Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet To Keep

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cro slipper button 0614

Are you familiar with cutoutandkeep.net?  If not, you gotta get yourself over there to see all the crochet and other crafty goodies they have.  These slippers are one of the newer offerings.  I receive their occasional email updates as I like to always know what’s the latest crochet and crafting news on the internet.

One great thing about cutoutandkeep is that the patterns are all free!  And, there are oodles of crochet patterns to choose from.  Rather than being offerings from the big names in each craft, most of the patterns on this site are designed by relatively unknowns, often beginners.  It’s great to see the kinds of creativity we can come up with and share.  After craftbits.com, this is my favorite source for the latest patterns and designs in crochet and the other areas of crafting that interest me – sewing, beading, paper crafting, etc.  I could go on and on!

The cute slippers featured here are the work of Shirley and Eadie, contributors to cutoutandkeep.  You could be a contributor there or at craftbits.  Craftbits even pays for some designs.  Go get their rules here so you can see what you might come up with to contribute.  I believe that all crocheters are designers.  We tend to adapt patterns to our own needs – and before long, we may well have adapted and changed enough that we have developed a unique pattern, worthy of publication and admiration.

Disclaimer:  I have no affiliation with cutoutandkeep.  Craftbits.com is the parent organization which owns this blog.  However, I still love craftbits.com and use it myself to find projects to work on!

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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.