Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet Club Fun

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cro pirate hat 0914

 

We had our usual good time at the monthly meeting of the St. Louis Crochet Club last night.  There was a lot of show n’ tell, but some of it was just outstanding and I wanted to be sure to share it with my readers.  Thanks to Ronnie, as usual, for taking these pictures.  That’s Marie modelling the Pirate Cap she made for a Dad and his kid (a pattern from Mommy and Me).

Looking for more Crochet patterns using the Ripple stitch check these out on Etsy?

 

cro marie ripple 0914

Marie, one of our newer members and a novice crochet turned out a fantastic version of the Moogly Morroccan Tote.  She made hers in two solid shades of brown – light brown and dark brown – using a third color with a light background and flecks of brown in it to make her version, changing colors every row.  It was smashing!  Marie is working on a yoga mat holder to carry in her tote.  She may be a  novice at crochet, but her color sense is fantastic.  The ripple cap and wristlets are another Marie project from Mommy and Me.

 

cro donna jo shrug 0914

Looking for more Shrug patterns to crochet? Check out these Crochet patterns for Shrugs we found on Etsy as well as these books on Amazon. 

 

Then, I got really lucky!  Well, there was the almond bark and cookies on the table.  But, I digress.  Donna Jo made this cute shrug (unknown pattern source although it looks a lot like Carol Wolf’s Palm Beach Shrug) for herself, but it happened to fit me better – so she gave it to me!! I have had this on my PIM (projects in mind) for quite some time.  Donna Jo saved me a lot of time and trouble – and it fits perfectly.  So, she’s my custom fit specialist!

cro mommy hats book 0414

Other projects passed around the table were socks (knit), a lovely Christmas ball (also knit), a Seraphina Shawl from Janna – just beginning it – another prayer shawl from Rita, a couple of dollie projects from Ronnie, Cathy’s growing (and lovely) Tunisian Christmas Afghan, and my Urban Shells Scarf in progress.  Far less show n’ tell than usual, but still lots of inspiration.

Comments

  2. Blushing!
    Thanks for the call out JD. Club night is always a good time. The sweater is the Palm Beach + a sleeve. Happy that you’re happy!

Have you read?

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.