Have yourself a merry little Stashmas...(or, Christmas makes using what you have in the cupboard)

So this year, we moved house, dropped an income have two kids, need new hall carpets and I have a feeling the porch might squeak through this winter if I ignore the damp, but probably not next year.

Christmas is expensive -and I love the giving, but not the bills. No-one should get themselves into a penny-pickle over something that should be fun for everyone. I could go on about my loathing of spoiling kids with brightly coloured plastic, but I'll restrain myself...

I don't have the answer for everyone's festive-austerity measures, but if all the family-based 'get back to what's important' Christmas ads are to be believed perhaps we should raid the cupboards, learn or practise a new skill and make a proper gift. I can help with that.

Festive mug cosies:
These would be great gifts for teachers filled with chocolate or posh coffee, or lovely pencil crayons...maybe that's just me...

You will need:
A plain mug -these were less than a pound from a supermarket. Straight sided is best for beginners;
A small amount of yarn in a Christmassy colour;
A size 4mm hook;
A found button and a scrap of ribbon;
A darning & sewing needle.

The number of stitches you need to start (your foundation chains) depends on the size of your mug. I usually measure enough to go around and then drop two to ensure a snug fit.



Foundation Row: Chain (ch) enough to go around and drop two. Join (jn) with a slip stitch (ss);

Round 1: Ch1, double crochet (dc) around and jn to the top of the ch1 with a ss;

Round 2 & 3:(making sure you turn at the end of the row as if you are now working a flat piece -this is your handle hole!) Ch3, treble crochet (tr) around, turn at the end of the row and repeat;

Round 4 & 5: Ch1, dc around, turn at the end of the row and repeat;

Round 6: Ch3, tr around, turn at the end of the row;

Round 7: (This is the scallop top) Ch1 *half-treble (htr), 2tr in the same st, her, ss*  Repeat ** to the end;

Button loop: Ch7, then ss into the first of the ch7 to form a loop. Fasten off.

Finishing: thread ribbon through on of the treble rows and stitch in place on the inside. Add button.

More festive ideas can be found by clicking the links below!

Christmas Pudding Crochet

Sparkly crochet baubles

Mince Pie Ravioli