I spent last week playing with ideas for holiday wreaths. Initially I jumped for the green because it seemed logical, but once I went stash diving I really wasn’t happy with any color combinations that worked with it. In checking out out the dollar section at Michael’s, I came across some pretty glass bird ornaments and suddenly my color theme was decided.

For this wreath (ravelry link), I ended up using Brown Sheep Burly Spun in Fuschia to cover the form and crochet one of my favorite ornamental edgings. Then I went to town on flowers and leaves, using my free Autumn Leaves pattern and the flower patterns I teach in Crafty Crochet Embellishments, modified to have 8 petals. Of course, any flowers and leaves you like will do. I used a variety of yarns in my stash: Harrisville Chunky (the pink flower the bird is on, and the large leaf), Noro Cash Iroha (light pink flower), Anzula Cricket (the leaves and flower with hand-dyed tonal variation that goes perfectly with the birdie), and Stitch Nation Full O’ Sheep (the purple flower). I also started a blue and white rendition, and you should have seen the MESS I made trying to dig out and mix all of the yarns. I loved every minute of it….but I didn’t love putting it all back in its place.

I even blocked the flowers before I sewed them on, which I thought I should show you so that you believe me. I actually used every last T-pin to spread out all of the flowers and leaves. People always ask me if they should really block things, even after I’ve spent several sentences explaining the benefits. “But what about afghans? And small things? And acrylic? Is it really worth blocking them?” Yes, in my opinion, it really is. Try it, and you’ll see. There is no harm in trying.

If you’re in San Antonio (or nearby), I’d love you to join me in making a wreath at Yarnivore on Saturday, December 3rd from 3-5 PM. Classes are always more fun when they are full, because we can share our ideas and stories as we crochet. We’ll even pick up the wreath forms for you if you sign up in advance.  I’ll also give you free patterns for all of the flowers and leaves I used, and I’ll probably save my blue/white wreath assembly for that day. Hope to see you there!