10 December 2012

Snowflake Monday

Peacock Blues

I'm not too creative when I get super stressed, but once I get past whatever is occupying all my attention, creativity typically explodes back into action.

Such has been the case since my work group moved to a new floor and a new department. Things can still be pretty hectic, and I'm still learning the ropes, but I have more daylight than I've had in my entire working career, and I've had more snowflake ideas than I can keep up with and faster than I can write them all down.

I'd dipped into my Cold Storage twice; in the last 9 days I made 14 new snowflakes.

!!!

Cold Storage: Restocked.

Inspiration is everywhere, even though we've been uncharacteristically snowless since the first weekend of November.

My new lighted peacock with snowflakes played a part in today's snowflake.

So did some Photoshop kaleidoscope sessions with a photo of a colorful snowflake I designed during the summer but didn't have time to play with until recently. Literally PLAY.

Kaleidoscope Inspiration

Kaleidoscope Inspiration

Kaleidoscope Inspiration

Christmas ornaments on a beautiful tree also played a big roll in today's snowflake, which in turn inspired a plethora of more new snowflakes.

Thread colors always inspire me. Always.

And finally, one of my own personal rules is that I can't dye more thread until I use up what I've already dyed. Well, except for the blues. I allow myself to make as many blues as inspiration dictates because I will never leave them on the thread shelf to gather dust. The rest of the colors, I've been attempting to use up so I can pull out my professional dyes again. I'm so anxious!

yet more inspiration...

I mix my own colors from primaries.

I've got the blues SO bad!

Oooooooh, what can I make next?!?

Medallion Snowflakes

Something tells me I have a few more bears just waiting to be born so I can finish up the colors that aren't as pretty or effective in snowflakes.

You may do whatever you'd like with snowflakes you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!

Medallion Snowflake

Finished Size: 6 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread in 2 or more colors, size 8 crochet hook, empty pizza box, wax paper or plastic wrap, cellophane tape, water soluble school glue or desired stiffener, water, glitter, small container for glue/water mixture, paintbrush, stick pins that won't be used later for sewing, clear thread or fishing line

Medallion I Snowflake Instructions

Medallions (make 6)

Make magic ring. Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 3, 3 dc in ring, ch 3, 3 dc in ring, ch 3, sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.

TIP: This snowflake has a lot of ends to weave in. If the snowflake will be stiffened, ends may be pulled under just a couple of stitches, then clipped when snowflake is dry. Stiffened snowflake thread ends will not unravel.

Snowflake

Make magic ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (does not count as dc), 12 in ring; sl st across starting ch 2 into starting dc. Don't pull magic ring too tight.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in same dc, *sk next dc, 2 dc in next dc, ch 6, 2 dc in same dc; repeat from * around 4 times; sk next dc, 2 dc in same dc as starting dc, ch 6, sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3.

Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), *5 dc in next ch 6 sp, ch 3, 2 sc in any ch 3 sp of 1 motif; working around two sides of motif, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc, 2 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 6, 2 sc in same sp, 1 sc in each of next 3 dc, 2 sc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 5 dc in same ch 6 sp in body of snowflake; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.

Round 4: Sl st in gap between 2 5/dc groups, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 5 dc in next ch 3 sp, sk next 3 sc, 3 dc in next sc, ch 3, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same dc, 5 dc in next ch 6 sp, ch 3, 5 dc in same sp, sk next 3, 3 dc in next sc, ch 3, sl st in top of dc just made, 2 dc in same dc; 5 dc in next ch 3 sp, 1 dc in next gap between 2 5/dc groups; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last dc of final repeat; sl st in 3rd ch of starting ch 3; bind off. Weave in ends.

Finish: Tape wax paper or plastic wrap to top of empty pizza box. Pin snowflake to box on top of wax paper or plastic wrap.

If using glue, mix a few drops of water with a teaspoon of glue in small washable container. Paint snowflake with glue mixture or desired stiffener. Sprinkle lightly with glitter. Wash paintbrush and container thoroughly. Allow snowflake to dry at least 24 hours. Remove pins. Gently peel snowflake from wax paper or plastic wrap. Attach 10-inch clear thread to one spoke, weaving in end. Wrap fishing line around tree branch (or tape to ceiling or any overhead surface) and watch the snowflake twirl freely whenever you walk by! Snowflake also may be taped to window or tied to doorknob or cabinet handle.

Medallion Snowflake

13 comments :

  1. Beautiful! Do you have any photos of your Christmas tree? Have a Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Charlotte! Yes, I do have photos of my tree, and a video, here!

      Delete
  2. These are beautiful, as always! Love the green and blue combo (surprise, surprise. :)) Now, then, get thee over to Marigold to view part 2!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your novelettes just keep getting better and better, Marigold! That was a scream! Can't wait to share it with The Lizard Who Has a Name!

      Delete
  3. I think I just lost a comment ... something to the tune of "Ooohh, these are wonderful!" I can't pick a favourite colourway - they're all so pretty. But I must say that burgundy and white one really pops!

    P.S. How was Iowa? ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iowa?!? Iowa?!? And me let The Lizard pedal off out of sight?!?!? Not gonna happen!

      I think she mistook the cornfields of Iowa for the cornfields of Pea Green. :)

      Delete
  4. I love that peacock. It is truly gorgeous. Sometimes I wish I had your creativity. Mostly I only document what I see,but can´t create anything of my own. I think it is a blessing to be able to do that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Monica! It truly is a blessing, for which I am truly grateful!

      Delete
  5. So many beautiful flakes!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the green ones and the first blue photo is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Neferi! And I LOVE my peacock lights!

      Delete


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