Christmas Crochet and Some Free Crochet Patterns too!

My Christmas crocheting has officially begun! I'm feeling especially accomplished because I finished the first one on my list, which I knew would be time consuming, so I tackled it first. I really had to buckle down though because after crocheting amigurumis, which gives instant gratification, it was hard to stay focused long enough to make so many squares from the same pattern. But I must admit it was very relaxing and I'm so happy with how the afghan turned out.

I used Red Heart yarn in purple, fuchsia, paddy green and white.  I used a Size J-10 (6mm) crochet hook and each square measures 8" x 8".  There are 32 of the flower squares and 31 of the plain white squares.  It measures 59" x 75", so it's a nice size.

I really love the colors in this afghan, the contrast of the shades of purple with the white is just striking. 

As usual, the minute I laid it across the couch one of my chihuahuas wanted to snuggle down in it.  

The pattern I used is out of a crochet booklet I've had for ages called "A World of Grannies" by Red Heart.
I did a search and found that the booklet is still available.  A couple of private parties are selling it and I saw one on E-bay, if anyone is interested in purchasing this book.  It has a total of 7 afghan patterns, and all of them are very nice.  I'm planning on making the one on the cover, shown above, for another Christmas gift because I love the unique motif used in that one.


While visiting the Lion Brand Yarn website recently I found several really cute (and free!) Christmas patterns that I thought I would share.  I'll be posting more free crochet patterns in the coming weeks, but for now I hope you enjoy these!

Christmas Granny Square Afghan free pattern.

   Crochet Christmas Stocking free pattern.

Crochet Christmas Tree free pattern.

Crochet Christmas Mouse Ornament free pattern.  So Cute!!!

Crochet Santa Claus Christmas Tree Ornament free pattern.

I'm still preparing for the Christmas craft boutique at our local mall, and I'm hoping to have my Etsy shop open before Christmas,  or if not, by the first of the year.  So needless to say I'm going to be very busy between now and Christmas.  But busy is good for me right now.  I lost my father last year, 4 months before Christmas, so this is a difficult time for me, and the busier I am, the less my mind seems to dwell on any one thing.  Crochet is truly therapy for me these days.

Thanks for visiting, as always!