Christmas Decorations - More Free Patterns

It seems likely that it is going to be very cold in Ireland this weekend and our friends in the USA are probably snowed in, so I thought some more Christmas knit and crochet patterns were in order.

As penguin's seem very popular this Christmas due the phenomenal success of department store John Lewis' Christmas advertisement about penguins falling in love (youtube #MontyThePenguin), I thought this was very apt.  The pattern is from Lion brand yarns and the link is here.  You do have to have a login to get access to patterns but it is free.

You can never have too many bears around the place, so this little fellow has to be included.  He is from Red Heart yarns and the pattern is here.

This very bright garland is also from Red Heart yarns and the pattern is here.  I am thinking this would make a good advent calendar.

This is one the children might like to try, the yarn is wrapped around some cardboard shapes.  It is from Lion Brand yarns and the instructions are here.

If you want something to keep you warm while you construct it, there are plenty of nice blanket/throw patterns out there to try, including this one from Red Heart yarns here.

Have fun with these.  Please come back again next week as I putting up posts on simple gifts you can make within a short amount of time.

Wednesday's Wishes - Christmas Gifts for Children

I love the idea of giving handmade items as gifts and so today am showcasing some delightful gifts for children.

These adorable dolls are from warmsugar on Etsy.  I love the fact that some of the clothes are made from recycled fabrics and they can be custom made as far as skin colour, hair colour, clothing colour etc.  I also like the fact that Shannon makes boy dolls. Worldwide shipping is available.

These gorgeous crochet elephants are from crafttalents on Etsy.  This little shop has beautiful work from several people, including fabric applique cushions, great wooden toys and other crochet animals.  Worldwide shipping is available.

This practical crayon notebook folder is from paperfromheaven on Etsy.  Kate has a multitude of other designs in her shop, in various sizes and styles to suit all ages.  There are also folders to contain drumsticks and make-up brushes. Worldwide shipping is available.

This cute crochet snowman is from ollebol on Etsy.  I thought it would be great in a "Frozen" style context.  Celine also has a great Peppa Pig and some beautiful Waldorf dolls and clothes in her shop.  Worldwide shipping is available.

This gorgeous owl is from karensagez on Etsy.  Karen has a lot of different owls in her shop, together with birds and racoons.  They are all brightly coloured and would look good in any room.  Worldwide shipping is available.

This beautiful mermaid Waldorf doll is from cleoandpoppy on Etsy.  She is made to order and the fabric etc are eco-friendly.  Eszter also makes other types of Waldorf dolls, bags and felt mini crowns.  Worldwide shipping is available.

I hope this has given you some good ideas for some beautiful handmade treasures to put under your Christmas tree.

Christmas Decorations - Crochet Free Patterns

This post is following on from this one, detailing some free patterns provided by some lovely crafters for us all to make and enjoy.  So here are some beautiful Christmas decorations that are crocheted.

This is a very useful Christmas star from Leonie at Woolnhook and the pattern is here.  I say useful, because I can see it being used for garlands and wreaths, as well as a hanging tree decoration.

This charming set of Christmas lights are from Dappertoad and the pattern is here.  You will need to be a craftsy.com member to download the pattern, but it is worth setting it up, just to get this pattern and it is free.

These super cute Christmas socks are from Angie at lemondedesucrette and the pattern is here.  There is an excellent step by step tutorial as well.  A great to use all your odd bits of yarn.  A great advent calendar idea too.

These realistic looking pinecones are from yarnfreak and the pattern is here.  I quite like the idea of doing pastel coloured ones for a modern wreath decoration.

These very pretty Christmas trees are from Annoocrochet and the pattern is here.  We probably won't have a Christmas tree this year, but I thought some of these on a bare branch would look festive.

Well I think this will give you all lots of inspiration and ideas, I know it has certainly got my mind spinning.