WIP Wednesday - Christmas Tree Skirt 2013-1

I am trying these days to get back into my crafting and craft blogging, so I thought it would be a good challenge for me to participate now and then in the WIP (Work-in-Progess) Wednesdays and FO (Finished Object) Fridays at Tami's Amis and Other Creations.

It's also nice to have a change of pace from teeny tiny beads - which I've been working with and blogging about lately - and work with nice soft wool in a comfy chair.  Sticking with my Christmas focus though ... the crochet Christmas tree skirts are back this week.

This has got to be one of the most addictive patterns ever - I just love making them.  I made quite a few last year with fancy faux fur yarns and/or fancy stitches (popcorn stitch bubbles look fabulous), and in a variety of colours.  We ended up with several more Christmas Trees in the house as I just couldn't bare to part with a few of them.

My goal this year is to start making them again but to keep things simple and more cost-effective.   The faux fur yarns are a stunning addition but unless you can find it very inexpensively it adds significant cost. You need  a lot even for the odd row (especially on the outside edge).  The popcorn stitch effect is also beautiful but more work and a real wool-eater.  

The basic ripple stitch is so effective for this project ... it creates starburst circles around the tree, and there are so many oodles of possibilities for patterns and colours -  I am going to focus on that for making them to sell.

 

I really enjoy watching it transform with each change of colour - it's a great motivator for "just one more row" -  and it grows so quickly at the beginning that you really feel that you are well on your way right from the get-go.  An ideal project.

So that's what I'm currently motivated to work on for my WIP updates.  Hopefully it won't be long before I can participate in a FO Friday, and I am already imagining pattern ideas for the next one.

For knitting and crochet motivation, I enjoy looking through the other wonderful projects on a Wednesday.  Take a look at WIP Week #155  at Tami's Amis and Other Creations.