Little Robin

Well winter is finally here! It hit me with a sharp freezing wind, I mean I knew

it's coming, but with November being so mild I actually thought we might get away

with it. Still, there are lots of things to love about winter: wearing woollen

jumpers , scarfs, gloves, it's far too cold to go out and socialise so you stay at home

and actually have the time to finish all your projects, it helps that  TV  is relatively good.

And of course Christmas! 

I really do love Christmas, actually I love the run up to Christmas more, the fantastic atmosphere when it gets dark so early, but all the decorations are up everywhere and everything sparkles, the fantastic markets and even the carols being played on continuous loop, but the thing I love the most about Christmas is MULLED WINE!!

Everyone says that Christmas is far too commercial, of course it is, but it is us who made it that way. On the other hand, how often do you really treat yourself? How often have you promised yourself the earrings, handbag or bracelet, but there were always far more important things to spend money on, is treating yourself or loved ones once a year such a bad thing? Some retailers start Christmas advertising in August, but for some this is make or break period, it will decide whether they can survive and continue to trade next year or not, so not surprisingly they start as early as they possibly can.

Anyway, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without beautiful, sparkling Christmas tree! My one is not up yet, but I have been busy making decorations for it. One of the decorations is the crocheted little Robin. He’s a cute little fella with slightly wonky wings, I first designed him for my Little Festive Workshops and I’m pleased to report he has been a massive success.

If you would like to make one yourself the pattern is as follows:

Abbreviation

Ch – chain

Dc (US sc)– double crochet (US – single crochet)

Dc2tog (US sc2tog)– double crochet two together - insert hook into stitch and draw up a loop. Insert hook into next stitch and draw up a loop. Yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook. (US – single crochet two together)

Ss – slip stitch

Materials

Rowan Cotton Glace or any 4ply mercerised cotton

A – Brown, Earth sh.863

B – Red, Poppy sh.741 - oddments

C – Yellow, Mineral sh.856 - oddments

3mm (UK 11) crochet hook

Toy stuffing
2 x small black beads for eyes

Finished size 
Completed robin measures approximately 15cm in circumference and 8cm in height, but it really doesn't matter if he's a bit bigger or smaller.

Body

With yarn A and 3mm hook make 6 dc into magic ring.

Round 2: ch1, 2dc into every dc. (12)

Round 3: ch1, *2dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc. Repeat from *to end, ss to first dc. (18)

Round 4: ch1, *2dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc. Repeat from *to end, ss to first dc. (24)

Round 5: ch1, 1 dc in each dc to end. (24)

Round 6: ch1, *2dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 3 dc. Repeat from *to end, ss to first dc. (30)

Round 7 to 11: ch1, 1 dc into each dc to end,  ss to first dc (30)

Round 12: ch1, *2dctog, 1 dc into next 3 dc. Rep from* to end, ss to first dc (24)

Begin stuffing

Round 21: ch1, *2dctog, 1 dc into next 2 dc, rep from* to end, ss to first dc (18)

Round 22: ch1, *2dctog, dc into next dc, rep from * to end, ss to first dc (12)

Round 23: *2dctog, to end, ss to first dc (6)

Close opening by weaving in yarn and pulling tight.

Fasten off.

Red Breast

With yarn B and 3mm hook make 6 dc into magic ring.

Round 2: ch1, 2dc into each dc to end, ss to first dc (12)

Round 3: ch1, *2dc into next dc, 1 dc into next dc. Repeat from *to end, ss to first dc (18)

Round 4: ch1, *2dc into next dc, 1 dc into next 2 dc. Repeat from * to end, ss to first dc (24)

Fasten off

Attach to centre of Robin.

Wings (make two)

With yarn A make 6 ch.

Row 1: 1 dc into second ch from hook , I dc into every dc to end. Turn.

Row 2: ch1, dc2tog , 1 dc into every dc to end. Turn.

Row 3: ch1, 1 dc into next 2 dc, dc2tog. Turn.

Row 4: ch1, dc2tog, dc into last dc. Turn.

Row 5: ch1, dc2tog.

Fasten off

Beak

With yarn B work 3 dc into the centre of 2nd row above red breast.

Row 1: ch1, dc2tog, 1 dc into next dc. Turn.

Row 2: ch1, dc2tog.

Fasten off.

Fold the tip of the beak and secure it to the body.

Happy Robin making! 

Merry Christmas!!

Anna x