I suppose that I really must start to think about Christmas. Actually, in some ways I have been very organised, with the majority of the presents bought and even wrapped. Other than that however I have not done much. The ingredients for the Christmas cake have been bought….and are still sitting in the cupboard. The cards are bought ….and remain unwritten. You get the idea?
Advent Calender
A couple of years ago my eldest said that he would really like to have little stockings up the stairs with chocolates in. Not wanting to disappoint I did as requested. It was first used last year so this year was easy – all I had to was find them, buy chocolates and organise them. We all did this yesterday. As well as a chocolate I have a set of 24 mini books which tell the Christmas story so the corresponding one of these goes into the stocking as well.
I crocheted these. The numbers are pipe cleaners stuck on with glue and the top has ribbon stuck on.
Part of their homemade charm is that no two stockings are exactly same, some look more like stockings than others. The important thing is my children are happy and they bring a bit of festivity to the stairs.
Christmas Crafting
Yes, after weeks of reading about everyone else’s lovely Christmas makes I thought that it was about time that I started.
Snowflakes
I had a thought that snowflakes may well work well in wire and so gave them a go with the end goal of making a garland to go across the mantle. I used this free pattern from Notsogranny (who currently has a great giveaway on her blog to win a booklet of patterns along with the yarn to make your choice of pattern from the book).
I started off with a very fine wire and a small hook, then moved onto silver. This wire is slightly thicker and I therefore used a larger hook:
For this final version I went back to the fine wire but used a larger hook. I really like the effect of this as you can see the detail.
I am really looking forward to making more of these so that I can finish my garland.
Now I am going to head over to Handmade Harbour as always to see what Christmassy delights everyone else has been making this week (before making my Christmas cake, writing my cards etc!!) Why don’t you join me? You may pick up a very special Christmas present …..
knitnrun4sanity 
Love your snowflakes. They look as delicate as the real thing.
The stockings are a great idea, although since they are easier to get into than a sealed advent calender, I would be a bit too tempted to cheat and skip ahead a few days 😀
PLEASE do NOT speak to my children as they have not figured that out yet 🙂
awww i love your advent stockings!! Such a lovely homely idea and they also look pleasingly full in classic homemade style 🙂
Your snowflakes are beautiful! What an inspired idea to crochet them in wire, the effect is fantastic x
Thank you for your very kind comments.
Gosh the snowflakes look so light and silivery just like the real ones.
They do don’t they?
I love your advent stockings!! I think the idea of the same advent to bring out each year is a lovely one, the children will remember it all their lives. I love the idea of mini books in there as well as chocolate.
Thanks – hoping that it will be a well loved tradition (although when they leave home not sure what I will do!)
You might just have to make two more sets so that they can each carry on the tradition with their children : )
That thought had crossed my mind… better start making then!
I love your little stocking advent calender!! Really gorgeous! And as for your snowflakes, they’re simply beautiful….so delicate.
Have a good week
S x
Thank you very much.
Love your stocking garland and your snowflakes look sooo delicate – just like the real ones are.
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow – you are pretty organised with your presents wrapped already! The stockings are so lovely – something you’ll always remember I guess about your family Christmasses. Might have to have a go at those beautiful snowflakes as wire is my passion – yours look so delicate and pretty. Have a great week, Alison x
ooo do have a go – would love to see your take on them.
I love the advent stockings.What a fabulous idea!the snowflakes are gorgeous,so delicate.
Thank you 🙂
wow. The snowflakes look so pretty in wire! so different to yarn. Will you load them up as a ravelry project please?
Yes of course I will.
I love crochet and so I really like your snowflakes! The only time I have used wire in a similar way was to make a tree of life pendant and i really enjoyed making it. I will have to try some wire snoflakes for our house now!
oh do I would love to see how yours turn out.
Those snowflakes are so pretty and love the advent banner such a good idea
Thanks I am sure it will save some money in the long run 😉
Those snowflakes are amazing!
Thanks 🙂
The snowflakes are lovely, and I really like the way you have photographed them.
Thank you – photography is something I am working on!
I love the stockings! They are so cute and such a great idea..
I’m also impressed with the snowflakes 🙂
Thanks – maybe you need an advent calender to help you feel more Christmassy?
I actually bought one this year, my first ever! We were not allowed chocolate as kids…
Bu I haven’t been eating chocolate since I’m not so well 😦
oooo you have loads to catch up on when you feel better. Lucky you 🙂
I love your stocking advent calendar it’s such a lovely idea. The snowflakes are really pretty. They’ll look wonderful displayed with fairy lights. Have a lovely week.
Ali x
Will definitely be adding lights – thanks for the idea.
Beautiful beautiful snowflakes and the advent calendar is sooo ingenious, love it!
Thank you very much 🙂
You are far more organised than I am when it comes to Chrostmas – I am still in denial!
Your advent calendar is just gorgeous! What makes it extra special is thay fact that you also put the little books in each one with the story of Christmas, what a brilliant idea!
I am sure that it wasn’t my idea but cannot remember where it came from. Thanks anyway 🙂
Love those snowflakes. Thanks so much for the nice comment on my recycled star ornament.
You are more than welcome.
wow your snowflakes so original and so light… like mist or haze. will look good as a garland or on a christmas tree
you’re very well organized! everything planned ahead, and me? all done and baked “5 to twelve” 🙂
i like your crocheted advent calendar – nothing like a hand made thing 🙂 Ive been planning to … knit one in form of knitted balls but i think i maybe a little late with it now.
i will probably start it and finish knitting some time after xmas but will be counting down the day with it at next xmas season
That was a bit like me – start with great gusto and then loose a bit of momentum. You will be pleased next year if you do get it done.
Lovely snowflakes, I think they look equally good hanging singly as hanging as a garland.
Jan x
Thank you, I think I agree with you.
What a fantastic idea – advent stocking and the fillings. I must make a note for next year. Starting a new “tradition” would certainly help. The preparations are always easier when you already know what is to be done. It will save thinking – always a good thing when there is a lot to do.
Thank you for sharing.
Jean
You are more than welcome 🙂
What a sweet idea 🙂 where do you get the time to crochet each one of these, you must be super organised! x
No – it took me about a year!!!