Snowflake Monday

I designed today's snowflake (with my own hand-dyed thread) in between Ride the Rockies and the MS-150 in 2013. (While Mrs. Micawber was visiting!) The weeklong tour was awesome, but gigantic things at my job had changed while I was riding my bike across Colorado during RtR. For a couple of days when I first returned, I didn't know if I would still have a job, and a couple of people who had been at my office longer than me were advising me to do something with which I did not feel comfortable doing at all.

I prayed about what I should do, and I received confirmation that I should follow my heart. That was 13 years ago. My lucky number! I no longer have my snowflake prototype, and I apparently never took a photo of it (I see it in my head as clearly as if I'd made it this week), but I did write the instructions. I no longer have the job; I do not regret at all retiring early to care for Lizard full time when he needed me most. I retired after 30 years and one month with the company, and I was able to spend Lizard's final year and a half with him, one on one, no distractions.

I giggled at the temporary name I gave the prototype back then: Blue/Green Triangle in the Middle. (Can you see a hint of an Enterprise outline in some of the stitching??? With a little imagination???) The thread dyeing was done in 2012 as one of my Star Fleet Fiber Arts Corp missions. I couldn't resist stepping back in time to fondly remember my Ravelry Star Trek days, given the recent passing of Walter Koenig and Patrick Stewart. Losing Jean-Luc Picard was as emotional for me as losing Spock 11 years ago, even though I have not watched any entertainment TV at all since the day Lizard went into the hospital last April. I wonder if he has met Chekov and the captain of the NCC-1701-D and NCC-1701-E yet. I know he would have wanted to be standing in line!

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

Enterprising Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 6 sc in ring; sl st in starting sc. Don't pull magic circle too tight.

Round 2: Ch 6 (counts as 1 sc and [ch 5), sk next sc, 1 sc in next sc] 2 times; ch 2, 1 tr in 1st ch of starting ch 6 to form 3rd ch 5 sp of Round.

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over post of tr directly below, [ch 5, sk next ch 5 sp, 1 sc in next sc, ch 5, sk next ch 5 sp, * in next ch 3 tip work (2 dc, ch 5, sl st in top of dc just made, 1 dc)] 3 times, ending * on final repeat; 1 dc next ch 3 tip, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2, ch 2, 1 tr in same ch to form 3rd ch 5 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 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over post of tr directly below, [[ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 5 sp] 2 times, ch 3, in next ch 5 tip work (2 dc, * ch 3, 2 dc)] 3 times, ending * on final repeat; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 3rd ch 3 tip of Round.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, [ch 3, sk next ch 3 sp, in next ch 3 sp work (3 dtr, ch 3, 3 dtr), ch 3, sk next ch 3 sp, in next ch 3 tip work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc)] 3 times, omitting last 3 dc and last 2 ch of final repeat; 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip and 12th ch 3 sp of Round.

Round 6: Ch 7 (counts as 1 tr and ch 3,) 1 dc over post of tr directly below, [ch 3, 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, in next ch 3 tip work (1 dc, ch 3, 1 tr, ch 7, * 1 tr, ch 3, 1 dc] 6 times, ending * on final repeat; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 7; 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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Snowflake Monday

Today's snowflake began as a rock covering. I suppose I should write another rock covering pattern... It's been WAY too long. I think the lacy tips on the snowflake look like a bow, don't you? Or a heart! How I love incorporating hearts into snowflakes!

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: 4.5 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

Coquette 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: 12 sc in ring; sl st in starting sc. Don't pull magic circle too tight.

Round 2: 1 pc into same sc as sl st, [ch 12, sl st in 10th ch from hook, ch 2, sk next sc, 1 pc into next sc] 5 times; ch 2, 1 dc in top of starting pc to form 6th ch 4 sp of Round, ch 4, 1 dtr in top of dc just worked to form 6th ch 9 tip of Round.

Round 3: Ch 1 (counts as 1 sc), over post of dtr directly below work (1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dtr), [in next ch 9 tip work (1 dtr, 1 tr, 1 dc, 1 hdc, * 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 tr, 1 dtr] 6 times, ending * on final repeat; sl st in starting ch 1.
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), [1 dc in each of next 8 ch, in next sc work (1 dc, ch 5, 1 dc)] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), [1 dc in each of next 9, ch 5, sk over next ch 5 tip, 1 dc in next dc)] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), [1 dc in each of next 9, ch 5, ch 4, 1 sc over Round 4 and Round 5 ch 5 sp, ch 4, 1 dc in next dc)] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.

Round 4, Rock Covering: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 5), 1 dc in gap between next 2 dtr, * ch 5, 1 dc in next sc] 6 times, ending * on final repeat; ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 7 to form 12th ch 5 sp of Round.
NOTE: My pendant rock is small. My next Round for the pendant was the same as Final Round below. For larger rocks, go on to Round 5.

Rounds 5-?, Rock Covering: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 5), [1 dc in next ch 5 sp] 11 times; ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 7 to form 18th ch 5 sp of Round. Continue with Round 8 until snowflake fits snugly around rock, leaving about a 1- to 2-inch opening on the back or bottom side. If your rock is too big to fit in this, either use a smaller rock, OR, work up to 6 increases on Round 5, evenly spaced.

Final Round, Rock Covering:Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each ch 5 sp around, inserting rock after about 2/3rds of Round, gently stitching while finishing Round and closing up hole so as not to damage crochet hook; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off, leaving 4- to 5-inch tail. Weave end through final Round of dc and pull tight. Bind off again, weave in end. Place in garden!

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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Snowflake Monday

I had just spent the entire rainy day at the temple. I was hours and degrees away from the first forecasted overnight freeze of the season. (It didn't happen.) I thought my garden might be gone the next morning. I was running our electric fireplace for the first time since the night Lizard died. In the very same space where I was currently curled up to begin trying to design today's snowflake. With no inspiration whatsoever. Until I noticed the design on my fleece nightgown.

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: 4.5 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

Frostless 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: [1 pc into ring, ch 3] 6 times, omitting last 2 ch of final repeat; 1 dc into starting pc to form 6th ch 3 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: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, [ch 10, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch (bottom right branch made), ch 5, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, [ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch] 2 times (tri-picot tip made), working back down spoke, sl st in next ch, ch 6, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 4 ch (bottom left branch made), in next ch 3 sp work (3 dc, [ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch] 2 times, 3 dc] 6 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; 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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Catching the Halloween Wave

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Snowflake Monday

Today's snowflake was just a tad too big to send to Operation Ornaments, so it's still here at home with me. It also didn't pan out the way I'd imagined when I added even more rounds, so it's not that much different than my Esther Snowflake, particularly because I already incorporated one of my changes/unpgrades into last week's pattern. But, the final masterpiece looks more like a sunflower now, and I really love that.

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: 6.75 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

Hadassah Snowflake Instructions

Special Stitches

dc cluster (3dc cl): [yo and draw up loop, yo and bring through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and bring through all 4 loops on hook

bobble st (bob): [yo and draw up loop] 3 times, yo and bring through all 7 loops on hook

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 17 dc in ring; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Don't pull magic circle too tight.

Round 2: Ch 1 (counts as 1st half of starting dc), leave loop on hook a little loose, bob into same ch as sl st, [ch 1, bob in next dc] 17 times for a total of 18 bob stitches; ch 1, sl st in top of starting bob.

Round 3: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 1 (counts as 1st half of starting dc), leave loop on hook a little loose, 3dc cl into same ch 1 sp, [ch 2, 3dc cl into next ch 1 sp] 17 times for a total of 18 cl stitches; ch 2, sl st into top of starting cl.
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: Sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 2, (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch 2 sp, [ch 3, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 4, sk next ch 2 sp, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp] 6 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, [ch 8, sk over next ch 4 sp, in next ch 3 tip work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc)] 6 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, [ch 6, 1 sc over next Round 5 ch 8 and Round 4 ch 4 into next Round 3 ch 2 sp, ch 6, in next ch 3 tip work (3 dc, ch 10, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook and in next ch, 1 hdc in each of next 2 ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, ch 1, 3 dc)] 6 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; 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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A Good Day to Dye

I've kind of become addicted to one of this year's trending Halloween color palettes. I designed a gift basket, then a cowl.

Then I decided I needed to dye thread to match.

I couldn't decide which of my three browns I should use, so I solar-dyed a hank with all three... mink brown, cinnamon and terracotta. I think this could be trending autumn colors! Don't you?

The cinnamon won, but my purple in the Halloween hank turned out a bit too dark and too blue. Which means I will be trying again.

In the meantime, I wondered, "You Blockhead!!! (Yes, I'm a Moda Blockhead, but I haven't started Blockheads 7 yet...) What in the heck are you going to do with all this thread now???"

Well, duh! Use my own patterns!

I don't know what I'm going to do with the big heart, but I do love it. I kind of want to make a snake now.

Especially after about 56 rounds so far on the basket handle. The snake would be more plump, so it won't look exactly like the handle, but I still think these are great snake colors!!!

Linking up with Alycia Quilts.

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Snowflake Monday

I wasn't done with today's snowflake when I finished the 5th Round, but it made a cute snowflake, in my opinion, and I had a couple of ideas I wanted to try on the next prototype. So, I decided to let this one stand on its own. The center is an adaptation of a popular sunflower granny square I've been thoroughly enjoying in yarn. And, sunflowers are reaching the end of their season here. I keep thinking back on my Esther sunflower story, and I just absolutely love that I'm filling my home (and car!!!) with sunflower snowflakes to remind me God is everywhere.

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 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

Esther Snowflake Instructions

Special Stitches

dc cluster (3dc cl): [yo and draw up loop, yo and bring through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and bring through all 4 loops on hook

bobble st (bob): [yo and draw up loop] 3 times, yo and bring through all 7 loops on hook

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 17 dc in ring; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Don't pull magic circle too tight.

Round 2: Ch 1 (counts as 1st half of starting dc), leave loop on hook a little loose, bob into same ch as sl st, [ch 1, bob in next dc] 17 times for a total of 18 bob stitches; ch 1, sl st in top of starting bob.

Round 3: Sl st into next ch 1 sp, ch 1 (counts as 1st half of starting dc), leave loop on hook a little loose, 3dc cl into same ch 1 sp, [ch 2, 3dc cl into next ch 1 sp] 17 times for a total of 18 cl stitches; ch 2, sl st into top of starting cl.
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: Sl st into next ch 2 sp, ch 2, (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in same ch 2 sp, [ch 3, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp, ch 4, sk next ch 2 sp, 3 dc in next ch 2 sp] 6 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc over post of dc directly below, [ch 4, 1 sc over next ch 4 into next Round 3 ch 2 sp, ch 4, in next ch 3 tip work (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc)] 6 times, omitting last 3 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; 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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Snowflake Monday

Today's snowflake is inspired by the floral motifs in the stained glass windows at the Fort Collins Temple. The motif is reportedly inspired by Colorado's mountain wildflowers.

The Fort Collins Temple is special to me because Lizard offered to take me there two years before he became a member of my church. We had volunteered for the MS-150 that year instead of riding, and we had asked to be at the start of the route on Sunday morning so I could attend church. We finished about an hour before church began, and Lizard asked if I would like to see the new temple.

It was still under construction at that point, and neither of us knew back then how to work the apps on our phone that might have been able to lead the way. The first temple it took us to was a Hindu temple. It was interesting, but it wasn't the goal. Ha ha.

We finally found our temple next to an existing church building, where we were able to attend church together.

The following year, Lizard took me to the open house, and we had our photo taken in front of a mural provided so everyone could get a photo, regardless of the weather or sun position. The temple was dedicated by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Lizard's favorite General Conference speaker (because Lizard loved the German accent and anything flight-oriented, and Dieter, a retired pilot, can't resist the temptation to include aspects of aviation in his messages whenever possible). Lizard even named one of his mini me cyclists after his favorite speaker.

All temples were closed during the first year or so of the pandemic. When the temples began reopening, a friend would take me to the Fort Collins Temple when our own temple, called the Denver Temple but located in Littleton, was closed for routine maintenance because her sister lives in Fort Collins and would often join us. By mid-2024, I wasn't often able to leave Lizard alone anymore, which put an end to temple trips unless I was able to find someone to sit with him while I went.

In April of this year, when our temple was closed again for routine maintenance, Lizard planned to go to the Fort Collins Temple with me, even if he could only wait for me in the waiting room. I made arrangements for volunteers to help him so he would be able to worship as I had planned to do. Lizard went into the hospital the Friday before our scheduled date. Eight days later, he was in a far better place than me.

I'm so thankful he was spared prolonged suffering, but I still miss him so much when I do things we had planned to do together. I went to the Fort Collins Temple last week while my local temple was closed again for two weeks. I was joined by a friend who also lost her husband four days after I lost mine. There were many tears, plenty of hugs, and so many fond memories.

We planned to have lunch at Schlotzky's afterward, as Lizard had really looked forward to that part of our trip. Alas, the Schlotzky's chain seemingly is disappearing from Colorado. The Fort Collins location no longer exists. My friend and I opted for Mexican food. Lizard would have enjoyed that immensely.

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

Floral 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: [1 pc into ring, ch 3] 6 times, omitting last 2 ch of final repeat; 1 dc into starting pc to form 6th ch 3 sp of Round. Don't pull magic ring too tight.

Round 2:3 sc over post of dc directly below, [in next ch 3 sp work (3 sc, ch 3, 3 sc)] 5 time; 3 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in starting sc to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.

Round 3: Ch 6 (counts as 1 sc and [ch 5, in next ch 3 tip work (1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc] 6 times, omitting last 2 ch and last sc of final repeat; 1 dc in 1st ch of starting ch 6 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 4 (counts as 1 dtr), 1 dtr over post of dc directly below, [ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 6, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 1, sk next 5 ch, in next ch 3 tip work (2 dtr, ch 3, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook, 2 dtr)] 6 times, omitting last 2 dtr of final repeat; sl st in 4th ch of starting ch 4; 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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