31 January 2011

Snowflake Monday

Sky Pilots, my favorite mountain wildflower, in front of Gemini Peak
This is the first mountain snowflake I’ve shared that is named after a mountain I’ve actually climbed.

twins on GeminiGemini Peak is not always recognized as an official mountain because the saddle between it and nearby 14er Mount Sherman drops only 171 feet between the two. To be official, a mountain’s connecting saddles must drop 300 feet between surrounding peaks.

I’ve climbed Mount Sherman twice, once in winter, my only winter 14er to date. The second time, I walked from Sherman across to both summits of Gemini. To me, I climbed that mountain, and it is as real a mountain as any I've climbed. Just try to tell me any different!

At 13,951 feet, Gemini Peak is the tallest thirteener in the Mosquito Range and tied with Mount Fletcher as the 59th tallest peaks in Colorado, making both centennial peaks. Centennial is the name given the high hundred peaks.

Yes, Mosquito Range is really what they call this group of mountains! I did not encounter any of the pests on either of my trips, thankfully. Legend has it a mosquito landed on a blank space upon a map while naming of area features was being contemplated, and Mosquito was as good a name as any for the mine, the mountain and the range where the pesky insect perched.

White Ridge and Gemini Peak in winter with Gemini Peak Snowflake
Now that you know everything you ever wanted to know about Gemini Peak, I probably better not forget to mention my first PDF snowflake pattern booklet is now available for a tax-deductible contribution to the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. There's a widget with links and a progress thermometer widget in the right hand column of this page, or you can read about my annual MS-150 fundraising drive here.

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!

Gemini Peak Snowflake
Finished Size: 3.25 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 11 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, glue, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Gemini Peak Snowflake Instructions

Round 1: Ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, *ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch; repeat from * 4 more times for a total of 6 points. Being careful not to twist work, sl st in starting ch of round, forming a circle. Roll points to inside of circle, and work next row on flat outer circle, with points pointing into the circle.

Round 2: 1 sc around ch sp below, *1 hdc in next ch, 3 dc in middle of next dc, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc around ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with sl st in starting sc instead of final 1 sc around ch 2 sp of final repeat.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 3: *1 sc in next hdc, 1 hdc in next dc, 3 dc in next dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 sc in next hdc; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc.

Round 4: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 sc in next dc; 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch 2 sp, 1 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc, *1 dc between next 2 sc, 1 sc in next dc; 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch 2 sp, 1 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.

Mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

Gemini Snowflake Sunrise

11 comments :

  1. I love the center of the snowflake and that last picture with the sun shining through it.

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  2. I could sit and stare at that first photograph all day long. Hey, maybe I will. :)

    Love the backstory to your snowflake of the day... and the shot of you on your sidebar! Priceless grin, that.

    I've sure missed visiting you; life is just gonna hafta move over for the important stuff. Like keeping up with your cycling progress on a much more regular basis.

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  3. When I saw the first photo, I though for sure that I'd been in that spot before. Alas, I was wrong. But, it is an incredible photo. Those flowers are the perfect antidote to the cold that's invading our world!

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  4. Loved the info on Gemini and your charming star-like snowflake design!

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  5. I love your snowflakes. I love making them and I also tat some too.
    I notice that glue sometimes dulls the sparkle of iridescent beads. How hard would it be to bead after the glue process.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi, Neese7, and thank you!

    I have not tried beading snowflakes after stiffening, but my guess is I could probably glue the beads on if I can't get a needle through the stiffened thread. You've given me an idea to try!

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  7. I made crochet bells that were beaded and the clappers were strung beads. I did the clappers after the gluing which is why I noticed the difference.I used a paint brush with water to lightly wash beads off but there was still a difference. I did a little beading on a few bells after because I wanted them to dangle freely. I am making a sun catcher and want the beads hanging in certain holes. also want as much sparkle as poss. I will let you know how this works out. should I be writing this much on comment post? Thanks for all your inspiration. Neese

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  8. Hi again, Neese!

    You may post your comments wherever you would like.

    I will try to incorporate some beads into one of my next couple of snowflakes, and then I'll ask when I post the instructions if anyone has any suggestions. Last time I fielded a question that way (rust spots from pins), we had tons of feedback from all kinds of crocheters. So I expect we'll get an answer or two.

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  9. This has got to be one of my personal favorites.

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