34 Crochet World CROCHET-WORLD.COM DECEMBER 2018
Decorating for the Holidays
With CrochetBy Randy CavaliereThe holidays are quickly approaching! If it hasn’t hap-
pened already, decorations will be hauled out of stor-
age and placed on trees, doors, mantels, windows
and in every conceivable bare spot around the house.
There’s no doubt that these pieces are dear to your
heart, especially if they were made or handed down
by a loved one. But wouldn’t it be fun to have some-
thing new and exciting in your collection? So let’s see
what we can crochet...
Start right here in this issue! It features beautiful, clever
and distinctive designs, many of which don’t require a
lot of yarn or time to complete. Some projects are not
only fun to look at, but they’re useful as well. Take a
look at the Christmas Star Coasters on page 12 and the
Peppermint Twist Rug on page 28.After you’ve made everything that this and past
issues of Crochet World offer, if you still need holiday
cheer, check out other publications from Annie’s
Publishing. Look for leaflets, brochures, books and
magazines at your favorite yarn or craft store.Annie’s Craft Store
online (www.Anni-
esCraftStore.com)
features hundreds
of delightful designs
as well as yarn from
numerous compa-
nies. No doubt you’ll
want to make future
heirlooms, so look
at what’s available
in the many easy-to-
find patterns.
Consider creating
a theme—perhaps
crocheted snowpeople (see Crochet World‘s Decem-
ber 2017 issue), snowflakes or a Nativity scene
(see Heirloom Nativity at AnniesCraftStore.com).
Multicolored crocheted light bulbs are a safe and
fun way to decorate your tree and use up lots of
scrap yarn! Or make a set of window ornaments
in your favorite Christmas color—is it a traditional,
contemporary or jewel-tone shade?
Although Hanukkah is a minor holiday on the Jew-
ish calendar, the desire to celebrate and decorate
is major! A hanukkia (9-arm candlabra also known
as a menorah) and candles, Stars of David, jugs of
oil and dreidels (spinning tops) are the symbols
of the holiday. Blue and white are the dominant
colors, so any crocheted home decor item can be
adapted as something special for your Hanukkah
table or window display. Fill your home with 8
days of beautiful and unusual decorations. Serve
your latkes (potato pancakes) on place mats that
are quick to make!
Kwanzaa, the African-American celebration of
community, family and culture, is characterized
by the colors black, red and green. Although there
aren’t many crochet patterns specific to this 7-day
holiday, many designs can be modified to make
the kinara (candle holder), mkeka (mat), bendera
(flag) and other symbols.
No matter what you celebrate, don’t forget the
warmth of a holiday afghan! It’s not only a striking
burst of color, it also provides warmth on cold days
and nights. Consider the lovely Snowy Evening
Afghan (page 24) made with two strands held
together that work up quickly—perfect for a last-
minute gift to yourself or someone special. Accent
pillows are the finishing touch to your holiday
home decor. Take a look at the wonderful Country
Christmas Pillow on page 8. It features charming
thread motifs appliquéd to a red striped pillow.Country Christmas Pillow, page 8Peppermint Twist Rug, page 28