In this project you will make 24 objects to hang on a line with clothespins. This is a basic guideline, every aspect of the project (such as: size of the objects, how many of each, color, and pattern) is up to you. The suggested size is smaller than life, just big enough to hold a piece of candy. They will be faster to make in miniature and also add a whimsical touch. Take the suggestions you read here and then run with the project. The following is intended for knitting, but crocheting and sewing will work as well.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner: You will need to be comfortable modifying patterns or improvising.
You Will Need
- Yarn in the colors of your choice (fabric if you are sewing)
- Some type of string for hanging
- Clothespins - two-inch size if making miniatures
- Knitting needles, double-pointed would be best (or a crochet hook or your sewing supplies)
- Acrylic Paint in colors of your choice
- Patterns for miniature hats, stockings, and mittens or you can just improvise
- Optional: individually wrapped pieces of candy
- Larger knitting needles (or fabric or crochet hook)
Patterns can be found all over the internet, here are a few to get you started:
- Mini-mittens from For the Love of Yarn
- Mini-hats from Knitting on the Net
Now, using the patterns you've picked (or just improvising) make 24 mini hats, stockings, and mittens. Remember, you don't have to make even numbers. You could even do all hats or all stockings if you wanted.
Hanging:
Paint your clothespins with the paint you chose. They can be all one color or a bunch of different holiday colors. These will be used to pin each of your crafts to the line every day. The string can be anything from simple twine to yarn that you've braided or purchased. Make sure that it's long enough to hold all 24 mini pieces and to hang where you want it.
Storage
Use the larger knitting needles and make a bag (or big stocking!) large enough to store all of the minis, the line, and the clothespins.
Counting the Days of Advent
The way you use them as a calendar is up to you. Here are just a few:
- Include a number 1-24 on each one. Hang them every day starting on December 1st
- Hang them all with a piece of candy inside, eat the candy every day until Christmas Eve
- Number the clothespins instead of the minis
- Make something else, like mini candy canes, and tuck one in each mini to count the days
Customizing
In addition to choosing the colors and patterns, there are many more ways to customize the minis and make them unique to you!
- Special Days: Have a birthday or anniversary in December? Make a special mini. You could use two mittens for an anniversary or a stocking with the year the person was born.
- Names: somewhere in your 24 have a hat, a stocking, and two mittens with the names of a family member on them. They can be responsible for hanging them each day.
- Minis seem a bit too cute for you? Crochet 24 snowflakes with white thread and hang them
- Do something nice: write down 24 nice things (or chores!) that someone can do and tuck each one into the minis. Do this in advance so you don't remember which is which! Every day have your family take turns hanging one and taking out the nice thing. Whatever they pull they have to do that day!
Happy Crafting and Merry Christmas!
HOL101
Katie Ouderkirk - Katie Ouderkirk started working at a barn when she was ten. As the years went on she worked at a number of different barns, two zoos, and ...
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