7 Quick Takes

1. Do you knit or crochet?  Do you know someone who does?  Then check out {this giveaway}!  (Ends December 18, 2013.)

2. I had intended to get my Christmas cards out early this year. (Did you see one of the outtakes from our photo shoot?  It's priceless.)  We moved and I thought that would help with all the "What's your new address?" messages. It hasn't quite happened yet.  If I can get them out by Monday I will call it a mild success.  (Not that I mind the messages, I just feel bad making other people try to track me down.)

3. You have to check out this article: Amazing Macro-Photography of Individual Snowflakes.  Seriously.

Source

4. Just so you know, watching a movie like "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" while pregnant will leave you in tears for almost an hour.

5. Random plug here . . . I love followers and I love following new people.  If you add me via GFC or Bloglovin' let me know in the comments and I'll gladly return the favor!

6. I have been in awe of the towers and castles that Catherine has been constructing lately.  She went from building fairly simple towers (like these) to quite intricate and complex masterpieces.

7. On a related note to the above, I hadn't thought of myself as being "anti-flashy toy" but I am really coming round to that mentality.  Sometimes simplicity is best.  How about you?  Do you like all the noises and lights on "flashy toys" or do you prefer the more "simple toys"?

For more Quick Takes visit {Jen}!

Crochet Snowflakes

Even though I have the windows wide open today, and Catherine and I wore short sleeves outside, it is December.  While I very much have enjoyed the park this week I am ready to get in the mood for Christmas.  And who doesn't love a white Christmas?  Here's a slightly less chilly take on a white Christmas!

Crocheted snowflakes.  

If you haven't crocheted before or haven't in a long time, don't be intimidated by snowflakes!  Crocheting really isn't that difficult and there are so many awesome and easy to follow tutorials out there.  With the right pattern, even if you are a beginner, you could make a few  pretty snowflakes in an afternoon!

I tried a couple of different snowflake patterns, and ultimately decided that the pattern from Redheart for Snowflake #1 of the garland is the simplest with the most dramatic appearance (see below).  It requires only very basic crochet skills: chains, single crochet, and slip stitches.  

There are many more complicated patterns out there and quite a few fairly easy ones as well.  If you're a member of Ravelry there are many gorgeous patterns to chose from.  (If you aren't a member, I highly recommend you join if you crochet or knit. It is a very handy FREE website!  )

I think that my favorite snowflake is the one below.  The pattern can also be found at Redheart.  This is another fairly simple pattern.  

Of course, snowflakes don't have be made using crochet thread--you can use "regular" yarn as well!  These were made using a sport weight yarn and are about the size of a small plate while the others are roughly three inches from point to point.

What are some good uses for these cute little works of art?  

• Make a bunch and hang them on the Christmas tree!  They are especially great if you have kids or pets, as they won't break and aren't poisonous.  
• Stitch them together and make a beautiful garland.
• Hang them from your fan pulls.
• Put them on a wreath.
• Use them as curtain tie backs. 
• Add one with a gift tag to jazz up a present.  

If you like the look of the snowflakes I made, but don't want to make them yourself, I sell some in my Etsy shop!  (I welcome custom orders, but hurry!)  I had a bunch of these at the craft fair this past weekend, and I was shocked how fast they sold out!

Since my little helper was just too adorable while helping me take pictures, here's another one of her! She ever-so-carefully hung the snowflakes on the bush for me. 

I love to share my projects at various blog parties! See below for links to some of the parties, or check out my Crafty Links page for even more places to party! 
Hooking on Hump Day, Super Link Party, Yarn Along,  Show Off Your Stuff, Hookin' Up with HoH, Let's Bloom Link Party, Things I've Done, Do Something Crafty, Shine on Fridays, The Grant Life, Fantabulous Fridays, Fall into the Holidays, M.M.M., Just Something I Whipped Up, A Round Tuit, Make it Yourself Monday, I Made it Monday, Craftastic Link Party, Craft-O-Maniac Monday, The Gunny Sack, Fine Craft Guild--Time for a Party!