Trinity Knot Christmas Tree - NEW Celtic Knot pattern

Several Christmases ago I posted a photo of a lacy Christmas tree I had crocheted from an out-of-print leaflet.  It is one of my most asked about posts!  I had made the Christmas tree as part of a display I had put up at my local craft store to advertise for my upcoming crochet classes.  

Since so many people have asked for the pattern (and it is very hard to find), I decided to create my own Celtic Knot version shown above.  It is available now here in my Ravelry pattern store as an instant download.

The Trinity Knot can be an ornament on its own so you will be receiving two patterns in one!  The instructions include over 10 photos showing various steps in the pattern along with a color-coded knot diagram.  These trees were crocheted with Omega's Sinfonia yarn - a cotton yarn that comes in wonderful colors.

 This project works up quickly and would make a great last-minute gift.  

Merry Christmas and Happy Crocheting!

Spring Blossom Pillow

 

I love flowers and how they are a symbol of new life this time of year.  As I look back over the designs I have created in the past 4 years, I realize that many of them include flower motifs and/or some kind of floral inspiration.

My mother and her mother have always been extraordinary gardeners. They have taught me a great deal about flowers and gardens over the years. The blossoms and color they have achieved in their English-style gardens year after year are truly incredible.  Here some photos of my mom's garden from last summer:

 

 

So, here is another design using a flower motif - this time it is a triangular motif times 6 which when joined together makes a hexagon.

 

Spring Blossoms Pillow

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

Can you guess which cotton yarn I used to crochet this? . . . . Omega Sinfonia, of course!

 

I love how it is thin enough to give a lacy look but thick enough to work up quickly.  The challenging part of this project was making the hexagon-shaped pillow form so that all sides were equal. 

 

The instructions to make this project can be found in the April 2016 issue of Crochet World here.

 



 

Eva Folk Jumper

 

When I was in middle school I started learning a few languages. Our school offered French, German, Spanish and Russian.  Everyone could try out each language for a few months and then pick one to study in 8th grade and all through high school.  I picked Russian and loved studying a language that looked so different. 

Then when I was in high school, our school was chosen as a 'sister school' of a special English-teaching school in Moscow.  I was able to go live with a Russian family for a month my junior and senior year and a Russian girl came and lived with us for a month each year.  It was a wonderful experience and helped me decide to study Russian in college.  Now I teach Russian to kids of all ages and continue to enjoy learning about their culture and history.

I love many examples of Russian Folk Art that can be seen in their folk costumes, nesting dolls, village crafts and in every souvenir shop.  In the Spring issue of Crochet! there is a Russian-inspired girl's dress  - the Eva Folk Jumper.

 



Some of the Russian folk costumes are similar to this - they have a band of decorative ribbon along the top and down the center.  This decorative band is made out of several flower motifs.  I crocheted this with Omega Sinfonia's 100% cotton yarn - it comes in bright colors and looks great in all the stitches.  The pattern can be found here as an instant digital download - It is written for several sizes - 12 mo, 2T, 3T and 4T.

 



Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day will be here soon - do you have an idea what you would like to give your mother? Or is there another mom in your life that you would like to honor and encourage next month?

Well, here are 3 projects that can be found in the April 2016 issue of I Like Crochet that would make great gifts and are quick to make.

 

Shimmer and Shine Necklace

 

This necklace is crocheted with Oso Blanco's Scubidu Gold yarn - the photo doesn't do the yarn justice - it sparkles and shines wonderfully.  The centerpiece is a beautiful cabochon (moonstone) that I found on www.etsy.com.

 

 

Vivid Floral Tote

 

This bag is crocheted with vibrant colors of one of my favorite yarns - Sinfonia (100% cotton) by Omega.  The floral stitch is easier than it looks and is just a 3 round repeat.

 

 

Celtic Knot Necklace

 

This decorative knot is the "Motherhood Knot" - if you look closely, you can see 2 hearts intertwined to make the pendant.  The beads are real coral beads that compliment the mint DMC embroidery floss well.

I Like Crochet is a digital only crochet publication - once you buy a year's subscription you instantly have access to all patterns that have published thus far. It's a great deal and there are many great projects!

Mandala Wall Art

 

In the current June 2015 issue of Crochet World you will find the pattern to make this crochet art project.  It is also the Winner's Circle design for this issue.  The issue is on sale now in bookstores and craft stores or you can buy it on-line here.

 

I crocheted it in some vibrant colors of Omega Sinfonia yarn which is a cotton fiber that is thinner than the usual cotton yarn used for dishcloths.

 

 

Of course, this project can be made into a doily that lies on a table but in my house that would put it at too great a risk for getting something spilled on it! I love the fact that crochet is so versatile that it can be mounted onto a metal ring and hung as a unique summer decoration on your wall.  Please send me a photo of your finished project or post it on Ravelry - I look forward to seeing your color choices!