Crochet

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Crochet A New Stitch

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cro pine tree 0814

Have you discovered the site that sends you an email every day to teach you a new crochet stitch?  I think it’s totally amazing!  While I do not necessarily have time every single day to practice a new stitch, I like seeing the patterns or motifs.  I certainly like having such a useful reference so handy on my laptop or tablet.

The site offers patterns also. And a blog.  And videos to follow for each new stitch.  And free tutorials and online classes!  It’s easy to sign up for their daily or weekly newsletter that will update you on all their offerings.

I’ve also been pleased with their particular selection of patterns.  You can find a gazillion sites online to show you how to chain, single crochet, etc.  But, beyond Crochet 101, there has been a need online (and in English) that uses a multifaceted approach to teaching more complex stitches and motifs.  If you learn better by seeing, or reading, or doing, this site has you covered.

Should you also do that craft that uses only the one stick, the same stitch resources are available on the same site.  I’m a confirmed crocheter, finding knitting to make me tense rather than relaxed.  But, there are clearly many ambicraftous yarn users our there.

cro fairy shell stitch 0814

You can try your hand at the Fairy Shell stitch.  If nothing else, the name is enchanting!

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The Mock Popcorn Flower is a great way to use the popcorn stitch.  And, if you’ve been reading my post for very long, you know how I love crocheted flowers.  Working up a bouquet of these in a variety of colors would be so pretty.  Great scrap project!

There are a lot of other goodies on this site.  You’ll get hooked just like I am!  So, go on over and sign up for that newsletter so you don’t miss any stitch news.

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Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.