Snowflake Monday

From the notes I left when I designed this snowflake, I mistakenly thought this project from a year ago was a sock yarn snowflake on the Spindrift quilt. I recently worked up one more flake using the rough-note pattern, making a few necessary adjustments, and was quite surprised to find it wasn't a snowflake I recognized. Initially, I wondered if I'd designed it in my sleep because I could not find the original snowflake, and it didn't come close to any of the flakes on Spindrift.

A little more research led me to the true inspiration behind this pattern. Years ago I made McKenna Ryan's "Moose Junction," back when it was first released in 1999, and for more than a decade it has hung above my bed, regardless of where I have lived. I see this stunning collection of blues every single night before I fall asleep and first thing every morning when I wake. After searching my home one final time for the missing snowflake, I found the very crystal behind today's design. It's one of the snowflakes in the border fabric of my winter wildlife wall hanging! This snowflake came from a quilt; it just didn't come from Spindrift!


Isn't it funny how you can look at things every day and not see them?

Whatever happened to that original snowflake? I'd overlooked the white thread flake several times while searching for what I thought from my notes was supposed to be a blue sock yarn snowflake that must not have made it into Spindrift. The original snowflake wasn't night-sky hued; the fabric background of the model snowflake is the color culprit!

Hence today's name: Hide and Seek Snowflake.

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 20 crochet thread, size 13 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffening agent, 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: This snowflake may be worked with size 10 thread and size 7 or 8 hook, and it will be slightly larger than what I've made.)

Hide and Seek Snowflake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: 12 sc in ring; sl st in starting sc. Pull magic circle tight, but leave opening big enough to allow stitches inside it to lay flat.

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

Round 3: 1 sc in same ch, *ch 6, 1 sc in middle dc of next 3/dc group; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 3, 1 tr in starting sc (ch 3 and tr count as final ch 6 sp).
Round 4: 1 sc in loop, *ch 12, 1 sc in next loop; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 5, 1 qtr (5 yo) in starting sc (ch 5 and qtr count as final ch 12 sp).
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 2 (counts as 1 dc); 1 dc in loop, 2 hdc in same loop, 6 sc in same loop, *in next loop work 6 sc, 2 hdc, 3 dc, 2 hdc and 6 sc; repeat from * around 4 times; 6 sc in next loop, 2 hdc in same loop, 1 dc in same loop; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 6: 1 sc in same ch, ch 12, *1 sc in middle dc of next 3/dc group, ch 12; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in starting sc.

Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same sc, *[3 dc in next ch 12 sp, ch 3, sl st in top of dc just worked] 5 times for a total of 5 picots along ch 12 sp; 3 dc in same sp, 2 dc in next sc, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 7, 1 sc in 7th ch from hook, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 6, sl st in 6th ch from hook, working back down spike ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, sl st in next sc, ch 6, sl st in same sc, ch 3, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 2 dc in next sc; repeat from * around 5 more times, omitting last 2 dc of on 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.

Mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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Friday Funny

Don't know if this truly is the precursor to rollerblading, as claimed, but this video from 1923 sure was interesting to watch! (I apologize for the commercial at the front, but I guess someone has to pay to keep good stuff like this on the web.)

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Flake on Me

Some may have called it a miserable commute.

A good six inches of snow when only half an inch of dusting was forecast, automobile/tree entanglements at both neighborhood exits (no injuries at either, thankfully), miles of gridlock past the snarls, a half-hour wait in 9 degrees for commuter trains that couldn't manage forward motion due to unexpected accumulation and track blockage, sardine-like quarters aboard trains when they did arrive, the potential loss of an hour or more of vacation time, and the snow continued to fall even though the sun was supposed to make a showing.

For me, appropriately dressed and daily fantasizer of all things flake, I kept watching white powdery puffs hit the black section of my coat sleeve and break up into individual and intricate snowflakes while visions of crochet stitches danced in my head. I kept wishing I had a microscope! Or at least my Nikon with macro lens. The iPhone just couldn't capture the magic.

But my crochet hook just might!

What my Nikon saw during the next storm.

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Wordless Wednesday

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Heart Attack

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Snowflake Monday

Now that I've finished my 2012 snowflake pattern booklet and the Noro skirt, it's time to get serious about my entry in this year's Denver National Quilt Festival. After all, my entry blank has to be postmarked five weeks from now.

Last year's entry was my Spindrift Quilt, and today's snowflake was featured on that quilt. On the quilt, it was made of pink sock yarn, Noro Kureyon to be precise. I wanted one sock yarn snowflake on the quilt to be slightly three dimensional, but not overpowering. I wrote down what I did as I did it because I was curious how it would look in thread. I had to make a few adjustments in thread, and I didn't like the final row in thread, so I kept playing until I came up with something more attractive. This snowflake has a different persona in thread than yarn, but I think it turned out all right.

I pinned the petals slightly upward when blocking to maintain the mild 3D appearance I tried to achieve on the quilt.


I thought about naming this snowflake Spindrift II, but I think I'll save that name and sequential names for snowflakes made of the same thread I used in the quilt edging. Because the original pattern was conceived while I was under the gun to finish last year's quilt and because I'm on another deadline now to finish a new quilt, I think I'll call this my Nitty Gritty Snowflake.

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: 5.5 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

Nitty Gritty Snowflake Instructions

Mmagic ring.

Round 1: Ch 7 (counts as 1 dc and ch 4), * 1 dc in ring, ch 4; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 7. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: * 2 sc in next ch 4 sp, 4 dc in same sp, 2 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, sl st in starting sc.

Round 3: Ch 11 (counts as 1 dc and ch 8), * 1 dc in middle of next 4/sc group (between petals), ch 8; repeat from * around 3 times; 1 dc in middle of next 4/sc group, ch 3, 1 tr in 3rd ch of starting ch 11 (counts as final ch 8).

Round 4: Ch 13 (counts as 1 dc and ch 10), * 1 dc in next ch 8 sp, ch 10; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 13.

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: * 3 sc in next ch 10 sp, 4 hdc in same sp, 6 dc in same sp, 4 hdc in same sp, 3 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc.

Round 6: Ch 16 (counts as 1 dc and ch 13), * 1 dc in middle of next 6/sc group (between petals), ch 13; repeat from * around 3 times; 1 dc in middle of next 6/sc group, ch 6, qtr in 3rd ch of starting ch 16 (qtr is yo 5 times; counts as final ch 13).

Round 7: Ch 20 (counts as 1 dc and ch 17), sl st in 10th ch from hook (TIP: to avoid having to count back 10 ch for sl st, ch 10, if right-handed, pinch 10th ch between left thumb and middle finger, ch 10, sl st in ch right next to left thumb), ch 7, *1 dc in next ch 13 sp, ch 17 (follow same TIP instructions here, only pinch the 7th ch), sl st in 10th ch from hook, ch 7; repeat from * around 5 times, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 20.

Round 8: * 6 sc in next ch sp, ch 5, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, sl st in next ch (leaf made), 6 sc in same ch sp, 3 sc in next ch loop, 3 hdc in same loop, 1 dc in same loop, ch 3, sl st in top of dc, 1 dc in same loop, 3 hdc in same loop, 3 sc in same loop (large loop picot made), 6 sc in same sp, ch 5, 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, sl st in next ch (leaf made), 6 sc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.

Mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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My Garden

Talkin' 'bout my garden

I've got purple on a snowy day
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My garden
Talkin' 'bout my garden

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Wordless Wednesday

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Not Quite Bald

2010 growth
We LOVE the 2012 Ride the Rockies Route. If we are drawn in this year's lottery, the hair comes off in Mayish. Here's to hoping some child (or adult) somewhere will have a head full of LONG blonde hair...


2011 growth

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Snowflake 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.

This year's PDF snowflake pattern booklet is ready! Featured are three amigurumi snowflakes I don't think will ever be published on my blog because I want our contributors to have something special no one else has.

In 2012 I got to ride the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis BikeMS event, affectionately and old foggily known as the MS150, as a High Roller for the first time ever, which meant I didn't have to wait in line for the porta potties at rest stops. Joy doesn't even begin to describe what this meant to me!

I raised the fifth highest amount on my team in 2011, and what made this special is most of my teammates were employees of then title sponsor Great-West, and they received corporate matching funds. The four people on the team who raised more money than me had corporate assistance. I didn’t. I had only crocheters, a couple of portrait recipients and a few ice cream eaters backing me! (Newmont Mining has stepped up as title sponsor this year, which is a huge change for my team. Team Great-West won't be first out the gate this year, but I'll bet The Lizard still pedals fast enough to beat almost all the riders into Fort Collins on Day 1!)


The Lizard will be riding this year as a Premium Pedaler for the first time ever. He received a discount on his registration fee, and he gets a fancy number color to wear during the ride. Because he will ride the entire 75 miles each day in less time than it takes to digest his breakfast, he doesn't really care whether he gets special access to "green rooms" or not. His goal every year is to be one of the first riders to reach Fort Collins, which he happily achieves each year. Nevertheless, his Premium Pedaler status is making him as happy as my "no lines" reward is making me!

We reached these fund-raising honors thanks to generous donors all year long last year who pushed us up and over the top of our stated goals. Together, we raised more than $5,000, and we thank you for helping us help those who are afflicted with multiple sclerosis.

For those who wonder why I raise money for two people instead of just myself, I work for a large company with generous employees who enjoy contributing to charitable causes. The Lizard is second of a two-man outfit with limited client contact and no internet access during the day.

Outside his job, my husband not only maintains both of my bikes (and all of his) (and sometimes even my friends' bikes), he helps me train and prepare for big rides. The Lizard also doesn't subscribe to traditional household chore descriptions where the wife does all the upkeep and makes sure dinner's on the table when the husband gets home. Home more often than me and often earlier than me, he bears more than his fair share of all housework, and he is one fantastic cook. He makes dinner most weeknights. Then cleans up afterward.

Get this: he knows how to separate the laundry and mend! Plus, he lovingly puts up with snowflakes all over the house all year long. I still hope to get him designing snowflakes one day, but until then, I am honored to help out with his fund-raising. It's a great way to show him how much I appreciate everything he does for me.


This year's PDF pattern booklet features 20 of my most popular designs on Ravelry as of January 2012 (that weren't already published in last year's booklet), plus three new patterns never before published. My Little Bear and Blanca Peak Snowflake alone are worth a tax-deductible donation, in my opinion, but the booklet contains much more. (Yes, I finally wrote a pattern for a tiny bear!) I expect there will be Little Bear knockoffs as soon as the cover of my PDF booklet makes the internet rounds, but the original idea came from right here at Snowcatcher. Because the PDF booklet includes three amigurumi snowflake patterns, I've included all my amigurumi tips in the PDF booklet. Currently, I am not planning to ever publish the amigurumi snowflake patterns on my blog or anywhere else.







Because next week is a holiday beloved by many and because it takes a lot of love on both ends of a fund-raising drive such as this, I ♥ You is an appropriate name for this week’s heartflake.

This is a modification to my Candy Corn Snowflake. The idea has been bouncing around in my head since Halloween because the Candy Corn Snowflake was absolutely singing out to be made lovely in filet and/or beads.

Worked with cotton yarn and a larger crochet hook, this heartflake makes yet another great seasonal hot pad!


I also made this heartflake with size 50 thread and a size 14 crochet hook. I blocked it by lightly spraying water onto the pinned heartflake and allowing to dry. I cut two circles of leftover fabric one inch bigger than the heartflake. I attached the heartflake to one, then sewed both circles together, right sides together, leaving a small opening. I turned the sachet outside right and stuffed lightly with aromatic cinnamon potpourri (spent panty hose make a great lining for the potpourri before inserting into a sachet), then closed the opening and attached a ribbon and a decorative crocheted flower before hanging. Any snowflake may be converted into a sachet this way.

You may do whatever you'd like with heartflakes you make from these patterns, but you may not sell or republish the patterns. Thanks, and happy Valentine's Day!


Finished Size: 7.5 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, size 8 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, liquid starch, glitter, small container for dipping snowflakes into starch, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line; for beaded snowflakes, 144 beads (I used 6/0 pearlescent glass beads, and I dabbed the crochet thread with fingernail polish and allowed it to dry thoroughly to make bead-stringing easier. The beads were not harmed or dulled by the liquid starch.)


White I Heart You Heartflake Instructions

Ch 48; taking care not to twist chain, sl st into 1st ch. If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 1: *1 sc next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, [yo and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook (3 dc dec made), 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, ch 3, sk 1 ch; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc.

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

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

Round 4: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next ch, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next ch, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, , ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 3 times, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 3 times, [ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, [1 dc in next dc, ch 1] 6 times, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, [1 dc in next dc, ch 1] 6 times, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 8: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc and in next ch 1 sp, [ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 2 times, 1 dc in next dc, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp and in each of next 3 dc, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc and in next ch 1 sp, [ch 1, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp] 2 times, 1 dc in next dc, [1 dc in next ch 1 sp, ch 1] 2 times, 1 dc in next ch 1 sp and in each of next 3 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 9: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 18 st, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 18 st, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 10: 1 sc in same st as sl st, * 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 trtr in each of next 2 sc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 trtr in each of next 2 sc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 5, 1 sc in 5th ch from hook, ch 6, sl st in sc, ch 4, sl st in sc (tri picot made), ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 sc in next dc; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.


Beaded Pink I Heart You Heartflake Instructions

String 144 beads onto thread. If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Ch 48; taking care not to twist chain, sl st into 1st ch.

Round 1: *1 sc next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, [yo and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook (3 dc dec made), 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, ch 3, sk 1 ch; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc.

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

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

Round 4: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, pull up one bead and work into next dc so that it faces the front of snowflake (use same technique for each bead throughout snowflake so all will be positioned similarly), 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, pull up one bead and work into next dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in next dc, [work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 5 times, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, [work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 5 times, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, [work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 7 times, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, [work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 7 times, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 8: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc same st as sl st, [1 dc in next dc, work bead into next dc] 3 times, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, [work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 3 times, 1 dc in next dc, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, [1 dc in next dc, work bead into next dc] 3 times, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, [work bead into next dc, 1 dc in next dc] 3 times, 1 dc in next dc, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 9: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in each of next 7 dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in each of next 7 dc, work bead into next dc, 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 10: 1 sc in same st as sl st, * 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 trtr in each of next 2 sc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 trtr in each of next 2 sc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc, ch 3, ch 6, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 dc in next ch, [1 dc in next ch], ch 4, 1 dc in 3rd ch from hook and in next ch, 1 dc in top of next [dc], 1 dc in bottom of same [dc], sl st in next ch (heart picot made, photo tutorial here; this heart picot ends with a sl st instead of a sc), ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1 sc in next dc; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.


Red I Heart You Heartflake Instructions

Ch 48; taking care not to twist chain, sl st into 1st ch. If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 1: *1 sc next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, [yo and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 3 times, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook (3 dc dec made), 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, ch 3, sk 1 ch; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in starting sc.

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

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

Round 4: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * around 5 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 5: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 6: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 7 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 7 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 7: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 11 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 11 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next ch; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 8: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 st, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 4 st, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 9: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same st as sl st, 1 dc in each of next 6 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 7 st, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3, * 1 dc in each of next 6 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 st, ch 1, sk 1 dc, 1 dc in each of next 7 st, 1 dc in next ch, ch 3; repeat from * around 4 times; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 10: 1 sc in same st as sl st, * 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 trtr in each of next 2 sc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 tr in next ch 1 sp, 1 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 tr in next ch 1 sp, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 trtr in each of next 2 sc, 1 dtr in next dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in next dc, 1 sc in next dc, ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, ch 12, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in next ch, ch 8, sl st in 1st ch of ch 12 (open heart picot made but must be shaped during stiffening), ch 3, 2 dc in 3rd ch from hook, sk ch 3, 1 sc in next dc; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in starting sc; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pour liquid starch into container. Dip heartflake into starch, allowing liquid to saturate thread. Gently squeeze out excess and make sure all points have been soaked. Pin heartflake to pizza box. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash container and hands thoroughly. Allow heartflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel heartflake 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 heartflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Heartflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

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