Ringing in the New Year and Preparing for Valentine's Day

As the confetti settles and the bubbly fades from New Year's Eve celebrations, many find themselves looking ahead not only to the promise of a fresh start but also to the romantic whirlwind that is Valentine's Day. While the new year offers a chance for self-reflection, goal setting, and resolutions, the approach of February 14th adds a layer of anticipation – whether you're happily coupled, navigating the single life, or somewhere in between.

Planning Ahead for Valentine's Day: Beyond the Chocolates and Flowers

Valentine's Day can often feel overwhelming. The pressure to find the 'perfect' gift or plan the 'perfect' date can overshadow the true meaning of the holiday: celebrating love and appreciation. Instead of succumbing to the commercialism, consider a more thoughtful and personalized approach.

• Consider Their Love Language: Do they appreciate acts of service, quality time, gifts, words of affirmation, or physical touch? Tailor your Valentine's Day plans accordingly.
• Don't Forget the Small Gestures: A handwritten note, a thoughtful text message, or a simple act of kindness can go a long way. 

What better way to spread love and warmth than by crocheting your very own decorations? Whether you’re crafting for your home, to gift to a loved one, or to adorn your workspace, crocheting your own Valentine's Day creations is an enjoyable and personal way to celebrate the occasion. With a little yarn, a hook, and a dash of creativity, you can make beautiful and meaningful pieces that will fill the air with love.

Heart-Shaped Crochet Items

What better symbol of love than a heart? Crocheting heart shapes is a perfect place to start your Valentine's Day projects. You can make them in various sizes and colors, from classic reds and pinks to soft pastels for a modern twist. Hearts are versatile—use them as:

• Wall hangings: Create a garland of crochet hearts to drape across your mantel, windows, or walls.
• Gift tags: Attach a small crocheted heart to gift wrapping for a personal touch.
• Amigurumi: Craft tiny hearts to enhance your amigurumi, adding a festive touch to your plushies.

 

Here's my FREE Small Heart Amigurumi Pattern:

Materials:

5.0mm crochet hook

Bulky yarn (I used Big Twist Posh)

Darning needle

Fiber fill

Abbreviations:

(FO) Finish Off

(MR) Magic Ring

(Dc) Double Crochet

(Dc inc) Double Crochet Increase

(Dec) Decrease

(Hdc) Half Double Crochet

(Hdc inc) Half Double Crochet Increase

(Inc) Increase

(Rnd) Round

(Sc) Single Crochet

(Slst) Slip Stitch

Instructions:

Round 1: 8sc in MR {8}

Round 2: sc, inc , dc inc, slst, dc inc, inc, sc, dc inc {13}

Round 3: 2sc, hdc inc, 2dc inc, slst, 2dc inc, hdc inc, 3sc, dc inc {20}

Round 4: 3sc, 4hdc inc, sc, slst, sc, 4hdc inc, 4sc, dc inc, sc {29}

Round 5: 3dec, 4hdc, dec, slst, dec, 4hdc, 5dec {19}

Round 6: 4dec, slst, 5dec {10}

Round 7: 5dec {5}. FO & sew shut. If necessary, use tail for additional shaping.