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woollens, then Christmas is it – pick up your
needles and crochet garments that the
whole family can enjoy. “Knowing that my
kids are warm is super important in the
winter months, but getting them to keep
their winterwear on can sometimes be
tricky,” says Erin. “As younger kids, they were
more inclined to keep their hats and mitts on
when they wanted to show them off so I
would let them come up with a concept and
pick out the yarns and colours to ensure they
felt ownership over them.”
DECORATIONS
Think outside of the box with your décor this
year; crocheted decorations will transcend
trends and are filled with memories of the
times you made them. Whether you prefer
traditional or contemporary accessories,
crochet is a craft that’s versatile enough to
allow you to make every possible kind of
festive shape. “No one will have the same
decorations as you,” says Eleonora. “The fact
that they’ve been lovingly handmade will
mean they’re appreciated for a long time
and have the potential to become family
heirlooms.” What an amazing way to become
a part of your family’s history.
There are plenty of traditional designs to
get you started, with patterns widely
available for baubles, wreaths, garlands,
bunting and ornaments. Your tree is a great
starting point as nothing is off limits for it.
Don’t be afraid to work your own personal
style of crochet into your decorating too. “If
you enjoy amigurumi, then how about
making an amigurumi nativity scene?”
suggests teacher, author, designer and
blogger Sarah Shrimpton
(www.annabooshouse.blogspot.com).
For a contemporary, unique approach,
try working your home décor into your
creations. “I work my love for the coast into
mine,” says Eleonora. “I make simple
mistletoe garlands which I then wrap around
driftwood. Add some little fairylights and
you have a stunning table decoration
centrepiece for Christmas dinner. Or even
attaching crocheted decorations to a piece
of driftwood can make a unique and special
wall hanging.”
For the last couple of years, crafter Kate
Eastwood (www.justpootling.blogspot.co.uk)
has designed a crochet Advent Box for
crochet subscription company Little Box of
Crochet. “It contains everything needed to
make 24 different Christmas decorations –
one for each day of advent,” Kate explains.“Last year’s box was a variety of different
decorations and this year’s will be everything
needed to make a beautiful Christmas
wreath.” That will keep you busy!QUALITY TIME
Of course, one of the main joys of the festive
season is the time spent with your friends
and family – and its portability and
accessibility means crochet is a perfect craft
to work on while in company. “What I love
about crocheting at Christmas is that it’s a
craft we can easily do whilst we’re all sitting
on the sofa watching a family movie together- I don’t have to be in another room with
complicated equipment; it’s just a small hook
and a ball of yarn,” says Sarah.
Many of us crafters have special memories
of parents or grandparents with crochet
hooks in hand, teaching us all of the skills that
we cherish so much today. Being able to pass
this on to our younger generations is a
wonderful way to keep this family tradition
alive. “To share the gift of crochet with others
is invaluable,” says Eleonora. “Especially in a
screen-filled world, encouraging loved ones
to put their phones down and try and make
something with their hands is amazing!”
Written by Colette Earley
Below: stockings
are an ideal festive
make; bottom:
Sarah Shrimpton
loves how she can
crochet with her
family round her
at ChristmasWho could resist this bunting by
Kate Eastwood (top-right)?;
below: if you don’t have
time to make complete crochet
gifts, a bag or holder is perfect;
centre-right: chunky yarn is
ideal for making gifts quickly