Crochet Christmas Decorating Links for a Homemade Christmas

The older I get, the more I cherish the handmade item over the mass -produced one.

Christmas has evolved into an extremely commercialized holiday; and I want to get off that rollercoaster... already, I usually gift my grown kids with at least one handmade gift. I hope that they understand how much love I put into each gift. It's not about money spent; it's about the time and thought investment. A token of my affection... even when we are separated by miles.

I wont have time this year to do it... but I am definitely going to try to decorate next year with homemade decorations. I searched the internet for ideas that utilized crochet (my fave fiber craft) ... I found some really creative ideas. Some of these fit my style perfectly... others I will want to "tweak" in some way... to make it more "me".

I thought that others might like to see some of these ideas and add something handmade to their celebrations.

So here are the links I found:

angel ornament

popcorn garland

Linda Permann's Cute Crochet Ornaments

Dottie Angel's Crochet Garland

christmas bulb ornament

granny square tree skirt

granny square christmas stocking

holly & berries ornament

tubular crochet braided wreath here is a color pic of this wreath

mistletoe wreath here is a color pic of this wreath

crocheted dodecahedron star (could be tree topper, toy or decoration)

snowflake

christmas hearts ornament

christmas ball ornament

christmas candle decoration

christmas granny square (lots of potential uses)

poinsettia

I would LOVE to find a free crochet Nativity set pattern! (so if you see one, please let me know!)

also... click on the magazine links (in the sidebar)... there are beautiful ideas (especially Crochet Today!) in there also!

I enjoy hearing about and seeing any handmade items you are crafting for this holiday season! I especially like crochet items but love all handmade stuff!

Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season... No matter what holiday you are celebrating!

FO: Bubbles Baby Blanket for Baby Zander

Yes! I finally got down to business and finished the baby blanket that I was working on for my Grandbaby-to-be, Baby Zander!

Here is my DIL holding the blanket up at the baby shower. I hope Baby Zander can feel all the love I put into every stitch... just for him.

Since we live so far away... I want him to have a tangible token of our love for him!

This is the completed blanket. I crocheted this version of Deneen St Amour's (she is @yarnandmusings on twitter ) "Bubbles Baby Blanket". I gotta tell you, I really love this pattern... it is a simple pattern to remember...so it is easy to pick up after setting it down for a bit. It works up so nice in a reversible pattern that lays flat and doesn't need any edging. I like how different this pattern can be worked with different hooks and yarns for completely different looks.

It works up fast... unless you are a super slow hooker like me!

I modified the pattern by using a J hook and only 1 strand of worsted weight. I used Hobby Lobby's acrylic"I Love This Yarn!" brand in #20 Ivory. This caused the blanket to be thicker... not as "airy".

This will definitely be my "Go To" pattern for baby gifts!

Here is a close-up of the bubbles pattern.

See how the flat the edge lays... no curling... no edging

And here is Tallulah trying to persuade me to stop working on the blanket and let her get into my lap! :-)