Great Flake Race! Over!!

[natalie058]

Update: The race is on!!

Okay, here are my thoughts on this...

You can start warming up any time you want to, but the Great Flake Race will occur for only a week: from Sunday, Dec. 11, until Saturday, Dec 17.

In that time, the goal is simply to *complete* as many snowflakes as you can. Size doesn't matter, but keep us posted on your progress throughout the week. I know not all of us have digital cameras, so you don't have to "prove" your count with photos - but please be honest about how many flakes you've made, and remember we looove to see your pretty pictures!!

Some pattern suggestions: Many excellent snowflake patterns can be found HERE (http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/snowflakes.php) at CPC (http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/index.php). I personally will also be using the book 99 Snowflakes (http://www.leisurearts.com/christmas/item_detail.asp?page=1&rec_num=9&startRec=0&skill=KC&from=), [which I found at JoAnn's and got with a 40% off coupon!!] and there are probably dozens more leaflets dedicated just to snowflakes.

Another great snowflake resources is THIS WEBSITE (http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/index.html) that Julie referred me to. I noticed some people have already asked about stiffening, and she has some good information on that here (http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/stiffeners.html), as well as other useful tips about blcking, sparkle, etc.

Participants:

kariholtz
Julie
yarnjunkie
Pink
Jimmie Lu
Country Bumpkin
donnalynn2
ellcrys11
shelain22
Kimberly
quirkyvirgo
crochetaddict033
espap
DesertCrocheter
earthwhisper
crochetlady
vhanna26
pepper
natalie058
hobby horse

Happy Flake-Making, Folks!!

-------------------------------------------------


I figured, since it's that time of year again...

and so many of us are making snowflakes already...

and a lot of us have so many more to make... :blush

Why not get encouragement from other in a Snowflake Race-Along?? There's still time to get them made and shipped before the holidays...

So, whatdya think?

[kariholtz]

I'm game!

[Julie]

I'm IN!! :cheer :flake :cheer

[yarnjunkie]

I was just recently bitten by the snowflake bug....count me in!!

[Pink]

:flake Me too! :flake

[Jimmie Lu]

What pattern are you all useing and easy quick one please???
Oh I am in

[Country_Bumpkin]

I was just gifted a few snowflake books ummm.. 2 days ago I think so I am down for this one!

[donnalynn2]

Oh Lord! As if I didn't need more things to do! Oh well, I gladly take hook in hand :hook and join this CAL!!! (Snowflakes are soooo much fun!)

[ellcrys11]

I would like to join also.

[kariholtz]

What pattern are you all useing and easy quick one please???
Oh I am in

crochetpatterncentral.com (http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/snowflakes.php) has tons of snowflake patterns, some are very very easy.

[shelain22]

I have never made a snowflake but I think I may try it today, or tomorow.... I'll let you know how its going.

[donnalynn2]

For anyone wanting to do this, but who can't do thread, you can make several of these out of the 4 ply cotton yarn! I have made several out of both thread and the 4 ply cotton... The both turned out nicely! Just didn't want anyone who can't do thread to get discouraged from joining!

I did the ones from the Lion Brand website out of 4 ply and I loved em!!! It took me about 2 stiffenings to get them "stiff" but it worked!

[Kimberly]

I've been going crazy trying to get enough snowflakes made (I think that I am up to 15 in the past week now) for the holidays....I know that I will never make it, but this should help me along just a little bit more!! Great idea Natalie!

:cheer :flake :cheer :flake :cheer :flake

[Country_Bumpkin]

ok Question... by "race -a-long" is there a goal of how many to make or are we racing to beat the clock before Christmas gets here? Just wondering since I don't know the term difference from a CAL.

[Kimberly]

What is your preferred method for blocking?

I have tried the spray starch from a can which was easy & fast, but not enough stiffness for my liking.

I have also tried the sugar method, but that was a wee bit sticky and messy for me, as well as I've read about ant and pest attraction being a problem with snowflakes being stiffened this way.

[donnalynn2]

What is your preferred method for blocking?

I have tried the spray starch from a can which was easy & fast, but not enough stiffness for my liking.

I have also tried the sugar method, but that was a wee bit sticky and messy for me, as well as I've read about ant and pest attraction being a problem with snowflakes being stiffened this way.

I bought that cotton stiffener stuff from Jo-Anns... You just drench it with the stiffener and let it dry... It works like a dream!

[Country_Bumpkin]

What is your preferred method for blocking?

I have tried the spray starch from a can which was easy & fast, but not enough stiffness for my liking.

I have also tried the sugar method, but that was a wee bit sticky and messy for me, as well as I've read about ant and pest attraction being a problem with snowflakes being stiffened this way.


I found this link HERE (http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf916359.tip.html) when I did a search for starching crocheted items. Read all of the feed back and see if any of them would be something you would want to try. Hope this helps:D

[Kimberly]

I bought that cotton stiffener stuff from Jo-Anns... You just drench it with the stiffener and let it dry... It works like a dream! I might just need to wait until I am back in the US in 10 days (nope, I'm not counting) and pick something up then! No need to rub it in that you have a JoAnns and I don't! :lol

[Kimberly]

I found this link HERE (http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf916359.tip.html) when I did a search for starching crocheted items. Read all of the feed back and see if any of them would be something you would want to try. Hope this helps:D Thanks for the link - I'll peruse my way through the suggestions!

[Jimmie Lu]

I found a pattern I like!! Do ya think I can make 50 by Christmas???? I dont but I will sure have fun trying!!!!

[quirkyvirgo]

Count me in! This is my first attempt at thread work but I've finished 6 flakes in the last few days and blocked them. I bought fabric stiffener in a spray bottle that is working pretty well. I have also heard that you can dilute Elmer's Glue and it works just as well (seems like I heard that from Deneen.)
Happy flaking everybody!

[kariholtz]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/th_9a43af51.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/9a43af51.jpg)

In honor of the snow coming this afternoon and thursday.

[crochetaddict033]

Those look great Kari!!!


I missed this thread yesterday (thank you Julie for the heads up!) and of course.....I'M IN!!!:flake :flake

I used the elmers glue and water mix to stiffen mine. Heard that from Deneen, Kari, and a few others as well. It worked just fine for me, even though I'm sure I didn't get even parts of glue and water! They look good, and it stiffened just fine.

[natalie058]

I'm updating my original post now...

[donnalynn2]

Elmers glue and water? WOW! I must try that! The bottle of stiffener I got cost $5.99!!!

I can't wait to start this on Sunday!!! I've decided to put all other projects down (yea right!) and concentrate on this for one whole week! Maybe I'll have enough to decorate my tree in the end!!! YIPPEE! :cheer:cheer:cheer:cheer

[espap]

I want to participate, but I am running low on thread. I went to the shop today and didn't have any!! Must try again during the week.

[quirkyvirgo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/th_9a43af51.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/9a43af51.jpg)

In honor of the snow coming this afternoon and thursday.

Nice flakes Kari! Those look great! :yay

[DesertCrocheter]

Me too, I'm in!! I may not be very fast, but after the Snowflakes in July CAL I didn't get back to making snowflakes for my tree, and so I have about 5 snowflakes to decorate it with! :eek If I finish my bil's scarf by tomorrow, and then maybe another scarf for my nephew by Saturday night, I may even be done with Christmas gifts. Oh wait, I have 2 more scrunchies to do, too. :eek :eek How am I ever going to get them all done? But I need to flake! Patty

[Country_Bumpkin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/th_9a43af51.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/9a43af51.jpg)

In honor of the snow coming this afternoon and thursday.

Kari, I love the one on the right!! What patterns are you using?

[Julie]

I used the elmers glue and water mix to stiffen mine. Heard that from Deneen, Kari, and a few others as well. It worked just fine for me, even though I'm sure I didn't get even parts of glue and water! They look good, and it stiffened just fine.

I know that will work too but I haven't tried it yet. I do like the Stiffy (http://www.plaidonline.com/productDetail.asp?itemID=1550) by Plaid stiffener, and for the cost it's lasted me a long time. I don't remember exactly when I bought it, maybe January or February of this year and I still have a third of the bottle left. I just recycle it back into the bottle when I'm finished. I will probably buy it again when I finally run out; I'm not the neatest person on the planet and am certain to have a glue fiasco if I attempt to mix glue and water myself. :eek

[donnalynn2]

I went into Jo-Ann's tonite and picked up a copy of the 99 Snowflake Booklet! WOW! If you can get a copy of this, it's wonderful! There are soooo many beautiful snowflakes in it! I cannot wait to get started!!!!

[earthwhisper]

Count me in. Any suggestions on yarn/thread? Last year I used a sport weight yarn that I had in my stash, but I think the snowflakes looked a little "thick." I am looking for something I can buy easily at Michaels/Walmart or JoAnns.

[crochetlady]

I am in too!!!

hugs
Vims

[yarnjunkie]

I bought some stiffener a while back at WalMart I think it was called Stiffen Stuff or something like it. I used it on some doilies that I framed and it worked great. I'm going to try the glue and water thing for my flakes I think.

I'm going to pat myself on the back for a minute here girls...I just designed my very first snowflake! Of course, I didn't write it down and I don't have a pic but you'll just have to trust me that it turned out pretty well.

Thanks for the great idea, Natalie, you rock :2rock I look forward to discovering new patterns and ideas....but now I must return to my flakes!

[Kimberly]

Count me in. Any suggestions on yarn/thread? Last year I used a sport weight yarn that I had in my stash, but I think the snowflakes looked a little "thick." I am looking for something I can buy easily at Michaels/Walmart or JoAnns. If you are not too sure about trying out the normal size 10 bedspread weight thread, you might want to start with a size 5 or a size 8 as they are both a little bit thicker! I'm almost sure that you can find the size 5 at the hobby stores (at least I seem to remember seeing them there when I was last in the US) and for sure the size 10 is available!

[vhanna26]

Count me in too.

[natalie058]

I'm totally new to thread and am not sure about what's "good' or not, but I've been using DMC Cebelia sz 10 thread, and I love it! It so smooth and shiny and I like that it's tightly spun... With the size three Royale, I think it was I tried, the strands kept splitting.

Donna - I have the 99 snowflakes book, too - I love it!! It's been hard for me to decide if I want to them in order - or at random - or just do the quickest ones first, LOL!!

I also just stiffened my first flakes the other night... My first time stiffening *anything!!* I used Stiffy that I found at JoAnn's, and for a blocking board I used an 8x11 Foamy, the extra thick 6mm kind. It worked out good! the only problems I encountered were 1) not enough pins and 2) the ink from the template I printed leaked thru the holes in the plastic wrap and onto the tips of the flakes in some places, like the pinholes were too big. I think maybe the T-pins I bought were too bulky.

And oh yeah - I tired a flake last night with some X-stitch blending filament for sparkle, and it looked awesome!! And it was cheap, too, only $1.50!

[donnalynn2]

natalie, I want to see one of your flakes with sparkles on it! i still haven't decided if I want to do that yet...

My goal is to do ALL 99 snowflakes! I know I won't get them all done this week, however, I want to get them all done by next year so I can decorate my tree all in snowflakes and the few special ornaments i have... then i can get rid of all those nasty fabric colored balls that are always shedding! LOL

[nutz4crochet]

What a great idea. I have too many things to finish up, but I am going to keep watching for all the pretty snowflakes.:flake I love using Dmc Cebelia too, the downside is for some reason it yellows. Aunt Lydias no. 10 thread is really good for snowflakes, along with just Elmer's white glue for blocking. :flake

[Julie]

I love using Dmc Cebelia too, the downside is for some reason it yellows. Aunt Lydias no. 10 thread is really good for snowflakes, along with just Elmer's white glue for blocking. :flake

Cebelia yellows? I hadn't heard that before. I always understood that the medium you use to block snowflakes could cause the yellowing, not necessarily the thread. :think

I use DMC Traditions or Cebelia most of the time, blended with - ya'll don't want to hear this, do you? Lurex (http://search.stores.ebay.com/Fiber-Options_lurex_W0QQfciZ5QQfclZ3QQfsnZFiberQ20Option sQQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQftsZ2QQsaselZ12771232QQsofpZ0). I swear I get nothing for mentioning this! :lol It's just like the blending filament but MUCH cheaper in the long run - a huge cone for $12 that should last you a lifetime. I prefer the irridescent sildorex (http://cgi.ebay.com/Iridescent-Sildorex-Metallic-Lurex-Cone-Yarn-1-3-lbs_W0QQitemZ8181800319QQcategoryZ71221QQcmdZViewI tem) in snowflakes hands down. (The picture is horrible, in reality it's clear with the pinky/purple irridescence, absolutely lovely). No mess like with glitter, and I wind it with my yarn winder and a ball of white thread. If you just want to try blending filament, definitely get the little spool of it and give it a shot. If you really really like it, I recommend getting a cone of it. I don't think you'll regret it.

Some flake-y links:
stiffeners (http://www.crochetmemories.com/crochet8.php)
stiffeners again (http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/stiffeners.html)
yellowing (http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/stiffeners.html#yellow)

[Julie]

If you can find it, the 101 Snowflakes (http://www.villagespinweave.com/IBS/SimpleCat/product/ASP/product-id/719469.html) book is really good too. I use that and the 99 Snowflakes book more than any others.

[nutz4crochet]

Yes it yellows. I made a oval pineapple doily in white a couple of years ago along with many others and they are yellowish. No starch either & smoke free home too. I still use dmc, but I stay away from white. I will have to try the lurex, sounds really pretty.

Cebelia yellows? I hadn't heard that before. I always understood that the medium you use to block snowflakes could cause the yellowing, not necessarily the thread. :think

I use DMC Traditions or Cebelia most of the time, blended with - ya'll don't want to hear this, do you? Lurex (http://search.stores.ebay.com/Fiber-Options_lurex_W0QQfciZ5QQfclZ3QQfsnZFiberQ20Option sQQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQftsZ2QQsaselZ12771232QQsofpZ0). I swear I get nothing for mentioning this! :lol It's just like the blending filament but MUCH cheaper in the long run - a huge cone for $12 that should last you a lifetime. I prefer the irridescent sildorex (http://cgi.ebay.com/Iridescent-Sildorex-Metallic-Lurex-Cone-Yarn-1-3-lbs_W0QQitemZ8181800319QQcategoryZ71221QQcmdZViewI tem) in snowflakes hands down. (The picture is horrible, in reality it's clear with the pinky/purple irridescence, absolutely lovely). No mess like with glitter, and I wind it with my yarn winder and a ball of white thread. If you just want to try blending filament, definitely get the little spool of it and give it a shot. If you really really like it, I recommend getting a cone of it. I don't think you'll regret it.

Some flake-y links:
stiffeners (http://www.crochetmemories.com/crochet8.php)
stiffeners again (http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/stiffeners.html)
yellowing (http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/stiffeners.html#yellow)

[crochetaddict033]

I use DMC Traditions or Cebelia most of the time, blended with - ya'll don't want to hear this, do you? Lurex (http://search.stores.ebay.com/Fiber-Options_lurex_W0QQfciZ5QQfclZ3QQfsnZFiberQ20Option sQQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQftsZ2QQsaselZ12771232QQsofpZ0). I swear I get nothing for mentioning this! :lol


I made some snowflakes with some gold lurex a friend send my way, and I really like the way it turned out. I've been drooling over the irredescent one you're talking about!

[Kimberly]

I made two more while at work today waiting for my reports to run.....my warm up is going good so far! *grin*

I can not wait to get home to try my lurex! I have several skeins of it waiting for me there.....ooooh weeee will I have some purty snowflakes starting in 9 days! :lol

[yarnjunkie]

Well, I just couldn't wait until the official start date. Good news is I have finished 13 14 snowflakes out of the 15 that I needed to get done. I'm going to wait until they're all done before I block them. I'm thinking I might try the sugar method. We'll see how that goes. Happy flake makin'!!

[natalie058]

I ran across this site (http://realduesouth.net/CrochetPatterns/Russian/SnowFlakes.htm) tonight... [I hope it's okay to post here, and no sorts of copyright violations are occuring...]

There's some pretty stuff there if you can read symbol crochet.

[Julie]

I ran across this site (http://realduesouth.net/CrochetPatterns/Russian/SnowFlakes.htm) tonight... [I hope it's okay to post here, and no sorts of copyright violations are occuring...]

There's some pretty stuff there if you can read symbol crochet.

I was a member of the Yahoo group that did those conversions; at the time they had permission to do it and to post them from someone in Russia. Hopefully that permission still exists, especially since they're obviously still on the 'net. As far as I know it should be fine as I've heard of no retractions to that. :xfin

[Julie]

Well, I just couldn't wait until the official start date. Good news is I have finished 13 snowflakes out of the 15 that I needed to get done. I'm going to wait until they're all done before I block them. I'm thinking I might try the sugar method. We'll see how that goes. Happy flake makin'!!

WOW!!! Look at you go Ms. Speedy! :cheer

[Kimberly]

I ran across this site (http://realduesouth.net/CrochetPatterns/Russian/SnowFlakes.htm) tonight... [I hope it's okay to post here, and no sorts of copyright violations are occuring...]

There's some pretty stuff there if you can read symbol crochet. Oh wow!! Some of those are gorgeous!!

[kariholtz]

my lame attempt at a button for it


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/copyright%20by%20me/flakeybutt.jpg

[natalie058]

Awesome button, Kari!! I was hoping someone would make one.

[Country_Bumpkin]

my lame attempt at a button for it


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/copyright%20by%20me/flakeybutt.jpg

Oh it's not lame at all! I was thining last night I was going to make one for the group too but you beat me to it. :manyheart I'll probably make an 88x31 too cause that is the size I use for my buttons on my site unless you want to make one that size :devil hehehe

[Julie]

my lame attempt at a button for it


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/copyright%20by%20me/flakeybutt.jpg

Very good Kari! I was pondering one in the back of my head but hadn't had time to think about it very much. That's great! :clap

[luckygrrl]

Well, I'm not a part of this CAL but I just wanted to say I was inspired by this thread to try my hand at a few snowflakes in worsted weight cotton. I now have three under my belt that came out pretty nice, with no intention of making any more in the near future, mostly due to lack of time and not having any more white cotton yarn. :D

[yarnjunkie]

I thought I had seen all that the internet had to offer for free snowflake patterns. I did find these (http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=27469) tonight and thought they were really pretty. Just wanted to share.

A note of warning...I typed in "crochet snowflakes" and clicked on a result that sent me to a weird site. I thought it seemed a little weird and then a bunch of pages for porn popped up and also I was left with a ton of sites saved in my "favorites" that I hadn't put there. I think the name of the page I landed on was "Christmas Carosel" or something like it. Just be careful. My fingers are crossed that when I restart my computer after this post that I will be able to get online again...we'll see.

Snowflake progress...I've gotten all 15 done that I had planned on doing, but now I'm hooked and I'm going for more! You can never have enough, right?

[Kimberly]

I think that I am burning out on snowflakes.... I sat down last night with my pile of patterns and a brand new super duper jumbo ball of size 10 thread....I looked at my patterns...looked at the thread...looked at the hooks...contemplated it all for about 15 seconds and set it all down next to the bed and picked up my....oh goodness....knitting needles instead! :eek !! Okay, I have a scarf on the needles that I have to get done before I go home, but I need to finish the snowflakes as well and last night there was not a single ounce of ambition or willpower in me that could have convinced me to make a single flake...is this a bad sign?????

[natalie058]

Maybe you shouldn't make anymore til the race begins?

[kariholtz]

Here's another button.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/copyright%20by%20me/flakeybutt8831.jpg

[Sepha]

Hello all :clap

Could someone please suggest a product I could use to stiffen my snowflakes. Thanks in advance

[Sepha]

Has anyone tried Stiffen Stuff fabric spray for their snowflakes. Just trying to find something that will hold up over the years

[Julie]

Hello all :clap

Could someone please suggest a product I could use to stiffen my snowflakes. Thanks in advance

I posted a couple of links earlier to some discussion about different stiffeners:


stiffeners (http://www.crochetmemories.com/crochet8.php)
stiffeners again (http://crochet.tangleweeds.com/stiffeners.html)


We also talked about different products we like to use at the same time, if you read back through this thread. :U

[Seneca and Scooch]

Hello all :clap

Could someone please suggest a product I could use to stiffen my snowflakes. Thanks in advance

I have used Stiffy. But,,,,,this year, on a whim I tried some Aleene's Paper Glaze that my sister sent me and they turned out so pretty! I pinned them on a piece of cardboard with plastic wrap and then put a little of the Paper Glaze on my index finger and just patted it on each snowflake. It's expensive but you only use a little. Our Christmas tree only has snowflakes on it, each year I add more.

Coralie

[Pepper]

Hmmm, I think I will give this a try. I have never made a snowflake before. I think I will "warm up" on one tonight, well, actually, since it is after midnight, it is the 11th, so if I can make one I will be one up....LOL!

[earthwhisper]

I am going to make one right now too...12:12 AM, here. :lol:flake

I know I have to work on lots of other projects tomorrow, I just miss crocheting. :hook

[earthwhisper]

Okay, I just finished my first :flake. I used the 99 Snowflake (Liesure Arts) book, cebelia DMC 10 thread, size 6 steel hook and pattern #2 of the book. Took me about 20 minutes to make it. WOOT!

[crochetlady]

I know its not the 12th yet but I so wanted to try one and made one from Priscillas site . I wanted to add beads but they didn't turn out nice so I removed them:) I made mine with size 20 anchor white thread. Haven't stifened it yet but wanted to posta bout it:)

hugs
vims

[Pepper]

Well, I made one last night, very simple and quick. I used ww and made a picot snowflake. It is very pretty.

[Jimmie Lu]

I am up to #7 I want to make 50:manyheart

[natalie058]

The Race is ON!!!

You guys are speedy!!

So far, I have one snowflake half completed - but I did block some others I'd made before last night, so that's good. I've come to realize I hate blocking. I did buy more pins last night - I got the ones with the colored balls, which "they" tell you not to get because the balls pop off and they get stuck. But, the T-pins were leaving holes in between my stitches, and the straight pins w/o heads weren't even too hard to get out, so I bought them anyways. We'll see how they worked when I pull them off the board in a few minutes.

I also bought some more shiny thread at JoAnns last night, since all their thread was half off... It's by Sulky in the color "Sliver Metallic," and no, that's not a typo...:think I'm fairly positive the stuff's just like lurex, but I haven't tried it out yet, since the one I have going is with the blending filament. I'm excited about sparkles, though!!

Guess I should go finish that one up...

[earthwhisper]

I have done 3:flake total. They are all only about 2 inches in diameter. I would like to do more today, but I am knitting a sock and Tony will nag me if he sees me crocheting snowflakes. Maybe tonight I can sneak another one. :lol

[Country_Bumpkin]

Here's another button.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/copyright%20by%20me/flakeybutt8831.jpg

Thankyou thank you thankyou hon!!! I have been sick all weekend and I just recovering in time to start the race!!!
{{squishy hugs to Kari}}

[kariholtz]

I have 2 and 3/4 of another one done. Will have it done by bedtime maybe partially another one, we'll see.

[donnalynn2]

Kariholtz, thanks for the button! I'm adding it to my website tomorrow!!!

Ok, I have been busy trying to clean up my office/2nd bedroom which is a mess... So far I have 3 big boxes of yarn and WIPs... UGH! We are planning on having company for New Years so I need to have this room liveable by then... Anyway, after working on my room almost all day, I finally took a break and started on the snowflakes!

I'm going through the 99 Snowflakes booklet and started at 1... I have 3 done so far! They are working up so fast!!! I decided to use 4 Ply Cotton Thread... When I get to the more advanced ones then I will probably switch to size 10 thread but these are turning out pretty good so far!!!

[natalie058]

Well, I finished up the half-made one and did four more little ones... For five, total. The smallest is just over an inch, not blocked, and the rest are about 2", also not blocked. I did two with the blending filament and three with the Sulky thread... and the sparkle effect is very similar, perhaps a little more subtle with the Sulky. I really love the way they look, though.

Right now they're soaking in detergent, I hope to have them out to stiffen tonight!!

[Julie]

I've got a round and a half left to finish on a doily (tonight, I hope!) and then I will start on flakes tomorrow. You can bet I was going super fast today trying to get the doily done since it's a Christmas gift. I am sooo eager to get started on flakes!! I'm jealous of you guys. :hyper

[Hobby Horse]

:flake Hi everybody! I haven't made snowflakes in so many years..... hope I still remember how! I just happened across this thread today so it seemed like a good time to sign up and start a new project.
:hook

[donnalynn2]

8 Done in the past hour!!! I can't believe how quickly these things are working up! I've got them stiffening right now!!!

[ellcrys11]

I have completed 6 snowflakes and have already sent them to my son in Guam. I have 3 more already in my stiffing solution.

[yarnjunkie]

I have 17 finished (started early), and still more pile up everyday...I seriously need to go to a Snowflakes Anonymous meeting!! Now if I could just work up the gusto to stiffen the things...then I'd be set. So far none have been stiffened! :blush

[Pink]

At last I can get to the snowflakes :cheer

So far today I have finished another Tai Chi dog for someone at work and completed 5 snowflakes...not bad, even if I do say so myself.

I hope we are all going to share pics when we have finished...

[natalie058]

Just to be fair, only count the ones you've finished since today... That way we're all starting at a clean slate.

[earthwhisper]

Just to be fair, only count the ones you've finished since today... That way we're all starting at a clean slate.

When you say finished...does this mean ends weaved in, blocked and stiffened? Or just crocheted?

[crochetlady]

hi wendy! I too had the same question:) LOL I think I am more prone to crocheting them rather than finishing them!!!
Finished crocheting 6 so far..
hugs
Vims

[natalie058]

I would definitely say the ends should at least be woven in - maybe not stiffened, since some do them big batches at a time... but we'll say that finished means complete up to point of stiffening...

[kariholtz]

I would definitely say the ends should at least be woven in - maybe not stiffened, since some do them big batches at a time... but we'll say that finished means complete up to point of stiffening...

WHEW, I was afraid about the stiffening thing because I am one of those who does a big batch at once.

[Jimmie Lu]

I am not using thread because of my eyes so I was not planning to even block mine. I like the way the look when hangging loose. Call me nuts if you like. Thats they way I like them.

[Kimberly]

I started one yesterday...progress is being made again! *grin* Now to just get the oomph to finish it! lol

[donnalynn2]

After I do so many I then stiffen them... I have a heavy duty paper plate that I use for the solution and then I lay parchment paper on the dining room table and lay them there to stiffen...

Since right now I'm using 4 ply cotton yarn, they take almost 3 days to completely stiffen and dry... I did a total of 12 last night (crocheted, and stiffening right now!) The thing I like about stiffening them is that you don't have to weave in any ends, you just snip em!!!

I'm hoping to get at least as many done today but #13 out of the 99 Snowflakes Booklet is giving me fits... I skipped over it but I know I won't be happy til I tackle it...

I must say that making all these flakes is really getting me into the Christmas Spirit!!!!

[crochetlady]

Wow Donna! Thanks about the tip on just snipping due to stiffening. I will adopt that method from now on! will give me more time to make them !! I too like to stiffen them in a batch of 20 or more!

hugs
Vims

[kariholtz]

yesterday: 3

so far today: 3 hopefully more soon.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/th_0a5b73d8.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/0a5b73d8.jpg)

[Julie]

Only one sad and lonely snowflake so far. I didn't get started until 8:30 last night. Today, hopefully, will be more snowflake friendly.

[athena308]

Hi all,
I hope it is not too late to join. I just became a member here and I have been making a ton of snowflakes. I am using the 101 snowflake book, if you try #42 beware, I could not get that one to work. I will get some pics soon.

Making everyday count,
Christine

[yarnjunkie]

Good afternoon fellow flake makers! Just wanted to share a pattern I just finished. The pattern can be made as a coaster with yarn but I used thread. It was a bit of a challenge for me (round #3), but turned out beautifully. Here's the link (http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/Snowflake.html). Enjoy!:hook

[manda]

I just found out about this, so I guess its too late to join, but I'll go along with it anyway on my own. Last night I made my first snowflake...and first thread project ever...I really enjoyed it. I used this pattern (http://www.angelfire.com/art/bubamara/free/snow1.html) Here is my first snowflake.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/mandabear05/snowflake.jpg

[donnalynn2]

I'm at 17 and counting! Unfortunately I didn't have time to crochet after work last night and today has been busy at work so hopefully I'll get a few more done tonite! Can't wait to see everyones snowflake pics!

[natalie058]

It;s not too late to join!! I've been miserable with keeping updated, anyways. :blush

I didn't make any snowflakes yesterday, but plan on making some today.. I'll start while i have to wait at the dentists in a bit, LOL!!

Thanks for the pattern link, Amanda - that one is gorgeous, I can't wait to try it. And Manda, yours turned out really good!! Donna - 17?? I think you're in the lead!!

[Hobby Horse]

Monday I made 7 in worsted yarn to get back into the "snowflake swing", and then I made 2 this morning in the cotton thread. This is actually my first try at the thread, too.... it's really a different experience! But they turned out cute, so I'm going to keep going with it... especially since I bought the thousand yard ball of thread!

[vhanna26]

I've made 5 flakes so far from the LA leaflet Lacy Snowflakes (http://www.maggiescrochet.com/pages/Leaflets/Leisure_Arts/LA_3647_lacy_snowflakes_main.htm), and those are drying now.

I hope to make a few more tonight, and I love looking at everyone's flakes--all are very pretty.
Photos soon.

[Jimmie Lu]

I am at 9 and one half!!! I am trying to do 2 things at once. lol :think an afgahn for christmas and these flakes for the packages. I have made 4 afgahns for my sister in laws for christmas and this is the last one I hope to be done by tomorrow!!! Then flakes forward!!!:hook

[donnalynn2]

Donna - 17?? I think you're in the lead!!

WOO HOO! Really? I'm at 18 right now (I managed to get 1 done at work today!) Since tonite is the Amazing Race Season Finale I should be able to knock out at least 3 more while watching that!

Do I get a prize if I win? Bragging right, huh? LOL Everyone's snowflakes so far are so pretty! I have to take some pics of mine yet...

[Jimmie Lu]

You win free snow!!!

[donnalynn2]

You win free snow!!!

Gee thanks! :snow

[Jimmie Lu]

You are more than welcome!!!! I use to love the snow but now I hate it. My kids however look forward to it. Me a good snowstorm means more time to crochet!!!

[athena308]

Okay, I finished (weaved in ends, starched) 8 today!!! Ummm, hmmmm, do I need a life?

[donnalynn2]

Ok, I'm going to bed having finished the next 3 flakes in my project so I am now at 21 flakes done!!!

Jimmie, I moved to Florida to escape the cold and snow! :2snowman

[vhanna26]

I've finished nine flakes now, and I'll start a new batch later today.

[crochetlady]

Finished 15! Yippee! on to more!!

hugs
Vims

[donnalynn2]

Finished 15! Yippee! on to more!!

hugs
Vims

Are you trying to take the throne from me??? :lol:lol:lol

I guess I'll just have to hustle and get busy with lots more today!!!

This is so much fun! I love the fact that it's a "race" and not just a CAL as it's making me get my butt in gear!!!

Oh, I had an idea making these flakes... Some of them are rather large (as I'm using cotton 4 ply instead of size 10) and I thought that maybe I could string them with white lights and make garland with these snowflakes??? What do ya think????

P.S. Anyone else getting Picot burnout??? I am soooo tired of picots I could scream!!! I am going to drop the 99 Snowflake book for awhile and see if I can find some snowflakes that aren't all picots! Although I don't know if that's possible! :yay

[Julie]

I am just flying, I mean flying through these flakes. I can't believe how fast they are going. Watch out Donna, I'm right behind you!

Well, 15 19 behind you. I've made two so far. :lol

I wasn't home at all yesterday, it can't be helped. ;) Hopefully today will be better.

[donnalynn2]

I am just flying, I mean flying through these flakes. I can't believe how fast they are going. Watch out Donna, I'm right behind you!

Well, 15 19 behind you. I've made two so far. :lol

I wasn't home at all yesterday, it can't be helped. ;) Hopefully today will be better.

Whew, you really are on my tail!!!! I have a feeling I'm going to have crocheters cramp trying to rush through these! :lol

I'm at 24 and counting!!! Come on now... Pass me pass me pass me!!!

[athena308]

I am at 14, someone stop me!!!

[DesertCrocheter]

I am NOT forgetting about this CAL, but I HAVE, absolutely HAVE, to get my Christmas packages in the mail this week if I want them to arrive at my family's before Christmas itself. So I've been crocheting madly to get those done. I need a few more hours on my sister's stole, about 5 minutes on my bil's seaman's scarf, and if I had 2 hours to make another scrunchy for my sis, that would be great. And I'd really like to get another scarf done for my nephew, but I don't think that's happening. So, what that means is, when I am done, I am buckling down on snowflakes--and I still have through Saturday. Maybe I can get a few done.

19?? I'd love to see a video of your flying hook! Actually, we wouldn't be able to see anything, would we--it would all be a blur!! :lol :cheer You go, everyone, and I hope to join in later this week.

Patty, with 0 snowflakes done :(

[donnalynn2]

Ok, having made 10 snowflakes so far today (making my total at 31) I am NOT doing anymore today... I'm going googly eeyed from doing so many!

The good thing is that I have plently of snowflakes to include with all the Christmas presents for my family this year... I may do more tonite but then again, I may take a break til tomorrow!!!!

[Julie]

Donna, how how how can you do them so fast? I am not a speed thread crocheter, it takes me about an hour if I'm lucky to do one 4 inch flake. What's your secret, I need to know!

[donnalynn2]

Donna, how how how can you do them so fast? I am not a speed thread crocheter, it takes me about an hour if I'm lucky to do one 4 inch flake. What's your secret, I need to know!

I'm using 4 ply cotton yarn instead of thread!!!!! Most of the ones I can get done within 15-20 mins each. The harder and more intricate ones take about 30 mins each. Don't forget that I have an extra advantage... I can crochet almost all day at work... I work alone and most of the time it's pretty slow in here so after my work is done and all customers have been waited on I can crochet crochet crochet. Heck, there was a 3 hour stretch this afternoon where I didn't get one customer or phone call! Most people don't have this leisure... Heck, if I were home I wouldn't have this much time!!!

[Julie]

Okay, well, now I feel better but you definitely rock. :hook And I got one more done today, so I'm just that much closer behind you. :P You'd best watch your back. :wink

[Kimberly]

I'm still hanging in there and fighting the lack of ambition...I've finished 5 whole flakes now! :clap I'm happy!

Donna & Julie - way to go on those super fast flying hooks! I can not even think of competing with either of you!!

[natalie058]

I did one and half today while waiting for the dentist... again... I would've gotten more done but they gave my hands a paraffin dip, so I was out of order for a bit. That brings my total to a pathetic 7.5!! I better get moving...

[ellcrys11]

I have finished 8 more flakes. That will make me 11.

[Julie]

Alright!! :clap I've made three so far and they're all blocking! :lol

[vhanna26]

Here's a photo of the first nine I've made...

http://vhanna26.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/greatflakes1.jpg

I'm working on another batch for this weekend.

[Julie]

Vera those are great!! :applause

I started to do the one on the bottom right again and had trouble with it this time. I cut and ran from it, decided I wasn't happy and started a different one. I need to do it again though as I sent mine to Mom for her birthday.

[Kimberly]

I agree - great job Vera! I also did the bottom right one but have yet to block it - I love how yours turned out! I'm going to try to take my thread and hooks on the plane with me to finish a few more....I'll take an older hook jsut in case with the holidays they are going to be...ummm.....difficult (was thinking more along the lines of witchy but with a B) :D

[natalie058]

Awesome snowflakes, Vera! I especially like the open ones.. the bottom middle, and middle middle...

[donnalynn2]

How's everyone doing? I didn't get any more flakes done last night as I was finishing up the packages for up north for my relatives there and literally spent all evening with that and getting all our Christmas Cards sent out... Can you believe I am 3 cards/pics short? UGH! I can't believe I have to go to the store for 3 measly cards! Oh well, these people won't be getting the annual pictures. I'm not placing another order at Wal-Mart and waiting for them...

I am taking a break from the flakes at work today... I did so many yesterday I got flake-burnout! Maybe tonite after I get home... If not, tomorrow I'll get back into the swing of things... I'm still trying to finish up my DH's Miami Dolphins Pillow which has been calling to me from my WIP Tote so I picked it back up this morning... 20 more rows and I will have the first side finished!

I took pics of all the flakes I've made this week and will try to post them tomorrow!!! What's everyone's totals up to????

[kariholtz]

in 2 days I have managed one ubersmall snowflake :(

I have just been horridly busy. :(

I am in the middle now of making 5 dozen sugar cookies all cut out and decorated that have to be done by tomorrow morning. :eek


:faint

[Julie]

I'm up to a whopping 5 flakes now. Maybe tomorrow I can do two more, seems to be about as many as I can do in a day. Insanity!

[Hobby Horse]

I finished 6 in thread and 12 in yarn. Today is starching day and tomorrow I will try to post a pic. I have learned that I'm not much of a thread crocheter but I'm glad I gave it a try!!
This has been lots of fun! :yay

[donnalynn2]

I finally got pics of my flakes on my website... Click here (http://www.geocities.com/craftscrochetnmore/flakerace.htm) to see them!

Only the ones in the first pic are actually stiffened. I don't have the table space at the moment to stiffen the rest of them... Hopefully by this weekend I will be able to...

Now, should I work on my DH's pillow some more or should I work on flakes today? Hmmmmm

[Julie]

Here are my first three.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a285/withahook/gfrb.jpg

I don't care for the one on the right at all, but the other two make me happy. I'll have two more to block and maybe a couple more this evening or tomorrow. I'm so slow this time!

[donnalynn2]

Wow Julie, they are gorgeous!!! I actually like the one on the right the best! LOL You know what they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!!! Great job!

[Julie]

Thanks Donna! I've got four more soaking in stiffener right now, probably won't block them until tomorrow morning. Sheer laziness at this point. But, that brings my count to seven, yay me!

[Jewels]

Okay, I know I'm not officially in the snowflake race (love the name of this along), but it has inspired me to do some flakes, I've made 5 so far over a few coffee breaks. Thanks for the inspiration.

[yarnjunkie]

Well, I guess my final count is in...I did 13 snowflakes. I don't think I could stomach another, although maybe I should....I never really liked the number 13!! :lol Thanks for all the moral support and motivation. Hopefully I can get some pics up at some point. Can't wait to see everyone's work. Take care!

[natalie058]

Well, my count is actually at 11 flakes... And I''ll probably whip up at least two more tonight, but I have to pin a few others out first...

Here is the latest batch I stiffened, although several of these were amde before the race began...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/natalie058/th_100_0938.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/natalie058/100_0938.jpg)

[Julie]

Natalie those are great! I believe I am working on the lower-left(ish) one right now, it sure looks the same. :U

[Country_Bumpkin]

I only got 6 done, none stiffened yet as I have never tried to stiffen anything before. I think I'm done i think.... I have started to wrap gifts cause my hubby works nights right now I have to wrap at night when kids are sleeping and when the 4 month old will allow me to divert my attention elsewhere. I may get some more done in the daytime this weekend too, but that is being hopeful :) Thanks for getting me more thread practice! I even anaged to finish 3 carfs and a hat this week lol. I'd gladly do this race along again!

[vhanna26]

Natalie and Julie, your snowflakes are beautiful:clap! I plan to make some more tomorrow, and hopefully, Typepad will get my photo back up:angry :eek :angry .

[Jimmie Lu]

Hey when is this over today?tomorrow? Hunh. I said I wanted to make 50 I am stuck on 9 Gonna have to pump some out and fast Christmas is only 8 days away!!!!

[Hobby Horse]

Well, here are my 18 snowflakes. Some are stiffened with a glue/water/glitter-glue mixture, some with epsom salts (which are still a little wet) with glitter-glue applied afterward. It doesn't show up in the picture, but they're all nicely glittery.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/h0rsep0wer/Snowflakescrochetalong90.jpg

It's been fun, I plan to keep making snowflakes throughout the year!

[Country_Bumpkin]

These are wonderful!!! Excellent job!

[Jimmie Lu]

Those are beautiful!!!!

[vhanna26]

Well, here are my 18 snowflakes. Some are stiffened with a glue/water/glitter-glue mixture, some with epsom salts (which are still a little wet) with glitter-glue applied afterward. It doesn't show up in the picture, but they're all nicely glittery.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/h0rsep0wer/Snowflakescrochetalong90.jpg

It's been fun, I plan to keep making snowflakes throughout the year!

:yay Great Job! :yay

I finally got the 99 Snowflakes book and some metallic thread, and I plan to make some more flakes tomorrow.

So far, I've done eleven.

[Pink]

Wow! There are so many really pretty snowflakes in C'ville - I'm so glad they are yarn or thread and not the real deal :snow - I hate the cold stuff:wbrr

Anyways, I finally managed to make six more and now it's time for :tea

Will post some pix when I'm finished. Is today the last day?

[Julie]

Here is my second batch of blocked snowflakes

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a285/withahook/th_gfr2.jpg (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a285/withahook/gfr2.jpg)

I have three more to block now, bringing my total to 10 for the race. I may continue on but think that's all I'll get done before we're through. Maybe. ;)

[Country_Bumpkin]

Here is my second batch of blocked snowflakes

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a285/withahook/th_gfr2.jpg (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a285/withahook/gfr2.jpg)

I have three more to block now, bringing my total to 10 for the race. I may continue on but think that's all I'll get done before we're through. Maybe. ;)

Julie , yours are GORGEOUS! Where did you say you were getting the patterns from? the 99 pattern or 101 snowflake patterns one? PLease let me know so I can add it to my last minute wish list my hubby just asked me about last night <big grin>

[vhanna26]

Lovely snowflakes:manyheart, Julie. I'm on my18th flake now:hook .

[Julie]

Julie , yours are GORGEOUS! Where did you say you were getting the patterns from? the 99 pattern or 101 snowflake patterns one? PLease let me know so I can add it to my last minute wish list my hubby just asked me about last night <big grin>

Thank you! They're actually from both, plus one from Lacy Snowflakes. :U I'm liking 99 Snowflakes better right now, but that changes from session to session.

Lovely snowflakes:manyheart, Julie. I'm on my18th flake now:hook .

Thanks Vera! I finished my 10th and am almost done with #11. You speedy thing you! :lol

[vhanna26]

Here's another batch of snowflakes.
http://vhanna26.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/greatflakes2.jpg

Most of these are from the LA book 99 Snowflakes. I'm on my 20th flake now, and may do a few more today.

I'm going to put these on next year's Christmas tree. :ctree :wreath :ctree

Natalie, thanks for hosting this CAL. It seems like this is the only way I'll make snowflakes.:flower :ty :flower

[DesertCrocheter]

Well, because I joined late, I only completed 5 snowflakes. Two were a pattern I hadn't tried before and were easy and quick, so I'll make more tonight, even though the Race is over. Not blocked yet, but that's okay. I've loved looking at everyone else's--they're gorgeous! Patty

[donnalynn2]

Well I didn't get any done on Saturday so I didn't make my goal of 50... My final total is 37 which I don't think is too bad... They are in the final hours of stiffening right now (should be stiff by morning)...

Thanks natalie for hosting this as I wouldn't have gotten off my butt and done them otherwise!!!

I think I'll try to make some throughout the year so that next year I'll have plenty to give as gifts in greeting cards!!!!

[natalie058]

Well, I screwed up and mixed my old flakes with my new flakes... but I think all together I've only gotten about 15 done in the last week! :blush


I wanted to do a lot more, but my flake-making time was thwarted a bit by dental issues... both wastimg time at the dentist... and being a bit intoxicated on pain killers... [I will have to post a pic of the one I made the other night... I got it all fastened off and realized I totally missed a point!! Oops!!]
Anyways, thanks everyone for joining in and making it so much fun! I appreciate it!!

[Jimmie Lu]

my total was 10!

[kariholtz]

10 for me too... wasn't happy with my total but life interviened. :(

[Julie]

Here are my last four. I made eleven total, and enjoyed it so much I will probably keep going for another few days on my own. It's hard to put them away once you get going. U

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a285/withahook/th_gfr3.jpg (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a285/withahook/gfr3.jpg)

Thank you so much Natalie for running this CAL! :clap

[Pink]

I managed 12 - one for each day of Christmas :D

I will post pictures when the camera decides that it will behave itself properly :eek

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c157/craftlink/snowflakes.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c157/craftlink/Snowflakes2.jpg




I've tried several times to reduce the size of the images but somehow I'm just not doing it properly - sorry.

[earthwhisper]

OMG, I only did 3, HA HA! I don't have anymore holiday gifts to make, so I can take my time this week and crank a dozen or so out. Sorry I flopped!

[mythunderbird]

your snow flakes are very pretty, i made probably 22 total, but then gave them all away:( :( i better get busy and make myself some.:lol :lol again awesome job:hug :hug :hug Well, here are my 18 snowflakes. Some are stiffened with a glue/water/glitter-glue mixture, some with epsom salts (which are still a little wet) with glitter-glue applied afterward. It doesn't show up in the picture, but they're all nicely glittery.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/h0rsep0wer/Snowflakescrochetalong90.jpg

It's been fun, I plan to keep making snowflakes throughout the year!