DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

December always seems to be the busiest time of year. We’re all rushing around, trying to get all the things done. The company I work for has even restricted using the word “busy” in our meetings — though I hardly think that helps anyone feel less busy. Instead every day I’m looking for ways to counteract all the busyness in my life. Crochet never fails to lend some calm and help me to slow down. During this time of year, I like to have a meditative crochet project on hand to pick up whenever I need a quiet moment or two.

If you’re looking for a relaxing crochet project, try the Save Me a Spot Blanket, the Winter Wheat Afghan, or the Kindred Blanket. Each of these patterns is currently on sale in my Ravelry store. From now until the end of December, grab a winter blanket pattern or two (or more!) and get 40% off! (No coupon necessary. Discount applied at checkout.)

NEW PATTERN COMING

A Cozy Winter Shawl Is on the Way!

My striped shawl is finally off the hook. This has been such a fun project, but it took a lot of stitching to get it done. It kept me company for about 3 months, crocheting in the evenings after work, on road trips, and in the waiting room at appointments. It’s a good travel companion.

This triangle shawl is worked from the bottom point up so that you build the stripe pattern vertically as you go. I had never seen a crochet stripe pattern worked this way so I had to give it a try. It’s a lot of fun, but because you have to change colors (drop one color and pick up another) after every 2 stitches, it’s a slow stitching project. Once you get going, the rhythm of the stitching is quite enjoyable. I made this shawl with fingering weight yarn, which contributed to how long it took to complete. I’ve decided to start another version in sport weight and see how it goes. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, what should I name it? I’ve been trying to come up with stripey names like Candy Stripe or Squiggle, but nothing seems to stick. Want to share some thoughts? Just reply to this email — I’d love to hear your ideas!

FREE HOLIDAY PATTERN

Crochet a Mini Santa Hat

My Mom has a tradition of crocheting tiny Santa hats for all the stained glass birds she sells at galleries and markets during the holiday season. Aren’t these adorable? I’m so honored that she makes them using a pattern I wrote nearly 10 years ago. These hats make wonderful ornaments, gift tags, bunting, and toppers for gift bottles of wine. How would you use a mini Santa hat? We love making these hats, and we hope you will too!

Finished Measurements: 4 inches tall (including pom-pom) by 3 inches wide

Materials

• Medium-weight yarn in red and white (sample made with Cascade 220 [220 yds/100g/3.5 oz] wool yarn in #8895 Christmas Red and #8050 White): approximately 6 g of each color

• Size G/6/4.00mm crochet hook or size suitable for the yarn you are using

• Tapestry needle

• Stitch marker

Yarn Note: This is a great project for using up small scraps of yarn, so feel free to experiment with different weights and fibers. I just happened to have some red and white Cascade 220 left over from my Very Merry Blanket, but an acrylic yarn would be a good, inexpensive substitute for this project.

Pattern Note: Hat is worked from the top down, primarily in unjoined rounds. To help you keep track, you may want to mark the first stitch of the round with a stitch marker and move it up with each new round.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain

• rep = repeat

• sc = single crochet

• sl st = slip stitch

• * = repeat directions following asterisk as indicated

Single crochet decrease (sc dec): Insert hook into next stitch and yarn over. Pull up a loop (2 loops on hook). Insert hook into next stitch and yarn over. Pull up a loop (3 loops on the hook). Yarn over again and pull loop through all 3 loops on hook.

Instructions

Rnd 1: With red, ch 2 (or begin with an adjustable ring), 6 sc into 2nd ch from hook (or into the adjustable ring and pull to close). (6 sc)

Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 3: *Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, rep from * 2 more times. (9 sc)

Rnd 4: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 5: *Sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next sc, rep from * 2 more times. (12 sc)

Rnd 6: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 7: *Sc in next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, rep from * 2 more times. (15 sc)

Rnd 8: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 9: *Sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, rep from * 2 more times. (18 sc)

Rnd 10: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 11: *Sc in next 5 sc, 2 sc in next sc, rep from * 2 more times. (21 sc)

Rnd 12: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 13: *Sc in next 6 sc, 2 sc in next sc, rep from * 2 more times. (24 sc)

Rnds 14-16: Sc in each sc around. At end of Rnd 16, sl st in next sc, fasten off.

Rnd 17: Join white with sl st in any sc, ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st in first sc to join.

Rnd 18: *3 sc in next sc, sl st in next sc, rep from * around, sl st in first sc to join, fasten off. Weave in ends.

Make a Mini Pom-Pom

Rnd 1: With red, ch 2 (or begin with an adjustable ring), 6 sc into 2nd ch from hook (or into the adjustable ring and pull to close). (6 sc)

Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 3: Sc dec over first two sc, sc in next sc, sc dec over next 2 sc, sc in next sc, fasten off. (4 sc)

Tuck end from beginning into the ball to stuff it. Thread other tail end on a tapestry needle and sew through remaining 4 sc, pull to close and sew to top of hat.

WINTER BLANKET SALE ON RAVELRY

From now until the end of December, grab a winter blanket pattern from my Ravelry shop and get 40% off.

Happy Holidays!

Promotion ends December 31. No coupon necessary. Discount applied at checkout.

HOW TO SHARE YOUR PROJECTS

I always enjoy seeing what you make with my patterns and I love showing off your work! If you would like for your work to be featured in a future newsletter, email your project photos to Jennifer at crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com.

Or create a project on Ravelry: Share your project photos, yarn used, details, and more!

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Having you in my crochet circle means so much to me. I aim to publish a new pattern every quarter and a new tutorial every month, but I’ll only send you crochet content that I think you will enjoy. In the meantime, you can contact me by replying to this email or crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com. I would love to hear from you!