As well as our gorgeous gnomes, the Happy Hookers tried a variety of different Christmas decoration patterns over the past few meetings. At last we've tried making Christmas trees - the make which drew us into getting to grips with crochet last year - plus we've proved we've mastered the skills to make some beautiful snowflakes.
Once again we've turned to Bella Coco for the Christmas Tree tutorial. The link takes you to the video; if you want the written instructions they're on her website (which also has a link to the video if you get stuck).
Here's Ann's pattern for the snowflake:
SNOWFLAKE PATTERN (NB this is in UK notation)
Ann used a white cotton double knit (dk) and 4mm hook; or use any white dk you have to hand - thicker yarn does not give the delicate definition needed for the design
Make a magic loop (or chain 3 and slip stitch to form a loop like Michelle did).
Row 1: Chain 5 and treble crochet into loop. Chain 2 and treble crochet into loop 4 times. Chain 2 and slip stitch into the chain 5.
Row 2 : Chain 3 and 3 treble crochet into the chain 2 space. Chain 2 and 4 treble crochet into the chain 2 space. Repeat to end and then slip stitch into the chain 3.
Row 3: slip stitch to next chain 2 space. In the same space, chain 3 and slip stitch into chain 2 space, chain 5 and slip stitch into chain 2 space, chain 7 and slip stitch into chain 2 space, chain 5 and slip stitch into chain 2 space, chain 3 and slip stitch into chain 2 space. Slip stitch to next chain 2 space and repeat.
Tip: make sure the trebles and chains in row 1 are distributed evenly around the ring to ensure the snowflake looks symmetrical when finished.
We've also had a go at making the amigurumi reindeer featured in the latest copy of WI Life. The start of the pattern had to be amended slightly to make it work which led to Michelle helping a WI member in Cheshire with the pattern on Twitter! She found the start of the sprout make in Simply Crochet from the book by the same author was what she needed to achieve success.
Alas, we found the crocodile stitch much harder to master during one of our sessions. The video tutorial from Bella Coco posted afterwards proved useful and we now have renewed determination to master this stitch and make the decorative Christmas tree this works well for. Watch this space...
UPDATE: Another session was squeezed in just before Christmas, with robins being the order of the day. Michelle made this cute ornament sized one (see also the photo below where he's posing on her study's shelf) and Gill will provide the pattern for the adapted larger make she put together at some point.
Michelle also made some festive bunting, comprising the Christmas tree pattern shown above combined with Ann's snowflake pattern.
Happy woolly Christmas everyone!
