Snowflake Monday

Today's snowflake is inspired by the seventh snowflake I photographed on October 25, the storm that helped firefighters contain the Cameron Peak Fire in the northern Colorado Rockies. When I showed Lizard my crocheted snowflake and the photo of the snowflake that inspired it, his eyes got wide as he exclaimed, "They are identical!" That's my seal of approval.

The fire is now 92% contained but has burned 208,913 acres, the largest wildfire in Colorado's history, while destroying or damaging 469 structures. It ignited on August 13 and received a second helping of snow yesterday and today, along with more 60 mph wind gusts.

Cameron Peak, from which the fire got its name, is a 12,127-foot summit in the Medicine Bow Mountains and Rawah Wilderness.

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: 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

Cameron Peak Snowflake Instructions

SPECIAL STITCHES:

Popcorn Stitch (pc)

Work 5 dc in designated st, take loop off hook, insert hook through top loop of 1st dc and replace loop on hook, pull loop through top of 1st dc.

Make magic ring.

Round 1: [Pc in ring, ch 10, 1 dc in 4th ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, 1 sc in each of next 3 ch, ch 1] 6 times; sl st in top of starting pc. Pull magic circle tight. 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 2: [1 sc in next ch 1 sp, working up spoke, sl st in bottom of next 3 sc, 1 hdc in bottom of next dc, 1 dc in bottom of each of next 2 dc, 3 dc in ch 3 tip, [[ch 8, sl st in 7th ch from hook]] 3 times, working back down spoke, 1 sc in next ch, [[[ch 7, sl st in 7th ch from hook, sk next ch 7 branch, 1 sc in next ch]]] 2 times, 3 dc in same ch 3 tip, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 hdc in next dc, sl st in each of next 3 sc, 1 sc in next ch 1 sp] 6 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 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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Snowflake Monday

Gore Range in Summer
12,664-foot Dwarf Pyramid in the Gore Range of Summit County certainly is no midget. But today's snowflake could be regarded as Lilliputian.

Never fear, however! I've got mighty (albeit petite) plans for this pattern next week just in time for Mother's Day!

Reading about climbs of Dwarf Pyramid, which apparently don't happen too often, revealed another whopper of a name: Kneeknocker Pass!!! Doesn't that just make you want to rush out and climb Dwarf Pyramid?!? Ha ha!

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: 2.5 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

Dwarf Pyramid Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 4 dc in ring, take loop off hook, insert hook through 2nd ch of starting ch 2 and replace loop on hook, pull loop through ch (beginning popcorn stitch made), [ch 3, 5 dc in ring, take loop off hook, insert hook through top loop of 1st dc and replace loop on hook, pull loop through top of 1st dc (popcorn stitch made)] 2 times; ch 3, sl st in top of starting popcorn. Pull magic ring tight.

Round 2: Sl st into next ch 3 sp; beginning popcorn stitch in same sp, [ch 3, popcorn st in same ch 3 sp, ch 3, popcorn st in next ch 3 sp] 2 times; ch 3, popcorn st in starting ch 3 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in top of starting popcorn to form 6th 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 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, * 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 6, popcorn st in 3rd ch from hook, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch of ch 6, ch 1, 3 dc in same ch 3 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; 3 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 6, popcorn st in 3rd ch from hook, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch of ch 6, ch 1, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; 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.

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Snowflake Monday

In August of 2013, I stuck a copper scrubby in a large canning jar filled with tap water and a bit of vinegar. I'd seen what copper does to rocks in the mountains of Colorado, and I thought it might have an interesting effect on cotton crochet thread. For those of you into designer quilting fabric, sort of my own little Cotton and Copper...

My little experiment made the most beautiful shade of turquoise blue in the water! Very similar to the glacial blue I've seen in Alaska and the gorgeous blue of Crescent Lake on the Washington Peninsula.


The color on oxalic acid-mordanted cotton isn't quite as captivating, but it's not bad, either!


Of course, we have a 12,313-foot mountain and a ski area named after the penny mineral.

My first visit to Copper Mountain was back in the mid-'90s. My adopted daughter had been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, and a biopsy was ordered. This kid was so afraid of doctors and dentists, I had to take her mind totally off the procedure the day before. So I took both the kids snowboarding at Copper Mountain. They'd each picked up $40 snowboards at a garage sale late in the spring, and they'd been antsy to try them out all summer and fall. Both kids, already pretty good on skateboards, were able to adapt to the snowboard easily, and Copper Mountain provided a very nice distraction for a very scared little girl.

My second trip to Copper Mountain was the final day of my first Ride the Rockies. My Leadville to Copper Mountain stage was aboard a demo bicycle, the first true road bike I'd ever mounted. I was terrified while on the bike; it moved SO fast down the mountain! After the initial shock wore off, I fell in love with the ease of pedaling a road bike uphill. I bought the road bike I'm still riding today, 11.5 years later, the next spring after receiving my tax return.


Crystal Peak, Pacific Peak and Copper Mountain Ski Runs by The Lizard
Copper Mountain also hosts the start line for the Copper Triangle, a three-day bicycle ride benefitting the Davis Phinney Foundation, which serves those affected with Parkinson's.

The ski scenes in "Dumb and Dummer" were shot at Copper Mountain. I was working at the newspaper in Estes Park at the time, and portions of the film were shot there, too. My editor sent me to the Stanley Hotel (which also served as an inspiration in the Stephen King novel, "The Shining") to get photos of Jim Carrey. I wasn't a huge movie buff, so I didn't know who he was. I was the laughing stock of the newspaper staff when the sports editor snapped a photo of me and my big telephoto lens standing cluelessly right next to the actor. Lloyd Christmas thought it was pretty funny, too.

Brian, I'd love to have a copy of that photo if you have one!


The Stanley Hotel during my 2013 Ride the Rockies
Copper was first discovered in the area in the mid 1850s, resulting in the name, Copper Mountain. Although the first US Forest Service survey of the area touted the ski terrain potential, the valley at the foot of Copper Mountain, then known as Wheeler Junction, initially was promoted as prime trout-fishing and horseback-riding territory.

Twelve states have mountains wearing the name Copper! Copper Mountain also is the name of a 1983 movie starring, you guessed it, Jim Carrey.

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: 4 inches from point to point
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

Copper Mountain Snowflake Instructions, American Terminology

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 5), * 1 dc in ring, ch 5; repeat from * 3 times; 1 dc in ring, ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 7 to form 6th ch 5 sp of Round. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over post of tr directly below, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 sc in same sp, * 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 3 dc in same sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 sc in next ch 5 sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 dc in same sp; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
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 same ch as sl st, ch 10, * 1 sc in middle (2nd) dc of next 3/dc group, ch 10; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in starting sc.

Round 4: * 3 sc in next ch 10 sp, 3 hdc in same sp, 3 dc in same sp, ch 3, sl st in top of dc just made (picot made), 3 dc in same ch 10 sp, 3 hdc in same sp, 3 sc in same sp, ch 6, 1 trtr in 6th ch from hook, ch 6, 1 sc in 6th ch from hook, ch 6, sl st in sc, ch 5, sl st in sc (tri picot made), ch 6, 1 trtr in 6th ch from hook; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

I haven't stopped or finished working on my special project; I've just been super busy lately, plus, my Big Gun camera is back in the shop for six to eight more weeks. I haven't been as motivated to take pictures of my growing collection of white snowflakes. When my camera comes back (assuming it will), I expect a big blizzard flurry to rival any real storm when I began catching up in the Flickr gallery! Another prize is on the way, as well, and I'm hoping to award one more before this thing is through.


Copper Mountain Snowflake Instructions, British Terminology

This is the most challenging translation I've done so far, and I hope I have it right. There were stitches in this one I didn't know how to write!

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 7 (counts as 1 tr and ch 5), * 1 tr in ring, ch 5; repeat from * 3 times; 1 tr in ring, ch 2, 1 dtr in 2nd ch of starting ch 7 to form 6th ch 5 sp of Round. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 tr over post of dtr directly below, 1 htr in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, * 1 dc in next ch 5 sp, 1 htr in same sp, 3 tr in same sp, 1 htr in same sp, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 dc in next ch 5 sp, 1 htr in same sp, 1 tr in same sp; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
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 dc in same ch as sl st, ch 10, * 1 dc in middle (2nd) tr of next 3/tr group, ch 10; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in starting dc.

Round 4: * 3 dc in next ch 10 sp, 3 tr in same sp, 3 tr in same sp, ch 3, sl st in top of tr just made (picot made), 3 tr in same ch 10 sp, 3 htr in same sp, 3 dc in same sp, ch 6, 1 qtr in 6th ch from hook, ch 6, 1 dc in 6th ch from hook, ch 6, sl st in dc, ch 5, sl st in dc (tri picot made), ch 6, 1 qtr in 6th ch from hook; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting dc; 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.

Dyeing Thread with Copper

At Heidi's suggestion, here is how I did my copper thread and yarn.

I put a copper kitchen scrubby in a clean, glass canning jar of water with about two tablespoons of vinegar, and I placed the jar in the window that gets the most sun for probably six to eight months. The water in the jar slowly turned to that gorgeous glacial blue, and the scrubby slowly deteriorated into icky.

I don't think there's any time limit on how long you leave the copper water in the sun because mountain streams I've seen with copper have been running for millenia and haven't caused the mountain any harm. However, I wouldn't drink the water! I also will not use the canning jar for kitchen purposes anymore. It is a designated dye jar now.

Always use protective gloves when working with natural dyes. Some instructions also say always wear a breathing mask.

When I had time to start playing with the yarn and thread, I strained the icky leftovers of the scrubby out and put the scoured (hand-washed with Borax and NO softener in the dryer) yarn and thread (wound in hanks around the back of my dining room chairs and secured in four or five places with ties of yarn of a different color) in the jar and left it in the window for another month or so. I have never done this with wool, but I've read wool fibers will become brittle in metallic mordants if left longer than about half an hour, so do not do this with wool. Cotton seems to be okay with the long exposure, at least in my experiments.

When I was satisfied with the shade on the yarn and thread (squeeze it tight to get an idea of the color it will be when dry), I removed it and let it hang dry on PLASTIC hangers for a few days. It actually dried fairly quickly, but I like to let the color cure. Do not use metal hangers. They will alter the color of your mordant. Yes, I found out the hard way. Iron is good if you are looking for browns, but when you want glacial blue, do not let mineral iron anywhere near your fiber!

After about three or four days, I hand-washed the yarn and thread with Dawn dish soap, then rinsed with Suave conditioner (I used coconut scent because that was my craving at the time, and it leaves a very faint aroma on the yarn while making it smooth and silky), then allowed it to dry thoroughly again. When dry, I wound it into balls and began crocheting with it, and voila! Today's snowflake is one of the beautiful results!


Last Summer's Lupine at Copper Mountain

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Snowflake Monday

Storm Peak is one of four subpeaks of Longs Peak and a much easier hike than Longs, although still long. Because each of the corner peaks of Longs is connected by saddles (mountain passes) descending more than 300 feet, each is considered a mountain unto itself. One, Mount Meeker, is a Centennial Peak, the 68th tallest peak in Colorado. Each of the four summits flanking Longs Peak provides a breathtaking view of Longs, although I've not been to the summit of the other four. Yet.


Storm Peak, at 13,326 feet, is connected to Longs Peak via the Keyhole, the easiest (although not easy) passageway leading to the summit of Longs. As viewed from Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Storm Peak and Mount Lady Washington, another of the four subpeaks, seem to cradle Longs Peak. Storm Peak's position on the map makes it the perfect name for a companion pattern based on my Longs Peak Snowflake.

This snowflake variation required many attempts before finally achieving the desired shape. For a very long, long, long time, I've wanted to put a square edging around a snowflake to enable a granny square-type joining. I lost count how many times I frogged this project after seven tries before I finally worked out the math satisfactorily yet maintained the distinct snowflake shape within the square. Yet another connection to long the long, long, long journey up Longs...

This variation is written specifically for worsted weight yarn but also works with sock yarn. Once again, a new thread variation is included at the end of this post.

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









Finished Size: 9 inches across unblocked; 11 inches across blocked
Materials for snowflakes: Size G crochet hook (or size appropriate for yarn being used), worsted weight yarn (3 skeins of of Lily Chin's Times Square will make 2 squares with leftovers, 1 skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease in White Frost will make about 6 squares, 1 large skein of baby pompadour will make an 8-square scarf with leftovers, 1 skein of Caron Simply Soft will make about 6 squares, 1 large skein of Red Heart Super Saver will make more than enough squares for an 8-square scarf); to make an 8-square scarf of leftovers, my guess is each square takes about 40 yards
Materials for snowflakes to be blocked: empty pizza box (or other flat surface – I use my spare bed with a towel beneath large pieces to be blocked; just make sure you get all the pins out of the mattress before you have overnight guests…), wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water, spray bottle, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing

Special Stitches:
starting dc cluster: [yo and draw up loop, yo and bring through 2 loops on hook] 2 times, yo and bring through all 3 loops on hook
dc cluster: [yo and draw up loop, yo and bring through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and bring through all 4 loops on hook
tr cluster: [yo twice and draw up loop, yo and bring through 2 loops on hook, yo and bring through 2 loops on hook] 4 times, yo and bring through all five loops on hook
qtr: trtr with one more yo for total of 5

Depending upon personal preference, 8 squares made with worsted weight yarn make a 90-inch scarf, 4 or 5 squares make a 44- or 55-inch cowl, and 16 squares make a 44-inch 4x4 lapghan. Make as many squares as need to complete project.


Storm Peak Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: With white, ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in ring, ch 3, *2 dc in ring, ch 3; repeat from * around 4 times for a total of 6 spokes; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Don't pull magic ring too tight.

Round 2: Sl st in next ch 3 sp, make loop on hook nearly the size of a regular dc and twist twice, work starting dc cluster into same sp, ch 4, work dc cluster into same sp, *work dc cluster into next ch 3 sp, ch 4, work dc cluster into same sp; repeat from * around 4 times for a total of 12 dc clusters, sl st across starting dc cluster into next ch 3 sp.

Round 3: Ch 2 and make loop on hook length of ch 2 (counts as start of 1st tr of tr cluster), work next 3 tr of tr cluster in same sp as instructed above in Special Stitches, ch 9, tr cluster in same ch 4 sp, *tr cluster in next ch 4 sp, ch 9, tr cluster in same ch 4 sp; repeat from * around 4 times for a total of 12 tr clusters; sl st in top of starting tr cluster.
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: *2 sc in next ch 9 sp, *2 hdc in same sp, 2 dc in same sp, 2 tr in same sp, ch 3, 2 tr in same sp, 2 dc in same sp, 2 hdc in same sp, 2 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, sl st in starting sc.

Round 5: Ch 10 (counts as 1 qtr and ch 3), *sk sc and hdc, 1 trtr in next dc, ch 3, sk 1 dc and 1 tr, 1 dtr in next tr, ch 8, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 tr in next tr, ch 3, sk next 2 st, 1 dtr in next dc, ch 3, 1 trtrtr in middle of next 4 sc, ch 3, sk 2 sc and 2 hdc, 1 dtr in next dc, ch 3, sk 1 dc and 1 tr, 1 dc in next tr, ch 3, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 8, 1 dtr in next tr, ch 3, sk 1 tr and 1 dc, 1 trtr in next dc, ch 3, 1 qtr in middle of next 4 sc, ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 qtr in middle of next 4 sc, ch 3; repeat from * around 1 time, omitting last qtr and ch 3 of final repeat; sl st in 7th ch of starting ch 10.

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 3 dc in next ch sp, 1 dc in next trtr, 3 dc in next ch sp, 1 dc in next dtr, 4 dc in next ch sp (corner), ch 3, 4 dc in same ch sp, *[1 dc in next st, 3 dc in next ch sp] across to corner, 4 dc in corner ch sp, ch 3, 4 dc in same sp; repeat from * around, ending with 3 dc in ch sp before starting ch 2; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
NOTE: In the thread version of this motif, all dc groups are worked in the ch 3 spaces and not in the various tr stitches.

Joining Round, First Square: 1 sc in same ch, * ch 5, sk 3 dc, 1 sc in next dc; repeat from * around except on corners; on corners, ch 7, 1 sc in next dc; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Joining Round, After First Square: 1 sc in same ch, [ch 5, sk 3 dc, 1 sc in next dc] 3 times, ch 3, sl st into ch 7 sp (corner) of previously finished square, ch 3, 1 sc in next dc of current square, [ch 2, sl st into next ch 5 sp of previously finished square, ch 2, sk 3 dc of current square, 1 sc in next dc] 8 times, ch 3, sl st in ch 7 sp of previously finished square, ch 3, 1 sc in next dc of current square; , * ch 5, sk 3 dc, 1 sc in next dc; repeat from * around except on corners; on corners, ch 7, 1 sc in next dc; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

If making afghan or any other project with squares joined on more than one side, work joining row the same except joining flakes on two or three sides, as applicable. On corners where two corners are already joined, work sl st into corner joining.



Round 4, Individual Flake for Hanging: *2 sc in next ch 9 sp, *2 hdc in same sp, 3 dc in same sp, ch 3, 3 dc in same sp, 2 hdc in same sp, 2 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, sl st in starting sc.

Round 5, Individual Flake for Hanging: 1 dc cluster between 2 sc directly below, *ch 7, 1 sc in next ch 2 sp, ch 5, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, [1 sc] in next ch, ch 5, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in ext ch, sl st in [sc], ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 sc in next sc, sl st in [sc], ch 7, 1 dc cluster between nest 2 sc; repeat from * around 5 times; omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in starting dc cluster; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box, or prepare desired surface. Pin snowflake to shape. Spray lightly with water. Allow to dry overnight. Remove pins. For added durability, press with iron on appropriate heat setting.

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Snowflake Monday

The Spider and The Fly
Eleven months of the year, I'm somewhat of an arachnophobe. I know spiders can be our friends; they eat bad bugs that would otherwise destroy our gardens. But I'm also 100% girly girl, my persona captured in the words of Jim Stafford: "I don't like spiders and snakes..."

Until October. Spiders are scary. Some are poisonous. They bite. And did I mention they are scary? That makes them perfect Halloween decorations at my house. I even sport live ones from time to time, although not necessarily by choice.






Believe it or not, we have a mountain in Colorado named The Spider. The 12,692-foot sharp peak lies in the Gore Range, Gore being an appropriate Halloween word not only for its common meaning but also for the sport-hunting spree Sir George Gore undertook in the 1850s.

While researching The Spider and the Gore Range, I found a number of articles expressing disgust over the Irish baronet's name being plastered all over a treasured mountain range and everything from libraries and churches within the area to the mountain pass and creek within this section of the Rocky Mountains. One reader comment left on an editorial by longtime Colorado journalist Ed Quillen seconding a name change is worth noting:

"Many things in our world are named for men and women who had greatness accompanied by a sometimes terrible character flaw based upon our contemporary sensibilities, but when we try to eliminate them, tear down the monuments and remembrances of those people, good and bad, we condemn ourselves to an amnesia which will not serve us."

I was unable to learn how The Spider came by that name, although Robert Ormes is credited with some wonderfully creative unofficial mountain names throughout Colorado. I will venture out on a limb and suggest perhaps The Spider is one of Ormes' monikers, perhaps a tip of the hat to the first group to successfully climb the North Face of the Eiger, via a route featuring a traverse of The White Spider, named for snow-filled cracks radiating from an ice field and giving the appearance of a giant spider web. A similar feature is found upon Spider Mountain in the Cascades. It is entirely possible our own Spider has such a trait engraved upon its rocks, but I've yet to climb anything in the Gore and have viewed The Spider only from afar on warm summer afternoons, when no snow is visible to the naked eye.

A 12,550-foot subpeak of The Spider is known as The Fly, which gives me even more reason to believe Ormes bestowed the names.

Special thanks to The Lizard for providing photos of the Gore Range Spider for this blog post.

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



Finished Size: 5 inches tall and 10 inches wide when standing
Materials: Worsted yarn, size F crochet hook, stuffing, tape measure, sewing thread to match yarn, sewing needle, 2 6mm beads

TIP: Plastic shopping bags are appropriate stuffing for some amigurumi projects; a terrific way to recycle and keep the earth free of needless waste. Cotton from pill bottles also makes excellent stuffing. Some crafters have successfully used old sheets, pillowcases, towels, socks (CLEAN!) and even clothing by shredding them into strips and cutting into desired size for insertion. Stuffing the same color as or close to the same color of the project is ideal.

Instructions


Spider Body

TIP: When making amigurumi, select a smaller size hook than you normally would use for the size of fiber being used and work stitches tightly to prevent openings where stuffing will show through. Experiment if necessary to achieve proper tightness.

Using worsted yarn and size F crochet hook, starting at spider derrière (where spinnerets would be), make magic ring.

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 1: 8 sc in ring; do not join. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: 1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc, 3 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc; do not join. Use a stitch marker here to mark beginning of round if desired.

TIP: When using any stitch larger than sc in amigurumi, link stitches to prevent openings where stuffing will show through. For example, when using dc, insert hook through bottom loop of previous dc and draw up loop for 1st yo, then bring up hook through next stitch as normal for 2nd loop.

Round 3: 1 dc in each of next 2 sc, 1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in each of next 7 sc, 1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 1 dc in each of next 3 sc.

Round 4: Yo and draw up loop through next dc, yo and draw through 2 loops, yo and draw up loop through next dc, yo and draw through 2 loops, yo and draw through 2 loops (dc dec made), 1 hdc in each of next 2 sc, 1 sc in each of next 2 sc, [2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc] 7 times, 1 sc in each of next 3 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st.

Round 5: 1 dc dec across next 2 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 3 st, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 14 st, 2 sc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 3 st, 1 hdc in each of next 3 st, 1 dc in each of next 2 st.

Round 6: 1 dc dec over next 2 st, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 1 hdc in each of next 3 st, 1 sc in each of next 17 st,1 hdc in each of next 3 st. New Rounds don't start directly above stitch marker now; you didn't count wrong. Just keep following the instructions.

Round 7: 1 dc dec over next 3 st, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 18 sc, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st.

Round 8: 1 dc in each of next 6 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 20 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st.

Round 9: 1 dc in each of next 5 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 25 st.

Round 10: Move st marker to here. 1 sc in each st around for a total of 29 st. If your count is off a bit, no worries. If the body of the spider is shaped a bit like Snoopy's head, you're doing fine. If the body does not look like the abdomen of a black widow, adjustments may need to be made. Do not stress about stitch count. This project is a toy and should be fun, not heartache. Trust me; no one is going to count your stitches when you are done. They'll be too busy oohing and aaaahing at the marvel you've created.

Round 11: 1 sc in each st around.

Round 12: 1 sc in each st around.

Round 13: 1 sc in each st around, dec 4 st evenly spaced for a total of 25 sc.

Round 14: 1 sc in each st around, dec 4 st evenly spaced for a total of 21 sc, taking care not to place dec directly above dec in Round below.

Round 15: * 2 sc in each of next 2 st, 1 dec sc across next 2 st; repeat from * around until you reach a total of 16 st. Lightly stuff.

TIP: Use the flat end of crochet hook to shape, move or adjust stuffing in tight places.
Round 16: * 2 sc in each of next 2 st, 1 dec sc across next 2 st; repeat from * around until you reach a total of 12 st. Stuff again until you achieve desired plumpness.

Round 17: 6 sc dec around. Complete stuffing.

TIP: If you are using dark-colored yarn and light colored stuffing and the stuffing gets caught in the stitches, run your finger or hook along the inside of body to dislodge stuffing from stitches. Use a smaller crochet hook to pull out any stragglers.

Round 18: 1 sc in each st around.

Round 19: To begin head shaping, 2 sc in each st around for a total of 12 sc.

Round 20: [2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc] 5 times, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st.

Rounds 21-24: 1 dc in each of next 3 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st, 1 sc in each of next 10 st, 1 hdc in each of next 2 st.

Round 25: *1 dec sc across next 2 st, 1 sc in next st; repeat from * around until a total of 12 st remain. Lightly stuff. Use wrong end of crochet hook to push a bit of stuffing into joint between head and body. A larger size crochet hook works perfectly for this step, such as an H or J.

Round 26: 1 dec sc across next 2 st all the way around for a total of 6 sc remaining. Insert more stuffing if needed.

Round 27: Sl st in next st and bind off, leaving a long tail. Weave tail through each of 6 remaining st and pull tight. Weave end into head.
TIP: If you have holes in your work where the stuffing shows through, cut a piece of yarn about 3 or 4 inches long and weave in and out of stitches to cover holes. Weave ends into project.


Long Spider Legs

TIP: If crocheting legs is too difficult, use thick pipe cleaners bent into C shape for legs instead. Twist 2 or 3 pipe cleaners together for each leg for added strength if desired.

Make 2.

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 6 sc in ring. Do not join. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: 1 sc in each sc around.

Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 3 inches long.

Leg Joint Round: 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 3 st. TIP: It is not necessary to link hdc st and dc st in this piece because it will not be stuffed.
Repeat Leg Joint Round.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 6 inches.
Repeat Leg Joint Round twice.

TIP: It is not necessary to count Rounds or stitches on this piece. Succeeding Leg Joint Rounds should be started on the same side as previous Leg Joint Rounds, dc stitches linearly above previous dc stitches, so leg bends line up forming a J or C shape, regardless of Round starting points. If marking Rounds makes amigurumi easier for you, mark 1st hdc on 1st Leg Joint Round on each leg joint, and after working even around until piece measures appropriate length, run your finger straight up the leg from stitch marker to current round, and begin next Leg Joint Round there.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 10 inches.
Repeat Leg Joint Round twice.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 13 inches.
Repeat Leg Joint Round twice.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 16 inches. Sl st in next st. Bind off, leaving a long tail. Weave tail through each of 6 sc of final Round and pull tight. Weave ends into leg.


Short Spider Legs

Make 2.

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 6 sc in ring. Do not join. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: 1 sc in each sc around.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 2.5 inches long.

Leg Joint Round: 1 hdc in next st, 1 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in each of next 3 st.
Repeat Leg Joint Round.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 5 inches.
Repeat Leg Joint Round twice.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 9 inches.
Repeat Leg Joint Round twice.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 11.5 inches.
Repeat Leg Joint Round twice.
Repeat Round 2 until piece measures 14 inches. Sl st in next st. Bind off, leaving a long tail. Weave tail through each of 6 sc of final Round and pull tight. Weave ends into leg.






Assemble spider: Cut strand of yarn about 15 inches long. Stack legs, long, short, short, long, and using crochet hook, bring end of yarn through center of all four legs. Insert hook into legs again one row over from 1st insertion and bring other end of yarn through. Tie yarn as tight as possible without breaking. Using yarn ends, attach legs to underside of head and upper body. Weave in ends. Sew bead eyeballs into place.


The Spider Snowflake

Finished Size: 1.75 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 8 crochet hook, sewing thread to match snowflake and sewing needle OR craft glue

Ch 4, sl st into 1st ch OR make magic ring.

Round 1: * Ch 2, 1 dc in ring, ch 2, sl st in ring; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 2 dc in ring. Do not join. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), * 2 dc in 2nd ch of next ch 2 in next petal, sk next dc, 2 dc in 2nd ch of next ch 2, ch 3; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with 1 dc in same dc as starting ch 5 instead of last 2 dc of final repeat and omitting ch 3; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5.
Round 3: * 3 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 3 sc in same sp, sk next dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.


Finish: Pin and block snowflake and spray lightly with water if desired. (I did not block my snowflake.) Allow to dry. Either sew snowflake into place on underside of spider abdomen or glue it into place and allow to dry thoroughly. I was tempted to place the snowflake on the top of the abdomen so it would show, but I wanted my spider to be anatomically correct, so to speak. If desired, hang spider upside down using fishing line. Or just let spider sit on your desk and make funny faces at you.

Happy Halloween!

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Snowflake Monday

Eureka!!!

It worked! I'm in My.Own.Space! My old Blogger address redirects to this space until I tell it not to. Bookmarks will still work. If you're following, you may have to change that link, but everything else works, as far as I can tell.

I had to redo background stuff only once. The migration was surprisingly fast, given I'd been warned it could take up to 72 hours. Tech support via my hosting company was superb, and the change has been made. All existing pattern links automatically forward to my new space. This is AWESOME!

In honor and celebration of this miraculous event, I've named this week's snowflake Eureka. We have two mountains by that name in Colorado. Both are sentimental favorites of mine, one a 12,929-feet-tall mountain near 14er Handies Peak, the other a 13,489-footer in the Sangre de Cristos.

Eureka also is the name of a tiny abandoned mining town nine miles from Silverton and just a couple thousand feet below the 12er bearing the same name. Read a hair-raising tale about an overnight stay in the pre-restored mining boardinghouse in the sidebar here. The story about the restoration of the two mines is worth reading also.

The Eureka Mountain near Silverton and Handies Peak bears special memories for me because of all the time I've spent in these areas with my Lizard. Handies Peak is the second peak he climbed with me, and he'd already climbed it before he met me. He was willing to do it again, for me, because I hadn't been up it. Back then, his willingness to repeat a climb of an "easy" mountain when he had many difficult peaks on his To Do List was one of a plethora of signs I'd literally struck pure gold. Eureka!

The Eureka Mountain in the Sangre de Cristos is special simply because of where it is located. It's another area The Lizard and I have spent a great deal of time, and the north-south running Sangre de Cristos form a beautiful, rugged backdrop from either the west or the east. When the sun rises and sets, the peaks turn crimson red, hence the name, Spanish for Blood of Christ. With a name like that, how can the mountain range not be exquisite?

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: 4.25 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 7 crochet thread in two colors, size 7 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

Eureka Mountain Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: With main color, 1 sc in ring, *ch 6, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch , 1 sc in next ch, sl st in next ch, 2 sc in ring; repeat from * around 5 times for a total of 6 points, ending with 1 sc instead of 2 on final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Pull magic circle tight, but leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat.

Round 2: With contrast color, *1 hdc in dc on right side of any point (1 hdc in next st on succeeding repeats), 5 dc in ch 2 tip, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 st, sk next st, draw up loop in each of next 2 st, yo and bring through all 3 loops on hook (dec made), sk 1 st, 1 sc in each of next 3 st; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting hdc; bind off.
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: With main color, 1 sc in 1st dc of 5/dc group on right side of any point, *1 sc in each of next 2 st, 1 hdc in same st, 3 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in same st, 1 sc in each of next 3 st, sk next st, draw up loop in each of next 3 st, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook, sk next st, 1 sc in each of next 4 st; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with 1 sc in each of next 2 st instead of 4 on final repeat; sl st in starting sc.

Round 4: *1 sc in same st as sl st (1 sc in next st on succeeding repeats); 1 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st, 1 hdc in same st, 2 dc in next st, [1 dc in next st], ch 4; sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 dc in same st as [dc], 2 dc in next st, 1 hdc in next st, 1 sc in same st, 1 sc in each of next 2 st, sk 5 st; 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.

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.

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Snowflake Monday

In Rocky Mountain National Park, there is a lake called No Name Lake. That name inspired this pattern, and this snowflake was going to be called my No Name Flake until I came up with the idea of naming snowflakes after Colorado mountains. Now it will be known as the Mount Sopris Snowflake because I think Sopris is such a cool name.

Mount Sopris, between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, is not a 14er, but is one of the most prominent mountains in Colorado, rising 6,250 feet above the valley west of the peak. It’s summits are true twins, both rising to 12,953 feet, a little less than a mile apart.

Sopris is the surname of a captain who led a prospecting expedition up the Roaring Fork Valley in July of 1860. Richard Sopris was the first white man to soak in the hot springs in Glenwood Canyon. He later served as mayor of the City of Denver and commissioned the creation of Denver's City Park. Sopris also is the name of a mining ghost town located in southern Colorado but now beneath the water of Lake Trinidad.

The promised pdf booklet of snowflake patterns is not forgotten; it’s almost done, and my 2011 MS-150 team has not yet formed. Please stay tuned, and I’ll announce both as soon as they are ready.

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, size 11 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

Mount Sopris Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 12 dc in ring, sl st in starting dc. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same st, *ch 2, sk 1 dc, 3 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 4 times, ch 2, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 3: Sl st in next dc, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same st, *ch 4, 3 dc in middle dc of next next 3 dc group; repeat from * around 4 times, ch 4, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 4: Sl st in next dc, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same st, *ch 6, 3 dc in middle dc of next next 3 dc group; repeat from * around 4 times, ch 6, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 5: Sl st in next dc, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same st, *ch 8, 3 dc in middle dc of next next 3 dc group; repeat from * around 4 times, ch 8, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.
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 6: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), *3 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 6, sk 4 ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 1, sk next ch, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 5 times, ending with sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3 on final repeat instead of final dc.

Round 7: Sl st in next dc, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc) 2 dc in same st, *ch 10, 3 dc in middle dc of next 3 dc group; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 8: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st, *ch 3, 2 dc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 6, sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 5, sl st in sc, ch 5, sl st in sc, sl st in next ch, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 2 dc in 3rd dc of 3 dc group, ch 12, 2 dc in 1st dc of next 3 dc group; repeat from * around 5, ending with sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3 on final repeat instead of final 2 dc; 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.

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