IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Lately, I have been seeing more and more crocheted wreaths all over the internet, mostly Pinterest.  It peaked my interest, and thought I would give it a go.

This year I have been into red and white, so that's what I planned for the base.  I followed instructions from Repeat Crafter Me, just substituting stripes instead of a plain pattern.  The yarn for the base is Red Heart Super Saver (white and cherry red).  A couple years ago I purchased two full skeins of bright green mohair at a thrift store for $1.00.  I had no idea what I would ever use it for.  It was perfect for the Holly Jolly pattern from Attic 24.  Finally, the rolled roses pattern came from Pink Milk (Red Heart Super Saver - Cherry  Red).  After the crocheting was complete, I went through my stash of old Christmas bits and bobs (99% of the goodies are vintage with a couple newer items to fill in the gaps) to create a Christmas vignette.  Santa even twirls from the top of the wreath.

Here it is hanging on the outside of my mother's door.

S.W.A.K.

GRANNY BUNTING

Every holiday Frannie and I sneak over to Granny's house and decorate her tree.  You see, Granny, my husband's aunt, lives next door.  She is 99 years old and pretty much house-bound due to very painful arthritis.  Still, everyday, she makes her way to her front window and enjoys the sunshine and the what's going on down our little street.  Sometimes she is very surprised when she looks out.  Early yesterday morning Frannie and I strung up a "Granny Bunting", which I crocheted in patriotic colors.  Granny loves anything hand-made, and was once quite the seamstress and crocheter, herself.  She was overjoyed and so were we.

Pattern for granny bunting and flowers from Attic 24.  Pattern for star from A Foothill Home Companion.

S.W.A.K.

P.S. - I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn and a size H crochet hook.  (I figured this stuff could take any kind of weather.)  The buntings measure 10" on each side after blocking.  I attached all the grannies together by chaining 80, single crochet across the top of a triangle, chain 6 between and then attach another triangle, again chain 6, and so on, ending with another 80 chains after the last one.  Next, chain 2, turn, sc across all.  Keep this up until your edge is the depth you like.