Tis’ the season for Gingerbread Men and there’s a new crochet pattern and yarn pack in my Deramores shop that you don’t have to worry about going out of date!
I’ve got a bit of a thing about Gingerbread men – I just think they are totally Chrismassy! Whether it’s building a Gingerbread House or making the little men themselves, it’s something that always has a place in our house during the holidays.
This weekend was National Gingerbread Decorating Day apparently (usually the second Saturday in December) so it seems totally appropriate for me to share with you my fully decorated ginger guy!
I made my Gingerbread Man with the rather apply named Deramores Studio DK Gingerbread! I also used a small amount of Frost, Peridot and Ruby for his frosting, buttons and bowtie all with a 3.25mm hook. The pattern is available as just the digital download or as a kit which you can pick up here.
When he’s finished he stands approx. 30cm tall – perfect to use as a stocking filler or as a festive ornament on your shelf. So run run as fast as you can to Deramores to catch him up today.
If you were looking for more general amigurumi designs to make then you can find several different patterns in my Deramores Designer Shop. Or if you are looking for Christmas makes in general I’ve put together a bundle on Ravelry with links to all my free and paid for seasonal patterns.
I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affected.
December seems to be positively flying by does it! I had meant to add this post to the blog before now, but before it’s truly too late I need to tell you about two mini crochet kits that are now available in my Etsy store.
At the most recent Crochet Sanctuary I was delighted to be able to share a little pop up shop with the other guests with a range of my KCACOUK, Yarnybobs and Dear Ewe products.
On that weekend I debuted a couple of brand new mini crochet kits for sale that went down very well, and I’ve listed the remaining limited amount in my KCACOUKDesigns store if you’d like one too. You can choose from either a festive Christmas Tree or a cute Gingerbread man kit – perfect to add a touch of handmade magic to your home.
Each kit contains 3 mini balls of Scheepjes Catona, the pattern and either beads or buttons all wrapped up in a cute reusable bauble! You could either treat yourself, or the crochet lover in your life as they would make a lovely gift for any crocheter.
I’m shutting up all the Etsy shop’s for Christmas when my children break up from school on Friday 17 December 2021 so there’s still time to order if you’d like one for your tree.
I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to sign up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely are thy branches! There’s only 8 days left of November (eek) which means that Christmas tree time will soon be upon us! So I’m here to tell you about a couple of tree-mendously cute festive patterns that I’ve got in my Deramores shop that you might just want to tree-t yourself too.
The first is a little tree-ditional looking Christmas tree pincushion, which is the perfect festive accessory to keep your pins and needles organised in the lead up to Christmas. It comes with a lifetime guaran-tree that it won’t drop any pins on the floor, and I think it would make a fun little stocking filler or Secret Santa gift.
I made my tree with Deramores Studio DK yarn in Fir, Gingerbread and a small amount of Mustard with a 3.25mm hook. The pattern is available as just the digital download or as a kit which you can pick up here.
You might also like to add a sprinkle of Christmas magic to your workspace with a crocheted desktop Christmas tree which stands at approx. 36cm tall – perfect for bringing the cheer to those around you this holiday season.
This tree was also made with Deramores Studio DK yarn this time using Fir, Chocolate, Paprika and Citrine with a 3.25mm hook. The pattern is available as just the digital download or as a kit which you can pick up here. Please note the colours for the baubles are not included in the kit, you only need such small amounts that you could either use stash or you could purchase some of the smaller 50g Deramores Studio DK balls of yarn in a specific colour to match your own décor.
If you were looking for more general amigurumi designs to make then you can find several different patterns in my Deramores Designer Shop.
I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Please note that some of the links in my blog are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links, but the price you pay is not affected.
Did you know that there are now only 74 days until Christmas!? It’s coming up fast, which is why it’s handy that the latest issue of Let’s Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet magazine has a couple of festive themed patterns in to help you get ready, but there’s also a dash of Autumnal patterns if you aren’t ready for Christmas yet!
I’m delighted to say that you can see one of my designs on the front cover; Patches the Elf is this month’s cover star! With Christmas coming fast it’s the ideal time to start some craftmas projects – so why not start with a fun little elf.
He was a really fun doll to make and if you are new to crocheting amigurumi he offers a great chance to try different stitches like loops and picots.
My daughter saw the recent issue and has asked me to make her one of these cute little pumpkin pals – they are really quick to make up so you could easily finishing one in an evening. You just need to take your time dividing up the segments and make sure the yarn is really secure.
The pattern also comes with three autumn leaves for you to make, so you can create your own Autumnal display.
As usual the magazine comes with a yarn pack, which this time includes six different yarns, and includes the relevant size crochet hook and knitting needles for the projects inside.
LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine is available in major supermarkets and newsagents across the UK or if you’re not able to get to the shops right now you can get a digital version of the mag from Pocketmags (the free cover gifts are not available via this digital subscription).
I think I say it every year that one of my favourite things to make are Christmas decorations, and it’s become somewhat of a tradition that I create a new free tree ornament pattern for you to enjoy too. This year I’ve gone a bit non-traditional but still fun – it’s a Christmas Mushroom!
Well actually it’s probably a Christmas toadstool but I’ve been singing Christmas mushroom to myself in my head so I’m afraid that title has stuck.
Apparently the red and white speckled fungi are known in German as gluckspilz which literally means ‘lucky mushroom’ which I really like and I think we can all do with a little luck to get past 2020 don’t you!
I’ve added a little twine to the top of my mushrooms so they can hang from the tree, but you could easily incorporate them into a wreath hanging on your door or even as part of a holiday table centrepiece.
They also don’t have to be just red, I experimented, because I got a little bit addicted to making mushrooms, with a few different colours – so you could match your fungi to your own decor.
Last year you may remember that I made a little Christmas bell tree decorations (FREE pattern here) with some Anchor CraftsCreativa Fino from my stash. I really like Creativa Fino to work with, it’s a nice firm mercerised cotton which I think works particularly well for amigurumi and ornaments like this one so that’s what I’ve used this year too.
The following Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament pattern is free here on the blog but it’s also available in my Ravelry store, LoveCrafts or Etsy store, where there is a nominal fee for a downloadable PDF pattern if you’d prefer.
The pattern is available in both UK and US crochet terminology via the PDF download; the pattern below is written just in UK terms.
Christmas Mushroom Tree Ornament
MATERIALS
Yarn:
Anchor Creativa Fino: 4ply; 125m per 50g ball; 100% Cotton
1 ball in #00258 (A) – Red
1 ball in #00926 (B) – Cream
Anchor Metallic Thread: Viscose (80%) and metallised polyester (20%)
1 ball in #00304 (C) – Metallic White
Pattern will work in other hooks and yarns though finished size will be different.
Hook: 3mm (US size D/3)
You will also need:
Stitch Marker
Scissors
Yarn needle
Small amount of toy stuffing
Length of twine for hanging loop
Gauge: 5dc = 2.5cm / 1 inch
Obtaining the correct gauge is not critical to this project but if your gauge does not match then your finished item will be a different size.
Finished Size: 9cm / 3.5 inches
ABBREVIATIONS: UK Terminology
st(s) stitch(es)
st sl slip stitch
ch(s) chain
dc double crochet
dc2tog double crochet two together
htr half treble
STITCH GUIDANCE:
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.
Double Crochet (dc): Insert hook in st indicated and draw up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, draw through both loops on hook.
Double Crochet (dc2tog): Insert hook in st indicated and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through three loops on hook.
Half treble (htr): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
PATTERN NOTES
Magic ring:is also known as a Drawstring Ring or Magic Loop and is often used as a start for working amigurumi. If you are not familiar with this technique you could substitute with a ch2 and then work in the second ch from the hook.
Working in the round: This pattern is worked in the amigurumi style (unless specified), in a spiral without slip stitching or turning chains
Working in the Back or Front Loop Only (BLO / FLO): If you hold your piece of crochet in front of you with the Vs of the stitch on top, the part of the V closest to you is the front loop. The part of the V farther away from you on the opposite side is the back loop. When a pattern asks you to crochet into the back loop or front loop only insert your hook into the relevant loop and crochet as instructed.
Pattern:
Top of Mushroom
Rnd 1: With YARN A; working into a magic ring, 6dc. 6sts
Note: Do not pull magic ring too tight as you will thread some twine through the centre.
Rnd 2: [2dc] around. 12sts
Rnd 3: [1dc, 2dc] around. 18 sts
Rnd 4: Dc around.
Rnd 5: [1dc in next 2sts, 2dc] around. 24sts
Rnds 6-9: Dc around.
Rnd 10: [1dc in next 3sts, 2dc] around. 30sts
Fasten off YARN A with a sl st to the next st and weave in ends.
With YARN C embroider some spots on to your mushroom top
Create a hanging loop from twine and thread the loop through the centre of your magic ring with a knot to secure.
Underside of Mushroom
Rnd 11: Attach YARN B to the BLO of any st; [1dc in next 3sts, dc2tog] around. 24sts
Start to stuff, continue to stuff as you go.
Rnd 12: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 18sts
Rnd 13: [1dc, dc2tog] around. 12sts
Rnd 14: [dc2tog] to end. 6sts
Fasten off and use yarn tail to sew up the last 6sts
Mushroom Stalk
Rnd 1: With YARN A; working into a magic ring, 8dc. 8sts
Rnd 2: [2dc] around. 16sts
Rnds 3-5: Dc around.
Rnd 6: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 12sts
Start to stuff the mushroom stalk; continue to stuff as you go
Rnds 7-9: Dc around.
Rnd 10: [1dc in next 2sts, dc2tog] around. 9sts
Rnd 11: Dc around.
Rnd 12: BLO; Dc around.
Rnds 13-14: Dc around.
Fasten off with a sl st to the next st but leave a long yarn tail.
Rnd 15: Attach YARN C to the FLO; of rnd 12; ch2, 2htr in same st, 3htr in each st around until end, sl st to the beginning ch2 to join. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Stitch the mushroom stalk onto the bottom centre of the mushroom top.
It’s here, folks… the final part of the FREE Christmas Skittles crochet-along from Let’s Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet magazine. Up until this point you’ve crafted four characterful pins and the bowling ball, and now it’s time for the final two skittles: Rudolph and Frosty the snowman.
I’ve used the fluffy yarn that comes in the packs for my snowman’s head but if you don’t have fluffy yarn for the snowman you could just follow the instructions for Rudolph’s head using white DK yarn from your collection instead.
Speaking of christmas…I’ve also got another pattern out in this edition for a cute little camel.
Millie has been given a Christmas make over with Festive green blanket for her hump. I think she’d make a perfectly fun and quirky addition to your Christmas decorations this festive season.
There are lots of other fab things in this month’s edition including a very cute gingerbread man and reindeer and I love the knitted robins and Santa.
As usual the magazine comes with a yarn pack, which this time includes six different yarns, and includes the relevant size crochet hook and knitting needles for the projects inside.
LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine is available in major supermarkets and newsagents across the UK or if you’re not able to get to the shops right now you can get a digital version of the mag from Pocketmags (the free cover gifts are not available via this digital subscription).
A couple of blog posts ago I mentioned a FREE three part crochet-along that I’d been working on for Let’s Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet magazine. Well I thought I’d pop by to say that you can pick up part 2 now – and part 3 is on it’s way very soon!
Following on from Santa Claus and Mrs Christmas, in Issue 25, we have two sweet elf skittles and a stripy ball. Don’t let the stripes put you off if you are a beginner – they are the perfect opportunity to practice some easy colour sequences. And you can learn a new technique by giving the ball an even stripier finish with a touch of surface crochet too.
And I’ll just share with you a little sneaky peep of the last two skittles in the collection…they’ll be available in issue 126 which is out on 29 October 2020, and topcrochetpatterns.com soon after. For the latter you just need to create an account to access this free pattern (and many more.)
I also had fun creating a sweet little angel for this edition. For many years as a child we had an angel at the top of our Christmas Tree.
Did you know that angels would be placed at the top of a Christmas tree to symbolise the significance of the angels who appeared high above Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus on the first Christmas.
Although in more recent years we’ve had a star at the top of our tree I think there’s always a place for an angel at Christmas – what tops your tree if you have one?
There are lots of other fab things in this month’s edition including some gorgeous knitted designs that really make me want to develop my (very) dusty knitting skills! I especially love the knitted nativity, for years now I’ve been wanting to handmake a nativity scene – maybe this year I’ll work on that a little more.
And as usually the magazine comes with a yarn pack which includes the relevant size crochet hook and knitting needles for the projects inside.
LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine is available in major supermarkets and newsagents across the UK or if you’re not able to get to the shops right now you can get a digital version of the mag from Pocketmags (the free cover gifts are not available via this digital subscription).
It’s September, which is the time when many of us crafters start thinking about Christmas crafting – we need the time to prepare right! So with that in mind Let’s Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet magazine have started the Christmas crafting countdown…and I’m helping with a couple of new seasonal designs.
Christmas just isn’t Christmas without games is it! You stuff yourself silly, watch the Queen’s speech, then… anyone for Uno? Monopoly? Our family usually has a tradition of holding a Christmas party on Christmas Eve where we all play games!
And now you can add a handmade touch to your games collection this year with a new FREE three part crochet-along. Over the next three issues of Let’s Get Crafting Knitting and Crochet magazine, starting with issue 124, we are going to be making six skittles, plus ball, that you can gleefully enjoy knocking down!
First up is the classic Father Christmas and his beloved wife which you can access for free over at topcrochetpatterns.com. You just need to create an account to access this free pattern (and many more.)
And I’ll just share with you a little sneaky peep of the next two skittles in the collection…they’ll be available in issue 125 which is out on 1 October 2020, and topcrochetpatterns.com soon after.
I also had fun creating a seasonal nutcracker soldier for this edition. I actually have a bit of thing about nutcrackers, I love them! I think I’ve designed two nutcrackers in the past before now, and it was really fun to come up with something new.
Did you know that Nutcracker dolls are most commonly made to resemble a toy soldier? This soldier has a smart red uniform, purple boots and hat, smart braiding and a big smile! I think he would make rather an endearing addition to your seasonal decor.
There are lots of other fab things in this month’s edition including some gorgeous knitted designs that really make me want to develop my (very) dusty knitting skills! And as usually the magazine comes with a yarn pack which includes the relevant size crochet hook and knitting needles for the projects inside.
LGC Knitting & Crochet Magazine is available in major supermarkets and newsagents across the UK or if you’re not able to get to the shops right now you can get a digital version of the mag from Pocketmags (the free cover gifts are not available via this digital subscription).
If you hook up either the Christmas Skittles or the Nutcracker I hope you’ll share your photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make!
Until next time folks! Happy hooking, keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
I think I’ve said before that one of my favourite things to crochet and make are Christmas decorations. I love that they become part of the fabric of your Christmas and bring back memories as they are brought out again year after year. So I decided to make another one this year that I’d like to share with you – it’s for a Little Christmas Bell ornament for your tree.
Now you can add the perfect finishing touch to your Christmas tree this festive season with a little handmade bell decoration that really rings! With easy simple steps this mini bell decoration is a fun and fast gift to make or to keep for your own tree.
Last year you may remember that I made some mini tapestry tree decorations (FREE pattern here) with some Creativa Fino yarn kindly gifted from Anchor Crafts. I really like Creativa Fino to work with, it’s a nice firm mercerised cotton which I think works particularly well for amigurumi and ornaments like this one.
The following Little Christmas Bell Tree Ornament pattern is free here on the blog but it’s also available in my Ravelry store where there is a nominal fee for a downloadable 3 page PDF pattern free of advertisements if you’d prefer.
The pattern is available in both UK and US crochet terminology on Ravelry though the pattern below is written with both terminology combined for ease.
Yarn: 9g / 25m of Anchor Creativa Fino Gold or Silver Coloured 4ply Cotton 0.85g / 2.5m of Anchor Gold or Silver Metallic Thread Small amounts of Anchor Creativa Fino Red and Green 4ply Cotton
Pattern will work in other hooks and yarns though finished size will be different.
Hook: 2.75mm (US size D/3)
You will also need:
1 x 10mm gold or silver jingle bell
Stitch Marker
Scissors
Yarn needle
Gauge: 6dc = 2.5cm / 1 inch
Obtaining the correct gauge is not critical to this project but if your gauge does not match then your finished item will be a different size.
Finished Size: 8cm / 3.14inches
ABBREVIATIONS:
st(s) stitch(es)
st sl slip stitch
ch(s) chain
dc/sc UK double crochet / US single crochet
rev.dc/sc Reverse UK double crochet / US single crochet
htr/hdc UK half treble / US half double crochet
tr/dc UK treble / US double crochet
STITCH GUIDANCE:
Slip Stitch (sl st): Insert hook in st indicated, yarn over and draw through all loops.
UK Double Crochet/US Single Crochet (dc/sc): Insert hook in st indicated and draw up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, draw through both loops on hook.
UK half treble / US half double crochet (htr/hdc): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.
UK treble / US double crochet (tr/dc): Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on hook.
PATTERN NOTES
Using a stitch marker: The bell is worked in the usual amigurumi style worked without joining in continuous rnds – place the stitch marker in the top of the first st to mark start of rnd.
Reverse Single Crochet (rev.dc/sc): A reverse single crochet stitch is worked the same as a regular single crochet — except in reverse. Instead of working from right to left, you work from left to right. Insert hook, from front to back, in the next st to the right and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
Pattern:
Bell:
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, work 6dc/sc into ring. 6sts
Rnd 2: [2dc/sc] to end. 12 sts
Rnd 3: [1dc/sc, 2dc/sc] to end. 18 sts
Rnd 4: [1dc/sc in the next 2sts, 2dc/sc] to end. 24sts
Rnd 5: [1dc/sc in the next 3sts, 2dc/sc] to end. 30sts
Rnds 6-13: 1dc/sc in each st around
Rnd 14: [1dc/sc in the next 4sts, 2dc/sc] to end. 36sts
Rnd 15: 1dc/sc in each st around
Rnd 16: [1dc/sc in the next 5sts, 2dc/sc] to end. 42sts
Rnd 17: 1dc/sc in each st around. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Rnd 18: AttachMetallic Gold, rev.dc/sc in each st around. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Bell Handle:
Ch8, sl st to form a ring; sl st in each ch round until fasten off but leave a yarn tail for attaching to the centre top of the bell..
Bell Clanger:
Ch17, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each st along until end. Use one yarn tail to attach the bell to the end of the strip just made, thread the other yarn tail through the centre of the strip and use it to attach to the inner bell centre.
Holly (make 2):
Ch7, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, * 1dc/sc in next st, 1tr/dc in the next, ch2, sl st to post of tr/dc * sl st in the next st, repeat from * to * once, sl st into first ch, ch2, sl st to first ch again, then working on other side of beginning ch; ch3, sl st to 2nd ch from hook, sl st to next st, 1dc/sc in next st, 1tr/dc in the next, fasten off but leave long yarn tail
Berries (make 2):
Ch6, 1dc/sc in 2nd ch from hook, htr/hdc in the next st, 1tr/dc in next, 1htr/hdc in the next, 1dc/sc in the next st, sl st to the first st to join, leave long yarn tail to attach.
To finish: Make a short hanging loop with metallic yarn around the bell handle.
And that’s it!
If you hook up a Little Christmas Bell Tree ornament I hope you’ll maybe give it a ‘love’ on Ravelry by saving to your favourites, tag @kcaco.uk on Instagram or share your projects in my Facebook group as I love to see your finished work!
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
Here’s the next Christmas pattern as promised! Allow me to introduce Gino the Gingerbread Baker!
I have a notebook where I jot and doodle down any ideas I might get for a pattern. Sometimes they sit there for awhile and then get made (my Nordic Twist gnome for instance I thought of last year) other times the idea just won’t leave me. I’ll keep thinking about it and I just have to get it made – that was the case with Gino the Gingerbread Baker; he really wanted to come to life!
“Stir a bowl of gingerbread, Smooth and spicy brown. Roll it with a rolling pin, Up and up and down. With a cookie cutter, Make some little men. Put them in the oven, Till half past ten.”
With a removable hat and apron Gino is a fun ornament for your christmas kitchen – or remove the holly from the hat and he’s a fun gift for anyone who loves baking at anytime of the year!
Did you know that gingerbread men date from around the 16th century and the first documented figure-shaped “gyngerbrede” biscuits were baked at the court of Elizabeth 1 of England.
Fascinatingly, in history, Gingerbread men were taken up by witches who used them like voodoo dolls. They would bake effigies of their enemies and eat them! I’m now a bit concerned about my 3 year old who finds it especially funny to the legs bite off gingerbread men and cry ‘help, help, my legs!!’ Joking aside people took the witchcraft voodoo gingerbread men so seriously that in 1607 the magistrates of Delft in the Netherlands made it illegal to either bake or eat the biscuits!
My gingerbread man is made from Scheepjes Catona, that I’d got in my stash and the mini gingerbread men props were from the seasonal section of my local COOP and were delicious!
My two girls both love to eat gingerbread men and we often decorate gingerbread men together this time of year. This pattern would be a great reminder of a family cooking session or as a fun prop for the Gingerbread Man fairy tale.
The pattern is now available, from all my usual pattern stores, for you to make your own little baker.
And as there’s still a few days until Christmas and you are looking for more seasonal patterns to hook up then check out my Christmas Crochet bundle on Ravelry. It contains all my seasonal patterns available for purchase or for free.
I’ve just got just one more Christmas patterns left that I’m releasing this year then I promise I’m all Xmas patterned out so keep a look out for those coming to this blog real soon!
Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx
