Snowflake Monday

This probably is the most complicated snowflake I've made and written to this point. That unnamed-as-far-as-I-know linked chains stitch seems to be making the rounds in crochet circles, so I had to try it on a snowflake.

(Here's a nice tutorial that results in a cowl.)

Yes, you could achieve close to the same visual effect as this technique by simply outlining a snowflake in a contrast color. But why take the easy path when you can take the challenging route and claim to have reached the Height of Excellence?!? (That was the theme for this year's Denver National Quilt Festival.)

Sunlight Spire is a distinctive tower just east of the main summit of 14er Sunlight Peak. Although most maps show the Spire as 13,995 feet in elevation, new measurements are continually being recorded, and accuracy may or may not be incorporated as technology continually changes. Any given source of information may or may not recognize any given measurement. One mountain climber asked why rope can't be used to measure the height of mountains, arguing that would be more accurate than electronic doodads.

Since 2002, Sunlight Spire has been recorded at an even 14,000 feet in elevation. Because its summit is the most difficult of Colorado's 14ers to reach, arguments have been made for Sunlight Spire to be included on the list of official 14ers. Its vertical prominence (the height of a mountain from the lowest point on the mountain) is nearly identical to that of Thunderbolt Peak in California, which is considered a sentimental 14er even though it does not have the required 300 feet of elevation gain above its lowest connecting saddle. The vertical 220-foot rise of Sunlight Spire puts it squarely in the category of not being a true 14er.

I've always believed if you climb a mountain with your feet, you've climbed a mountain, and the mathematic and scientific data doesn't matter. However, that gives way for those who've driven to the Mount Evans summit parking lot and walked up the last 134 feet to the true summit the bragging right to say they've climbed Mount Evans. To which I say: No, your car climbed the mountain!

Such argument could never be used in the pursuit of Sunlight Peak. No roads or railroads enter the Weminuche Wilderness or the Chicago Basin, where Sunlight Spire towers. Because of the sheer rock face on all sides of this tower, in my opinion, anyone who climbs it can count it. It's not a peak I plan to attempt, although I wouldn't mind taking pictures from a closer vantage point than I have been so far, which was from a couple miles or more away. I don't know that I could ever get up neighbor Sunlight Peak either, but if The Lizard ever takes me to the Chicago Basin, you can darn sure bet there will be more than a handful of pictures of all the nearby peaks! (As well as portraits of all the storied mountain goats supposedly roaming there!)


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: 8 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread in 2 colors, 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

Sunlight Spire Snowflake Instructions

With main color, 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 (popcorn stitch made), * ch 8, sl st in 6th ch from hook, ch 2; 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); repeat from * 4 times; ch 2, 1 tr in top of starting popcorn to form 6th ch 5 sp of Round; ch 3, 1 tr in top of tr to form 6th ch 6 loop of Round. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over post of tr directly below, * ch 3, 3 dc in next ch 6 loop, ch 15, 1 dc in 5th ch from hook, [ch 3, sk next 3 ch, 1 dc in each of next 3 ch] 2 times, ch 2, 3 dc in same ch 6 loop; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Linked Chain Round: With contrast color, ch 300, 1 dc in 7th ch from hook, catching ch 3 joint space of snowflake in chain loop made as show below. You will slip stitch into the tip of the ch 6 space you just made when you finish this Round.


* Ch 3, pull chain UP through next ch 3 sp of flake as shown below, sk next 3 ch, 1 sc in each of next 3 ch.


Ch 3, pull chain UP through next ch 3 sp of flake as shown below, sk next ch 3, 1 hdc in each of next 3 ch.


Ch 3, pull chain UP through next ch 3 sp of flake as shown below, sk next ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 3 ch.


Ch 3, pull up chain loop through next ch 4 tip of flake as shown below. (Don't pull chain all the way through!) Sk next ch 3, 1 dc in each of next 3 ch, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), ch 5, 1 sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 5, sl st in sc, ch 4, sl st in sc (tri-picot made), ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made).


1 dc in each of next 3 ch of long ch as shown below.


Ch 3, sk next 3 ch, 1 dc in each of next 3 ch, pull chain DOWN through next ch 3 sp of flake as shown below.


Ch 3, sk next 3 ch, 1 hdc in each of next 3 ch, pull chain DOWN through next ch 3 sp of flake as shown below.


Ch 3, sk next 3 ch, 1 sc in each of next 3 ch, pull chain DOWN through next ch 3 sp of flake as shown below. Ch 3, pull up chain loop up through next ch 3 joint as shown below. (Don't pull chain all the way through!). Sk next 3 ch, 1 dc in next ch.


Repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last ch 3 and last dc of final repeat; pull starting tail down through next ch 3 sp and through tip of starting ch and sl st in tip of starting Linked Chain Round without going through ch 3 sp as shown below; bind off. Weave in ends.
NOTE: If you miscounted your chain or miscounted ch 3 spaces as you went along and have too many chains left at the end, that's okay. You may cut off the extras after binding off. If you are short 3 chains and don't have enough for the final 3 sc, you may ch 3 where the last 3 sc are supposed to be and then sl st into starting Linked Chain Round, then remove hook from work, bring loop up through ch 3 sp before starting dc, 1 sc into each ch of make-up ch 3 just worked and sl st into ch tail to bind off. If you are short more than 3 chains, work necessary number of chains before sl st into starting Linked Chain and work backwards into make-up chain with necessary number of stitches and chains, weaving through ch 3 spaces as you go, then sl st into ch tail when you reach it. Sounds complicated, but it works out fine. Just work the existing pattern backwards until you reach the end of your chain.




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

I grew up in the shadow of Sierra Blanca Peak, home of the southernmost major ski area in North America. Growing up, I always thought it was the second tallest peak in New Mexico, behind Wheeler Peak. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it is the 46th tallest peak. Who knew New Mexico had so many tall peaks?!?

I also was very surprised when I moved to Colorado and found another Sierra Blanca, a mountain range also known as White Mountains, just like the range in my home state. Colorado's Sierra Blanca is a sub-range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and includes the high summits of Blanca Peak, Little Bear Peak, Mount Lindsey and Ellingwood Point.

Ellingwood Point was named after Albert Ellingwood, the third person to climb all of Colorado's 14ers and who pioneered difficult mountains such as Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Lizard Head Peak and Ellingwood Ridge on La Plata Peak. Of his 1920 ascent of Lizard Head, Ellingwood wrote, "A rottener mass of rock is inconceivable." In addition to mastering the art of rock climbing, he was a Rhodes scholar and a professor of political science at Colorado College. Most notable, perhaps, he darned his own socks while on outdoor adventures.

After graduating from Colorado College in 1910, Ellingwood attended Oxford and became active in technical mountain climbing. He revolutionized climbing in Colorado when he returned to Colorado College to teach in 1914 and introduced European climbing techniques to his climbing peers. His climbing group walked nearly 150 miles from Colorado Springs to Crestone to attempt the first ascent of the Crestones, later explaining, "We didn't have much money in those days."

14,042-foot Ellingwood Point often is climbed with its higher neighbor, Blanca Peak. Some climbers don't consider it a true 14er because it rises only 322 feet above its connecting saddle with Blanca. Others don't consider it a true 14er because the summit is only a mile from Blanca, the fourth tallest peak in Colorado. Ellingwood Point isn't listed in 14er guides or literature prior to about 1988.

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

Ellingwood Point Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in ring, ch 2, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (picot made), * 2 dc in ring, ch 2, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Pull magic circle tight, but leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat.
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: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), * 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (picot made), ch 8, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch; ch 8, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 5 ch, ch 9, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 6 ch, ch 3, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (sc picot made), ch 3, 3 dc in 3rd ch from hook (dc picot made), ch 2, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (sc picot made), working back down ch, skip sc picot, dc picot and sc picot and work1 hdc in next ch, ch 8, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 6 ch, sk next branch on opposite side of ch and sl st in next ch, ch 7, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 5 ch, sk next branch on opposite side of ch and sl st in next ch, ch 6, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch, sk next branch on opposite side of ch and sl st in each of next 2 ch, ch 2, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (picot made), sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 (or top of dc on succeeding repeats), 1 dc in next dc, ch 3, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook (picot made), ch 1, 1 dc in next dc, ch 2; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last dc and ch 2 of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 4; 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

San Luis Peak was the first 14er I climbed after emergency back surgery. On the way down, we passed another Colorado Mountain Club couple, John and Renata. John, who had not seen me since my winter summit of Mount Sherman more than a year earlier, commented, "You're walking rather gingerly!"

I always associate ginger, both flowers and thick, chewy homemade gingersnap cookies, whenever I think of San Luis, thanks to John!


The Lizard and I climbed San Luis with our Hungarian-Canadian friends Ferenc and Andrea, and the mountain was Andrea's first 14er. Ferenc and Andrea and four of their kids spent last week with us, and their visit reminded me of San Luis. And ginger!


San Luis holds yet another special memory for me. It was the last 14er I climbed as a single person. The Lizard dropped to his knee the next day and popped the question. Ten days later, we were hitched!

San Luis Peak has a very long approach but is an easy walk-up. You gain altitude the entire way, but there isn't a difficult move anywhere on the mountain, which is why we picked that one just seven months after my surgery. We also thought it would be a good first climb for Andrea, who also suffers back problems.


In addition to being what many mountaineers call "easy," San Luis stands only 14 feet over the magic 14,000-foot threshold. Because of this and the remote location, it is one of the least climbed of all 54-59 (depending upon which list you go by) 14ers.


Moose reside along Stewart Creek, which is the route we took when we climbed this mountain, but the massive animals shyly avoided my camera the entire day. We saw many beaver dams in the lower portions of the valley, but no beavers posed for me. Nevertheless, wildflowers and birds were plentiful, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.




A few years later, The Lizard and I hiked up the West Willow Creek Trail, which intersects with the 525-mile Colorado Trail, from Creede in late autumn, nearing winter, to get a photo of San Luis Peak from the other side for the weekly planner I used to do every year at work. When the economy tanked, the 58-photo calendar was discontinued. But long live the awesome hikes we enjoy just to get a photo or two. Or two hundred...

The West Willow Creek Trail also intersects with the Bondholder Trail, which I thought was a very interesting name out in the middle of nowhere.


We did some magnificent rock scrambling along the West Willow Creek Trail that day, just because, and then reclimbed the rocks when The Lizard realized he'd lost his wedding ring. He thought it might have fallen off when we removed our gloves for photos on the summit, but the ring was nowhere to be found. We retraced our steps all the way back to my car, to no avail, then returned to the remote spot we'd pitched our tent the night before, a good 30 or so miles away, where we found the ring!!!

Ring around San Luis, pocket made of blue fleece, a tisket, a tasket, no one sprung a gasket!

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

NOTE: While making the white version of this snowflake, the prototype, I used dc instead of tr on the first round, then decided while pinning that the snowflake was too scrunched up in the middle, so I rewrote the pattern with tr stitches instead, and the blue version using the larger stitches was much easier to pin.

Cluster Stitch: [Yo and draw up loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

San Luis Peak Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in ring, * ch 8, 2 tr in ring; repeat from * 4 times; ch 4, 1 tr in 3rd ch of starting ch 3 to form last ch 8 sp of Round. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over post of tr, 2 hdc in same sp, 2 sc in same sp, * ch 3, 2 sc in next ch 8 sp, 2 hdc in same sp, 3 dc in same sp, 2 hdc in same sp, 2 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 3, 2 sc in next ch 8 sp, 2 hdc in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch as sl st, * ch 6, 3 dc in middle dc of next 3/dc group (top of next point), ch 3, 3 dc in same st; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 3, 3 dc in same ch as starting dc; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form last 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 4: Ch 6 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of dc just worked, * ch 6, sk next ch 6 sp, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 5, 1 dc in same sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 6, sk next ch 6 sp, 1 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 2, 1 tr in 3rd ch of starting ch 6 to form last ch 5 sp of Round.

Round 5: Ch 6 (counts as 1 dc and ch 3), 1 dc over post of tr, * ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 cluster around next 2 ch sp of Rounds 3 and 4, ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in next ch 5 sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp, ch 5, 1 dc in same sp, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 dc and ch 3 of final repeat; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 6; 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

Sometimes while I'm trying to use up tiny scraps of thread, I come up with what I think is a great idea for a one-round snowflake, but there are too many stitches for a tiny flake. After I finish off the thread scraps, I try again with a bigger center and a bigger supply of thread. Sometimes, the second flake comes out better than the first!

Sometimes the first flake isn't too bad once I get it pinned out. Today I present a double whammy because I like both variations. And I finished off two short thread remnants in the process!

Because this is such a handy little pair of patterns, I've named them after one of the 14ers in my favorite part of the state: Handies Peak.

There is no record of how 14,048-foot Handies got such a handy name, but according to speculation, the name Handie may have been one of the early pioneers or surveyors along Cinnamon Pass. The name was already in place prior to the Hayden survey in 1874. If the U.S. Forest Service had its way, the peak would have been named Tabasco, after the Tabasco Meat Sauce Company that financed a prolific silver mine near Handies.

Handies Peak is the highest point managed by the Bureau of Land Management outside of Alaska. It's also the highest point of the Hardrock 100-mile foot race, which features 33,992 feet of climbing. !!! Now, THAT's Tabasco!!!

No, I have never done the Hardrock 100, and I have no interest whatsoever in running 100 miles anywhere. Give me a bike, and we're on. But 100 miles of trail running: My knee would not survive.

Nevertheless, I have been atop the gorgeous summit of Handies. It was such a fun and beautiful climb, I would handily do it again someday in order to photograph participants in the Hardrock 100.

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: Handies Peak Snowflake, 2 inches from point to point; Tabasco Peak Snowflake, 3 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

Handies Peak Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: * 1 sc in ring, ch 8, 1 sc in ring, ch 5; repeat from * 4 times; 1 sc in ring, ch 8, 1 sc in ring, ch 2, 1 tr in starting sc to form last ch 5 sp of round. Don’t pull magic ring too 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: 2 sc over post of tr just worked, * ch 1, 2 dc in next ch 8 sp, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook, 2 dc in same sp, ch 1, 3 sc in next ch 5 sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Tabasco Peak Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 12 sc in ring; sl st in starting sc. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), * 1 dc in next sc, ch 2; repeat from * around 10 times; 1 dc in next sc, ch 1, 1 hdc in 2nd ch of starting ch 4 to form last ch 2 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: 1 sc over post of hdc just worked, ch 8, 1 sc in next ch 2 sp, * ch 5, 1 sc in next ch 2 sp, ch 8, 1 sc in next ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 2, 1 tr in starting sc to form last ch 5 sp of round.

Round 4: 2 sc over post of tr just worked, * ch 1, 3 dc in next ch 8 sp, ch 5, 1 sc in 4th ch from hook, ch 6, sl st in sc, ch 4, sl st in sc (tri-picot made), 3 dc in same ch 8 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in next ch 5 sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends. Weave in ends.

While remaking Tabasco Peak in white for my snowflake directory, I decided to dress it up a bit. I like the new points so much, I am including the Easter egg pattern here, but I think I’ll be using these points on future snowflakes. I really like this new flake!

Round 4: 2 sc over post of tr just worked, [in next ch 8 tip work (3 dc, ch 10, 1 dc, ch 15, 1 dc, ch 10, 3 dc), 3 sc in next ch 5 sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends. 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

At the turn of the 18th century, Prussian scientific explorer Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt was among the first to suggest the lands bordering the Atlantic Ocean may once have been joined. Although he was groomed for a political career, his habit of collecting plants, shells and insects earned him the title of "little apothecary."

Humboldt began his long-awaited travels the summer of 1799, and that November witnessed a spectacular display of the Leonid Meteor Shower in Venezuela. A few months later, he and fellow explorer Aimé Bonpland discovered and captured electric eels. The electrical shocks the two men received during their studies were deemed potentially dangerous.

In 1802, Humboldt, who climbed mountains in his spare time, and his party attempted to summit on Chimborazo in Ecuador, the highest peak close to the equator (one degree north of the mountain), and reached an altitude of 19,286 feet, a world record at the time.

Humboldt's South American expedition laid the foundation for the science of physical geography and meteorology. His name rests upon several species he catalogued during his studies, including penguin, squid, lily, orchid, skunk, dolphin and willow. Schools, colleges, cities and counties bear his name. Edgar Allan Poe dedicated his final major work to Humboldt. Fitting, then, that Prussian immigrants in Colorado designated state's 37th highest peak Humboldt in his honor.

14,064-foot Humboldt Peak is the least challenging of the Sangre de Cristo 14ers to climb, and I walked up it in 2008, a year before the 14-mile route was extended to 18 miles to protect the beautiful South Colony drainage the trail follows. Humboldt is the last new 14er I successfully climbed; downclimbing is very difficult on my back. I can get up mountains, but I need a helicopter or an elevator to take me back down! (I've been to the top of Mount Evans on my bike and the top of Uncompahgre Peak on my feet since then, but I've been to the top of both of those also special peaks many times.)

I hope one day to be able to climb (and descend) mountains again, especially now that physical therapy has been successful in helping me better manage chronic pain. Until then, Humboldt and its extraordinary views of the dramatic Crestones hold a very special notch in my peak bagging list. I'll share the trip report (and a couple of surprise elements) in tomorrow's post.








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

Humboldt Peak Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, * ch 7, sl st in 6th ch from hook, ch 1, 3 dc in ring; repeat from * 4 times; ch 1, 1 hdc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form last ch 2 sp of round, ch 3, 1 tr over post (body) of hdc just made to form last ch 6 loop of round. Pull magic circle tight, but leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat.

Round 2: 1 sc in loop just made, * ch 8, 1 sc in next ch 6 loop; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 4, 1 dtr in starting sc to form last ch 8 sp of round.

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc) 2 dc over post (body) of dtr just made, * ch 12, sl st in 6th ch from hook, ch 6, 3 dc in next ch 8 sp, ch 2, 3 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last ch 2 and 3 dc of final repeat; ch 1, 1 hdc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form last ch 2 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 4: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post (body) of hdc just made, * sk next 3 dc, 1 dc in next ch 6 sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 sc in same sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, 7 dc in next ch 6 loop, ch 3, sl st in top of dc just made, 7 dc in same loop, 1 dc in next ch 6 sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 sc in same sp, 1 hdc in same sp, 1 dc in same sp, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 3, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch (picot made), 3 dc in same ch 2 sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; 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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