Taking the Christmas decorations down seems to leave the house looking so naked. I know it is just in my head but still I miss the garlands and lights.....
So, I crocheted this garland to brighten up the mantel for the month of January. I added a sprinkling of little stars and just a few snowflakes.
I didn't want wires showing so I crocheted around a short white light set. The kind you find for wreaths during the holidays. Mine has 35 lights.
A part of me wants to add a little netting or "something" extra....but another part of me likes it just like it is. Simple.
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I had a couple emails requesting the pattern links and info on the cord. Keep reading below if you are interested in this information.
For the stars and snowflakes, I used a size E hook. My goal was to make teeny stars and simple, small snowflakes so I modified the patterns a bit to do this. You don't have too!
Snowflake:
I used this pattern by Sarah London using the US version. Modifications I made:
First, I started with a magic ring instead of chaining 8. I did this so I could tighten the snowflakes around the lights. Just make sure you leave a large enough hole for the fairy lights to go through after stiffening them.
Second, In round 1 instead of joining at the top of beginning chain 3, I slip stitched across like you do with granny squares.
Third, in round 2, right after the * I worked slip stitches instead of single crochet to make it smaller.
Star:
I used this pattern by summerfete
Again, I started with a magic ring instead of chaining 5.
If you don't know how to make a magic ring, Planet June has a wonderful tutorial here.
I then used fabric stiffener and blocked them overnight. Some of the holes shrank a bit but you can work them open carefully...just don't tug too hard!
For the cord I basically worked single crochet around the cord, similar to if you crocheted around a coat hanger. I worked about 10 stitches between each light and worked around each light to completely cover the cord. As you work, you need to straighten the cord out a little or it will coil.
trying them on before stiffening them:
If you've never blocked anything, summerfete's itty bitty star tutorial has some guidelines on it so you can use it. I just happened to have some fabric stiffener on hand so I used that instead. Make sure to get lots of pins so each point is sharp looking!
Happy Hooking!
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5 comments:
Very pretty!! Love the knitting to cover the cord. That's the part I don't like looking at.
Chris =]
Too cute! I need to steal this idea for Tatum's snowflake birthday party!!
Love it !!
I always feel the same way after Christmas. Maybe that why my decorations stay up till halfway to February! This is such a great idea! Do you have a pattern link for the stars and snowflakes?
Very cool--you have inspired me to MAYBE cover a few hangers--when I have time!
Happy New Year to you and yours.
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