Christmas Decorating Done

I have been busy decorating for Christmas this week. I started Thursday night switching out regular dishes with Christmas dishes and carrying all the bins of Christmas stuff upstairs to the dining room. Friday night, I unpacked the bins and arranged our Christmas decorations then carried all the empty bins back to the basement. 

My Saturday morning cappuccino is served in a Christmas mug of course. The book is used for checking off rows as I crochet toys. I like to keep my colourful button jar on display as you never know when a button might be needed.

I love this colourful crochet snowflake banner made from a pattern by Attic24 found here and a tin snowman. This is the view from my crochet corner on the sofa.

I like to display a jar full of colourful yarn ends and bowls of yarn balls on our mantle. I think it's fun and appropriate considering my passion for everything crochet. 

Crochet dolls adorn our mantle too. I plan to make more once my Christmas Decorating is Done.

Last year I made this crochet striped stocking using a free pattern by blogger Yvestown found here. It provides a perfect place for my little crochet mouse to hang out. We also have a whole family of snowmen sitting in front of the window by the fireplace. I love to see them there.

A couple years ago, I crocheted a pretty edge around some of my favourite Christmas cards. They make a nice display hung with clothespins to some twine along our railing wrapped in Christmas lights.

I also added Christmas knickknacks to our hall  cabinet. The cute little snowman was a gift from our daughter many years ago. The little Christmas tree is a music box. 

 

I have hung crochet stars and a little snowman on the wreath in our dining room. The snowman was made using this pattern by the Dapper Toad and the stars from a free pattern found here on Ravelry.

Today my husband carried our Christmas tree up from the basement. We store it in the original box which is held together with a big yellow strap. Over the years, we have set up the tree in different rooms. The living room and the family room were both popular spots but last year, I put it in the hallway and loved it. We see it every time we walk by and it's across from the dining room which is perfect for Christmas.

I spent a couple hours assembling the tree and decorating it today. I couldn't help but notice some of the branches have broken and/or sagged over the past 20+ years but it's amazing what lights, beads, bows and ornaments do for a tired old tree. Doesn't it look great?

I think the new crochet tree skirt fits in perfectly too. Remember it from this post? This is a meo my crochet original pattern and it's free if you would like to make one too.

I've taken a few more photos to share. I hope you enjoy our simple Christmas decorating. I love the memories stirred by all our ornaments collected over the years. 

This angel was purchased in the after Christmas sales from a little store on Bayview in Toronto where we lived when we first got our tree.

So many homemade and gifted ornaments added to our collection over the years.

This old wooden sled fits nicely under our tree and the singing Christmas monkey is a fun addition.

Crochet skates I've had for years (not made by me) and an ornament made by our daughter many years ago. This year she will be in Brazil visiting her husband's family and enjoying a different kind of Christmas on the beach.

Three things of note here; a crochet star (made by me), an ornament my husband brought back from Germany and a very cute snowman our son gave us for Christmas 2007. Did I mention I love snowmen?

And this is the view from upstairs. I think our Christmas Decorating is Done. I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Our poodle spent the morning waiting patiently and comfortably on the back of our sofa. All the moving and rearranging is unsettling for her so I think she is very happy Christmas Decorating is Done.

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Granny Circle Christmas Tree Skirt

Last year when I took down our Christmas tree, I discovered our cat had thrown up on my cute felt Teddy Bear Christmas tree skirt . It was something I had cherished because a friend made it for me over 30 years ago. I tried washing it in a net bag on gentle but it fell apart.

I resolved to make a new Christmas tree skirt for 2014, something washable. What do you think of this Granny Circle Christmas Tree Skirt? I think it's perfect.

I've used a little pedestal table to show how it will fit around the base of our Christmas tree. I considered pulling out our tree for photos but realized that was way too much effort. Christmas decorating can wait until December which is only a month away.

I love the way my Granny Circle Christmas tree skirt turned out. I love the granny stitch, I love circles and I even love the colours. Who says traditional Christmas colours must be used? I was especially happy to find inexpensive yarn on sale. This tree skirt is both pretty and practical. If you decide to make one too, use whatever yarns and colours make YOU happy. 

I am very excited to share this pattern. It's especially exciting as it is my first original pattern. 

The granny stitch and a granny circle are not original but this granny circle is unique. It has a hole in the middle to accommodate the Christmas tree post and is split down the side for wrapping around the tree stand. It's the hole and the split that make this pattern original.

When this Granny Circle Christmas Tree Skirt is spread out on the floor, you can see how it forms a neat circle with a hole in the centre. 

Our poodle approves and loves to get in on photo sessions. Isn't she pretty with her Halloween kerchief? It's Halloween and I'm featuring Christmas crochet. I'm sure fellow crafters understand the rush. 

 You can clearly see the granny stitch and shell edge in this photo.

Folded and ready for Christmas. I know it's early but I wanted to have it done in time to share in case any of you might like to make one too. The pattern is listed below. I hope it's clear and easy to follow. 

If you decide to make a Granny Circle Christmas Tree Skirt using my pattern, please do send me a photo. I'd love to see your version. 

GRANNY CIRCLE CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT

PDF Version

Supplies:

Any worsted weight yarn in colours you like but these are the yarns and colours I used:

• Peaches and Crème cotton yarn (Panorama) – part of a cone (14 oz)
• Bargain Bin 1 pound of worsted weight acrylic yarn (sage)
• Bernat Handicrafter cotton yarn (black currant and off-white) for border

5.00 mm crochet hook
Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Stitches Used:

Chain (ch)
Slip Stitch (ss)
Single Crochet (sc)
Half Double Crochet (hdc)
Double Crochet (dc)
Granny = (3 dc + ch 1) in ch-1 space
Granny Increase = (3 dc + ch 1 + 3 dc + ch 1) in ch-1 space

Note: starting chain 3 counts as beginning double crochet

Instructions:

Starting with Peaches and Crème cotton yarn (or any worsted weight yarn you choose)

Chain 26

Note: Crochet into back ‘bump’ of the starting chain, it leaves a nice finish along the edge.

Row 1: dc in 4th ch from hook, 2 dc in same space, ch 1, *skip ch, 3 dc in next ch, ch 1**, repeat * to ** around, dc in last ch, ch 3 and turn (there should be 11 ch-1 spaces)
Row 2: 2 dc + ch 1 in beginning ch space (first Granny completed), Granny in each ch-1 space across, dc in top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3, turn
Row 3: 2 dc + ch 1 + 3 dc + ch 1 in beginning ch space (first Granny Increase completed), Granny Increase in each ch-1 space across, ending with dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Rows 4, 5: Repeat Row 2 (no increases)
Row 6: Granny in 1st ch-1 space, Granny Increase in next ch-1 space (increasing every other ch-1 space, ending with dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Rows 7, 8, 9: repeat Row 2 (no increases)
Row 10: Granny in 1st ch-1 space, Granny in 2nd ch-1 space, Granny Increase in 3rd ch-1 space (increase every 3rd ch-1 space across), ending with dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Rows 11, 12, 13: Repeat Row 2 (no increases)
Row 14: Granny in 1st ch-1 space, Granny in 2nd ch-1 space, Granny Increase in 3rd ch-1 space (increase every 3rd ch-1 space across), ending with 1 Granny in each of the last 2 ch-1 spaces and dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Rows 15, 16, 17: Repeat Row 2 (no increases)
Row 18: Granny in 1st ch-1 space, Granny in 2nd ch-1 space, Granny in 3rd ch-1 space, Granny Increase in 4th ch-1 space (increase every 4th ch-1 space across), ending with 1 Granny in each of the last 2 ch-1 spaces and dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Rows 19, 20, 21, 22: Repeat Row 2 (no increases)

Note: I finished off at end of row 21 and switched to sage acrylic yarn for row 22

Row 23: Granny in 1st ch-1 space, Granny in 2nd ch-1 space, Granny in 3rd ch-1 space, Granny Increase in 4th ch-1 space (increase every 4th ch-1 space across), ending with dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Rows 24, 25, 26, 27: Repeat Row 2 (no increases)
Row 28: Granny in 1st ch-1 space, Granny in 2nd ch-1 space, Granny in 3rd ch-1 space, Granny Increase in 4th ch-1 space (increase every 4th ch-1 space across), ending with 1 Granny in each of the last 2 ch-1 spaces and dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Rows 29, 30, 31, 32: Repeat Row 2 (no increases)
Row 33: Granny in 1st ch-1 space, Granny in 2nd ch-1 space, Granny in 3rd ch-1 space, Granny Increase in 4th ch-1 space (increase every 4th ch-1 space across), ending with 1 Granny in last 2 ch-1 space and dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Rows 34, 35, 36, 37: Repeat Row 2 (no increases)
Row 38: Granny in 1st ch-1 space, Granny in 2nd ch-1 space, Granny in 3rd ch-1 space, Granny in 4th ch-1 space, Granny in 5th ch-1 space, Granny Increase in 4th ch-1 space (increase every 6th ch-1 space across), ending with 1 Granny in last 2 ch-1 space and dc at top of ch 3 at end of row, ch 3 and turn
Row 39: Repeat Row 2 (no increases) – Finish off at end of row

Border: 

2 rows – For each row, join yarn at far right side with right side facing (working counter clockwise). Again use any colour combination you like.

Note: The right side is when the odd # row is facing up, go back to the beginning of row 39 to join your yarn. Start with black currant (purple).

Row 1: Join with ss at top of ch 3, sc in same stitch, *ch 3, sc in next dc**, repeat * to ** across, finish off at end of row. Switch to new colour (off-white).
Row 2: Shell Edge starting at far right with right side facing. Join with ss in 1st sc *(1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc) in ch-3 space, ss in sc**, repeat * to ** across ending with ss in last sc and finish off

Finishing:

Weave in loose ends using yarn needle then sit back and admire your work. You’re done. You've made a beautiful new Granny Circle Christmas Tree Skirt that will last for years and look amazing covering the not-so-nice Christmas tree stand. 

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Doilies Can Be Delightful

I love making crochet doilies but I prefer using worsted weight yarn instead of traditional lace weight crochet cotton. 

Last weekend, I made a doily using a free pattern posted by Crochet Galore called November Doily of the Month. If you would like to make one too, you can find it here. 

This doily was made using Peaches and Creme worsted weight cotton yarn in Panorama (off-white with coloured flecks). I think it's perfect for displaying my special stones collected on various coastal hikes, crystals and candles. I love this doily in my meditation and crochet corner. It looks amazing from every angle.

My doily done in worsted weight yarn looks delightful. Don't you agree?

The orange crochet flowers adorning the rocks add a nice touch as well. 

I also made one using Bernat Handicrafter cotton in off-white. I wanted to cover a stool that doubles as a side table when I ride my trainer. I think it looks delightful draped over a stool beside my bike. 

I plan to be spending a lot more time on the bike this winter as we have signed up for a two-week bike tour in Cuba with Canbicuba called A Tribute to Celia Sanchez. We did this tour 5 years ago and loved it. You can read all about it in this post. We are very excited to be going again. With just three months to get in shape, wish us luck with our training.

I'm hoping it helps to be surrounded by pretty things to take my mind off the boredom of riding indoors. TV definitely helps so the stool will be put to good use holding the remote control and maybe an extra water bottle or two.

I should also mention I'm currently working on a crochet Christmas Tree Skirt using the same Peaches and Creme yarn in Panorama. Not traditional Christmas colours, but then I like to do things a little differently and I think it will look perfect with our tree. Once I finish I will be sure to share pictures and a pattern. 

I'm very excited about this project because I've come up with the pattern on my own. My very first original pattern. I can't wait to share it with you. 

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