Snowflake Monday

I knew I was going to need at least one more Northern Lights Snowflake this year for my digital temperature quilts! And sure enough, September 16 rolled by without sharing any visual evidence on my cameras. At least I have this magnificent work of art to display the gorgeous colors I saw on live cams that night, particularly Banff...

The initial flake for today's pattern was created with my hand-dyed lime green, spring green, mint green, cotton candy pink and deep space (appropriate, right?!?). I had so much fun trying to match the colors in the screenshot above. I then made a white version and changed it up just a tad on the final round. Then I played with surface crochet on the first (colored) snowflake to create today's unique Northern Lights II Snowflake.

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: 6.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 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

Northern Lights II Snowflake Instructions

NOTE: The following instructions are for the white snowflake. To make a colored flake, change to desired color on each Round.

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 1), 1 sc in ring, ch 1, 1 dc in ring] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 3. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch as sl st, [sk next 3 st, 5 dc in next dc] 5 times; 2 dc in same ch as starting 2 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch, [ch 1, 1 dc in next gap between 5/dc shells, ch 1, sk next 2 dc, in next dc work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc)] 6 times, omitting last 3 dc and last 2 ch of final repeat; 1 dc in starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.
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 4: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 3), 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp, in next ch 3 tip work V-stitch (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc)] 6 times, omitting last dc and last 2 ch of final repeat; 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.
NOTE: Working a picot instead of ch 3 on spike joints and chaining 7 on tips instead of ch 3, then binding off here makes a cute little flake.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, [sk next ch 3 sp, in next ch 3 sp work (1 tr, 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc, 1 tr), sk next ch 3 sp, in next ch 3 tip work (3 dc, ch 5, 3 dc)] 6 times, omitting last 3 dc and last 3 ch of final repeat; 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 5 tip of Round.

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of tr directly below, ch 3, in same sp work 3 dc, [in next ch 3 sp work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc), in next ch 5 tip work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 10 (or ch 3 for colored snowflake), * 3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc)] 6 times, ending * on final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.

Northern Lights II Snowflake Surface Crochet Instructions

NOTE: I've embedded an extra large photo above to assist with surface crochet placement. One day I'll try to diagram this pattern, but not today.

Make 1 Northern Lights II Snowflake in desired color(s). Do not stiffen yet.

Round 1: With white thread, [1 dc in front (right side) of any Round 2 5/dc shell (or next Round 2 5/dc shell on repeats), ch 3, 1 dc on other side (left side) of same Round 2 5/dc shell, ch 3, 1 sc in next Round 3 lone dc, ch 3] 6 times, omitting last 3 ch of final repeat; 1 dc in starting dc to form 6th ch 5 tip of Round, sl st in 6th Round 3 lone dc.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 3), 1 dc before (right of) next Round 5 tip 3/dc first shell, ch 5, 1 dc after (left of) same Round 5 tip 3/dc second shell, ch 3, 1 dc in next surface crochet sc] 6 times, omitting last dc and 2 ch of final repeat; 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 5 to form 12th ch 3 sp of Round.

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 tr), [sl st in Round 6 ch 3 joint tip, 1 tr in next surface crochet ch 3 sp, ch 3, in next Round 6 ch 3 sp work V-st (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc),1 dc in next Round 6 ch 3 tip, ch 3, in next surface crochet ch 5 tip work (1 trtr, ch 5, 1 trtr), ch 3, 1 dc in same Round 6 ch 3 tip, in next Round 6 ch 3 sp work V-stitch, ch 3, 1 tr in next surface crochet ch 3 sp] 6 times, omitting last tr of final repeat; sl st in 3rd ch of surface crochet starting ch 3; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: I've been stiffening my flakes with undiluted, full-strength water soluble school glue for quite a while now, and I've been squishing the glue onto and throughout each flake with my fingers (yucky mess!!!) instead of gingerly painting the flakes with glue. Yes, it's a mess. But it's faster. And stiffer.

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 snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Friday Funny

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Getting Closer

Four down, one to go. Yes, I will have a touch of a second winter in each of my digital temperature quilts, making five seasons in each. I love how they are turning out, but I have grown weary this year of the project.

I'm so glad I didn't start a crochet or fabric temperature project this year. I've just been too overwhelmed with life changes this year, and I can't say the digital projects have been fun the entire year.

I'm so thankful I didn't give up. But I am ready for a break from the pressure!

That said, I do still have one more 2024 digital temperature quilt I haven't shared yet; I'm waiting until it's done because it's so unique. I think it might possibly blow you away.

The sad part of all my digital temperature quilts this year is I have to go back to heat wave colors today. Darn it! All my digital projects are gorgeous, but man, am I tired of our heat dome! Bring on second winter!!!

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Wordless Wednesday

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Wild Goose

One of my lifelong dreams has been to see the Aurora Borealis in person. I was able to see a very faint pink via a cell phone shot (not visible via my naked eye) in May, and I saw pink with my own eyes in August. Last week was going to be my chance! I knew we'd finally get decent aurora where I live, and I was ready!

previous northern lights with and without Photoshop assistance and enhancement

One of my neighbors sent me a cell phone photo from her front porch at about 9:30. She had pink! She said it wasn't visible to the naked eye. I rushed outside with my cell phone and snapped a few photos with different settings, but no aurora. Lizard was nearly asleep, so I kissed him, told him I was driving to the nearby hill to try to get a better and unobstructed view, gathered my tripods (because it was super windy) and took off.

Banff Aurora Cam screenshot

I spent the next four hours chasing aurora. Sort of another lifelong dream. A dream that was supposed to come to fruition with visible evidence of the magnificent solar storm. I couldn't see any color, and neither could either of my cameras. I drove out past the airport to get away from city lights. It didn't help. From what I understand, our light show lasted about 15 minutes. I totally missed it. Again. People as far south as Texas witnessed it. But I missed it. I hate wishing for CMEs because I know they can do more than just create pretty skies. But man, do I wish I could capture the Northern Lights in person!

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Snowflake Monday

Today's snowflake was inspired by last week's Treasure Mountain Snowflake, which was inspired by a snowflake rendering on my Christmas shower curtain. Can you see the inspiration? I do intend to craft a flake with the rest of the intricate detail at some point, but the innermost flake spokes are pretty fun to work with for right now.

Citadel Mountain was the first known name of Treasure Mountain. Today's snowflake was the first image I saw in my head when trying to duplicate the design on my shower curtain. I'm so happy I was able to bring both versions of what I saw in my head to fruition!

The first row of the first version of today's snowflake was not worked in the round and resulted in a huge center opening, which I decided to fill with crochet on my second interpretation, from the outside in, just to see how it looked. My third rendition is worked in the round and uses my final stash blue jewel button to fill that hole. I love all three, and I hope you do, too!

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: 6.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, optional 2-hole button (approximately 1-inch), 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

Buttoned Citadel Snowflake Instructions

Round 1: [1 sc in first buttonhole, ch 3] 3 times, [1 sc in second buttonhole, ch 3] 2 times; 1 sc in same buttonhole, ch 1, 1 dc in starting sc.
NOTE: In lieu of button and instead of working center from outside in on snowflake not worked in the Round, make magic ring, ch 2, 11 dc in ring, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2, then ch 3 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 1), 1 dc in next dc] 11 times; ch 1, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. This will renumber each of the following Rounds by one.

Round 2: [Ch 16, 1 sc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 7 ch, 1 hdc in each of next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, ch 1, sl st in next ch 3 sp] 6 times, ending with sl st in top of final dc of Round 1 instead of ch 3 sp.

Round 3: Ch 12 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 10), in next ch 3 tip work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc), ch 10, 1 dc over next Round 2 ch 3 sp sl st)] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 10.
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 4: [1 sc in each of the next 6 ch, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of the next 2 ch, 1 sc in each of the next 3 dc, in next ch 3 tip work (2 sc, ch 3, 2 sc), 1 sc in each of the next 3 dc, 1 dc in each of the next 2 ch, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 ch, 1 sc in each of the next 6 ch] 6 times; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Citadel Snowflake Instructions

Foundation Row: [Ch 16, 1 sc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 7 ch, 1 hdc in each of next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch] 6 times, ending with sl st in 1st ch of starting ch 16.

Round 2: Ch 12 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 10), in next ch 3 tip work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc), ch 10, 1 dc over next Round 1 ch 1 sp)] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 10.
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 each of the next 6 ch, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of the next 2 ch, 1 sc in each of the next 3 dc, in next ch 3 tip work (2 sc, ch 3, 2 sc), 1 sc in each of the next 3 dc, 1 dc in each of the next 2 ch, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 ch, 1 sc in each of the next 6 ch] 6 times; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

To fill the center hole, 1 dc in each sp between spokes and dc stitches; sl st in starting dc, ch 2, work 3 dc dec 4 times; bind off; draw tail through top of all 4 dc dec stitches, pull tight; weave in ends.

Finish: I've been stiffening my flakes with undiluted, full-strength water soluble school glue for quite a while now, and I've been squishing the glue onto and throughout each flake with my fingers (yucky mess!!!) instead of gingerly painting the flakes with glue. Yes, it's a mess. But it's faster. And stiffer.

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 snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Friday Fantastic

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Legends of Calypso

Confession: I was totally seduced by the blue Color Calypso fabric line (that isn't even available anymore). I don't think I even waited for a sale to snag my fat quarter bundle. I loved the colors and the individual designs from the very first time I saw them in a magazine ad. I didn't unpackage my June 2018 bundle until late 2022. I still am not sure what I should do with it, yet I love to look at the gorgeous hues when I need creative inspiration.

I adored the "color-kissed" flower print so much, I decided I need a dress made of it. I bought four yards. Again, I didn't wait for a sale. But I also still haven't gotten around to selecting a pattern for the fabric. (I have so many blue floral fabrics for which I haven't yet chosen dress patterns!) I can't decide if I want this particular dress to be a jumper I can wear in all seasons or a summer-sleeved frock that will get put away in winter.

I didn't expect to see any of the collection go on sale ever, but more than one year after I bought that initial bundle, a handful of the jelly roll strip packages landed in a popular online sale bin. I wasted no time in adding one to my collection.

I knew from experience one package of 40 or 42 jelly roll strips is not quite enough strips to make the entire skirt for a dress I designed with my own Spoonflower fabric designs back in 2014. (Man, I can't believe it's been that long ago now!!!) I knew must supplement. When I buy a set of jelly roll strips I intend to fashion into a dress, I typically buy a yard of my favorite fabric in the collection or in a coordinating solid to add half a dozen or so more strips to the skirt and to create a dress bodice. Pockets typically are made from whatever I have in my scrap bin that goes along with the dress fabric as close as possible. After all, my deep side pockets don't show.

I modified my strip skirt design just a bit with blue floral fabric leftovers from other projects and cut from worn-out dresses I made about as far back as high school.

The Color Calypso fabric line was so dated (most fabric collections - except for Moda Grunge and various solids - don't tend to be on the shelves longer than a few months), I knew there wouldn't be much yardage selection anywhere to add to my dress, so I thought a coordinating solid might be a nice addition. I used an online store's color matcher tool and bought a couple of yards of the recommended blue.

I wasn't impressed with the solid shade when it arrived. In 2021, I used the solid in my Painterly Charms quilt, then used the leftovers in a table topper for my mom for Mother's Day.

I haven't had enough time to make anything for me for so long, I'd set aside all my planned dress projects. I hoped a better Color Calypso coordinating solid option might materialize one day. At the end of 2019, I needed a tiny bit more of one specific fabric to finish an unrelated quilt. I got online to find the fabric, and there in the daily highlights was what I considered the perfect match for the Color Calypso dress! Moda Grunge, of course.

When this new fabric arrived, I couldn't wait to sit down to my sewing machine! I could not wait to wear this new dress! I cut the strips I needed several months later, and the following year or so, I cut out the bodice, lining and pockets. The unfinished project has been on my dining room table-turned sewing table since March of 2020. I never touched it again until now!!!

It likely will take a while to finish the piecing, and then I'd like to topstitch each seam with row of fancy embroidery. I went through my thread stash and don't have anything but a blue solid for the topstitching, but I guess I have a while before I have to make that decision. Each skirt panel will be at least 24 strips wide, and I'm only 9 strips into the first of two panels. Sadly, this isn't a dress I'll be wearing to church this coming weekend. How I wish I could finish it that fast!

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Wordless Wednesday

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