New Friday Link Party Starting January 6th

Join me every Friday starting January 6th for the Petals to Picots I ♥ Fridays Link Party.  Add this button to your parties page or sidebar as a reminder to link up on Fridays and to help spread the invite.

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Upcoming posts:

•  Interview and Pattern Giveaway with Designer Tara Murray
•  Green Crocheting: How to Make Plarn
•  Monday "Pin"spirations
•  Book Review: Crochet Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia
•  I ♥ Fridays Link Party

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"The Best of 2011" Link Party

2011 is soon coming to a close, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate all that we've done this year.  This link party is dedicated to all you talented, crafty ladies.  Take this opportunity to link up your favorite crafts, recipes, makeovers, decor ideas, tutorials, or whatever other posts you are most proud of this year.

Crocheted Holly Leaf with Berries

Christmas is quickly approaching, and if you are like me you still have a ton of stuff to do.  So, with 9 days to go I know I don't have time for a big project.  This little pattern is quick and easy, and the embellishing possibilities are endless.  Use them to decorate your packages, add them to napkin rings to adorn your holiday table, pin one to your jacket to add a festive touch ... the list goes on and on.  And of course, don't forget to share photos of your finished leaves with me.  I can't wait to hear all the original ideas you will come up with.

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Skill Level:	Easy
Yarn:	Worsted-weight yarn
Hook:	G hook
Size:	Finished leaf measures approx. 4 in. x 2 in.

 

Abbreviations Used
ch	chain
Sl st	slip stitch
sc	single crochet
hdc	half double crochet
dc	double crochet
sk	skip
st(s)	stitch(es)

Holly Leaf 

Each row is worked facing front, do not turn.

Ch 10 

Row 1:  Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, *sc, hdc, sc, Sl st, repeat from * once more — 9 sts. 

Row 2:  ch 2, still facing front and working on opposite side of chain, Sl st in same st as last Sl st made, *sc, hdc, sc, Sl st, repeat from * once more — 11 sts.

Row 3:  (sc, ch 3, sc) in the unworked ch from Row 1, work 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, (sc, ch 3, sc) in the next st, 1 sc, sk next st, 1 sc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts — 21 sts.

Row 4:  Still facing front, (sc, ch 3, sc) in the ch-2 space from Row 2, work 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, (sc, ch 3, sc) in the next st, 1 sc, sk next st, 1 sc, (sc, ch 3, sc) in the next st, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts — 21 sts.

Row 5:  Still facing front, Sl st in ch-3 space from Row 3, ch 5, Sl st in second ch from hook and each of the next 3 ch, Sl st in ch-3 space again to join.

Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Berries

 

Make 3

Do not start with a slip knot.  Instead, make a loop with the skein end of the yarn over the tail end, and pull a loop through (counts as 1st ch).

Ch 2

In second ch from hook, without completing last wrap, make 2 dc, yo and pull through 3 loops, Sl st in the same st to join, pull end of yarn to tighten into a ball.  Fasten off leaving a long enough tail to sew the berry onto the holly leaf. 


Finishing 

Using a tapestry needle, sew berries to leaf.  Weave in ends. 

Enjoy!! 

© Copyright 2011 by Petals to PicotsThe pattern and images cannot be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without expressed permission from Petals to Picots.

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Yarn Ball Ornaments

I think we have already established that I love yarn. So what better way to decorate for Christmas than with yarn! These yarn ornaments are super simple to make, and I love the way they came out. And, of course, the first thing I wanted to do was share them with you.

What you will need:

• A cardboard or Styrofoam ball from your local craft store
• 3 to 5 different colors from your scrap yarn stash
• Hot glue gun

What to do:

1.  Add a bit of  hot glue to the ball and start wrapping the yarn around.  You can wrap in all different directions to maintain a round shape, or you can wrap the yarn in one direction to form more of an angular shape.

2.   When you have covered the whole ball, add a dab of glue to secure the yarn and weave in ends.

3.  To finish the ornament off, cut a length of yarn from each skein that can easily wrap around the ball about 6 times.  Holding the center of the strands, wrap around the ball until the strands meet (this will be the bottom of the ornament), then give the ball a 90 degree twist and wrap the yarn back to the top of the ball.  Tie a knot to secure.

4.  I finished off the balls in two different ways.  I tied a bow on one before using a strand of yarn to create a loop for hanging.  On the other ball, I made a series of knots to add a little more height.  Next, I wove in the strands from one side back and forth through the knots.  Then, I used the yarn from the other side to create a loop for hanging and wove in those ends, leaving the loop the length desired. 

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Crocheted Star of Bethlehem Ornament

As some of you may remember from last week's post, every year I pick an ornament to crochet, and I go crazy making tons of them for Christmas.  I put them on my tree, give them to friends, and use them as decorations on gifts.  

And as a special thank you to all of you who showed your support by following my site, liking my page on Facebook, or just stopping by to check things out, I am providing this year's pattern below.  Enjoy!

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 Star of Bethlehem Ornament Pattern
 

Skill Level:	Easy
Yarn:	Size 10 crochet thread Shown in Royale Gold Metallic
Hook:	Steel 7 / 1.65 mm
Notions:	fabric stiffener
Size:	Finished star = approx. 5 in. x 4 in.

Abbreviations Used
ch	chain
Sl st	slip stitch
sc	single crochet
hdc	half double crochet
dc	double crochet
edc	extended double crochet
st(s)	stitch(es)
tc	treble crochet
dtc	double treble crochet
Extended Double Crochet: Yarn over hook, insert hook into specified stitch and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through first loop on hook, yarn over and draw through two loops on hook, yarn over and draw through two loops again. Double Treble Crochet:  Yarn over hook three times, insert hook into specified stitch and draw up a loop, yarn over hook and draw through two loops, yarn over hook and draw through two loops twice more.

Work through both loops throughout.

Ch 8, join with a Sl st in first chain made to form a ring.

Foundation Round: Ch 3, work 24 dc into ring, join with Sl st in top of beginning chain — 24 sts.

Point 1: Ch 16, Sl st into 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, 3 hdc, 3 dc, 1 edc, 3 tc, 2 dtc, skip next 3 sts on foundation round and Sl st in next to anchor point — 15 sts.

Point 2: Ch 9, Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, 2 hd, 3dc, skip 1 st on foundation round and Sl st in next to anchor point — 8 sts.

Point 3: Ch 16, Sl st into 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, 3 hdc, 3 dc, 1 edc, 3 tc, 2 dtc, skip next 3 sts on foundation round and Sl st in next to anchor point — 15 sts.

Point 4: Ch 9, Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, 2 hd, 3dc, skip 1 st on foundation round and Sl st in next to anchor point — 8 sts.

Point 5: Ch 23, Sl st into 2nd ch from hook, 3 sc, 4 hdc, 4 dc, 2 edc, 4 tc, 4 dtc, skip next 3 sts on foundation round and Sl st in next to anchor point — 22 sts.

Point 6: Ch 9, Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, 2 hd, 3dc, skip 1 st on foundation round and Sl st in next to anchor point — 8 sts.

Point 7: Ch 16, Sl st into 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, 3 hdc, 3 dc, 1 edc, 3 tc, 2 dtc, skip next 3 sts on foundation round and Sl st in next to anchor point — 15 sts.

Point 8: Ch 9, Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc, 2 hd, 3dc, skip 1 st on foundation round and Sl st in same st as join from foundation round to anchor point — 8 sts.

Fasten off and weave in ends. 


Finishing 

Wrap a flat piece of Styrofoam or thick cardboard with wax paper and tape to secure. Using straight pins, pin the star right side down onto the Styrofoam/cardboard, making sure to straighten each point. Using a small paintbrush, apply a thin coat of fabric stiffener over the star. Let sit until dry or as long as directed on the stiffening product. Once dry, thread a piece of thread through the top of the star and knot the thread to create a loop. 

© Copyright 2011 by Petals to Picots

The pattern and images cannot be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without expressed permission from Petals to Picots.

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Product Review: The Sharp Crochet Hook

Looking for a holiday gift for that special crafter?  Look no further ... here is the Sharp Crochet Hook!

Ever since I received the Sharp Crochet Hook, I have been running around my house looking for things to embellish. Everything was fair game ... fabric napkins, my daughters' shirts, bathroom towels, my husband's Harley T-shirt ... okay, maybe not that!

Created by Jessica, the Sharp Crochet Hook has a sharp pointed head that easily crochets through fabric to add an edging or border without the need of first hemstitching or poking holes through the fabric.  It works best with crochet thread sizes 10, 5, or 3, but I also did try it with worsted weight yarn, and although it is not the ideal size for it, I was happy with the results.

For my first project I stuck with the recommended crochet thread size and used a size 10 cotton thread to add a little lace edging to my holiday napkins.  As promised, the hook slid right through the fabric, and I was able to make the edging in no time.

Feeling inspired, I moved on to my bathroom washclothes, which I thought were looking a little shabby, and dressed them up.

Then I remembered the shirt I was making for my daughter and decided that it needed a little edging as well.  For this, I used the same worsted weight yarn that I used on the top of her shirt.  Although it was easier with the crochet threads, I didn't think it was too difficult with the worsted weight yarn and love how it came out. 

And lastly, although my husband drew the line at testing it on one of his Harley T-shirts, he didn't say anything about me using it to fem up my recently acquired T-shirt (i.e., stolen from his drawer — before you judge me too harshly, let me just say that it hasn't fit him since 1987 and was taking up valuable real estate in his overstuffed drawer).  It needed that, don't you think?

Ready for your project?

On the Sharp Crochet website, Jessica gives ideas for edging flannel receiving blankets, burp clothes, towels, gloves, socks, and even paper. There are also templates available that can be printed out and used for rounding the corners on your cloth.   

I love this project Jessica recently made.  By just adding a border to a 99 cent handkerchief, she created this fabulous zebra print apron.   What a great idea to make for yourself or as a gift.  I am definitely adding this to my crochet to-do list.

The Sharp Crochet Hook is very affordable at $6.99 and includes three patterns, the Quick and Easy, the Picot Fan, and the In the Loop.  But you can also purchase it packaged with a handy pattern edging handbook that includes an additional 12 patterns at $10.99.

And as a special holiday incentive there is FREE shipping on U.S. orders until December 15.  Visit www.sharpcrochethook.com to order.   

And once you use the Sharp Crochet Hook, don't forget to share your finished projects here.  I want pictures!  :)

Crocheted Christmas Ornaments

Patterns from left to right: Snowflake # 7 by Sally V. George, no longer available online; Angel "Noelle" Ornament by James G. Davis; Royal Crown Snowflake by Sandi Marshall; Picot Snowflake Ornament by Priscilla Hewitt.

I vow never to start my Christmas preparations until December ... so, since it is December 1st, let the countdown begin!  

Every year for the last six years I have picked out a pattern and spent the month making ornaments.  I make them for my tree, to give to co-workers, and to use as decorations on presents.  

I love unpacking my decorations every year and rediscovering them.  Here are some of my favorites.  I usually crochet them in cotton thread, use a fabric stiffener, and then use glitter spray to add a little sparkle. 

Anyone have any ideas for this year?

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