Thursday 15 December 2016

CHRISTMAS ANGEL 1

crochet angel motif
CHRISTMAS ANGEL 1

Christmas is around the corner .. and I thought I’d add a few Christmassy cheery ideas to my blog.. and what’s the *bestest* thing on your Christmas tree.. Yup, the Angel.  While I was browsing through the internet, I’ve found quite a few charts for lovely angels, so if you like what you find here, do follow me so that you can get all the other blogs direct to your fingertips .. literally 

And in keeping with the festive season of giving, may I request you to link my blog when you make your project.  I feel horrid saying this, but there are many who have used the patterns freely given here, and not given any credit to the blog that has given them this pattern.  Come on guys.. it ain’t that much work to give credit and link the blog now, is it?
It’s worse when someone says “taken this from …(where ever they’ve taken the pattern from.. not just my blog I mean)” and not taking the trouble of giving the proper link(s).

Thank you for joining me.

In case you have just joined me, know that you can access all of my earlier creations by checking under ‘categories’ on the right hand side of this blog under “Labels”.  Then, for your convenience, follow me here or on Facebook, You Tube, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram.

Check out all my social media handles at the bottom of this blog

Oh, and may I add that the fastest way to find any of my blogs is via Pinterest.


All my blogs can be printed.  Find the printer friendly (green) link at the bottom of this blog.  You can also hit Control P (or Command P for Mac) on your keyboard, and the blog will go directly to the connected printer.

Remember that you only print if absolutely essential.  Save paper – Save Our Earth. 


Do remember to add my blog URL when you make and show off your creation. 

Just copy the link on the search bar above - that's the blog URL.


To purchase this or similar yarn online, click here to buy your yarns online via Amazon.  While you will still pay the same, I may get paid by Amazon as well. 

This is a free blog - so do pay it forward for me.  Cheers.


Compliments of the festive season to you and your family too 

Inspired by this photo with its attached graph / chart , here are my pattern notes.


Materials usedToday I have used our lovely Indian Red rose metallic cotton yarn with a 1.3 mm crochet hook ; fabric glue to seal ends and Mod Podge for stiffening & protecting your project.

This yarn is not specific for this project.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros ; or unbranded  knitting cotton as well 

International yarns :  Among the international yarns I have used, I’d suggest Aunt Lydia Cotton 10, Aunt Lydia Bamboo-Viscose 10, DMC Petra, Sullivans knitting cotton (Australia), Milford Soft, Hilaza Rustica Eclat , Alize cotton yarn and Alize bamboo yarn.
Size made : Length : 5.5” ; Width : 4.5”

Difficulty level : Intermediate Skill level

Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw 

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs 

Triple Crochet : trc : wrap yarn twice around hook, insert hk into st ; yo (4 lps on hk); [yo, draw through 2 lps] three times.  One trc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/A0y4BbgDTbs

Chainless start for Triple / Treble Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of trc. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/f42MO0cGYC0  

How to work a picot stitch : Traditionally for a ch-3 picot, you work (ch 3, sl-st in 3rd ch from hook).  For a ch-5 picot, you will do (ch 5, sl-st in 5th ch from hook).  
Here’s a great video https://youtu.be/8s3zVaBcn4s


Abbreviations used :  Using U.S Terminology
dc : Double crochet           sp(s) : Space(s)
st(s) : Stitch(es)                 hk : Hook
lp : Loop(s)                        yo : Yarn Over
sk : Skip                             sc : Single crochet
ch : Chain
fsc : Foundation single crochet       
trc : Treble / Triple crochet
dtr : Double treble crochet


Instructions using U.S terminology
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.  
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

This is a really cute little angel that can be made for hanging off your tree or just like that.  I think that if you make two parts of this, attach them along the sides, and lightly stuff it with polyfill and glitter, this will make a cute little angel for the top of your tree too.. do go ahead and try that out, won’t you? 

However, as this is a pretty lacy creation, may I suggest that you put your polyfill into a stocking that matches the yarn color used (or stocking net that we use for making flowers) and then put in your polyfill .. AND IF that does work out, when you share it on all the social media and DO REMEMBER to credit me.  Thanks.



crochet angel motifcrochet angel motif

Magic circle : To refresh your skill, please view this easy video https://youtu.be/ISC39yOqWro 

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk); 
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice.  One dc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo 

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0  

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Start with a magic circle and 16 dc in that circle.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st dc. 
Pull lightly to close.

Round 1 : 2 dc in the 1st dc 
and in each dc all around. 
Join with a sl-st to the 1st dc.

In the following round, we’ll create the halo around the angel’s head.  
For this, we will use a trc or a treble crochet as well as a dtr which is a double treble crochet. 

Double Treble /Triple Crochet : dtrc :  wrap yarn three times around hook, insert hk into st ; yo (4 lps on hk); [yo, draw through 2 lps] three times.  One trc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/XyPrnAtOs3U 

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY 

Round 2 : sl-st in the 1st 6 dc ; 
ch 3; *sk next dc, dc in the ; 
ch 2, sk next dc, trc in the next dc ; 
[ch 2, sk next dc, dtr in the next dc] ; 
rep [to] once ; 
(ch 2, dtr in the next dc) ; 
rep (to) once ; 
rep [to] once ; 
ch 2, sk next dc, dc in the next dc ; 
ch 3, sk next dc, sl-st in the next dc & in the next 5 dc ; 
ch 3, sk next dc ; 
dc in the next dc ; 
ch 3 and join with a sl-st to the 1st dc.  

We will now work side to side for the body of the little angel.

crochet angel motif

Row 3 : 5 dc in the 1st ch-3 sp ; 
dc in the next dc ; 
5 dc in the next ch-3 sp.  Turn.

Row 4 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
*ch 1, dc in the next dc* ; 
rep *to* till end.  Turn.

Row 5 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
*ch 2, dc in the next dc* ; 
rep *to* till end.  Turn.

In the following row, we will use a Shell stitch, which is (dc ; ch 3, dc) all in the same st or ch-sp

Row 6 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
*ch 2, sk dc, Shell st in the next ch-2 sp* ; 
rep *to* till end ; 
ch 2, dc in the last dc.  Turn.

In the following row, we’ll add 2 dc to the Shell stitch, so let’s call this Shell A, and this will be (2 dc ; ch 2, 2 dc) all in the same ch-sp.

Row 7 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
ch 3, Shell st in the next ch-2 sp ; 
[Shell st in the next 3 Shell sts] ; 
(Shell A st in the next 4 Shell st) ; 
rep [to] once ; 
Shell st in the last ch-2 sp ; 
ch 3, dc in the last dc.  Turn.

In the following row, we’re creating yet another Shell stitch, so let’s call this Shell B, and this will be (3 dc ; ch 3, 3 dc) all in the same ch-sp.

Row 8 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
ch 2, Shell st in the next ch-3 sp ; 
[Shell st in the next 4 Shell sts] ; 
(Shell B, st in the next 4 Shell A st) ; 
rep [to] once ; 
Shell st in the last ch-2 sp ; 
ch 2, dc in the last dc.  Turn.

We have now finished the wings of the little angel.
Fasten off yarn.  Weave in ends.

crochet angel motif

We will now continue with the skirt of our angel.  
You will have fastened off at the right hand side of your motif.  
So you will come back to the last Shell B you have made and re-attach yarn at the 1st dc of your Shell B.

Row 9 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
sk 2 dc, Shell B st in the next 4 Shell B sts ; 
sk next 2 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Row 10 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
sk 2 dc, (Shell B st in the next Shell B st ; 
dc in the sp between 2 Shell B sts) ; 
rep (to) till end ; 
sk next 2 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Row 11 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
sk 2 dc, (Shell B st in the next Shell B st ;
 [dc ; ch 1, dc in the next dc]) ; 
rep (to) till end ; 
sk next 3 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Row 12 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
sk 2 dc, (Shell B st in the next Shell B st ; 
[dc ; ch 2, dc in the next ch-1 sp]) ; 
rep (to) till end ; 
sk next 3 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Row 13 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
sk 2 dc, (Shell B st in the next Shell B st ; 
[Shell A in the next ch-2 sp]) ; 
rep (to) till end ; 
sk next 3 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Row 14 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
sk 2 dc, (Shell B st in the next Shell B st ; 
[Shell B in the next Shell A st]) ; 
rep (to) till end ; 
sk next 3 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Row 15 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
sk 2 dc, Shell B st in the next Shell B st ; 
(ch 1, Shell B st in the next Shell B st) ; 
rep (to) till end ; 
sk next 2 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Row 16 : dc in the 1st dc ; 
sk 2 dc, Shell B st in the next Shell B st ; 
(ch 2, Shell B st in the next Shell B st) ; 
rep (to) till end ; 
sk next 3 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Row 17 : dc in the 1st dc ; sk 2 dc, 
*(4 dc ; ch 1, 4 dc in the next Shell B st) ; 
[dc ; ch 2, dc in the next ch-2 sp]* ; 
rep *to* till end ; 
sk next 3 dc and dc in the next dc.  Turn.

Now for the grand finale, we will work one continuous row of finishing all around the lovely angel motif.  
Take a quick break.. put your beautiful work down and admire it for a bit.. OK.. back to work ;)

So let’s visualise what we’re going to do now.  
You’re at the bottom edge of your angel motif.  
We will first work along the edge of this skirt and work along the skirt edge up to the wings & head
we will then work the underside of the wing, up to the head, around the head and down the wing to the other side of the dress.
We will be working along the vertical dc for the skirt portion. 
So how do we calculate ‘stitches’.  
Usually when working along the vertical dc bar, we assume these are 2 sc.  
Then there is the space/stitch between 2 vertical dc.  This is the space that we will be using to place an sc as well.  OK great.. let’s start.

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M 

Row 18 : sc in the 1st dc ;
Turn and work along one side of skirt ;
[2 sc in each vertical dc ; sc in the sp between 2 vertical dc] ;
rep [to] 7 times ;
Turn and work along the underside of the 1st wing ;
{dc ; ch 3, dc} in the next 6 ch-3 sps ; 
ch 2, dc in the last dc ;
Turn and work along the top side of the 1st wing ;
rep [to] 6 times ;
Turn and work back down along this side of the angel – 
first the top side of the wing ;
Sl-st in all the sc till the 1st corner wing {to} ch-3 sp ;
Turn and work along the underside of the wing ;
(sc ; ch 2, sc) all in the ch-3 sp ;
rep (to) 6 times ;
Turn and work along the side of skirt ;
rep (to) 8 times.
Fasten off and weave in ends for this side.

Re-attach yarn at the bottom edge of the other side  of the angel skirt and repeat instructions of Row 18 for the other side.

Note : You may want to run a row of sc around the top of the halo as well, and in case you do, then work that in when you reach the neck section for one side, and then sl-st all the way back till the neck & wing again.

Have a fun creative time.
Enjoyed this ?? I sure did.. come back right here for more freebie patterns

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.  
 
I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

Check out my awesome pins on Pinterest at https://in.pinterest.com/shyamanivas/

 
Join me on YouTube at https://youtube.com/shyamanivas 

And on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Sweet-Nothings-Crochet/ for more patterns.

Do follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/ShyamaNivas


Find me on Ravelry at ravelry.com/projects/shyamanivas/

 
Have a great day and see you soon. 

I have a few other lovely gift ideas, and just in case you want a dekho at those free patterns … here you go