I picked up quite a bit of yellow and shaded yellow thread as part of a massive destash. I didn’t really know what I was going to do with the yellow because I cannot make yellow snowflakes. Particularly after just having been cross-country skiing for the first time in two or three years and following in the tracks of other skiers with pets... I saw my fair share of yellow snow!
Raveler kellseyp asked if I might be willing to design a flower girl basket. Such a project might double as an Easter basket and perhaps even a Mother’s Day basket, plus, I could use up some yellow thread! Initially, there was no thought of snowflakes in this project, but as I worked on the bottom of the basket, I noticed a flowery snowflake pattern forming.
I worked up another bottom only with non-yellow thread and made a few modifications, and presto change-o! From basket to snowflake without the yellow snow stigma!
I had no problem finding a suitable mold for shaping the basket. While picking up an orange juice for work, I spied single-serving cereal and soup containers just the right size. The soup container would be suitable for a basket made with size 5 or size 3 crochet thread.
The baskets I made for two adult women are stiffened with Epsom salt and scented with a drop of lavender. !!!
The Lizard still has one more manflake up his sleeve, but I traded weeks with him to give crocheters ample time to make today's pattern in time for Easter, if desired. The Lizard will be back with the final (for now) manflake next week.
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!
Finished Size: Snowflake, 5.5 inches from point to point; Flower Girl Basket, 5 inches wide across top, 2.5 inches tall without handle, 6 inches tall with handle
Basket Materials: Approximately 75 yards of size 10 crochet thread, size 8 crochet hook, clean empty single-serving soup or cereal container, strong stiffener such as Mod Podge, Epsom salts or full-strength glue (water-soluble glue recommended as it doesn't leave residue), approximately 9 inches optional coordinating ribbon (I used 1/8th inch wide and 1/4 inch wide) for woven ribbon handle and additional ribbon for bows if desired, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush
NOTE: Although 3 handle options are provided here, basket handle also may be fashioned from pipe cleaners, shoe laces or stiffened ribbon.
Snowflake Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 8 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line
Flower Girl Basket Instructions
Make magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), * 1 dc in ring, ch 1; repeat from * 10 times for a total of 12 dcs and 12 ch 1 spaces; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3. Pull magic circle tight.
Round 2: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), 1 dc in same sp, * ch 2, sk next ch 1 sp, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 1 dc in starting ch 1 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 3: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in same ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in same sp, * ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, in next ch 1 sp work [1 dc, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 4: St st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in same sp, * ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 5: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in same sp, [ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 2 times, * ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in same sp, [ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 2 times; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 6: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 7: (DO NOT SL ST INTO NEXT CH 1 SP.) Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), working around dc posts from back side throughout Round 7, [1 dc around post of next dc, ch 1] 6 times, 1 dc around post of next dc, * ch 3, sk next ch 2 sp, [1 dc around post of next dc, ch 1] 7 times, 1 dc around next dc post; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 3, sk next ch 2 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 8: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 5 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 4, sk next ch 3 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 6 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times, ch 4, sk next ch 3 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 9: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 4 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 6, sk next ch 4 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 5 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times, ch 6, sk next ch 4 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 10: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 7, sk next ch 6 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 4 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times, ch 7, sk next ch 6 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 11: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * sk next ch 7 sp, ch 9, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; sk next ch 7 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 12: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 5, sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 5, sk next 4 ch, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 5, sk next ch 4 sp, 1 dc in next ch, ch 5, sk next 4 ch, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 13: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 5, sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 5, sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 5, sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 5, sk next 4 ch, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 14: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 5), * sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 5, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 5; repeat from * around 4 times; sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 15: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc in same ch as sl st, ch 3, * sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, sk next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next dc, ch 3, [1 dc in same dc, ch 3] 2 times; repeat from * around 4 times; sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, sk next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, sk next 4 ch, 1 dc in same ch as starting dc, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5.
Round 16: Sl st into next ch 3 sp, ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc in same ch 3 sp, ch 3, sk next ch 3 sp, * [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 3, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 3, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same ch 3 sp, ch 3, sk next ch 3 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 3, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 5 to form final ch 3 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 17: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc in space directly below, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 3, 1 dc in next sp, * ch 1, sk next ch 3 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, [1 dc in same ch 3 sp, ch 3] 3 times, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, sk next ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5.
Round 18: Sl st into next ch 3 sp, ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc in space directly below, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 3, [1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3] 2 times, * sk next ch 1 sp, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk next ch 1 sp, [1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3] 3 times, [1 dc in same sp, ch 3] 3 times, [1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3] 2 times; repeat from * around 4 times; sk next ch 1 sp, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, sk next ch 3 sp, [1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3] 3 times, 1 dc in same sp, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5; bind off. Weave in ends.
Finish: Cover clean, empty single-serving cereal or soup container with clear plastic wrap. (I don’t know if the ink on the container will transfer to the crochet, so I took no chances.) Fit and center basket over container. Paint entire basket with desired stiffening agent. (Or finger-saturate basket with stiffening agent before placing on mold.) Finger-shape into desired shape, take care to pull on basket points to stretch out lace. Allow to dry thoroughly. Gently peel plastic wrap from container, then gently remove plastic wrap from basket.
Braided Basket Handle
Ch 90. 1 sc in 7th ch from hook and in each of next 82 ch (do not sc in last ch yet), ch 6, 1 sc in last ch, bind off; weave in ends. Make 2 more just like this.
Anchoring the end chain loops on one side of all three sc strips, braid to end. Anchoring just completed ends, shape over clean single-serving container used for basket shaping. Dabble full-strength water-soluble glue on top of braid and allow to dry thoroughly. Using narrow ribbon (or sewing thread, or even crochet thread) attach handle to basket. Secure with a drop or two of glue, if desired, and allow to dry thoroughly.
Tube Basket Handle
NOTE: Do not make this handle if your hands or fingers get sore after extensive tight crochet with small hook and crochet thread.
Make magic ring. 6 sc in ring. 1 sc in each sc around (and around and around and around) to desired length. (Mine is 9.5 inches long.) 1 sc dec across next 3 st, 1 sc dec across next 3 st; bind off, weave in ends.
Anchor ends of tube around clean single-serving container used to shape basket. Paint full-strength water-soluble glue around tube and allow to dry thoroughly. Using narrow ribbon (or sewing thread, or even crochet thread) attach handle to basket. Secure with a drop or two of glue, if desired, and allow to dry thoroughly.
Woven Ribbon Basket Handle
Ch 76. 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, * ch 2, sk next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch; repeat from * to end of ch. Work 5 dc over posts of last 2 dc made, into ch 2 sp. Working around end of handle and into bottom edge, * 1 sc between next 2 dc, 5 dc in next ch 2 sp (scallop made); repeat from * to end of handle, 1 sc between last 2 dc, 5 dc over starting ch and dc into ch 2 sp, working around end of handle and into top edge, 1 sc between next 2 dc, 5 dc in next ch 2 sp; repeat from * to end of handle. Sl st in starting dc scallop; bind off; weave in ends.
Weave ribbon through handle. (I used 1/8th and 1/4th inch satin ribbon.) Anchor ends of handle around clean single-serving container used to shape basket. Paint scallops (and underside of handle, if desired) with full-strength water-soluble glue and allow to dry thoroughly. Attach handle to basket. Secure with a drop or two of glue, if desired, and allow to dry thoroughly.
Flower Girl Snowflake Instructions
Make magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), * 1 dc in ring, ch 1; repeat from * 10 times for a total of 12 dcs and 12 ch 1 spaces; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3. Pull magic circle tight.
Round 2: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), 1 dc in same sp, * ch 2, sk next ch 1 sp, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 3: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in same ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in same sp, * ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, in next ch 1 sp work [1 dc, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, sk next ch 2 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 4: St st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in same sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in same sp, * ch 3, sk next ch 2 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp, ch 1] 2 times; 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times, omitting last ch of final repeat; ch 3, sk next ch 2 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 5: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in same sp, [ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1] 2 times, * ch 4, sk next ch 3 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in same sp, [ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 2 times; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 4, sk next ch 3 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 6: Sl st in next ch 1 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 6, sk next ch 4 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 4 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 6, sk next ch 4 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 7: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 8, sk next ch 6 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 3 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 8, sk next ch 6 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 8: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 12, sk next ch 8 sp, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 12, sk next ch 8 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 9: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and ch 1), 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, * ch 16, sk next ch 12 sp, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 16, sk next ch 12 sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3.
Round 10: * 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, ch 4, 1 sc in same ch 1 sp, sk next dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 ch, 1 hdc in each of next 3 ch, 1 dc in next ch, 2 dc in next ch, ch 3, 2 dc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 hdc in each of next 3 ch, 1 sc in each of next 3 ch; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc; 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.
If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. 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.
Wow very impressive, like how you found the containers and made them work for you.
ReplyDeleteAlways recycling something in my zoo, Pat!
DeleteLOL, and my husband always wonders why I wash and save the plastic containers!! Usually I use them for leftovers that I send home with friends or relatives. But now I can use them for something else and rewash them to use again and again.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the pattern! I kept saying to myself over and over again the last few days, I need to crochet an Easter basket, and now I know why I kept putting that off! I was waiting for the perfect one!
Love the snowflake too but the ROCK is my fav! I can't wait to find the perfect rock for this rock cover! I may even have one out in the small rock/stone garden my granddaughter and I collect rocks for while on camping trips. Now we will have in mind to watch for rocks that will look great covered in crochet!
and still enjoying your Thursday posts about your journey back from the car accident.
thanks again for all you do!
Brenda, I get grief because I save things that could possibly maybe perhaps might be useful one day... But containers... it's so easy to turn them into portable gardens!
DeleteMy rock collection is coming in rather handy right now. I'm using them to form barriers around my tiny hyacinths beginning to poke up where feet might otherwise trample. Oh, and all my rocks have special meaning, too. Each comes from someplace special!
I just had that feeling that those cute little baskets would make any child smile big!
ReplyDeleteMy little neighbor sure is enjoying the heck out of hers, Karen! She brought it back over last night to tell me it's not full anymore. (We refilled it for her.)
DeleteThose baskets are adorable! Much better than yellow snowflakes would be me thinks!
ReplyDeleteYep, Michelle, no yellow snowflakes in my garden! Or on my tree...
DeleteWow your baskets are so beautiful! Such perfect gifts they will make :)
ReplyDeleteYes the little blond horse in my photo sure made me smile.
Funny how I can see the smile behind the camera better than I can see the photos you share now, Cat!
Deletewwo, that was gorgeous. I was about to say that the creamy color of the rose goes so well to the color of the basket. Then I was everyelse you created. :) How on earth do you find time for everything you do? I´m amazed.
ReplyDeletePeople on the train are always asking me that, Monica. I tell them it's because I don't watch television. And I guess because I'm working on stuff on the train instead of playing with my iPhone...
DeleteThe white one is adorable ♥.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Neferi! I think that one is my favorite, too!
DeleteWow, this pattern is a stunner ... I love how geometric it looks as a basket, but how flowery it looks flat.
ReplyDelete"Yellow snowflake" - good chuckle on that one. :)
Thanks, Sue! I was working on a variation of this on the train this morning and wasn't achieving the desired effect, so I ripped it all the way out to start over again, and the woman sitting across from me almost cried! She said, "No, don't do that! It's too beautiful!"
DeleteJust wait until I perfect it... it will be worth the ripping!