Let's Crochet A Christmas Tree

 

About 9 years ago, I mentioned to someone that I wanted to crochet a Christmas Tree. She said she had the perfect pattern, and she would email it to me.  As it turned out, the pattern she sent was from an unknown source. Someone had emailed it to her, and someone else had emailed it to that other person, through quite a few emails.  I have wanted to share this pattern for years, and finally thought to ask my friend, Kim Guzman, how I could go about doing it. I haven't ever done what the pattern I received said, and I changed a bunch of things, so Kim said I should be okay. I am not claiming this is my original pattern, but it is my own interpretation of the pattern...the original pattern calls for plaster of Paris, and a tuna can, and rebar, and washers! Not exactly things I think of grabbing when I grab my yarn!

Materials:

1 Skein of Worsted Weight Yarn...I use the Red Heart Super Saver...in your choice of color. I chose Green for the pictures, but I have made this tree in several "odd" colors.

H Hook

Yarn needle

The tree is worked from the top down. This allows you to make it as small or as large as you would like.  I have found 3 sections works nicely, for a child's tree. I prefer 4 or 5 sections for a table tree, and I have made a tree that was 7 sections. They tend to get unwieldy after 5 sections, and I am thinking that is why the original pattern had rebar and a base, to reinforce it.

Regardless of how many sections you choose to make, every section has the same Chain and Row 1. You can begin your circle with your favorite circle starting method. I choose to just do the chain 4, since it doesn't have to be a closed hole, and you won't ever see it, once you have built your tree. I will give you a stitch count for each row of each tier, but keep in mind that is a guide. If it says you need 150 stitches on a row, don't fret if you end up with 145 or even 160. stitch count is not set in stone here, and your tree will look fine.  I will also tell you to turn at the end of each row. This is not required. I have done trees with turns, trees without turns, and a few where both happened. it DOES look different, so this might be something you experiment with and decide what you like.

Tree Top Tier

Row 1: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch, to form a circle. 10 SC into your circle and join with a slip stitch.  (10 SC)

Row 2: Chain 2 and turn. Your chain 2 will count as your first stitch from here on. Add 4 more DC to that first stitch, for a total of 5. 5 DC in each SC around circle. Join with a slip stitch. (50 DC)

Row 3: Chain 2 and turn. Add 2 more DC in that first stitch. 3 DC in each DC around circle. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off. (150 DC)

Second Tier: Remember, this is the second tier from the top.

Row 1: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch, to form a circle. 10 SC into your circle and join with a slip stitch.  (10 SC)

Row 2: Chain 2 and turn. Add 1 more DC to that first stitch, for a total of 2 DC. 2 DC in each SC around circle. Join with a slip stitch. (20 DC)

Row 3: Chain 2 and turn. Add 2 more DC to the first stitch, for a total of 3 DC. 3 DC in each DC around circle. Join with a slip stitch. (60 DC)

Row 4: Chain 2 and turn. Repeat row 3. Fasten off. (180 DC)

Third Tier:  Remember this is the 3rd tier from the top, working down.

Row 1: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch, to form a circle. 10 SC into your circle and join with a slip stitch.  (10 SC)

Row 2: Chain 2 and turn. Add 1 more DC to that first stitch, for a total of 2 DC. 2 DC in each stitch around circle. Join with a slip stitch. (20 DC)

Row 3: Chain 2 and turn. Repeat row 2. (40 DC)

Row 4: Chain 2 and turn. Repeat row 2. (60 DC)

Row 5: Chain 2 and turn. Add 2 more DC to the first stitch for a total of 3 DC. 3 DC in each DC around circle. Join with a slip stitch. Fasten off. (180 DC)

Fourth Tier: Remember this is the fourth tier from the top working down.

Row 1: Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch, to form a circle. 10 SC into your circle and join with a slip stitch.  (10 SC)

Row 2: Chain 2 and turn. Add 1 more DC to that first stitch, for a total of 2 DC. 2 DC in each stitch around circle. Join with a slip stitch. (20 DC)

Row 3: Chain 2 and turn. Repeat row 2. (40 DC)

Row 4: Chain 2 and turn. Repeat row 2. (80 DC)

Row 5: Chain 2 and turn. Repeat row 2. (160 DC)

Row 6: Chain 2 and turn. Repeat row 2. Fasten off. (320 DC)

To do additional tiers, repeat the fourth tier, with an additional row for each tier. For example, if you do five tiers, your fifth tier will have seven rows, six tiers will have eight rows and so on. 

Tree assembly: 

This isn't going to be easy.  The way the tiers curl up makes it difficult to get them attached and looking nice without flattening out your tree. Be patient! 

Start with Tier 4 or your bottom tier. Center the next tier up, and stitch together with your yarn needle, being careful not to flatten your tree too much. Add the next tier up and repeat, stitching together until you get to the treetop section. Sewing this section on can be a real pain in the neck, since it doesn't lie flat at all. Keep trying until your tree is sewn together securely and to your liking.

***I'll be adding a video to this post, to help explain assembly, either today or tomorrow. I will also be adding decoration ideas.

Mug Rugs!

Hmmm, mug rugs! They've been around for a very long time. I recently joined a new yarn group, on MeWe, and they are all the rage!  Maybe they are all the rage everywhere! Regardless of popularity, it doesn't get much cuter!

I made this one using the pattern I found over at Yarn & Chai. I asked Lee to pick out 5 colors of cotton yarn, and that is what I used! It was super easy, and super fun! I am considering making a set of mug rugs, that will sort of match. I can see taking a different yarn, and making it Yarn A, for each rug...my yarn A was orange, and it is completely outside of my comfort zone, to have so much orange in something...and so little PURPLE!!  Haahaahaa!!  It just worked out that way.

Over at Yarn & Chai, she says to tape down your ends and trim them. I found that to be a waste of resources. I used my cutting mat, quilting ruler (any straight edge will work), and cutting wheel. Sloop, sloop, and the ends were all nicely trimmed and my mug rug was ready to use!

How To Make A Nylon Pot Scrubber

 About 7 years ago, I started selling crochet items at the local farmers market. The director kept asking me to make pot scrubbers. I resisted for 2 months, thinking every pattern I had seen was pretty ugly. Then it occurred to me, the poof was not the way to go! I could just make 2 circles and attach them together.

It worked! I took some pot scrubbers to the next market, and they were a hit!! I no longer sell at the market, but people hunt me down to buy my scrubbies!! They are a HUGE hit at Christmas time, especially with the ladies at church!

So what's the deal with these things, anyway? These pot scrubbies are simply amazing! I made them in 2 sizes, for about a year. I made some 1 round larger, but I decided this size is best. You can make them larger, if you like.

To begin to make a pot scrubber, you need tulle. Yep, the stuff you think of when you think cute little ballerina tutu!! Okay, so not quite the same stuff, you want tulle with a bigger open net. You'll want a tulle that is softer enough to be pliable, yet stiff than the tutu skirt.  I usually buy my tulle in 10 yard segments, since that creates long pieces of tulle to work with. You can buy any amount you want, but I try to avoid 5 yard segments... The knots hit right where you don't want them, almost every scrubbie. So guess how much of this bright green I bought! 5 yards!! Yeah, I didn't plan that well. 

Once you have purchased your tulle, you'll want to refold it. You don't have to refold it, you will just have 45 inch long strips. If you fold it the other way, it takes a few minutes but you'll have longer strips and fewer knots.  

Lay the folded tulle on a cutting mat and cut it into 2 inch wide strips. You don't need to have a fancy cutting wheel and mat for this part, your scissors will work just fine! It's just a little faster with the cutter and wheel.

 After you have cut your strips, tie them together with simple granny knots. This is one of the very rare times you will see me tell you to tie a knot. Knots are not my friends. Roll the strips into a ball as you tie them together. 

Now you're ready to make your scrubbie! 

Yo-yo bunny!

When I found this pattern for the Yo-Yo Bunny. I downloaded it and waited for the right yarn to come my way.  I like the bunny, but it looks kind of sad in the picture for the pattern.  I decided I wanted my bunny to be colorful and happy!

I decided I wanted red boots to match the red in the yo-yos.  I also opted to use the same yarn and the G hook for collar.  I think it makes him look less formal, and more fun.  I also opted out of using blush on his ears...who needs that mess?!

Either way you make it, this bunny is really fun and incredibly CUTE!!

Free pattern for a hanging hand towel using 1 ball of cotton

One of my goals this year was to write a pattern that could be understood and used by others.  I do not believe in charging for a crochet pattern, no matter what it may be for.  It is my belief that I am unable to make the item for everyone who might want one.  I believe that by sharing my "discoveries" with you only enhances both of our crocheting lives.

Below, is a pattern that was intended for Peaches and Cream's Stripes cotton yarn.  It was also tested on the Stripes from Sugar and Cream....and of course, it will work with any and all other cotton yarn.  Please enjoy this pattern.  My intent is too hang these in my guest bathroom, using an antique drawer handle in place of a towel bar.

Hanging Hand Towel

Materials:

1 ball of cotton yarn (I prefer Peaches and Cream Stripes, or Sugar and Cream stripes.) Please see note at bottom.

Size H crochet hook

1 button to match yarn -  1/2 to 1 inch, but Row 53 can be modified to fit any button...We all know how it feels to find JUST that right button, but it is the wrong size.  For smaller buttons DC in place of TR.  

Gauge:

17 rows = 4 inches

15 stitches = 4 inches

Chain 37.

Row 1:

SC in second chain from hook. * Chain 1. Skip next stitch in foundation chain and SC in next stitch.*     

Repeat from * to *, SC in last stitch of foundation chain.  Chain 1 and turn. (the last 2 foundation chains should

have SC in them) (36)

Row 2: SC if first stitch.  Chain one.  *Sc in chain 1 space of previous row.  Chain 1.* Repeat from * to * , SC in last stitch of row. Chain 1 and turn. (36)

Rows 3 through 40:

Repeat Row 2.

Row 41: SC decrease across, chain 1 and turn (18)

Row 42: repeat row 41 (9)

Row 43:  SC decrease in the first 2 stitches,  SC in the next, SC decrease in the last 2 stitches (5 stitches total)

Row 44: SC across; chain 1 and turn (5 st)

Rows 45 through Row 52: Repeat row 44

Row 53: HDC, DC, (TR,TR), DC, HDC (6 stitches total), chain 1 and turn

Row 54 : SC across (6st), chain 1 but do not turn.

Edging: SC evenly down side and around towel, sl st into first SC of Row 54.  Fasten off. 

Note: I have come to the conclusion that all balls of yarn, even by the same brand, are not created equal.  I created 7 towels before now.  All 7 were made by me, using the same hook.  The first 6 towels are identical, down to the amount of tail left to tuck at the end.  Towel 7 ended on a sad note, with the yarn not quite reaching the top of the second side of the towel. 

Yarn! Smell it before you buy it!?

Who would have ever thought to SMELL yarn before you buy it?  We all look at the color, and then we look at the texture.  Then we feel the yarn between our fingers and we either buy it or put it back!  Smelling yarn would most certainly get a few odd looks, right?!

Well, smelling before I buy is likely going to become a practice for me!  I just pulled a ball of cotton from my bin, to make a hat.  The cotton was brought home in the bin, since the bin was purchased the same day.

I was sitting here with the yarn next to me, smelling this odd perfume-like smell; nothing like anything around the house.  I kept wondering what I was smelling.  I picked up that yarn to start on a hat, and I got a very strong whiff of the smell.  I still didn't connect the smell to the yarn, yarn doesn't smell like THAT!!

So I sat here happily crocheting away, all the while wondering what on earth was I smelling!  I reached up to adjust my glasses, and realized my HAND was smelling like the strange smell.  STILL not connecting the dots, I became a bit confused.  Suddenly it hit me that maybe it was the yarn.  I picked up the yarn and smelled...not the dainty little sniff, sniff, but the all out SNIIIIFFFF!!

WHEW!!  It almost knocked me out!  It isn't a bad smell, just a very strong smell.  My yarn smells!!  Well, let me just say that in MY opinion my yarn stinks...

Oh well, nothing a good shower for me and a spin through the washer for the hat won't fix, but SMELL BEFORE YOU BUY!!  :-)

Patterns

     For a long time I was reluctant to use patterns for anything.  It stemmed from looking at a very complicated pattern years before I knew how to crochet.  I was convinced that all patterns were a gobbly-gook compilation of letters and numbers, and that I had to count EVERY SINGLE STITCH.  I really don't like having to count everything, so I shied away from patterns.

     Then my husband decided he was going to make a Santa hat...from a pattern.  When HE succeeded, I HAD to at least give the idea another visit.  I put it off for a few months, figuring I would come across a pattern I really wanted to or needed to try.  Then it happened, it was a pattern for a cat toy.  Being a foster home for a local dog and cat rescue, I figured I would give it a go.  I meticulously followed that pattern, and I ended up with an incredibly cute and adorable cat toy...that no one played with.

    That is the story of my life as a dog/cat mommy; I find a toy that *I* love and think will be a hit, and they just snub it and walk away.  First attempt at a pattern was a success for me, but an epic fail for the item.  I played around and made a few more for the rescue, figuring SOME cat would like it.  As I was making the toys, I decided to see what I could come up with to make the toy more appealing.  I have to say that MY version was more widely received, and the cats in my house actually played with it.  I was thrilled!

  Some might say I had written a new pattern.  I did share it with a crochet group, but I guess to make a crocheted cat toy, you have to be in the mood.  I don't think I wrote a new pattern.  I think I merely took the pattern as a guide, and switched things up and took it in my own direction.  My end result was still a cat toy, and it still had many of the features of the original.

   I also love to quilt.  In looking at patterns for quilts through the years, and more recently at crochet patterns, I am stunned by how many people change a color of fabric or yarn, or the finished size, and claim to have written a new pattern.  I have to laugh at the patterns, online especially, that say you may not use any part of this pattern in a new pattern.  Does this person REALLY think they have created something so new and so far out there, that no one else would ever think on their own to put a single crochet stitch beside a double crochet stitch!?  Some of these people act like they just re-invented the crochet hook!

  All that said, I use patterns as a guide.  I often combine elements from several patterns, to get just the look I want.  I am not writing a NEW pattern, I just am not following THE pattern.  I am pretty sure we have all seen a pattern that we just have to make, and then something either doesn't make sense or we dislike a certain part.  Why be stuck doing it according to the pattern?!  Why not explore your options and your skills, and do something different?

   And then there are mistakes.  Yes, some patterns have mistakes!  *GASP!!!!*  Do you stop and go no further, or do you try to fix it on your own.  I know many people are actually afraid to fix it on their own.  I also think that MOST of those people COULD figure out how to fix it, or change it to work better, but they are afraid to venture out on their own.  It is only yarn.  It isn't going to explode if you change something, and it isn't going to bite your finger off.  The pattern writer isn't going to come yell at you for changing a stitch.

     Patterns are written by people.  Most patterns are written by a person who has decided to try a different yarn or pattern combination, since that makes all the difference... I intend for that to come across VERY sarcastically.  You and I are not yarn drones.  You and I are hookers.  Hookers that likely have at least 1 HUGE pile of yarn.  I will often see a pattern that calls for a bulky yarn.  Bulky yarns are more expensive than the 4ply worsted weight yarn, so I tend to buy them more selectively and less often.  I will try a pattern, at least part of it, in a "regular" yarn before I go buy MORE yarn...

     Well, I USUALLY do.  I participated in a Mystery Crochet Along a few months back, and I bought the yarn FIRST.  That crochet along was for a hat.  The pattern was written in such a way, that MOST of us ended up with REALLY BIG hats.  I had to rip out my hat and start again.  Then I figured out I didn't really want to.  That yarn sat around for awhile, and I JUST used it for a set of wrist warmers.

     Crochet patterns for the most part, are not like sewing patterns.  Crochet patterns can be played with and moved around and mixed and matched to give YOU the look YOU want.  Using a dishrag pattern for an afghan is fine, as is using an afghan pattern for a dishrag!  Taking bits from a pattern is fine.  I just made some Christmas trees with stars on the tops.  I used a pattern for the stars, from a napkin ring pattern.  I like to think my trees look great, even IF I didn't use the pattern the way it was written!

     Improvise!  Play around!  Explore!  Experiment!  Look at patterns with the idea that you are looking at the elements within the pattern, and not necessarily with the idea that you have to make the whole piece.  You might just be surprised to find how truly creative you are!

Remember, no one is going to knock on your door and yell at you for not doing precisely what the pattern says.  The yarn won't bite you.  Crochet is all about the finished product, NOT the pattern(s) you used to get there!

Here is the link to the original cat toy. 

Here is what my more popular with my cats cat toy looked like.