Snowflake Monday

I have a very different breed of snowflake to share today. I recently donated every last crocheted snowflake I have, plus every last crocheted ornament Autumn, our Sisters of the Snowflake founder, donated to me to donate to Operation Ornaments. One set (of 150 crocheted snowflakes and bells) went to Ruiodoso, New Mexico, just 40 miles from where I grew up and which has been enduring horrific fires and flash floods last year and again this year. The final set (of 92 ornaments) is going to Lahaina, Hawaii, which suffered a devastating fire in 2023.

In the boxes and boxes of stuff Autumn donated to me were a few beaded snowflakes in a kit. There were extra beads, but no pipe cleners. The sister missionaries who've been helping me prepare ornament donations offered to make more beaded ornaments. I just needed to get some pipe cleaners. I bought three more bags of clear plastic beads of various sizes and shapes, too, because, why not? Maybe even I could make a few beaded snowflakes.

We staged a mini ornament-creating party the day before I scheduled to deliver in person everything I have left to (local) Operation Ornaments board member Carol Burton and Operation Ornaments founder Carolyn Nicolaysen. I'd never made pipe cleaner and bead snowflakes before, and there were no instructions. So we winged it. I think we did a GREAT job! And it was fun, too.

I thought it would be fun to share this inspiration with you. (And now I have to get busy and start crocheting more snowflakes!!!)

You may do whatever you'd like with ornaments you make from these instructions, but you may not sell or republish this blog post. Thanks, and enjoy!

Finished Size: whatever you decide
Materials: For a snowflake, six pipe cleaners (I bought a whole bag of sparkly silver) and beads of assorted sizes and shapes in multiples of six (the kit we started with had blue and white, and I purchased clear irridescent), optional adhesive-backed snowflake shapes (what we used came in the wide assortment of supplies Autumn donated, but I'm sure they are available at department stores, craft stores or online) or buttons or whatever small decorations that could be attached to snowflake centers, scissors not meant to cut fabric or thread (DO NOT use your sewing or quilting scissors to cut pipe cleaners!!! They will NEVER cleanly cut fabric again if you do!)
NOTE: The sister missionaries also made wreaths, snowmen and other holiday shapes, too. I think the possibilities are endless.

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Snowflake Instructions

Twist three pipe cleaners tightly in the center. (After my first ornament, I twisted the ornaments one or two inches from the center and used clippings to make ornament hangers for other ornaments and to make smaller snowflakes.)

Begin sliding beads onto pipe cleaners, using six identical beads each round so the spokes will be even. I alternated sizes and shapes, but colors could be alternated, too.

After desired spoke length has been achieved, twist pipe cleaner ends to secure beads in place and clip off five ends. Twist or bend the sixth end into an ornament hanger.

Clippings also may be used to create smaller snowflakes.

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Snowflake Monday

The office that employs me is moving to a new location. My bosses have been piling me up with old CDs and DVDs they need me to... well, you know, declutter. And recyle. Because they know that's what I do. I've glued a few CDs back to back to cover with snowflakes. I decided it's about time I make a few more CD snowflake ornaments!

I love making prototype CD coverings because even if I change up the pattern a bit, I end up with more ornaments than planned, and if I donate some of the extras, recipients aren't going to know or care if their ornament isn't THE final version.

When I started the first prototype for today's pattern, I intentionally created big gaps, thinking it might be fun to glue on some of the glow rocks leftover from the vases I created a year or so ago. (No, I don't make a profit from sharing that link; I'm just sharing it to make it easier for crocheters to find what I used.)

However, after I glued glow rocks onto the CDs of the prototype snowflake, I decided I like the snowflake better without the rocks.

I decided I like the shimmer of the CDs in the sunlight better than the glowing rocks in the moonlight. But, each to their own. You might like yours better with glowing rocks. The fun part of making snowflakes is we can personalize to our hearts' content. I plan to make a whole bunch of these (because I have about 200 CDs!!!) to hang on an outdoor tree this Christmas. I also plan to donate some to Operation Christmas Ornaments from Near and Far.

I also decided the modified pattern makes a pretty awesome snowflake!

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes and/or ornaments 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 for CD covering, 5.5 inches from point to point for modified standalone snowflake
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 7 crochet hook, 2 optional used and useless CDs, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, permanent glue for ornament, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener for snowflake, water, small container for soluble glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Kalte Sophie Snowflake Instructions (make 2 for CD ornament)

NOTE: If you are using this pattern to cover a CD or 2-CD stack (my ornaments are 2-CD stacks), gauge is going to be somewhat important. If your stitches are larger than mine (or if you use a larger thread size and hook), your snowflake will be bigger than the CD. If your stitches are smaller/tighter than mine (or if you use a smaller thread size and hook), you will need extra rounds to fit the CD. My dcs are .25 inches tall, and my trs are .5 inches tall. Any snowflake you've made measuring 4.5 inches across from point to point will fit a CD.

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 10 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 8), 1 sc in 7th ch from hook, ch 1, 1 dc in ring] 5 times; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 10, ch 3, 1 tr in top of dc just made to form 6th ch 6 loop of Round. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 4 dc over post of tr directly below, [in next ch 6 loop work (5 dc, ch 8, 1 sc in 8th ch from hook, 5 dc)] 5 times; 5 dc in next ch 6 loop, 1 hdc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2, ch 3, 1 dtr in top of hdc just made to form 6th ch 7 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.

NOTE: I switched up the ch 8 point with ch 15 instead and bound off here for an adorable little flake.

Round 3, First Snowflake: Ch 6 (counts as 1 tr and ch 2), over post of dtr directly below work ([1 tr, ch 2] 2 times, 1 tr), [ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 3, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, in next ch 7 tip work ([1 tr, ch 2] 3 times, 1 tr, ch 3, * 1 tr, [ch 2, 1 tr] 3 times)] 6 times, ending * on final repeat; sl st in 4th ch of starting ch 6; bind off. Weave in ends.

Round 3, Second Snowflake: Ch 6 (counts as 1 tr and ch 2), over post of dtr directly below work ([1 tr, ch 2] 2 times, 1 tr), [ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, **ch 1, 1 dc in corresponding sc picot of First Snowflake, ch 1, 1 sc in ** ch, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, in next ch 7 tip work ([1 tr, ch 2] 3 times, 1 tr, ch 1, 1 sc in corresponding ch 3 tip of First Snowflake, ch 1, * 1 tr, [ch 2, 1 tr] 3 times)] 6 times, inserting CD(s) after 4th repeat and ending * on final repeat; sl st in 4th ch of starting ch 6. KEEP READING BEFORE BINDING OFF!!! If you are planning to hang your CD ornament outside, a strand of thread for hanging likely will not be strong enough to brave the elements (and may not be strong enough to hold the weight of 2 CDs). You may incorporate a ch 30 or so at the end before binding off to create a hanging loop (make the hanging loop big enough to fit over whatever you are going to hang the ornament from), or, you can glue or sew on a ribbon loop for hanging. A store-bought wire ornament hanger could be used, too. I used a six-inch piece of black acrylic worsted yarn. That should be pretty darned weatherproof! If you choose to chain a hanging loop, do so, then bind off. Weave in ends.

Round 3, Standalone Snowflake: Ch 6 (counts as 1 tr and ch 2), over post of dtr directly below work ([1 tr, ch 2] 2 times, 1 tr), [ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 3, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, in next ch 7 tip work ([1 tr, ch 2] 3 times, 1 tr, ch 10, * 1 tr, [ch 2, 1 tr] 3 times)] 6 times, ending * on final repeat; sl st in 4th ch of starting ch 6; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: For CD covering, carefully dab a tiny bit of glue over the center and finishing knot of each snowflake and gently massage in, quickly cleaning up with a cotton swab, or as I did, a drop of spit on my finger, any glue you accidentally get on a CD. After making a few of these, I decided it's easier to weatherproof the flake centers (and the finishing knot of the first snowflake) prior to joining and inserting CDs, just waiting a few minutes for glue to dry a bit before finishing up the ornament. Permanently attach desired hanging device if you didn't chain a hanging loop. Hang and step back to bask in the reflections the CD scatters!

For standalone snowflake, 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. 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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Caribou Floatie Monday

NOTE: Formal fundraising on Snowcatcher has been paused. I haven't had time to create a new snowflake pattern booklet, and we don't know if or when we will be able to participate in organized charity rides again. If things favorably change, I will announce such in a new Snowflake Monday blog post. In the meantime, the previous eight booklets are still available, and I will do my best to respond to requests for them in a timely manner.

Nope. No snowflake today. Sorry. I needed something special to introduce my latest snowflake pattern PDF booklet, and besides, today's pattern makes one of the cutest 3D ornaments I've designed so far, in my opinion. (To go directly to instructions for obtaining the booklet, please refer to the pink text below.)

I spent nearly a month scrambling my brain like fresh eggs trying to come up with great idea for a cover for the 2015 snowflake PDF booklet to raise money for the Colorado/Wyoming Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I'd thought of a cute idea last year, but I couldn't remember it at all. Back to the drawing board.

During our flight home from our nephew's wedding in Oregon just before Thanksgiving, I finally thought of a really cute idea. Going back to work after a couple days off kept me from working on the new cover right away. When I finally got to sit down and begin designing, I discovered I had started a new cover last year when I came up with the assumed lost idea!!! I had TWO covers! Yippee! I'd be all set for next year, if I do another snowflake booklet for 2016!

A few hours later, a third title and cover idea that trumped everything simmering and everything I'd already done came to me in the middle of the night. Now I have THREE covers, which means I guess I have to come up with at least 60 more original snowflake ideas in the next two years so I can keep going and use all these awesome booklet covers!

The funny thing about the idea I used for the 2015 PDF booklet is it was right there in front of me all along, making a real "Duh!" moment when it hit me over the head like a polar blizzard in the high Rockies!

This amazing idea, however, has drawbacks. Welcome to my personal interpretation of Commercial Law 101.

Recreating snowflakes shown in a movie (or ad, logo or other visual media) in another form of art is considered derivative and is thereby legal in most cases. The snowflakes I've used as models are not individually copyrighted or trademarked, but sharing screenshots of the movie where the inspirations may be found is NOT legal. Period. Not even if I credit them.

The inspiration for 20 new patterns in my new PDF booklet comes from the highest grossing movie of all time, and that particular movie, of which I'm 100% sure you can guess without me even revealing the title, just happens to be from the company that has been known to act like a great white shark when it comes to copyright infringement and theft.

Fortunately, Disney has taken the high road with Frozen, perhaps acknowledging (finally) that artwork inspired by a financially successful movie generates more sales and income for the company in the long run, and so far Disney has not gone to great lengths to shut down any and all derivative work inspired by this profitable movie, as in it has in the past. Thank heavens! Whew!!!

Still, nothing wrong with being safe and making sure no production toes are stepped on, in my opinion.

As a result, my newest PDF booklet required more than just crocheting, writing down everything I did and then taking pictures of what I made. Hours of research and consultation were required to make sure I won't be sued or hit with a C&D letter (that's cease and desist, or immediately stop doing what you're doing, for those unfamiliar with the acronym) if I use this magnificent idea. I don't like it when people steal my patterns and photos, so I'm not about to inflict the same kind of injury upon anyone else, even vicious Great White Sharks. I also can't afford to fork out a licensing fee to use recognizable screenshots to illustrate from whence my ideas came.


However, it is legal to use "a few" thumbnails of non-copyrighted and non-trademarked items or characters from a film to illustrate inspirations. (For those who don't know, mouse ears are trademarked and have logo status, and violations are aggressively pursued.) "Few" in legal terminology has a subjective definition (which means the number changes; it could be three, it could be five, it could be whatever whimsy a judge in a courtroom determines). I don't want to push my luck, so I've included only four screenshots, from the introduction at the beginning, in the PDF booklet. One new pattern is inspired by the soundtrack, and I've included a photo of the CD label.

That means there are 15 more patterns I've recreated with thread hidden like Easter eggs throughout the movie, which means you get to try to find them!


My newest snowflake pattern PDF booklet features my True Love Snowflake and Elsa's Braid Snowflake, as well as 18 brand new snowflake patterns, a garland pattern and two ornament patterns, all of which will not be published on my blog.

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


Finished Size: 3 inches tall, 3.5 inches across
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread in two colors (I used muted yellow and brown), size 8 crochet hook, optional 2 beads for eyes, optional embroidery thread for eyes, optional permanent marker for eyes, small amount of stuffing, optional sequin for air valve

Caribou Floatie Instructions

Lifesaver Tube

This pattern includes linked double crochet. If you are unfamiliar with linked double crochet, see a tutorial here.

With yellow, ch 20.

Round 1: Taking care not to twist ch, 1 sc in 1st ch and in each of next 3 ch, 1 hdc in each of next 3 ch, 1 ldc in each of next 10 ch, 1 hdc in each of next 3 ch. Do not join on this or any of the following Rounds.
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 each of next 4 sc, 1 hdc in each of next 3 hdc, 1 ldc in each of next 10 ldc, 1 hdc in each of next 3 hdc.

Repeat Round 2 for 7.5 inches on the outer edge or until tube forms a donut shape without kinking, working 5 sc instead of 4 every 3 Rounds. Sc in the Round migrates to the right. By extending the sc section by one stitch (without changing the number of stitches in the tube) every 3 rounds, donut shape should not twist. When piece measures 7.5 inches on the outer edge, bind off leaving a long tail. Stuff tube. Using tail, sew tube ends together, stuffing as needed to form smooth donut shape. Weave ends inside lifesaver shape.


Head

With brown, make magic ring.

Round 1: 6 sc in ring; do not join on this or any of the following Rounds. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: 2 sc in each sc around.

Round 3: * 1 sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; repeat from * around 5 times for a total of 18 sc. Draw up loop in next sc, join yellow and finish sc with yellow. Bind off brown.

Rounds 4-8: 1 sc in each sc around.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

NOTE: Beginning here, stuff head lightly as needed to make crochet easier.

Round 9: 1 sc in each sc around, decreasing 2 sc evenly spaced.

Round 10: To shape head, 1 sc in each of next 7 sc, 3 sc in each of next 2 sc, 1 sc in each of next 6 sc.

Round 11: 1 sc in each of next 6 sc, 1 hdc in next sc, 1 ldc in each of next 6 sc, 1 hdc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 5 sc.

Round 12: 1 sc in each of next 6 sc, 1 sc in next hdc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 ldc in each of next 4 dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 sc in next hdc, 1 sc in each of next 5 sc.

Round 13: 1 sc in each of next 5 sc, draw up loop in each of next 3 st, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook, 2 ldc in each of next 4 dc, draw up loop in each of next 3 st, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook. (Round does not truly end here, but for ease of counting, next st begins next Round.)

Round 14: 1 sc in each of next 9 sc, draw up loop in each of next 3 st, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook, 1 hdc in next st, 1 ldc in each of next 4 dc, 1 hdc in next st, draw up loop in each of next 3 st, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

Round 15: 1 sc in each of next 7 sc, draw up loop through each of next 2 st, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook, 1 hdc in next st, 1 ldc in each of next 4 dc, 1 hdc in next st, draw up loop through each of next 2 st, yo and draw up loop through all 3 loops on hook.

Round 16: 1 sc in each of next 2 sc, 2 sc in each of next 2 sc, 1 sc in each of next 12 sc.

Rounds 17-19: 1 sc in each sc around.

Round-20: 1 sc in each sc around; bind off leaving long tail. With tail, sew head onto lifesaver tube. Weave end into tube when done.

Antlers (make 2)

With brown and leaving long tail, ch 12, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, ch 4, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, 1 sc in each of next 2 ch of ch 12, ch 3, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 6 ch of ch 12. Bind off, leaving long tail.

Finish: Stiffen antlers in desired shape and using tail ends, attach one to each side of caribou head. Stuff thread ends into body. Attach wiggly eyes, buttons or beads for eyes, or, if for a small child, consider embroidering eyes or drawing eyes with permanent market. Caribou also looks fine without eyes. Attach optional sequin to lifesaver tube opposite of head as valve stem if desired. Attach hanging string or loop to inside of tube on same side as head to balance weight when hung.

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Friday Funny

I found and shared this video last year, so it's a repeat, but in my opinion, awesome enough to replay again every year. Enjoy!

And here is the link in case you can't view linked videos, like me...

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Turkey Flake

I got a bit carried away with this pattern.

Many of the flakes I design undergo changes when I test the patterns. Sometimes the pattern I publish doesn’t resemble the initial concept at all.

My Thanksgiving snowflake went through major reconstruction and redesign, and I’ve decided to share all four versions of the pattern. My favorite will be Part Two next week. I hope at least one of these flakes tickles your fancy.

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: 5.25 inches from point to point
Materials:
Two-dimensional white turkey: White size 10 crochet thread, size 8 crochet hook, 2 seed beads
Amigurumi turkey flake: Size 10 crochet thread in brown, peach, pale yellow, off white and burgundy, size 8 crochet hook, 2 seed beads, fiber fill
Amigurumi peacock flake: Size 10 crochet thread in royal, green and purple, size 8 crochet hook, 2 seed beads, fiber fill, optional sequins, beads and/or glitter for tail feathers

Turkey Flake Instructions

Basic Flake Pattern (specific color changes in versions that follow)

White Turkey Tail Feathers

Make magic ring; ch 2 (does not count as dc).
Round 1: 12 dc in ring; sl st in 1st dc. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in each dc around for a total of 24; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in same dc, 1 dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 10 more times for a total of 36 dc; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 4: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), sk 1 dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc, ch 2, *sk 1 dc, in next dc work [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] (V-stitch made), ch 2, sk 1 dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc, ch 2; repeat from * around 4 times; sk next dc, in same dc as starting ch 3, work 1 dc, 1 hdc 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 5: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), around post of hdc work 1 dc, ch 4, *1 sc in middle sc of next 3 sc, ch 4, in next ch 1 sp work [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc], ch 4; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 sc in middle sc of next 3 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in next V-space, 1 dc in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 6: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), around post of dc work 2 dc, ch 6, *1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 2 rows below, over sc in previous row, ch 6, in next ch 2 sp work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] (2 shells made), ch 6; repeat from * around 4 more times; 1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 2 rows below, over sc in previous row, ch 6, 3 dc between next 2 shells; 1 dc in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 7: Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr), around post of dc work 2 dc, ch 8, *1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 3 rows below, over sc of 2 previous rows, ch 8, in next ch 2 sp work [2 dc, 1 tr, ch 2, 1 tr, 2 dc], ch 8; repeat from * around 4 more times; 1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 3 rows below, over sc of 2 previous rows, ch 8, 2 dc between next 2 shells, 1 tr in same sp; ch 2, sl st in 4th ch of starting ch 4.; bind off. Weave in ends.

Body

Make magic ring; ch 2 (does not count as sc).

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

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in each dc around for a total of 24; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in same dc, 1 dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 10 more times for a total of 36 dc; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 4: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 1 dc in same dc, 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, *1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 10 more times for a total of 48 dc; sl st in 1st dc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Flat White Head/Neck

Ch 22. 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 tr in next ch, 1 tdtr in next ch, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dc in each of next 2 ch, 1 hdc in each of next 3 ch, 1 dc in each of next 3 ch, 1 tr in each of next 8 ch. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin tail feathers, body and head/neck 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 all three pieces with glue mixture. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel all three pieces from wax paper or plastic wrap. Glue three layers together as shown. Glue seed beads in place for eyes. Allow to dry. Attach 10-inch clear thread to top of turkey, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the turkey twirl freely whenever you walk by! Turkey also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

Turkey and Peacock may be worked in above pattern if you are intimidated by the instructions that follow, using colors instead of white.

Amigurumi Turkey and Peacock Flakes

And now we start to get a little crazy. The following patterns call for two flakes instead of one, and the second flake is modified, with a flat side instead of one point. Changing colors can become tedious. I strongly suggest working both flake pieces in one sitting not only to get it over with, but also to maintain even tension throughout so both flakes will be the same size. The patterns that follow are fun ornaments, but crocheters who do not like tiny single crochet tubes, changing colors and/or multiple pieces might not care for these projects.


Peacock or Turkey Amigurumi Flake

Tail Feathers, First Piece

With blue for peacock or brown for turkey, make magic ring; ch 2 (does not count as dc).

Round 1: 12 dc in ring; sl st in 1st dc. 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: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in each dc around for a total of 24; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in same dc, 1 dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 10 more times for a total of 36 dc; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 4: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), sk 1 dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc, ch 2, *sk 1 dc, in next dc work [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] (V-stitch made), ch 2, sk 1 dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc, ch 2; repeat from * around 4 times; sk next dc, in same dc as starting ch 5 work 1 dc, ch 1; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3. Bind off.

Round 5: With green for peacock or peach for turkey, working in any V-space, work 2 dc, ch 4, *1 sc in middle sc of next 3 sc, ch 4, in next ch 1 sp work [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] (2 small shells made), ch 4; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 sc in middle sc of next 3 sc, ch 4, 2 dc in next V-space, ch 3, sl st in starting dc; bind off.

Round 6: With purple for peacock or pale yellow for turkey, working in any ch 2 sp between small shells, work 3 dc, ch 6, *1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 2 rows below, over sc in previous row, ch 6, in next ch 2 sp work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] (2 shells made), ch 6; repeat from * around 4 more times; 1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 2 rows below, over sc in previous row, ch 6, 3 dc between next 2 shells; ch 2, st st in starting dc; bind off.

Round 7: With blue for peacock or off white for turkey, working in any ch 2 sp between shells, work 1 tr and 2 dc, ch 8, *1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 3 rows below, over sc of 2 previous rows, ch 8, in next ch 2 sp work [2 dc, 1 tr, ch 2, 1 tr, 2 dc], ch 8; repeat from * around 4 more times; 1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 3 rows below, over sc of 2 previous rows, ch 8, 2 dc between next 2 shells, 1 tr in same sp; ch 2, sl st in starting tr; bind off. Weave in ends.


Tail Feathers, Second Piece

With blue or brown, make magic ring; ch 2 (does not count as dc).

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

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in each dc around for a total of 24; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in same dc, 1 dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 10 more times for a total of 36 dc; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 4: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and ch 2), sk 1 dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc, *ch 2, sk 1 dc, in next dc work [1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc] (V-stitch made), ch 2, sk 1 dc, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc; repeat from * around 3 times; 2 sc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc, 2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc, ch 2; in same dc as starting ch 5 work 1 dc, ch 1; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 5. Bind off.

Round 5: With green or peach, working in first V-space, work 2 dc, *ch 4, 1 sc in middle sc of next 3 sc, ch 4, in next ch 1 sp work [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] (2 small shells made); repeat from * around 3 times; ch 4, sk 1 sc, 1 sc in each of next 9 sc, sk next sc, ch 4, 2 dc in next V-space, ch 3, sl st in starting dc; bind off.

Round 6: With purple or pale yellow, working in first ch 2 sp between small shells, work 3 dc, *ch 6, 1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 2 rows below, over sc in previous row, ch 6, in next ch 2 sp work [3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc] (2 shells made); repeat from * around 3 more times; ch 6, sk next sc, 1 sc in each of next 7 sc, sk next sc, ch 6, 3 dc between next 2 shells; ch 2, st st in starting dc; bind off.

Round 7: With blue or off white, working in first ch 2 sp between shells, work 1 tr and 2 dc, *ch 8, 1 sc in middle sc of 3 sc group 3 rows below, over sc of 2 previous rows, ch 8, in next ch 2 sp work [2 dc, 1 tr, ch 2, 1 tr, 2 dc]; repeat from * around 3 more times; ch 8, sk 1 sc, 1 sc in each of next 5 sc, ch 8, sk next sc, 2 dc between next 2 shells, 1 tr in same sp; ch 2, sl st in starting tr; bind off. Weave in ends. Take a well-deserved break and treat yourself kindly if you got this far with all the color changes. Pat yourself on the back, because you did well!

Turkey Body

With brown, make magic ring; ch 2 (does not count as sc).

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

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in each dc around for a total of 24; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in same dc, 1 dc in next dc, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 10 more times for a total of 36 dc; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 4: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 1 dc in same dc, 1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, *1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc; repeat from * around 10 more times for a total of 48 dc; sl st in 1st dc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Note: Turkey Body also makes excellent two-dimensional Christmas ball ornament when made in any thread color with 3 or 4 white or silver dcs at top.


Peacock Body

With blue, make magic ring; ch 2 (does not count as sc).

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

Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in each dc around for a total of 24; sl st in 1st dc.

Round 3: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 2 dc in same dc, 2 dc in next dc, 1 sc in each of next 8 dc, 2 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 sc in each of next 8 dc, 2 dc in each of next 2 dc, sl st in starting dc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Amigurumi Head/Neck

Note: I lightly stuff head and neck as I go to make piece easier to work with and to make stuffing head and neck easier. Rows 6 and 7 have linked double crochet and linked half double crochet to prevent holes.

With blue and starting at tip of head, make magic ring.

Row 1: Working tightly here and throughout head and neck, 6 sc in ring. Work in rounds; do not join unless otherwise directed.

Round 2: *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc; repeat from * 2 more times for total of 9 sc.

Rounds 3-5: 1 sc around.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Rounds 6-7: Shaping neck, 1 hdc in next st, insert hook into middle loop of hdc and draw up loop, draw up loop through next st, yo and draw through 2 loops, yo and draw through 2 loops (linked dc (ldc) made), 1 ldc in next st, 1 lhdc (linked hdc (lhdc) worked same as ldc) in next st, 1 sc in each of next 5 sc.

Rounds 8-13: 1 sc in each st around for a total of 9 sc.

Rounds 14-19: 1 inc each row for a total of 15 sc at the end of Round 19.
Rounds 20-22: 1 sc in each st around. Lightly stuff to desired plumpness.

Row 23: If you are not at the side of the neck, sc until you are at a side. Pinch neck flat and sc across working through both front and back, closing neck, for a total of 8 sc. Ch 1, turn.

Rows 24-25: 1 sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Bind off. Weave ends inside of neck.


For turkey, using burgundy thread and leaving a 1- or 2-inch tail, ch 6, turn. 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 sc in each of next 3 ch; bind off, leaving 1- or 2-inch tail. Tie beard beneath turkey’s chin using tails and weave ends into body.


For peacock, take a 5-inch piece of blue thread, fold it in half, fold it in half again, and pull double loops at folded end beneath one stitch at top of head. Tie square knot. Trim hair to desired length. Lightly stiffen hair by touching up with glue/water mixture if desired to achieve punk appearance.


Stiffen and assemble flakes and body same as albino turkey instructions above. Glue seed bead eyes into position on head as desired. (Beads may be sewn on if desired. I’ve been gluing eyeballs into place the last couple of months because I’m getting old, and threading a beading needle is becoming quite the challenge. Or bloody adventure...)


After flake and body layers have thoroughly dried, glue amigurumi neck and head into position and allow to dry again. Pin if necessary. Glitter, sequins and beads may be applied to peacock feathers if desired.

See you next week with Part Two and my favorite variation of this pattern!

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Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

I recently participated in my first-ever ornament swap, hosted by Lisa's Chaos. This is what I created and mailed off:
(See, Alyeska? I really can part with one of my tiny bears if I make it knowing I'm giving it away!)

And this is what I received in return. My exchange partner, Robinella at Not a Stepford Wife, actually put some homework into creating her lovely ornament, and she painted two of my original snowflake designs onto a glass ornament!!! Isn't it simply gorgeous?!?
This swap was a fun thing to do. Meeting people all over the world who have the same interests, dreams and hopes is a miracle, something that didn't happen so easily 20 years ago. Blogging has opened so many doors for me, and I'm just getting started!

I've enjoyed "meeting" both Lisa and Robinella, and I've enjoyed "meeting" so many readers from all over the globe. What a wonderful way to start off the Christmas season!

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