The Dahlia Throw

The Dahlia Throw comes from "Crochet Today" magazine Mach/April  2012 edition.

This afghan features the popcorn stitch, a stitch for intermediate level crocheters. This stitch makes the flowers stick out giving the afghan a beautiful 3D look and delightful texture.

The blanket is 5 squares x8 squares, and is made with hook size K, and use yarn weight 4. The magazine suggests using coral and pink for the dahlias.

Crochet each square together by placing the wrong sides together, crocheting together, and opening so the right side faces hiding the seam. If crocheting together proves too difficult, you can also use yarn to sew them together.

The afghan will brighten any room just in time to welcome in spring! I plan to put this afghan on the patio.

Crochet Ornaments

Need a last minute Christmas project? Ornaments are the way to go! Each of these took about 30 minutes to crochet, and they make the perfect mini gift for anyone who has a tree!

This pattern was taken from the "Crochet Today" magazine November/December 2011 issue. Although the magazine pattern has them made into a garland, I like them better as individual ornaments.

"Crochet Today" is a discontinued magazine, but luckily there are may sites online with free ornament patterns. I like this site because there is a large variety of complete patterns.

With Christmas only a few days away, these snowflakes will be ready just in time!

Christmas Stockings

Here are some stockings Santa will never put coal in, guaranteed! Crochet stockings are a bit tricky since there are so many parts, but there are many patterns out there ranging from easy to more difficult.

This pattern I made up myself. The tow is the beginning of the top of a hat. The heal is made by adding stitches on one side, and neglecting stitches on the other. The cuff is the end of a hat pattern. (Actual pattern available on request)

The wooden tags add a focal point and extra holiday charm! These were picked up at the craft store for about $3.00. I used Red Heart yarn weight 4 for the stocking and cuff.

No matter what pattern you choose, now is the time to begin making a set of new stockings! Christmas is just around the corner. These stockings take about 6-7 hours each, so get crocheting!