IF YOU CROCHET AND NEEDLEFELT, I’VE GOT THE BOOK FOR YOU…

I was a bit hesitant when I received this book. I haven’t done any needlefelting in a while. It’s such a versatile craft that I should do more, but there are only so many hours…..

This book really makes me want to pull out my wool roving and get busy! There are several projects that combine crochet and needlefelting (my favorites). If you’re not familiar with needlefelting – it’s lots easier than wet felting. You should give it a try. When I first learned to needlefelt, supplies were hard to find locally. Now Hobby Lobby and Michael’s carry packets of the wool roving dyed in a wonderful range of colors and the special needles for this craft. It’s cost effective since it takes so little roving to make small projects and the needles last a long time. Check here for more info on needlefelting:

http://felting.craftgossip.com/2007/09/12/discover-the-art-of-needle-felting/

My fave projects in this book are the Shy Reindeer Toy on page 112 and the Dog in Sheep’s Clothing on page 48. This book also contains instructions with pictures for wet felting and includes some minimal use of that technique. The rest of these whimsical designs inspire me to pull our my roving and needles. Don’t miss this book if you have any interest in combining crochet with felting. It’s a winner!

SPECS:

Felt Me A Smile by Toyoko Sugiwaka

Potter Craft (Random House) Books, 2010

115 pages, numerous color photos

ISBN 9780307586490

List Price $14.99 USA

BTW, this book has the wonderful satin-finished cover (peanut butter and jelly proof) that I prefer. Wish it had a spiral binding…..

Some crochet patterns are practical, some are pretty, and some are just pure holiday fun. This Christmas Tree Crochet Scarf from CraftBits falls firmly into that last category, and honestly, that is exactly why it caught my eye again. It is quirky, cheerful, and the kind of novelty scarf that makes people smile before you have even had a chance to explain that yes, you really did make it yourself. The pattern comes from CraftBits and creates a scarf made up of Christmas tree motifs joined together into one gloriously festive wearable.

If this scarf looks a little familiar, you might already have spotted it in our roundup of 18 Free Christmas Crochet Scarf Patterns To Make As Gifts or in our collection of 15 Fun And Silly Crochet Scarf Patterns. It has definitely popped up on Crochet.CraftGossip before, and for good reason. It is one of those patterns that manages to be both wearable and wonderfully ridiculous, which is a very fine line in the world of festive crochet.

What I like most about this design is that it does not try to be subtle. It fully embraces the novelty Christmas vibe, and sometimes that is exactly what a seasonal project needs. The scarf is made using repeated tree shapes, so it has that satisfying motif-based construction that many crocheters enjoy. It also gives you the chance to play with embellishments like pom poms and stars, which adds even more personality to the finished piece. According to the CraftBits pattern, the scarf uses Red Heart Super Saver yarn, a size I hook, and simple decorative extras including felt and pom poms.

This would be such a fun project for a holiday party outfit, an ugly sweater event, a handmade gag gift, or just for someone who genuinely loves festive accessories. We all know at least one person who would wear this proudly while serving Christmas lunch or turning up to school pickup in December like the absolute queen of holiday spirit.

It is also the sort of pattern that feels a little nostalgic in the best possible way. CraftBits has had this project around for years, and it still holds up because novelty crochet never really goes away. It just waits patiently for the rest of us to catch up again. And let’s be honest, there is something refreshing about a project that does not take itself too seriously. Not every scarf needs to be neutral, elegant, or sensible. Some scarves are allowed to be actual Christmas trees.

So yes, you may have seen this one before in our scarf roundups, but I think it deserves its own little spotlight too. If you are in the mood to make something playful, memorable, and completely unapologetic for the holiday season, this one is worth another look.

Have you read?