Anyone who followed my snowflake-a-long special project more than a year ago knew I was growing really, super-duper, intimidatingly tired of white snowflakes by the end of 2014.
Besides, Christmas was coming; the fudge and divinity addicts were getting fat. Please do put a calorie-free amigurumi on this tired cyclist's yoga mat. To the electric guitar-strumming of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, if you please...
The frustrations I was feeling then prevented me from completing a bonus PDF snowflake pattern booklet I'd planned to release last year to thank those who contributed extra generously to the fundraising efforts of my husband and me in our fight against multiple sclerosis. I had this gigantic and elaborate snowflake pattern plan that never materialized and even now is fractured, although not completely scrapped.
Initially I'd planned to publish my "Frozen"-inspired Rock and Troll patterns here on my blog nearly a year and a half ago, but as I wrote and tested the Troll pattern and took photos to show the complicated aspects (THE NOSE!!!), I realized the instructions were growing far too long and complex for a blog post. I finally decided to include them in the booklet.
For the last 18 months, I've been working earnestly to complete the designs for more fantastic crocheted "Frozen"-inspired patterns. Weeks and weeks turned into months and months. I finally was growing so frustrated, I didn't know if I'd ever get the next booklet done.
A month ago, while we were traveling home from my uncle's graveside service, The Lizard suggested I hold off on the two patterns I haven't written yet and include them in next year's booklet. The movie "Frozen" will never go out of style, right?
Finally releasing today's pattern is such a huge relief because I'm finally Just Letting Go of my (too) huge aspirations of trying to include EVERYTHING in one booklet. Realizing the booklet won't ever get done if I don't take a break and release the completed patterns that have been on the shelf for nearly 18 months now and the pattern that's been giving me such heartache. Maybe I should change the name of that one pattern to Heartbreak Head...
As a result of learning how to Let it Go, I am very happy to announce my new 2016 pattern booklet to benefit the fight against multiple sclerosis finally will be available next week! Yippee!!!
Because today's Moss Snowflake pattern (which is an essential component in the Rock and Troll pattern, which has been giving me such fits) is rather plain, I've includes photos of a plethora of snowflake varieties possible just by changing up snowflake tips. Almost any snowflake pattern may be adjusted to feature your favorite points.
Almost any snowflake pattern may be adapted to a star, too, by omitting one point and making spacing adjustments in the remaining five points to accommodate the change. Sometimes, the changes required are minimal and a few patterns need no adjustment.
Today's snowflake also makes a nice snowflake by binding off at the end of each round. So even though this is a simple and plain pattern, creative possibilities are endless and imagination-building/stretching.
To change up the points on this snowflake, just replace the chain 3 tip with whatever point you like best.
My favorite snowflake points for years were 3D Crystal Snowflake for Mom, Big Wet Heavy Snowflake and Feather Snowflake. Then I came up with the Eris Snowflake tips, and tips on that snowflake were my new favorite for a few weeks. After my biopsy last year, I created new tips on my Pun Intended Snowflake that have temporarily bumped the old favorites off the chart for a while.
What are your favorite snowflake tips?
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!
Finished Size: 6 inches from point to point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread, 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
NOTE: To change up the points on this snowflake, just replace the chain 3 tip (between 2/dc shells) with whatever point you like best.
Moss Snowflake
With moss color or lichen color, make magic ring.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in ring, * ch 3, 2 dc in ring; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 sp of Round. Pull magic circle tight.
Snowflakes made by binding off after Round 1
Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, * 1 sc between next 2 dc, 2 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; 1 sc between next 2 dc, 2 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Snowflakes made by binding off after Round 2
Round 3: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, * ch 1, 1 dc in next sc, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 4 times; ch 1, 1 dc in next sc, ch 1, 2 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 1, 1 dc in 2nd ch of starting ch 2 to form 6th ch 3 tip of Round.
Snowflakes made by binding off after Round 3
Round 4: Ch 2 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc over post of dc directly below, * ch 4, sk next 2 dc, 1 sc in next dc, ch 4, 2 dc in next ch 3 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp; repeat from * around 5 times, omitting last 2 dc of final repeat; sl st in 2nd ch of starting ch 2; bind off. Weave in ends.
Snowflakes made by binding off after Round 4
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.
Congrats on the booklet release. Very true, as you'll always have more, so have to let it go or it will never get out.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat! Not sure if I'll do another one, but it certainly was fun getting this one done.
Deletewow I am so excited I am doing snow flakes this Christmas as the thankyou gift for friends and people that are kind to our family I stumbled across your site and was thrilled to see all the temples. it is refreshing to find another true believer I am home bound due to a daughters ailments so am unable to get out to church much so to see the temples flash before my eyes helps so much thank you what a treat that was for my Sabbath.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rebecca! I'm so happy to have brightened your day! I hope to get night pictures of the new temple in Fort Collins soon!
DeleteThank you for publishing your patterns free for us crafters to enjoy, I am on an extremely tight budget due to disability and Medicare. This is my only recreational outlet. You are so kind to share your talents with others.
ReplyDeleteThank you, HRHP Phantom! I love sharing the joy snowflakes bring me!
DeleteAmazing collection of Snowflake patterns!
ReplyDeleteIn a lot of your patterns you use the term "over post of..."- What does this mean?
For instance: "1dc over post of dc below"
Thank you, Bemyfo! Here is a photo tutorial demonstrating the stitch you are asking about. I hope this helps.
Delete