In a first for Pewsham Belles we have a joint make brought to you by our Happy Hookers and Crafty Crew groups. Firstly our Happy Hookers made teeny tiny hats and scarves which the Crew then used the following weekend to make these cute sock snowmen!
First up... Hats and scarves
As only small amounts are needed, this is a great way of using up scrap yarn of any thickness - between us we used both aran and double knit yarn of various colours and sparkliness for this part
We made around 30 chains with a 3-5 hook (depending on the yarn used) to form the basis of the scarves and then crocheted 3-4 rows to make the scarf. If the result was on the short side, then tassels were added on the short sides to extend the length as needed. The hats were also improvised, with some adapting the Easy Beanie hat pattern we used previously to make a smaller version. Pom poms are an optional extra.
Alternatively scrap pieces of fabric can be used to make the hat and scarf like the snowman on the right.
And then... Making the snowman
You will need:
A small white sock (trainer or ankle length), the fluffier the better - turned inside out may be fluffier!
Rice for stuffing (ensures the snowman stays upright, so it's a better option than using stuffing material)
2 small elastic bands
Small piece of orange felt for the nose
2 small black beads for the eyes (or black felt pen)
Blusher and cotton bud (optional)
Optional decorations for the hat e.g. beads
Needle and thread or glue to fix the eyes/hat decorations/nose
Craft scissors
Take the sock and ensure the top is wide open
Fill around two thirds of the sock with rice to make the body - a small funnel (if you have one) helps to avoid spillages as does putting the rice into a bowl first and filling from there using a scoop or spoon. This may take more rice than you're expecting - the result should be a nice fat round body which can stand up easily
Fix the first elastic band around the sock at the top of the rice layer to keep it in place. Wind the band around the sock 2-4 times so none of the rice can escape
Fill another layer of rice to form the smaller head above the body and fix this in place with the second elastic band, leaving a small 'top knot' of sock at the top
Tie the scarf around the first elastic band and sit the hat on top of the head, so the 'top knot' can no longer be seen
Cut a small triangle of orange felt and fold in half to form the snowman's carrot nose - folding it in half makes it look more like a carrot. Either sew together with orange thread or use a little glue - allow enough time for it to dry if the latter
Fix the carrot to the head, approximately in the middle of the area visible below the hat
Fix on the black beads either side of and just above the nose either by sewing or glue. Alternatively use a black felt pen for a simpler result (which can be used to pinpoint the bead locations first if needed)
Create rosy cheeks just below the eyes using a cotton bud and a little blusher, and/or add small decorations to the hat if desired
Et voila!
The snowman itself is a remarkably quick make, so we had plenty of of time for refreshments and a natter. The hat and scarf were made in a couple of hours - also with time for a cuppa and chat!