Showing posts with label Crafting for Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crafting for Christmas. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Crochet Plaid Blanket Pattern Reviewed

A Perfect Gift For His Man Cave

crochet needles and yarn
Crochet A Blanket For Him Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
Today, I'll be reviewing a crochet plaid blanket pattern that I plan to make for my son-in-law for Christmas. As I write this it is the 4th of July but now is the time to plan for making things like this to be sure that it is, in fact, finished before Christmas morning arrives.

I found this wonderful pattern at Yarnspirations.com. It is called the Buffalo Plaid Afghan and it is free to download and print. Actually, on the page it not only lets you get the pattern but you can purchase your yarn there, too; if you so desire. 

The pattern was created to celebrate the 150th birthday of our friends to the north, Canada. That is pretty neat in and of itself. What caught my eye was the manliness of the design. It is sometimes difficult to find things that we crocheters can do for the men in our lives. Oh, sure, we can do a scarf or a hat. We can hook up a pair of socks for them and we can even do other blankets. The options for a blanket are usually just picking a color scheme that might appeal to a guy, though. In my opinion a plaid blanket is perfect for a man. 

I've mentioned in other articles that I like to visit Mikey at The Crochet Crowd and watch his tutorials. Well, he has a tutorial on the blanket I want to make using this pattern!


The pattern and the video recommend that you use blanket yarn which is a thicker option of yarn. It is kind of bulky and works up pretty fast. You can choose any color combination that you want; it doesn't have to be in the red and black. Personally, I do not care to work with the bulkier yarns so when I start the one that I will make, I plan to substitute the yarn for a standard 4 ply yarn and use a smaller hook than is recommended in the pattern. That is the fun thing about crochet, you can usually adapt a pattern to suit your own tastes.

As you can see by the video this crochet plaid blanket will work up pretty quickly. It is just a matter of creating the mesh work and then doing the overlay crochet to finish it off. I love this pattern and I think that my son-in-law will love the blanket when I give it to him. If time allows, I may do one for my hubby, too.

For some additional ideas for things to create in crochet for the men in your lives, you might enjoy this set of patterns.



I know it is only July but if you plan to craft some gifts for the holidays; it is time to look for the patterns, get your supplies and start working on them. I love making things for gifts for my family. How about you? Do you craft items for gifts?




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Homemade Christmas Centerpiece Decoration Ideas

sugar cubes
When it comes to Christmas decorations, shop your favorite store or browse your favorite websites for inspiration. Here are a few festive homemade Christmas centerpiece decoration ideas using common holiday ornaments that are fun and easy.


The simple decoration above of Christmas tree globes setting in a dish is a combination of cold colors that brings brightness to the center of a table. And, it is so simple to put together. All you need is a pretty platter and a trio of decorative globes. Look for globes that are a color that compliments your holiday decor.

If you like this frozen holiday theme, you and your kids will have a fun time building igloos. Not the big blocks of packed snow igloos, but igloos made of sugar. Corinna Johnson shows us How to Make a Sugar Cube Igloo. She suggests using frosting to build the igloo so that you can use the sugar cubes in a dessert later.



The Christmas stocking isn't the only way to hide extra special presents. Make a centerpiece that is simply an arrangement of tiny wrapped packages, similar to the ribbon-wrapped boxes shown above, neatly nested in evergreens or holly. Wrap a tiny treat inside each box and pass out these miniature presents after dinner.

A pretty ribbon gives these tiny boxes an elegant touch.



It wouldn't be Christmas without poinsettias, evergreens, and reindeer. Glittered poinsettias fit in with any decor, the evergreens add an aromatic appeal, and reindeer statuary creates a unique touch.

Need ideas on how to arrange a menagerie of ornaments, the House of Sylvestermouse shows us How to Make a Christmas Sleigh Centerpiece that will add a touch of Santa Claus to your home.

I hope you enjoyed these homemade Christmas centerpiece decoration ideas.

Find more inspiration on Pinterest. 
This Victorian Christmas board is full of easy vintage crafts with a bit of Steampunk style.






Posted by Coletta Teske
Coletta Teske

About This Contributor

Coletta Teske writes reviews on books, business management, writing, crafting, cooking, and gardening. She is also an avid recycler and shares her tips on recycling. She delights in upcycling an old object, recycling or transforming discarded items into a new treasure.




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Crafty Signs of the Season

Santa Claus Humpty Dumpty plush doll in crochet
A Humpty-Dumpty Santa Doll
As we enter December and the beginning of the holiday season, we realize that the Christmas season began as Thanksgiving weekend ended. In many cities people enjoyed watching Thanksgiving parades and the traditional finale to every parade is the arrival of 'Santa Claus'.







Santa Claus and Friends


Toy Santa dolls in crochet
Christmas Decor Toys Santa Dolls on Etsy

Images of jolly old St. Nick in all forms make darling seasonal decor.  This set of a crocheted Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus would look terrific as part of your Christmas holiday decor or would make cute stocking stuffers for your kids.

Handmade by HelenaCrochetToys in the Ukraine.


Holiday Decor



Other signs of the season begin to appear as Christmastime gets closer. Christmas bells and poinsettias, Gingerbread men and candy canes, ornaments for the tree and stockings hung by the chimney with care.



Handmade beverage coasters in a Christmas theme
Christmas Design Coasters
It's time to display holiday themed items, like these Christmas Coasters for your holiday beverages.  These colorful coasters are the crafty work of the Christmas Elf at Coastal Crochet Crafts on Etsy.








Snowman wall hanging craft kit
Snowman Wall Hanging



Snowman Wall Hanging


For a seasonal wall hanging that doesn't have to be taken down after Christmas, as it is a nice decor all winter long, create this Woodland Friends Snowman Door or WallHanging from a kit. Everything you need, except the stuffing, is all in one package ready to craft. 



Turtle Cookie Balls

Turtle Cookie Balls recipe card
Turtle Cookie Balls Recipe Card









Christmas cookies are another sign of the season and cooking is every bit as much a craft as needlework and sewing.  Mary Beth Granger (mbgphoto) shares her recipes for Cookie Balls which are wonderful for your own holiday time and also make terrific homemade gifts for friends.  Mary Beth created a beautiful recipe card on Zazzle for her cookie balls and the card would be a lovely addition to your gift.  Tuck it into the package and your friend can have a gift that 'keeps on giving'.






Christmas Tree Ornaments


Beaded and Sequined Christmas Balls craft kit


Don't forget the Christmas Tree ornaments.  Sylvestermouse shows us a wonderful group of Bead & Sequin Christmas Ornament Kits we can craft for our own tree or to give as a gift.  



Christmas ornaments crafts

Another contributor to Review This Review, Dawn Rae, brings us some easy Christmas ornament crafts you can do with your children as you get ready for the holiday season.



When it's Time to Put Away the Crafts

At the end of the day, it's time to put away our craft supplies.  Susan Kennedy (BuckHawk) helps us get organized with helpful tips and tools at her "Organize Craft Supplies" site.


Christmas Shopping Ideas


And for an extra easy way to begin your Christmas shopping, check out this handy online Holiday Gift Guide brought to you by the contributing members of 'Review This'.


Have a Happy Holiday!



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Most Recent Reviews on Review This Reviews






Search for Reviews by Subject, Author or Title

The Review This Reviews Contributors



SylvestermouseSylvestermouseDawn Rae BDawn Rae BMbgPhotoMbgPhotoBrite-IdeasBrite-IdeasWednesday ElfWednesday ElfOlivia MorrisOlivia MorrisTreasures by BrendaTreasures by BrendaThe Savvy AgeThe Savvy AgeMargaret SchindelMargaret SchindelRaintree AnnieRaintree AnnieLou16Lou16Sam MonacoSam MonacoTracey BoyerTracey BoyerRenaissance WomanRenaissance WomanBarbRadBarbRadBev OwensBev OwensBuckHawkBuckHawkDecorating for EventsDecorating for EventsHeather426Heather426Coletta TeskeColetta TeskeMissMerFaeryMissMerFaeryMickie_GMickie_G

 


Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor

Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten





“As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and or Etsy (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from purchases.” Disclosure Statement

X