Wednesday, 5 November 2025

Week 3 - The Crochet Nativity Scene - Crochet-A-Long - Wings & Noses

Hello and wellcome back to the Crochet-A-Long Nativity Scene, and this is Week 3!  We will be making the wings, noses and ears this week.

If you have just landed and would like to know more about this, the material list and the weekly schedule, then please visit my earlier blog post....https://soozintheshed.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-crochet-nativity-scene-crochet-long.html



A reminder of the weekly schedule..

1. Body Shape.

2. Headdress, Crowns and Halos.

3. Angel Wings, Noses and Ears.

4. Camel.

5. Wise Men Gifts.

6. Baby Jesus & The Manger.


 This week you will see that we are also doing the camel's nose and ears - but we have not yet made the Camel's body!  Don't worry, that will be along next week, it is made slightly differently to the other bodies so it has a video all of it's own.... but in the meantime we can prepare the nose and the ears.






You will need:

   1 x Angel Wings in White

   1 x Sheep Face in Grey

   1 x Camel Nose in Brown

   2 x Camel Ears in Brown

   1 x Donkey Nose in White

   2 x Donkey Ears in Grey.


You can find the video here....




And if you prefer the written instruction, you can find that here....


Stitches explained:

CH  = Chain Stitch - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 2 loops on the hook.

Half Treble Crochet (HTR) - Yarn around hook, put hook through work, draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 3 loops on the hook.

Treble Crochet (TR) - Yarn around hook, put hook through work, draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through 2 loops on the hook, yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through 2 loops on the hook.

Double Treble Crochet (DTR) - Yarn around hook TWICE, put hook through work, draw yarn back through (4 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through 2 loops on the hook, yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through 2 loops on the hook, yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through 2 loops on the hook.

Double Crochet  2 Together (DC2TOG) - Put hook through stitch and draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) STOP! (this will leave 2 loops on your hook), now put your hook through the NEXT stitch and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook, draw through all 3 loops on hook.  You have just crocheted TWO stitches together to make one.

Double Crochet 3 Together (DC2TOG) - Put hook through stitch and draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) STOP! (this will leave 2 loops on your hook), now put your hook through the NEXT stitch and draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) put your hook through the NEXT stitch and draw yarn back through (4 loops on hook)  yarn around hook, draw through all 4 loops on hook.  You have just crocheted THREE stitches together to make one.

SS  = Slip Stitch - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through both loops on your hook


Angel Wings 

Round 1. CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (6)

Pull up a length of scrap yarn into the last stitch (to use as a stitch marker) do this at the end of each round.

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 6 stitches  (12)

Round 3. (DC 1 into next stitch, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (18)

Round 4. (DC 1 into next 2 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (24)

Round 5. (DC 1 into next 3 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (30)

Round 6. (DC 1 into next 4 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (36)

Round 7. (DC 1 into next 5 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (42)

Round 8. (DC 1 into next 6 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (48)

Round 9. (DC 1 into next 7 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (54)

Round 10. (DC 1 into next 8 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (60)

Fold in half and SS into the back loops of each stitch to join.  Sew to the middle back of the Angel.

Sheep Face

Round 1. CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (6)

Pull up a length of scrap yarn into the last stitch (to use as a stitch marker) do this at the end of each round.

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 6 stitches  (12)

Round 3. (DC 1 into next stitch, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (18)

Round 4. (DC 1 into next 2 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (24)

Round 5. SS in the next 2 stitches, (HTR, TR, DTR, TR, HTR) in next. SS the next 14 stitches, (HTR, TR, DTR, TR, HTR) in next. SS in next 2.

 

Camel Nose

Round 1. CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (6)

Pull up a length of scrap yarn into the last stitch (to use as a stitch marker) do this at the end of each round.

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 6 stitches  (12)

Rounds 3-5. Work a DC in each stitch for 3 rows. (12)

 

Camel Ears (make 2)

Row 1. CH 2, then work 4 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (4)  TURN.

Row 2. CH1, work 2xDC in each stitch.  (8)

 

Donkey Nose

Round 1. CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (6)

Pull up a length of scrap yarn into the last stitch (to use as a stitch marker) do this at the end of each round.

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 6 stitches  (12)

Round 3. (DC 1 into next stitch, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (18)

Donkey Ears (make 2)

Row 1. CH 5, then work a DC's into the 3rd CH from your hook and the next 2 stitches. (4)  TURN.

Rows 2-4. CH1, then DC in each stitch for 3 rows.  (4)

Row 5. CH1, then DC in the first stitch, DC2tog, DC in last stitch.  (3)

Rows 6-7. CH1, then DC in each stitch for 2 rows.  (3)

Row 8. CH1, then DC3tog.  (1)

Rows 9-11. CH1, then DC in the one stitch for 2 rows.  (1)

Row 12. CH1, then DCx3 in the next stitch..  (3)

Rows 13-14. CH1, then DC in each stitch for 2 rows.  (3)

Row 15. CH1, then DC in the first stitch, DCx2 in the next stitch, DC in last stitch..  (4)

Rows 16-20. CH1, then DC in each stitch for 3 rows.  (4)



Hope you enjoy this week, bookmark this blog and I will see you next week for Part 4.

Until then... Happy Hooking!


Monday, 27 October 2025

Week 2 - The Crochet Nativity Scene - Crochet-A-Long - Headwear

 Welcome to Week 2 of the Crochet-A-Long Nativity Scene, and this first week we will be making all of the headwear - headdresses, crowns and halos.


If you have just landed and would like to know more about this, the material list and the weekly schedule, then please visit my earlier blog post....https://soozintheshed.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-crochet-nativity-scene-crochet-long.html



A reminder of the weekly schedule..

1. Body Shape.

2. Headdress, Crowns and Halos.

3. Angel Wings, Noses and Ears.

4. Camel.

5. Wise Men Gifts.

6. Baby Jesus & The Manger.

.




You will need:

1 x Mary Headdress in White

1 x Joseph Headdress in Light Brown + Rope

3 x Shepherds Headdress in Dull Colours + Rope

3 x Kings Crowns in Gold.

1 x Angel Halo in Gold.

You can find the video here....




And if you prefer the written instruction, you can find that here....


Stitches explained:

CH  = Chain Stitch - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 2 loops on the hook.

Half Treble Crochet (HTR) - Yarn around hook, put hook through work, draw yarn back through (3 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 3 loops on the hook.

SS  = Slip Stitch - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through both loops on your hook


Headdress  (For Mary, Joseph and 3 x Shepherds)

Round 1. CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (6)

Pull up a length of scrap yarn into the last stitch (to use as a stitch marker) do this at the end of each round.

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 6 stitches  (12)

Round 3. (DC 1 into next stitch, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (18)

Round 4. (DC 1 into next 2 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (24)

Round 5. (DC 1 into next 3 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (30)

Round 6. (DC 1 into next 4 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (36)

Round 7. (DC 1 into next 5 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (42)

Round 8. Work 1 straight round (42)

Rows 9-15. Ch1, TURN, DC in first and the next 33 stitches (34)

 

Headdress Rope (For Joseph and 3 x Shepherds)

Ch 60, Join with a SS and sew around the headdress.

 

Crowns  (For 3 x Kings)

Row 1. CH 31, work a DC into the 2nd CH from the hook then into each CH following. (30)

Row 2. CH 1, *** SK1 (HTRx3, CHx2, SS into the 2nd CH from the hook, HTR x3) in the next st, SK1, SSx2. Repeat from *** another 5 times. (30)

 

Angel Halo

Ch 30, Join with a SS and sew around the top of the head



Hope you enjoy this week, bookmark this blog and I will see you next week for Part 3.

Until then... Happy Hooking!



Monday, 20 October 2025

Week 1 - The Crochet Nativity Scene - Crochet-A-Long - Bodies

Welcome to Week 1 of the Crochet-A-Long Nativity Scene, and in this first week we will be starting on the bodies of the people.


If you have just landed and would like to know more about this, the material list and the weekly schedule, then please visit my earlier blog post....https://soozintheshed.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-crochet-nativity-scene-crochet-long.html



A reminder of the weekly schedule..

1. Body Shape.
3. Angel Wings, Noses and Ears.
4. Camel.
5. Wise Men Gifts.
6. Baby Jesus & The Manger.

You are going to need 11 bodies in total, we start with the big task so you have plenty of time to compete the bodies over the next 6 weeks as the rest of the task are significantly smaller  :)

When I mention 'skin colour' it means you can choose whatever shade you like for the skin - they can be all the same, or all different, totally up to you. 

The people with the 'robes' are worked in two colours, skin first followed by robe colour. The animals are solid colours.  You will notice that the Camel is missing, that's because he is made slightly differently which we will do in lesson 4.



You will need:

1 x Mary in Skin and Pale Blue

1 x Joseph in Skin and Dark Brown

1 x Angel in Skin and White

3 x Kings in Skin and Rich Colours

3 x Shepherds in Skin and Dull Colours

1 x Sheep in White

1 x Donkey in Grey

You can find the video here....


And if you prefer the written instruction, you can find that here....


Stitches explained:

CH  = Chain Stitch - Yarn around hook (from the back) and pull the new yarn through the loop on your hook.  This is ONE chain.  Repeat as needed.

Double Crochet (DC) - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through (2 loops on hook) yarn around hook (from the back) draw yarn through the 2 loops on the hook.

SS  = Slip Stitch - Put hook through work, draw yarn back through both loops on your hook


Round 1. Skin Colour CH 2, then work 6 x DC's into the 2nd CH from your hook. (6)

Pull up a length of scrap yarn into the last stitch (to use as a stitch marker) do this at the end of each round.

Round 2. Work 2 x DC's into EACH of the 6 stitches  (12)

Round 3. (DC 1 into next stitch, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (18)

Round 4. (DC 1 into next 2 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (24)

Round 5. (DC 1 into next 3 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (30)

Round 6. (DC 1 into next 4 stitches, then work 2 x DC's into the next) Repeat all the way around (36)

Rounds 7-12. Work 6 straight rounds (36)

Rounds 13-18. Robe Colour  Work 6 straight rounds (36)

Round 19. (DC 1 into next 4 stitches, then DC2tog) Repeat all the way around (30)


Hope you enjoy this week, bookmark this blog and I will see you next week for Part 2.

Until then... Happy Hooking!

Friday, 17 October 2025

The Crochet Nativity Scene - Crochet-A-Long - tutorials and videos

 Hello happy hookers....

I hope this blog post finds you well.

This set of tutorials is for you to create a crochet Nativity Scene... but one with a difference, using chocolate oranges and other sweeties to create the fillings.  This means you can eat all the chocolate after Christmas, fold away the crochet covers and store them neatly away until the following year.  It also means you have an excuse to buy chocolate every year too!


Each of the figures is filled with a chocolate orange, there are also three Quality Street chocolates as 'gifts', the Manger is a Turkish Delight and Baby Jesus and the Camels hump are Ferrero Rochers.






Of course, you could stuff the figures with something else. Over the years I have seen people use styrofoam balls, bath bombs, and just regular toy stuffing..... but what an excuse to eat chocolate I say!

You will need Double Knit (DK) yarn scraps and a 4.00mm hook if you are a regular crocheter.... if you tend to crochet tighter or looser you might need to adapt your hook size but you can work this out when you do the first cover.

The yarns needed are:

50g - "Skin tones" - whether all the same or different skin colours for different characters.

25g - White

10g - Pale Blue

10g - Camel Brown

10g - Pale Beige

10g - Pale Pink

15g - 3 x Rich 'Royal' colours - Green, Blue, Purple or Burgundy shades

15g - 3 x Muted Colours - Rose Pink, Petrol Blue, Sage Green, Mushroom Shades

5g  -  Yellow or Gold

10g - Grey or Silver

5g  -  Dark Brown

Tiny scraps of red.

 

Small amount of stuffing - matchbox size.

24 x 6mm black beads      

 

Also

4.00mm hook  (or 3.5mm if you are a loose hooker)

Sewing thread and needle to go through the bead holes.

Yarn Needle            

 

And the chocolate....

12 x Chocolate Oranges

2 x Ferrero Rocher

1 x Turkish Delight bar

Box of Quality Street (3 to use, the rest to eat while you work  :) )


The whole Nativity Scene consists of 6 lessons as follows....

3. Angel Wings, Noses and Ears.
4. Camel.
5. Wise Men Gifts.
6. Baby Jesus & The Manger.


Each lesson will be posted up on this blog and my Facebook, every Monday for the next 6 weeks - which gives you just enough time to get it finished for displaying in December  :)

So gather your materials, get your hook polished and will see you soon for the first instalment!  

(PS.... Even though you do need 12 Choc Oranges for the display, you will only need one to start with to measure your cover... maybe best not to buy 12 at once and be staring at the temptation for the next few weeks!)


Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)



Thursday, 25 September 2025

The mighty Prism Blanket - crochet tutorial

 Hello happy hookers, hope this blog post finds you all well and happily hooking away.

This is a blanket pattern that I have returned to over the years, you know those times where you just want something to work on in front of the TV which doesn't take up too much brain space?   Yeah, that!

So this is the Prism Blanket, so called because it radiates out from the centre, messing with you eyes a little bit.  I have always made it previously in scrap colours to use up stash that collects from other projects, but I thought this time I would consciously use a monochromatic colour range to make it blend and pop.


All yarn is Stylecraft Special DK - because it is my favourite yarn to work with and provides such a fabulous colour range.... the shades I have used here are White, Silver, Grey, Charcoal and Black - and I used just short of 2 x 100g balls of each, and 3 of the black as I used that for the edging too.

As always, I have used my trusty Clover Amour crochet hook - 4.00mm. 

If you can crochet a Granny Square you should easily be able to make this as it is just clusters of Treble Crochets (UK Terminology).

As I mentioned I usually make smaller ones of these as stash-busters, here is an example.


As long as you follow the same rules you can make them any size you like!  All you have to do is work out what measurement you want (rectangle) half the short size and make your first square to match that.  Follow the video for the rest of the instructions.

As I was making it my Mum decided she fancied doing one too, she's great at pattern testing for me, and she asked me to choose her colours.  I thought, let's go bright and beautiful and chose shades of yellow and orange for her. 


She still has the border to finish, but looking mighty bright and cheerful so far!

So, you can find the video here if you fancy having a go yourself....


I really hope you enjoy making this funky blanket, and please do tag me on Instagram or Facebook @soozintheshed

Unitl  next time then... HAPPY HOOKING!


Oh, and just for transparency, if you buy anything from Amazon using the links I provided I get a small commission. just pennies if I remember rightly, but it doesn't cost you a bean  :)