11 January 2010

Snowflake Monday

First Attempt

This is yet another flake inspired by a design on a snowflake fleece blanket I adore. As I was getting ready to post this pattern, I couldn't remember which flake this was. So I had to make another one. Which gave me a chance to fine-tune yet one more time, plus I also was able to try out the bamboo thread I received as a Christmas gift for the first time. So this is my first ever Bamboo Flake!

I am delighted to report bamboo thread is an absolute joy to work with. It doesn't split at all. It's almost too luxurious to use for snowflakes because the stiffening camouflages the supple texture of the thread. I now highly recommend bamboo thread for lace projects (collars, gloves, edgings, etc.) that will not be stiffened. I LOVE working with this stuff! I will be watching for sales, and next time I need to stock up, I'll likely stick with bamboo.

After I finished pinning my revised flake, I decided I liked the original better, yet the original still needed something. So I made one more flake with a few more adjustments. The photos of all three of these flakes effectively illustrate the evolution of a snowflake. This process is what I go through with every flake I design, although not all of them get so many re-dos due to the designer forgetting which of her crocheted children she gave birth to before they are photographed and numbered.

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!

Second Attempt, Bamboo Thread

Finished Size: 6 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread (I used bamboo thread for the second and third flakes shown here), size 10 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or foil, 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

Bamboo Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc into ring, *ch 12, 3 dc into ring; repeat from * 4 more times for a total of 6 petals, ch 5, trtr (that's yo 4 times) into 1st dc (ch 5 and trtr count as final ch 12 loop). Do not pull magic circle too tight; leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat, with just a bit of ease.

Round 2: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 4), dc into next middle dc, *ch 4, dc into next ch 12 sp, ch 2, dc into same sp, ch 4, dc into next middle dc; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 4, 1 dc into next ch 12 sp, ch 1, hdc into 3rd ch of starting ch 7 (ch 1 and hdc count as final ch 2 sp).
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: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over hdc post below, ch 5, skip ch 4, 1 dc into next dc, ch 5, *2 dc into next ch 2 sp, ch 2, 2 dc into same ch 2 space, ch 5, skip ch 4, 1 dc into next dc, ch 5; repeat from * around 4 times; 2 dc in same sp as starting dc, ch 1, hdc into 3rd ch of starting ch 3 (ch 1 and hdc count as final ch 2 sp).

Round 4: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc into same sp, ch 6, sk ch 5, 1 dc into next dc, ch 6, 2 dc into next ch 2 sp, *ch 2, 2 dc into same ch 2 space, ch 6, sk ch 6, 1 dc into next dc, ch 6, 2 dc into next ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 times, 1 dc into 3rd ch of ch 3 (dc counts as final ch 2 sp).

Round 5: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc around post of dc just worked, ch 6, sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 5, sl st in sc, ch 5, sl st in sc (tri-picot made), ch 1, 3 dc in same space below, *ch 6, skip next two dc and ch 6 sp, 1 dc into next dc, ch 10, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of the next 6 ch, ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of the next 5 ch, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch, ch 12, dc in 9th ch from hook, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in next ch (forming point of branch), ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 4 ch, working down opposite side of branch sl st in next ch, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 5 ch, sl st into next ch, ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each of next 6 ch, sl st into each of next 2 ch and into top of dc, ch 6, **3 dc in next ch 2 space, ch 6, sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 5, sl st in sc, ch 5, sl st in sc, ch 1, 3 dc in same space below, repeat from * around 4 times, repeat from * to ** one time; sl st into 3rd ch of starting ch 3; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

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 foil. 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.

Bamboo Snowflake

48 comments :

  1. The open points are perfect! Thanks again for sharing

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  2. This is so pretty!

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  3. yay for snowflakes

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  4. I adore your snowflakes. Each one draws me in and makes me want to make one for everyone I give gifts to. Thank you so much for sharing your extraordinary talent.

    Cindy

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  5. How beautiful! I can't wait to try making this. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

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  6. I love your snowflakes! I can't wait to begin making some for our tree this year. Thank you for being so generous to share your patterns!

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  7. I found your site through a facebook link through Allfreecrochet.com. I just can’t tell you how impressed I am with your work. I don’t do much thread crochet because even with my glasses on, after about 30 minutes my ability to focus just vanishes. But it just wouldn’t do for me to visit without letting you know the impression you made. Bravo John Hablinski

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  8. Hey it's just awesome!!! I´ll try to make some, my only problem is that the thread is different... wish me luck!!!!

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  9. Wow this just looks awesome! I just tried to start this pattern but I cannot get it to work, I get stuck in row 2 already actually. It says:

    Round 2: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 4), dc into next middle dc, ch 4, *dc into next ch 12 sp, ch 2, dc into same sp, ch 4; repeat from * around 5 times; ch 1, hdc into 3rd ch of starting ch 7.

    This says that you have to go in the next middle dc, chain 4 and than the * begins and the part after that you have to repeat. It doesn't tell you to go in any of the other middle dc's anymore, but if I look at your picture, it goes into every middle dc from the first row. Any change that this is a mistake in pattern? I'm not sure what to do! Thanks in advance!

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  10. Good catch, Dennis; thanks for letting me know. I will get that fixed in the pattern and republish.

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  11. You snowflakes are awesome! I'm going to have to try these soon! Thanks for your generous sharing of your talents!
    XoXoXo
    Joy

    christmasspiritallyearlong.blogspot.com
    tomorrowsmemorieskjlb.blogspot.com

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  12. I had to go through 5 websites to get this pattern. Can someone make this easier?

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  13. Hey there! I want to let you know I've been so impressed with your snowflakes and your photographs that I've linked your sites to both of mine:

    http://christmasspiritallyearlong.blogspot.com/2010/11/most-beautiful-crocheted-snowflakes.html

    http://tomorrowsmemorieskjlb.blogspot.com/2010/11/most-beautiful-crocheted-snowflakes.html

    God has richly blessed you, and US when you share the talents he gave you!

    XoXoXo
    Joy

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  14. I love this! I am going to post about it on my knitting blog if that is ok.

    Dana @ http://bookgirlknitting.blogspot.com/
    Http://sheknitswhensheshouldbewriting.blogspot.com/

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  15. Anonymous who would like the pattern to be easier... Could you please be more specific, describe what you need help with? And leave me a way to contact you if you need more help than what I can put in a comment? I expect Mike may be doing a video tutorial of this particular pattern at some point, but you'd have to contact him about that.

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  16. These are so beautiful I can't wait to start crocheting. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome work.

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  17. Hi snowcatcher, i would like to congratulate you..i'm trying to make this snowflake and kind of got stuck on the last step...I am kind of a beginners stage but i pick up pretty quick...i don't understand the "post" section...Where is "beneath post" email me at heangtrang@yahoo.com or if you prefer a different contact? Thankyou

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  18. I apologize for taking so long, but I have finally finished a photo tutorial of the double crochet join while working in the round. See it here.

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  19. I have tried several times to copy the instructions and picture for the Beautiful Snowflake pattern. Where the instructions should be are just a bunch of red wavy lines. No one could follow these "instructions"! How are other people making these?
    Winelda

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  20. Judy/Winelda, you probably will have to select the text and change it to a darker color. The text on the web page is white, so if you copy and paste, you're going to get white text.

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  21. first time i've been here. i'll be back! thanks for your site.

    jan

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  22. Thank you for sharing the beautiful snowflake pattern. I enjoy working with thread and have made many doilies. This is a first for hearing of the bamboo thread. It sounds like something nice to try for the snowflake. Something new all the way around. Old dogs can learn new tricks. Did I just call myself an old dog? Certainly not!!!!!

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  23. Welcome, Jan and jshirec! Bamboo thread is addicting. The texture is so wonderful, it's almost a shame to stiffen the flakes... I think bamboo is best for flexible snowflakes, such as in a scarf.

    No such thing as old dogs here!

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  24. I really love your creations and love making them! Just wish I could copy them on the printer without printing all 14 pages of other remarks. The cost of ink and paper can get expensive

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  25. Thanks, Anonymous!

    To print just the pattern, select just the text you want, and hit print, then when you get the printing menu, choose "selected text" instead of entire page or entire document, whatever your menu says. Or cancel the printing as soon as you get the final page of the pattern, and it should print only one page after you cancel. That would still be a savings over 14 pages of comments.

    Also, there is a snowflake booklet that includes this pattern. I am trying to raise money for multiple sclerosis, and a tax-deductible donation will get you the booklet of 22 patterns with no comments and no wasted space...

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  26. I donated $25, but I don't know if I put SnowCatcher in as the donation recipient. I hope you'll send me the booklet...and good luck on your ride!
    Teri

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  27. these are so delicate and ethereal - just like the real thing :)

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  28. I am not able to finish after 3rd row. Directions are incorrect. I tried using the picture but 3 tries is my limit. And.......I really love how intricate it looks.

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  29. Thanks, Anonymous, for letting me know there was a problem. I'm not sure what you were having difficulty with, but I found three typos in previous rounds (now fixed) and clarified the instructions in four different places. I hope that helps.

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  30. Beautiful work

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  31. I just love these.i just wanted to.share my story.i just taught my 18 yr old daughter how to crochet.anyway she just got married in nov.n she will call me if we miss crocheting together.n say momma plz come over n crochet im have crochet withdraws.it funny shes only known how to crochet for two months now.in she learned stiches I havent even done.in im a.left handed.crocheter n shes right handed.anyway.its been the best mother n daughter time .ty for showing your beautiful work

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  32. Thanks, Anonymous #1 and #2! Thank you for sharing your story, Anonymous #2! It is so exciting to hear crochet is forging a stronger bond between a mother and daughter! And I can totally understand how she got so addicted so fast!

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  33. My God, I'm so confused. I just couldn't. Shame cause it's so pretty. :(

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    1. Hello, A. Kemp. Mike has done a video tutorial showing how to make this snowflake here. Maybe that will help.

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  34. Ooh, I am going to try these snowflakes. They look wonderful.

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  35. Replies
    1. Thanks, Jackie. It's still to this day one of the most popular snowflakes on my site, which sometimes overwhelms me because this was one of the really early ones!

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  36. sorry but what do you mean by Magic ring i have neaver heard this trem before love your patterns do you have a book out or just the booklet

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    1. Hi, Anonymous. There are several tutoritals on Youtube for just about any crochet or knit question. Planet June has a great tutorial here. She also has a left-handed tutorial. Once you learn the magic ring, you'll never go back to chain ring starts.

      I do not have a book out; just the fund-raiser booklets, and only until about the middle of next month.

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    2. wow thx will try on my next dollie looks much easier the the chain ring

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  37. I'm in need of baby snowflake angels. I crochet and knit premie hats, booties and blankets to donate. But, for the families who have newborns who are sick but alive I want to let them know while their angels are asleep in there angels outside are working for them. Who care and are praying for each tiny soul. I've been using this amazing blog for years and have searched the computer world for years and still cannot find anything to work with. I've seen many angel ornaments but not an angel portrayed in the beauty of a snowflake. You are so talented and I wanted to ask my favorite first. Anything you come up with I'm sure would be amazing! Smaller the better. Or the quicker the better. People get a little too preoccupied by the rush of the holidays and forget that it's all here because of a tiny baby!

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    1. Wow, Wendi! I love what you are doing! I have had an idea in my head for about two years now that I haven't had time to work up. There's another bell idea floating around in there, too. I will do my best to get going on them.

      I love how you're reminded us all the true meaning of Christmas!

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  38. i have been crocheting for over 30 years, and idk what is wrong, but i have done, re-done, RE-RE-done this pattern as it is written like 10 times now and NONE of them turned out like your pic...

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    1. Hi, Arianna. I'm so sorry this is giving you trouble. I don't know what to do to help without knowing what your snowflakes look like, but there is a video tutorial for this snowflake here.

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  39. Thanks, TJRN! I hope you enjoy them!

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  40. Thanks for sharing your lovely pattern. Since ink is so expensive, I like to copy it onto a Word document. However, the page is white ink on black background. How do I change it to white background and black letters?

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    1. Thanks, Luv Needle Arts! In the Word document, select all your text (Control A, I think), then select what color (or black) you'd like your text to be on the menu bar. Then it will be ready for printing. I also have the option inside the print menu to "print text as black", but I don't know if all printers have that. It might be an older option. Also, I have the option to print draft quality, which saves a ton of ink. I also choose to print in black and white instead of color when printing text because that saves the color inks for other things. Hope that helps.

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