Margo Dolan over at Wonder of Snow shares some wonderful snowflake inspiration!
After I created the prototype bedazzled and heart versions of today's Pikkujoulu (Finnish for little Christmas) flake, I wanted to see if I could adapt the pattern for a penguin button, of which I have quite a few, with holes too small for multiple stitches to be worked through. By the third round, I decided it would be easier to just work up an alternate center (which might be very helpful for those who don't want buttons on their snowflakes) and then attach the button after stiffening. This also prevents my homemade glow glue from getting all over the button. Kind of wish I'd worked up the first two that way!!!
Both sets of instructions are provided. Choose whichever you like best!
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 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, optional large two-hole button, 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
Pikkujoulu Snowflake Instructions
Make magic ring.
Buttonless Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 11 dc in ring; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Pull magic circle tight.
Button Version
Round 1: [1 dc in first button hole, ch 5] 3 times, [1 dc in second button hole, ch 5] 2 times, 1 dc in same button hole, ch 2, 1 tr in starting dc to form 6th ch 5 sp of Round. Pull magic circle tight. If making the snowflake without a button, this will be Round 2, and following Rounds will be off by 1 Round number. Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 5, sk next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 5 times; ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 7 to form 6th ch 6 sp of Round.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr over post of tr directly below, 2 dc in same sp, 2 hdc in same sp, 1 sc in same sp, in next ch 5 sp work (1 sc, 2 hdc, 2 dc, 2 tr, ch 1, 2 tr, 2 dc, 2 hdc, 1 sc)] 5 times; in next ch 5 sp work (1 sc, 2 hdc, 2 dc, 2 tr), 1 sc in 3rd ch of starting ch 3 to form 6th ch 1 point of Round.
Round 3: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of sc directly below, ch 3, [sk next 2 tr and 2 dc, 1 sc in each of next 2 hdc, sk next 2 sc, 1 sc in each of next 2 hdc, ch 3, sk next 2 dc and 2 tr, in next ch 1 tip work (1 dc, ch 3, 1 dc, ch 5, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 3 ch, * [1 dc, ch 3] 2 times)] 6 times, ending * on final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5.
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: [3 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), in next ch 3 sp work (2 dc, 2 hdc, 1 sc) fpdc around next Round 1 dc (Round 2 on buttonless version), in next ch 3 sp work (1 sc, 2 hdc, 2 dc), ch 3, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook (picot made), 3 sc in next ch 3 sp, working up spoke, 1 sc in bottom of each of next 4 sc, ch 5, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 3 ch, working back down spoke, 1 sc in top or each of next 4 sc] 6 times, sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends. If attaching button to buttonless version of flake, use center end to attach button; bring through to back of flake using crochet hook; secure end by tying a knot (also may be dabbed with glue for extra reinforcement); weave in end and clip. Button may be attached after stiffening, if desired, to keep button clean.
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.
No comments :
Post a Comment
Dusty words lying under carpets,
seldom heard, well must you keep your secrets
locked inside, hidden deep from view?
You can talk to me... (Stevie Nicks)
All spam is promptly and cheerfully deleted without ever appearing in print.
If you are unable to leave a comment and need to contact me, please use the email address in the sidebar. Thank you!