach Pink in next large loop, ch 4, d c in same space, * ch 1, d c in same space, repeat from * 4 times, ch 2, * 7 d c with ch 1 between each d c in next large loop, ch 2, repeat from * all around, join in 3rd st of ch.

20th Round. * Ch 3, skip 1 d c, s c in next d c, repeat from * twice, ch 5, skip 3 d c, shell in next d c, ch 5, skip 3 d c, s c in next d c, repeat from beginning 14 times, * ch 3, skip 1 d c, s c in next d c, repeat from * twice, ch 5, skip 3 d c, shell in next d c, ch 2, d c in joining.

21st Round. Ch 3, s c over d c, * ch 3, skip 1 loop, 3 d c, ch 3, 3 d c in next loop, ch 3, skip 1 loop, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in next loop, ch 3, 3 d c in next shell, ch 3, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in next loop, repeat from * all around ending to correspond, join in d c, cut thread.

22nd Round. Attach Pink in center d c of 1st d c group to right of joining, ch 1, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in same space, ch 2, s c in next loop, * ch 7, sl st in 4th st from hook for picot, ch 3, dc in ch 3 loop between next 2-dc groups, ch 4, sl st in 3rd st from hook for picot, ch 1, d c in same loop, ch 7, sl st in 4th st from hook for picot, ch 3, skip 2 loops, s c in next loop, ch 2, 1 s c, ch 3, 1 s c in center d c of next d c group, ch 2, s c in next loop, repeat from * all around ending to correspond, join in 1st s c. cut thread.

4th of July Crochet Stars

I made a few crochet stars for the 4^th of July!

Originally, I planned to make a whole bunch of them for a bunting to hang over my mantelpiece. When I finished three stars I decided to see what they are going to look like. Quite nice!

Moreover, I think three would be enough. Perhaps next year I’ll make a few more.

I pulled out my red-white-and-blue doily that I made last year (the pattern is here), and it too found a place on the mantel.

I think the stars on one side and the doily on the other would be sufficient. I might add a couple of more decorations to the middle, but not crochet ones. Everything should be in moderation!

The pattern is very simple and only has four rounds. I used 1.25 mm hook and size 10 cotton thread (except for the red, which is an acrylic thread as I didn't have red cotton on hand).

Ch 5, join in ring with sl st.

Round 1: ch 6, *dc, ch 3* four times; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beg ch-6.

Round 2: sl st in next ch-3 space, ch 3, (2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in same ch-3 space, *(3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in next ch-3 space* four times; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beg ch-3.

Round 3: sl st in next dc, ch 3, dc in next dc, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in next ch-3 space, dc in next 2 dc, skip 2 dc, *dc in next 2 dc, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in next ch-3 space, dc in next 2 dc, skip 2 dc* four times; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beg ch-3.

Round 4: sl st in next dc, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in next ch-3 space, dc in next 4 dc, skip 2 dc, *dc in next 4 dc, (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc) all in next ch-3 space, dc in next 4 dc, skip 2 dc* four times; join with sl st to 3^rd ch of beg ch-3.

Fasten off.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Kathryn Vercillo, a crochet blogger from San Francisco and author of the book Crochet Saved My Life, asked me to help her spread the word about a crochet health survey that has been launched recently. To read the press release or take the survey, please visit Crochet Concupiscence.

I'm linking this post to
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Create It Thursday @ Lamberts Lately

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Craft Schooling Sunday @ Crative Jewish Mom

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home,
The Homemaking Party @ Hope in Every Season

Valentine’s Tea Party for Kids

Last weekend, a friend of mine and her two daughters (age 3 and 2) came over to our home. They joined us for a little Valentine's Day inspired tea party. My boys are five and two years old, so the company was perfect.

I was glad to have a chance to make use of my doilies, which usually are hidden away. I scattered pink and white doilies on the table with the sweet treats. It looked cute.

It wasn’t a big and fancy party, but everyone surely had fun.

The pink lemonade marshmallows were a big hit.

This is a camellia flower from my front yard. The bush only starts to bloom, and there was only one flower that completely opened, which I snapped to decorate the table. There are lots of buds on the camellia bush however, and I’m so much looking forward to seeing them opened up.  

A small pot of daisies. At the end of the party, I gifted them to my friend.

Do you remember the hearts that I crocheted a couple of weeks ago? I used them for handmade valentines. I glued them to note cards, and my boys added some stickers. Two of these cards were already delivered to their recipients, and the rest will be delivered later this week.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Red Hearts

With Valentine’s Day only a couple of weeks away it’s time to engage into hearts crocheting!

The hearts that I’m making are about 3.5 inches. I use size 4 (1.25 mm) hook and acrylic crochet thread. The pattern is my own. It was one of the first crochet items that I ever designed. That was two years ago.

I made quite a bunch of these hearts back then, but I don’t have any left.

The hearts are quick to make and very festive. I think they will make lovely Valentine’s Day gifts for my sons’ pre-school teachers and classmates.

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Romantic Doily with Hearts

It’s been only a few days since I finally packed away all my Christmas decorations. It is still a bit too early to think about spring holidays (though the weather here in California is already spring-like with the birds singing their cheerful songs and some of the trees starting to bloom!), but luckily there exists such wonderful winter holiday as Valentine's Day.

It used to be that whenever I thought about Valentine’s Day chocolate and red roses would come to my mind; but nowadays I associate Valentine’s Day with dainty hearts and cherubs.

When I came across the pattern for this big doily several weeks ago, I thought it would make a perfect Valentine’s Day crochet project.

The free pattern is from Coats Crafts, and it’s a symbol chart using UK crochet terminology. Actually, there are two patterns, and I made the smaller one.  Click here for the pattern.

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Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home,

October Centerpiece

The weather is still summerlike during the day, but the nights and evenings are chilly. The days are shorter, and during the dinnertime time it’s already dark outside. It’s nice to light up candles and turn on some relaxing classical music during dinner. 

I used my black Mantilla doily that I crocheted last year to create a simple dinner table centerpiece. With Halloween coming in less than a month, the black color is quite suitable. The candles are flameless (good idea when kids are around). But they are made of real bee wax and look almost real; they also have a subtle vanilla scent.

This is the only black doily I have. Black thread is not easy to work with, and I don’t think I’ll be making another one.

The free pattern for this doily was from Coats and Clark website. You can see it here.

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Easter Egg Crochet Ornament

To make these eggs, I used small amounts of yarn (Snugly Wuggly by Loops & Threads, and Pound of Love by Lion Brand)  left from the baby blankets I made. Soft baby colors were perfect for making Easter eggs.

The size is about 1 ¾ by 1 ½ inches. And I used US size E hook.

Ch 5, join into a ring with a sl st.

Working into ring: ch 3, dc, tr, ch 1 ,tr, 11 dc; join with a sl st into 3^rd ch of beginning ch-3.

Fasten off. Wave in the end.

Easter Eggs Bookmark, Filet Crochet Pattern

I am trying my hand at creating filet crochet patterns. I thought I should start with something as simple as a bookmark.

I made the chart using Microsoft Excel. It was quite easy.

And I set to work. I used size ten cotton thread and Boye size 7 steel hook. Usually, with size ten thread I use size ten hook, which produce tight stitches.

I like crocheting tightly, but this time I wanted to try looser stitches. As a result, my bookmark came out much bigger than I expected. It measures eight by three inches.

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More bookmark patterns from my shop:

Crocheted Heart

I wasn’t sure I like this heart when I was crocheting it. I used thick cotton yarn and the stitches were coming out uneven and not very pretty. But once I added the trim, I loved the heart!

There is something charming about its rustic look.  

You can see the pattern for this heart here.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Valentine’s Day Crochet Projects

I can’t believe that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

This year I don’t have much time to experiment and come up with my own Valentine’s Day patterns, so instead I searched the web to see what free patterns I could find.

The doily pattern is called Hearts Desire and is from Red Heart.

The pattern for the heart (symbol chart only) is from Tesourinha blog.

And finally tutorial for the tiny heart is from PinkFluffyWarrior blog. The tutorial is written using UK crochet terms; nevertheless, I managed to follow the pattern.

What are you crocheting for Valentine's Day?

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and Did You Make It?

Reindeer Filet Crochet Doily

The pattern for this filet crochet doily was nothing else but a picture from an old gift bag. When I came across it last year, I thought that I’d better save it as it can easily be used as a pattern for cross-stitching or filet crochet.

I used it for both. The cross-stitch reindeer design was perfect for a small Christmas card. And a matching filet crochet doily only took two evenings to make. I didn’t have much time to come up with any fancy edging, so I just used two rounds of shells.

This will be my last post this year as I’m taking a holiday break from both crocheting and blogging until January.

Happy Holidays!

Mini Christmas Wreath Free Pattern

These mini wreathes are only slightly bigger than an inch in diameter. They are easy and quick to make. It took me only ten minutes to make one.

They will be great for Christmas card making, decorating wrapped presents, or as Christmas tree ornaments (just add a string for hanging). You can also use a pin and wear one as a Christmas brooch.  

Size ten green and red cotton thread. Size ten hook.

Using green thread, ch 15, join with a sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1: ch 1, 25 sc in ring, join with sl st in first sc.

Round 2: ch 1, sc in next sc worked in back loop around, join with sl st in first sc.

Round 3 same as Round 2. Fasten off.

Using red thread, ch 45. Fasten off. Tie the chain into a bow. Using a needle and red thread, attach the bow to the wreath.

If you don’t know how to crochet into back loop, learn about it here.  

Doily of the Week #34

Today I finished this black doily. Perfect timing as Halloween is only one month away!

I’m going to use this doily as a centerpiece. I placed the doily on a charger plate and added a ceramic pumpkin that I bought last year from a dollar store. I might replace the pumpkin with a real one and add more details.

I’m very pleased with the way this doily turned out.

Unfortunately, the link to the pattern doesn't work anymore.

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