Susannah/Sadie/Jane here, taking a break from last minute online shopping…
Hello, all. Hope your holidays, however, whatever, and whenever you celebrate, are bringing you much joy.
We talk a lot about the craft of writing here at the Wickeds. But today let’s talk craft of a different kind: handicrafts! As satisfying as it is for me to write stories, and to edit stories for other people, sometimes there’s just no substitute for making a physical object–something useful, beautiful, or just plain fun. So here’s a crafty pattern, with a variation, for you to try:
SADIE’S CANDLE COZIES
For the knitted version, which you can easily make in an hour, you will need:
-Size 13 knitting ne
edles
-Bulky weight yarn, about 10 or 12 yards
-A pint-size mason jar, or any glass jar that’s about 5 inches high with a circumference of about 9 inches. Cozy will stretch.
-Small flameless candle
Gauge is not important. Cast on 26 stitches. Row 1: K1, P1 across. Row 2: P1, K1 across.
Repeat these two rows until piece measures 5”. Bind off, and sew shorter edges together into a tube. Place tube on jar. Decorate with ribbon, tiny Christmas ornaments, or bits of greenery. Place flameless candle inside and enjoy.
For you non-knitters (Gasp!), here’s another version, using a doily. It will take about 60 seconds to make. You will need:
-A doily (if you don’t have one of Grandma’s, check thrift stores. Use one with a loose pattern around the outer edge)
-A glass jar that’s shorter than ½ the diameter of the doily. I used a 9” doily and a 4” high jar.
-Paper or cloth ribbon
Thread ribbon through the pattern around the outside of the doily. Place jar in center of doily, and pull the ribbon tight (like a drawstring), creating a ruffle around the top of the jar. Tie off the ribbon. Use some double-sided tape to hold the doily in place if necessary. Fill with a flameless candle, or use as a cute vase as I’ve done here.
What’s your holiday craft of choice? Bonus points if it includes glitter, felt, pipe cleaners, Popsicle sticks, yarn, or hot glue!
These look easy, but somehow I doubt I’m going to get to either. I really don’t do anything crafty. Too busy crafting stories, I guess!
But you cook. That’s a craft in itself!
True!
I have a lot of doilies from my grandmother — what a cute way to get them out and use them! I used to do lots of cross-stitch and have various still unfinished projects down in the basement. Hmmmm, that might be a good Wicked Wednesday! Happy Holidays, Jane!
And this doesn’t hurt the doily, btw. (Unless it’s super fragile, but most of these things are fairly sturdy) And unfinished craft projects–I just got rid of a few that I had no interest in finishing. It’s pretty freeing 🙂
I may actually be able to do the knitted candle cozy! I’m not much of a knitter, but the instructions sound clear cut enough, and the result is beautiful. My Christmas craft is making bows to put on presents and the Christmas tree, and if I feel really crafty, I’ll wrap my presents in fabric ~
I promise, it’s super easy, just the most basic ribbing pattern. And the big yarn and needles are very forgiving (and fast to work up). Even if your tension is a little off, the cozy still looks good. Post a picture on my FB page if you make it!
I just do the next project to hand. Right now that is a dark teal chenille knitted scarf.
Ooh, I would like to see that. And feel it, honestly. Chenille is so soft.
Those look nice. Thanks for sharing?
Me? I’ll try to make the presents I wrap look like they weren’t done by a 5-year-old (no offence to 5-year-olds). That’s about as crafty as I get with my hands.
My daughter-in-law just posted a video to Facebook about a Japanese present-wrapping technique that only requires 3 pieces of tape. I definitely felt it was aimed at me–the family over-taper.
Ha! You can never be too secure, I always say.
When I tape something I will be giving to the person face to face, I use a good amount, but not too much. However, if I’m mailing something all bets are off and I tape everything I think might possibly at some point need it.
It is the thought that counts! And as long as you can’t see what’s inside the paper, you’ve done all right. Just add a bow, which makes everything look nicer.
Bows certainly help. Or in my case, curling ribbon.
I am 100% Craft Challeneged. I do Bake lots of cookies for the holidays.
You and me both, Annette!
I know, crafts aren’t for everybody. But baking cookies is a craft unto itself. Do you fuss a little with them to make them look pretty? Same principle!
Another kind of cozy!
I know. It’s an “acceptable” double entendre 🙂