Crochet Doll for Christmas

Image by bydo via Flickr

I hope you are all surviving the holiday madness, as you prepare for Christmas this year.  The holidays, while they are a joyous time, can wreak havoc on your mind and body if you aren't careful to make time to take care of YOU.  Getting enough 'down' time for rest and relaxation should be high on your list of priorities, and we've all heard the reports that crocheting  is a good stress reliever.  So make sure your schedule includes some relaxing crochet time!

I just finished my Christmas doll, "Pricilla".  She was a bit different from the other dolls I've made, but in a good way.  First, I gave her braided hair.  I've never done that before, but it was super easy and I thought it looked wonderful when it was done.  

  I really wanted to pay attention to the details, so I sewed tiny buttons on her shoe straps, and a small but fancy button at her collar.  I also loved the look of her hat with the red and white flower on it.  I decided not to give her a mouth because she looked so sweet with just the eyes that I didn't want to touch a thing on her face.  

 

 

It feels good to have another project done, and start planning the next one!  I'm deciding between a couple of amigurumi patterns, so I'm not sure what my next project will be.  I'm enjoying designing my own patterns, but sometimes it's nice to take a breather and crochet from a pattern so I don't have to think so much.  I did find several more adorable (and free) Christmas crochet pattern links which I will get organized and post next time. 

Thanks for visiting as always, and  I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

A Crochet Christmas

I'm still busy with my Christmas crocheting and crafting, and I have almost finished my Christmas doll.  I'm hoping to put the finishing touches on her tonight and share her with all of you soon.  But in the meantime,  I thought it was time I shared some more free Christmas crochet pattern links I've found around the web. These little crochet goodies are great for decorating your home or as gift toppers. You could also use them for stocking stuffers, or quick and easy gifts for co-workers, your child's teacher or anyone you want to give a little something to show you care.

  Crochet Mitten Ornament Pattern

Crochet Christmas Tree Pattern

 

Another Crochet Christmas Tree Pattern

Check out PixieKitten's cute little santa hat.  Perfect for your amigurumi dolls, or hang it on the tree for an adorable ornament!  Small Crochet Santa Hat Pattern

 Crochet Wreath Pattern.

Crochet Candy Cane gift topper or cute tree ornament.

Tiny Crochet Mittens gift topper or ornament.

I love this amigurumi angel.  Wouldn't she make a cute stocking stuffer?

Crochet Mr. and Mrs. Christmas Mouse.

 Crochet Christmas Wreath.  What a cute idea!

Crochet Cup Cozy.  Use this drink cozy and even your coffee or hot chocolate cup will be festive!

So there you have it, lots of free patterns to crochet up some holiday cheer!

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!