Snowflake Monday

I did NOT want to write the pattern for this one! I know it's going to be challenging, and heaven only knows if I can write it in a manner in which it's understood. But it's March, it's rainbow season, I love my hand-dyed threads, and I've always wondered if I could achieve a 3D look just from color changes. I'm still not sure how 3D it actually looks, but I do love the final flake.

This one was inspired by my thread colors and my desire to create a 3D appearance, as well as by another of my own snowflake photos. I wasn't able to achieve the hexagon shape in the rainbow to match the inside of the snowflake, but I still love the snowflake.

The snowflake name, of course, comes from the little rainbow bear I crocheted back in 2009 and used for all my birthday greetings for a full year a decade later. I still just love this little bear!!!

Okay, I began writing this pattern at 7 a.m., and it's now 10:33 p.m. I think this is the longest it's taken me to write a single snowflake pattern. (There were lots of other daytime chores embedded in the day, but it still doesn't typically take me so many hours to write one snowflake pattern.) I hope you can understand the instructions; in retrospect, this flake is worth all the brainache. It is really growing on me! You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes (or mandalas) you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!

Finished Size: 5.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread in 2, 7 or 13 colors, 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

' Special stitches:

fp = front post

septr = septuple treble

Snowbow Snowflake Instructions

NOTE: I created the mandala background (which can stand alone as a mandala if desired) with 12 hues of hand-dyed thread in pastel rainbow colors, two colors for each of the first six Rounds, beginning with pink and ending with purple. I alternated dark and light shades of the same color every stitch on the first Round and after every increase on the next five Rounds. I alternated the colors on each Round six times, carrying the unused color across the back of my work as I went. The mandala background may also be done in 6 colors or in just one color.

With color 1, make magic ring. (I used pink.)

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 11 dc in ring; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Pull magic circle tight. If using a new color for each Round, bind off and weave in ends on each of first 6 Rounds.

Round 2: (I used orange.) Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same ch as sl st, 2 dc in each dc around for a total of 24 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 3: (I used yellow.) Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in next dc, [1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc] 11 times for a total of 36 dc; 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 4: (I used green.) Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, [1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc] 11 times for a total of 48 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 5: (I used blue.) Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, [1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc] 11 times for a total of 60 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 6: (I used purple.) Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc, [1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc] 11 times for a total of 72 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 7: (I used white for this Round and each of the next 2 Rounds.) Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc, [1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc] 11 times for a total of 84 dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 8: 1 sc in each of next 7 dc, 1 fpseptr (septr means yo 8 times) around Round 1 ch 2 that counts as dc, [1 sc in each of next 14 dc, sk next Round 1 dc, 1 fpseptr around next Round 1 dc] 11 times; 1 sc in each of next 7 dc; sl st in starting sc.

Round 9: [1 sc in next sc, 1 fp dc around Round 7 dc just to the left of Round 7 dc below next Round 8 sc, 1 sc in next sc, sk next Round 7 dc, 1 fp tr around next Round 7 dc, 1 dc in next sc, 1 tr in next sc, 1 dtr in next sc, ch 3, 1 fptr around next fpseptr, ch 3, 1 dtr in next sc, 1 tr in next sc, 1 dc in next sc, 1 fptr around Round 7 dc just to the right of Round 7 dc directly below current Round 8 sc, 1 sc in next sc, 1 fpdc around Round 7 dc just to the right of Round 7 dc directly below current Round 8 sc, 1 sc in next sc, 1 fptr in gap between middle 2 Round 4 dc directly below] 12 times; sl st in starting sc; 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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Mandala Monday

I interrupted finishing my newest grand niece's baby quilt to throw together a free pattern to share today. It's very hot outside, my garden has become a sunflower forest I attempt to thin nearly every single day (and feel as if I am making absolutely no progress!!!), and today's pattern is inspired by one of the sunflower photos I recently shot during my daily dead-heading routine.

When I first captured this photo, I immediately wanted to find and buy (or make) 12 ladybug beads so I could attempt to crochet a yellow and green snowflake similar to the above photo. Some of my Sisters of the Snowflake suggested I use ladybug buttons instead. Buttons are easier to find and a tad less expensive than lampwork ladybug beads. Yes, I searched for both, and I ended up with buttons and charms.

As it turns out, the beads I bought are perhaps a bit too big for a snowflake, and I couldn't achieve the colors I saw in my head using a single strand of crochet thread, so I doubled up on thread for this project and decided to make a mandala instead of a snowflake. I do hope to one day attempt this pattern in a single strand of white thread, with applicable modifications because I wouldn't need to bind off every round, to see if it would be an attractive snowflake. (Or three… binding off at the end of the third and fourth Rounds as they stand provides me with more real snowflake inspiration…) But I've got baby quilts to finish, so it will be a while. You may do whatever you'd like with mandalas you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!

Finished Size: 8.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread in five colors (I used white, light yellow, dark yellow, light green and dark green), 12 ladybug beads or shank buttons, size 4 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

NOTE: Today's project is worked entirely with two strands of size 10 crochet thread. Also, there are thread ends to bury in each round, so please do not attempt this project if you do not like weaving in your ends.

TIP: I wound some of each of my five chosen thread colors into tiny little balls so I could use two strands of each color as needed.

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.

Sunflower Kaleidoscope Mandala Instructions

With dark yellow and dark green thread, make magic ring.

Round 1: [Pc in ring, ch 3] 6 times, sl st in top of first pc; bind off. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: With white and light yellow, [in any ch 3 sp (or next ch 3 sp in repeats, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc)] 6 times; sl st in starting dc; 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: Using 2 strands of white, [1 dc in any ch 2 sp (or same ch 2 sp in repeats), ch 10, sl st in 7th ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch 2 tip, ch 3] 6 times; sl st in starting dc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Round 4: Using 2 strands of light yellow, [1 sc in any ch 3 tip (or next ch 3 tip in repeats), ch 5, in next ch 6 loop work (3 dc, ch 7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, ch 2, 3 dc), ch 5] 6 times; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Round 5: Using 1 strand of light yellow and one strand of dark yellow, [2 dcs around any Round 3 left-side dc post (or next Round 3 left-side dc post in repeats), 1 dc in bottom of next Round 3 dc, 1 dc in bottom of next Round 3 hdc, 1 dc in bottom of next Round 3 sc, 1 dc in bottom of next Round 3 sl st, 1 sc in next Round 4 dc, 1 hdc in next Round 4 dc, 1 dc in next Round 4 dc, 2 dc in next Round 4 ch 2 sp, ch 3, sl st in same sp, ch 3, from behind next Round 4 spoke sl st in next Round 4 ch 2 sp (you want the ch 3 you just worked at the back of the mandala, not the front), 2 dc in same sp, 1 dc in next Round 4 dc, 1 hdc in next Round 4 dc, 1 sc in next Round 4 dc, 1 dc in next Round 3 sl st, 1 dc in next Round 3 sc, 1 dc in next Round 3 hdc, 1 dc in next Round 3 dc, 2 dc around post of next Round 3 right-side dc post] 6 times; sl st in starting dc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Round 6: This Round is more like 6 motifs because the segments are worked separately instead of in a Round. Using 2 strands of dark yellow, work (2 dc, ch 3, sl st, ch 3, 2 dc) into each of the (white) 6 Round 3 ch 6 loops, binding off after each heart shape and weaving in all ends.

Round 7: String 12 beads or buttons onto dark green and light green thread, making sure ladybug heads are all facing in the same direction. (I strung mine with heads up, and they settle into the crochet stitches head down.) Alternatively, you may sew the buttons or bead into place after your mandala is finished, and you probably can even glue them into place if the mandala will not be handled a lot when done. Buttons also may be tied into place with a piece of crochet thread to match the Round onto which you tie them, weaving in ends on the backside. Using dark green and light green thread, [draw up loop through first 3rd Round joint dc (of 4 dc group closest to center of mandala) (or in next dc on repeats), yo and draw through 2 loops on hook, [[yo and draw up loop through next dc, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook]] 3 times, yo and draw through all 5 loops on hook (dc dec made), 1 dc in each of next 9 st, 3 dc in next ch, drawing up bead or button, 1 dc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 3 dc in ch sp behind Round 5 point, 1 sc in top of Round 5 point, 3 dc in same ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next ch, drawing up bead or button, one dc in next ch, 3 dc in next ch, 1 dc in each of next 9 st] 6 times; sl st in starting dec; bind off.

Round 8: Using 2 strands of dark green, [in any tip sc (or next tip sc on repeats), work (3 dc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 3 dc), 1 dc in each of next 12 st, [[sk next st, yo and draw up loop through next st, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook]] 5 times (dc dec made), sk next st, 1 dc in each of next 12 st] 6 times; sl st in starting dc; bind off. Weave in all ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin mandala 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 mandala with glue mixture or desired stiffener. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow mandala to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel mandala from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around desired anchor (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch mandala twirl freely whenever you walk by! Mandala also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle. Please be aware that colored crochet thread will fade with time when exposed to daily direct sunlight.

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Wordless Wednesday

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Snowflake Monday

There was no crochet time in last week's forecast, so I've found a different kind of snowflake to share this week. Some of my crocheted snowflakes have been inspired by the kaleidoscope images I create. These are from my garden last week, and a couple of them seem pretty darned crochet-worthy to me!

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Snowflake Monday

We endured six weeks of medical issues, which kept me away from my crochet hook, my sewing machine and even my garden, but now I'm back, and hopefully able to keep up with weekly patterns once again. Fingers crossed…

While getting reacquainted with the now-hidden treasures in my overgrown flower garden, I noticed my neon garden rocks from back in May have faded quite a bit. I knew this would happen, but I guess I didn't expect it to happen quite so lightning fast!

So, time to make a new rock to shoot side by side with a faded rock to show the amazing difference, two months apart. I thought it would be fun to do a new mandala because it's been a while since I've made one, plus, it will grant my plants a bit more water protection because it can hold more moisture.

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes and/or rocks 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 in two colors, size 7 crochet hook, optional smooth river rock approximately 5.5 inches round and 2 inches thick, 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

Snowflake Mandala Instructions

With base color, make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 trtr in ring, [1 dc in ring, 1 trtr in ring] 5 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same ch as sl st, [1 dc in next trtr, 3 dc in next dc] 5 times; 1 dc in next trtr, 1 dc in same ch as starting dc; 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, [1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 5 dc in next dc] 5 times; 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 2 dc in same ch as starting dc; 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 4: Ch 2, counts as 1 dc, 1 dc in same ch as sl st, [1 dc in each of next 7 dc, 3 dc in next dc] 5 times; 1 dc in each of next 7 dc, 1 dc in same ch as starting dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc, 2 dc in same ch as sl st, [1 dc in each of next 9 dc, 5 dc in next dc] 5 times; 1 dc in each of next 9 dc, 2 dc in same ch as starting dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 6: Ch 2, counts as 1 dc, 1 dc in same ch as sl st, [1 dc in each of next 13 dc, 3 dc in next dc] 5 times; 1 dc in each of next 13 dc, 1 dc in same ch as starting dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc, 2 dc in same ch as sl st, [1 dc in each of next 15 dc, 5 dc in next dc] 5 times; 1 dc in each of next 15 dc, 2 dc in same ch as starting dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 8: Ch 2, counts as 1 dc, 1 dc in same ch as sl st, [1 dc in each of next 19 dc, 3 dc in next dc] 5 times; 1 dc in each of next 19 dc, 1 dc in same ch as starting dc; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 9: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 5), [sk next 3 dc, 1 dc in next dc, ch 5] 32 times for Snowflake; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 7; bind off. Weave in ends; OR for Rock, 31 times; sk next 3 dc, ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of starting ch 7 to form 33rd ch 5 sp of Round.

Rounds 10-13 for Rock (or number of Rounds required to cover Rock): Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 5), [1 dc in next ch 5 sp, ch 5] 31 times; ch 2, 1 tr in 2nd ch of 2nd ch of starting ch 7 to form 33rd ch 5 sp of Round. Insert rock from time to time to check fit. Add or subtract Rounds as needed to comfortably fit rock.

Round 14: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each ch 5 sp around, inserting rock at approximately the halfway point of final Round and taking care not to scrape hook against rock as Round is completed; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off leaving a long tail. Weave tail through top of each Round 9 dc and pull tight. Bind off again. Weave tail through tightened stitches one more time and pull tight; bind off again. Weave in end.

Snowflake Instructions

Round 1: Using flake color, [1 trtr around post of any (or next in repeats) Round 1 trtr, ch3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 dc around post of 8th dc of next Round 7 15/dc group, ch 3, 1 dc around same post, ch 5, 1 dc around same post BETWEEN previous 2 dc, ch 3, 1 dc around same post BELOW all 3 previous dc, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook] 6 times; sl st in starting trtr; 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.

Snowflake Mandala 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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