So... I'm pretty late getting my Christmas cards out this year. Since I stopped selling rubber stamps a few years ago, I haven't made a whole lot of cards. For the past few years, we've sent store bought cards to most of my friends and family (The horror, I know). I get a Christmas card annually from the mother of my high school best friend. She always makes sure to tell me how much she loves my handmade cards in her card to me, so naturally, she continues to get a handmade card from me. She might be the only one to get a handmade card, and for now, I'm okay with that.
My inspiration for this year's card came from Pinterest (I love Pinterest) from Megan who's card is linked to her blog at http://www.iteachstamping.com/2012/11/stampin-ups-pennant-parade-to-make-a-christmas-card.html. I thought it was quite lovely. It also helps that I just so happen to own this stamp set, although truthfully, I didn't know it at the time I posted it on my board. I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to cut and paste her card here so if you want to see the original, please visit her page.
Here's my version using what I already had in stock.
The great thing about Stampers is that they CASE (Copy And Steal Everything). It really isn't considered stealing because Stampers love to share their great ideas to help out other Stampers who might be having a creative block. To have your card CASEd is indeed a very sincere form of flattery. So THANK YOU Megan for the inspiration. I enjoyed your card very much and hope that some people enjoy mine too. I love something shiny in all of my cards. I use glitter regularly to make cards sparkley-shiney-blinged-out awesome but this card wouldn't look right with glitter. I chose to let the cardstock shine on its own and just added some shiny gold cord. I wish I could tell you all the vendors I used and they would pay me in free merchandise to continue making cards showcasing their wares, but honestly don't remember who they are. All I do know is I used Pennant Parade and Christmas Punch from Stampin' Up! but the rest is but a sad forgotten memory in the recesses of my brain somewhere.
For you crocheters out there, I got this free pattern at Olivia's blog (another free sharer) at http://www.hopefulhoney.com/2012/02/beginners-luck.html. I made this lovely slouch hat for my son. THANK YOU Olivia! He has gotten many compliments on it, as have I. My first time using the the puffy stitch, so I went to youtube and looked it up. I can't remember which tutorial I used, but there are many! Puffy Stitch uses a lot of yarn, but it looks pretty awesome if you ask me and my daughter agreed so she asked me to make her one too. Hers is a little more slouchy. I put 3 cans of soup in both their hats, grabbed them above the band and swung them around to stretch out. I must have swung hers longer.
Puffy Stitch Slouch Hat
I modified Olivia's pattern just a wee bit and added the Puffy Stitch instructions as well. Hope you can follow and enjoy this pattern! I used a size H hook.
| ***In SC into TOP loop only*** | |
| R1 | Chain 11; turn and SC into ST 9 to end of row (8 more across for 10 total); CH 2 |
| R65 | Repeat to 22" (loosely stitched 65 rows). |
| Fold over and stitch 2 sides together at short seam to create a band | |
| R1 | Slip a stitch into a chain on the seam. SC around the band joining last ST; CH 1 |
| PUFFY STITCH | |
| R2 | Y/O (2 on hook), insert into next ST, pull through (3 on hook) |
| Y/O (4 on hook), insert into SAME ST, pull through (5 on hook) | |
| Y/O (6 on hook), insert into SAME ST, pull through (7 on hook) | |
| Y/O (8 on hook), pull through all 7 loops; CH 1 to finish | |
| SKIP A STITCH and repeat around joining last ST to TOP of first PUFF; CH 1 | |
| R3 | Slip stitch into the first HOLE. Insert your hook back into the hole and Y/O (2 on hook), insert into SAME ST, pull through (3 on hook) |
| Y/O (4 on hook), insert into SAME ST, pull through (5 on hook) | |
| Y/O (6 on hook), insert into SAME ST, pull through (7 on hook) | |
| Y/O (8 on hook), pull through all 7 loops; CH 1 to finish | |
| Y/O (2 on hook), insert into NEXT HOLE and repeat around joining last ST; CH 1 | |
| Repeat for 20 rows total (your puff stitches are staggered) To close the hat, turn inside out. Leave a very long tail, pulling through inside of hat. Insert needle to the hole directly across from the hole you are in, pulling tight. Repeat all the way around until you've synched the hat closed. Tie off and weave in ends. Don't forget to stretch out the hat with soup cans but mind the band! Happy Creating! And Have a Merry Christmas or Happy whatever you celebrate! XO - Rolly |
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