Snowflake Monday

Can you guess the inspiration for today's snowflake?

Here's a hint, in case you didn't catch the quick flashes of the gorgeous giant snowflake as it aired on Friday, February 4. I'm afraid to even share the photo I snapped of the television screen so I could try to re-create the flake in crochet!!!

And, of course, I HAD to work up a Valentine edition because of today, and I had to use the Valentine thread I hand-dyed back in 2020, before lockdown. I knew I still had some of this fun thread, but I had to find it. It was worth the hunt!

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy!

Finished Size: 9.5 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

Forbidden Snowflake Instructions

Ch 60. Taking care not to twist work, sl st in starting ch.

Round 1: [1 sc in next ch, 1 hdc n next ch, ch 1, inverted pyramid cluster st across next 5 ch (yo and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook (cluster dc started), yo 2 times and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook 2 times (cluster tr started), yo and draw through 2 loops on hook 3 times (cluster dtr started), yo 2 times and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook 2 times (cluster tr started), yo and draw up loop through next ch, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook (cluster dc started), yo and draw through all 6 loops on hook, ch 1, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, sl st in next ch] 6 times.

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), [1 dc in next sc, 1 dc in next hdc, 1 dc in next ch, 5 dc in next cluster, 1 dc in next ch, 1 dc in next hdc, 1 dc in next sc, 1 dc around next sl st and ch] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in each of next 5 dc, [5 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 11 dc] 5 times; 5 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 5 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, mini flake: Ch 8 (counts as 1 sc and ch 7), [sk next 7 dc, 1 sc in next dc, ch 7] 11 times; sl st in 1st ch of starting ch 8; bind off. Weave in ends.

Round 4, full-size flake: Ch 8 (counts as 1 sc and [ch 7), sk next 7 dc, 1 sc in next dc, [[ch 15, sl st in 12th ch from hook]] 4 times, working back down spoke sl st in each of next 2 ch, [[ch 12, sl st in same ch as previous sl st, sl st in each of next 3 ch]] 3 times (each leaf or branch should be between the two leaves or branches on the opposite side), ch 1, 1 sc in same dc as previous sc, ch 7, sk next 7 dc, 1 sc in next dc] 6 times, omitting last sc of final repeat; sl st in 1st ch of starting ch 8; bind off. Weave in ends.

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

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch 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

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Round and Round

I'm sure it will look better on me than it does on the floor, but I just finished the crocheted edging of my Christmas snowflake skirt last night, and I pinned the skirt on my bed to shape the points. (I used a fine water mist and stainless steel pins, and I probably also will lightly starch the lace and then iron it this weekend.)

I bought the fabric for this skirt the year after we bought our house 16 years ago. At that time, my beloved Viking Husqvarna was in my bedroom, and so that's where I stacked all my sewing and quilting projects. (The 32-year-old sewing machine gave up the ghost in 2016.) My mother-in-law visited shortly thereafter (and her husband replaced all the storage shelves and hanging bars in all our closets) and pointed out the sun coming through my bedroom window while I was at work each day was going to fade the quilt on my bed, the wall quilt above the bed and all my projects within the sun's reach.

what we started out with

custom-built

much better now

I moved all my fabric into one of the new closet storage compartments (which it outgrew in just a couple of years or so!!!), and began closing the blinds during the day, a habit I still observe to this day. I didn't pay attention to what may have faded until I got ready to use each old thing. I had saved a couple of sheets to use on the backs of quilts, and one had suffered some pretty significant sun-bleaching when I pulled it out nearly five years ago! (Thankfully, the recipient of this particular quilt LOVED the mottled effect on the back! She said it gives the quilt so much more character!)

When I pulled out the white snowflake fabric last November to make the skirt I intended to wear all the way through the Christmas season, I discovered it had some extremely faded spots, too.

I went through my stash and found another few yards of whitish snowflake fabric, and I thought perhaps I could alternate panels in the handkerchief skirt I wanted to make.

When I sat down to begin cutting out the skirt panels, I realized I had more of the first fabric than I remembered buying. With a little bit of creative placement, I was able to cut out all eight pieces with minimal fade spots. Two of the eight panels have a bit of fading in them, but I put them in the back of the skirt, so who is going to notice, right? I then used the badly faded pieces for pockets (which are not included in the pattern but will come in so handy) and the waistband.

The second snowflake fabric went back into my stash, where it may stay for a while. I had ordered it years ago when it went on clearance (because I can almost never resist snowflake fabric), and when I pulled it out of the package, it kind of turned my stomach. I still don't really like it very much (because it almost looks like snow that got peed on!!!), so I'm glad I didn't have to use it in the skirt. (I may overdye it one day to make it more lovable.)

I finally got to begin crocheting the skirt edging last week while I burned off some much-needed vacation time by visiting my in-laws. We have no overhead lights in our living room or bedroom, so working on the skirt at my mother-in-law's was a tad easier. I could crochet when the sun came through the windows because I wasn't tied to my work computer all day, and I could crochet a bit in the evenings because there is adequate overhead light in two rooms at my in-law's.

That first round took about 15 hours!!! I was so happy when I reached the end! The second and third rounds took about 12 hours combined. So there is a significant bit of work in this creation that won't be worn until next November! But, it's done, and done is better than waiting to be finished in the closet!

This is why we block our thread crochet.

After I finished the first skirt panel of the third round (both the second and third rounds were designed in my head as I went), I thought of an idea I liked better. Rather than frog that segment, I decided to do the new pattern on the second segment, hoping I could come up with six more variations, forming a sort of patchwork crochet no one will ever notice when I wear the skirt. Onlookers will just see the lace. They won't study the design.

And I did come up with six more variations! This is what I do sometimes when I'm designing a crocheted snowflake. I just keep trying out new ideas as I go. But a snowflake is a lot more forgiving. It's a lot easier to rip out six points than it is to rip out an entire skirt edging!

I've already designed one snowflake based on the skirt edging. Now I have seven more ideas I can pursue in snowflake stitchery as well!

Linking up with Alycia Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

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Wordless Wednesday

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Be a Snowflake

I can't remember if I ever shared the above image when I created it, but if I didn't, I certainly meant to. If I have already shared it, well, my message still applies. I would love to create posters with many of my crocheted snowflakes stating this same message.

I can't say it enough, and I will never use the word snowflake in a degrading manner. Actually, I have been trying really hard not to say anything negative about anyone. I'm not always successful, but it is a continuing goal. I want to spread sunshine. And I must confess, I'd like to spread snowflakes, too. They make me happy. Even when my fingers are freezing because I can't operate my camera as well when I'm wearing gloves!

I recently was asked by our missionaries if I could show them how I shoot real snowflakes. They asked if they could take pictures of me shooting real snowflakes. Then they asked if I could write something spiritual about snowflakes that might help someone else going through a difficult time. Then they asked if they could post the photos of me with what I wrote so others could read it.

I think it turned out rather well! I think this is some of the best snowflake love I could have shared!

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Snowflake Monday

I woke up at about 4 a.m. yesterday and couldn't fall back asleep, so I got up and made a snowflake then wrote the pattern. Then I realized it was February 6, or our seventh annual Make a Snowflake Day. I felt guilty for not doing something more special than just making a flake. So, I glued and pinned today's snowflake, then wrote up a brief little blog post to celebrate our special day.

Today's pattern is based on the crocheted edging of the snowflake skirt I bought fabric for more than 15 years ago and finally started last November. November and December are always incredibly busy work months for me, and even though I wanted to wear the skirt prior to Christmas, I didn't finish the sewing until the very end of January. I started the lace last week while I was on vacation... a lace-crocheting vacation. I took a week off work and away from my computer to visit my mother-in-law. I took three PIGS (Projects in Grocery Sacks) to work on, but all I got done was most of the lace edging.

I also took my good camera, the one I call The Big Gun, and I snapped some awesome snowflake photos atop the Grand Mesa right after Winter Storm Landon.

I also spent some time working on my 2021 digital temperature quilt one evening while Lizard and his parents watched a Clint Eastwood movie that really isn't my cup of tea. I am very happy to report I am making progress on the temperature quilt. I've finished nine months!!!

I'm also very happy to announce today's flake (as well as each new flake I've designed so far this year, even though I wasn't sure back in December how long I could keep designing new flakes) will find a home in one of the remaining three months!

I've heard one crocheter is making a temperature snake. Although I don't know if I inspired that project, I did mention a temperature snake as an alternative to a temperature quilt challenge back in December. If anyone else is working on a temperature project, it would be so much fun to hear about or see your progress. And your progress likely will inspire others to keep going or possibly even start a project of their own!

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

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.

Break Flake Instructions

Make magic ring.

Round 1: [1 pc in ring, ch 3], 6 times, omitting last 2 ch of final repeat; 1 dc in starting pc to form 6th ch 3 point of Round. Pull magic circle tight.

Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 3), 1 dc in next ch 3 tip, ch 3, 1 dc in same ch 3 tip] 5 times; ch 3, 1 dc in next ch 3 tip, ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.

Round 3: Ch 5 (counts as 1 dc and [ch 3), 1 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, in next ch 3 tip work (1 dc, ch 10, 1 dc in 6th ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, ch 2, 1 dc)] 6 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 5.
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: [in next ch 3 sp work (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc), ch 3, 1 sc in 3rd ch from hook, in next ch 3 sp work (1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc), 3 sc in next ch 2 sp, ch 3, in next ch 5 tip work (5 dc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook, 5 dc), ch 3, 3 sc in next ch 2 sp] 6 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.

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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7th Annual Make a Snowflake Day

Well, I sort of dropped the ball on this year's Snowflake Ball. I just returned from a week at my mother-in-law's, and I sort of forgot about today until today.

I worked on my snowflake skirt while I was taking some time away from work and my computer, but I didn't get the crocheted lace done. (Yet!!! There is still hope for an added bonus to tomorrow's pattern, which is based on the lace pattern I designed for the skirt hem!) I didn't schedule another virtual get-together because I was away and not really thinking about our Seventh Annual Snowflake Ball. But, in going back through my previous Snowflake Ball images, I discovered I actually did create one for this year! Amazing!!!

Hard to believe now because it seems like a lifetime ago, but I actually created the above image while editing photos from Winter Storm Delphine back in December. We got another eight or so inches last week while I was gone, but I totally missed out on that storm (although a bunch of it remains on the ground outside my house). However, I did get to shoot a few Winter Storm Landon flakes at altitude. It was the first time Lizard and I have been above 10,000 feet in more than two years!!!

Now, don't go thinking we were cross-country skiing or anything exciting and adventurous! We merely drove up the Grand Mesa after the storm (which did not deposit any of the glorious white stuff in the city where my mother-in-law lives) specifically to see if there were any snowflakes I could photograph. We found swirls of flakes in the sunny breeze atop the Mesa, and I spent about an hour shooting some of the most gorgeous snowflakes I've ever seen up close. I had to stop shooting when my fingers got too cold to manipulate the camera.

Happy Make a Snowflake Day! I hope you make a snowflake today! I did! I'll share it tomorrow!

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