Halloween — 31 October — A Trick or An Amazing Treat?
Halloween has become really popular with adults and children dressing up and participating in “trick or treat” around their local neighbourhood.
I remember the Peanuts cartoon where it was always poor old Charlie Brown who looked to see what he had been given… and it was a rock!
Mostly children expect to get treats rather than tricks! So this post is about some ideas for knitting and crochet decorations to get into a cheerful mood for Halloween visits.
1. What is Halloween?
Halloween is the day before All Saints’ Day on 1 November, followed by All Souls’ Day on 2 November. The three days together are sometimes called Allhallowtide.
It used to be known as Hallowe’en, the evening before All Hallows’ Day, but the apostrophe fell by the wayside. The Celtic Festival on this date is known as Samhain, and marks the harvest and the end of summer.
Carved pumpkins are made, and a candle placed inside to create a jack-o’-lantern. Originally these were made from turnips, but pumpkins are much easier to carve, apparently…
2. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are traditionally associated with Halloween. The supermarkets are full of these brightly-coloured gourds (typically orange), which people buy, cut out the middle, carve a face into the rind, make pies and other recipes from the pumpkin flesh, and display the carved pumpkin with a candle inside to highlight their carving skills! Some “high-tech” pumpkins have a light emitting diode lamp rather than a candle inside. You can never be too careful!
4. Cats
It’s often said that dogs have owners, but cats have staff!
I think it’s generally true that cats can communicate what they want, and it’s often either a meal or a comfy place to snuggle up for a doze.
A quick and easy cat coaster can be crocheted with a circle, two triangles for ears, then embroider the features!
8. Crochet Baskets
A crochet basket is always useful!
A handy addition to the dressing table, holding cotton pads, tissues or cosmetics helps to keep the surface tidy.
When it come to Halloween, what self-respecting trick-or-treater would go round the neighbourhood for treats without a bag or basket to collect them in? Of course, to make it easier to carry round, we could add handles to the basket — no problem!
When. thinking about presenting a gift, why not make a crochet bag instead of using wrapping paper? Not only is that more environmentally friendly, a crochet bag can be re-used and repurposed.
Crochet bags or baskets also make lovely handmade gifts in themselves… although it’s very tempting to fill with sweets, biscuits or even craft supplies!
Crochet baskets made in cotton yarn have also been used to hold candles in tins (taking care not to let the crochet near the flame) so that the tin can be picked up without burning the fingers.
Different basket sizes can be made using the same basic design but with thicker yarn and larger hook sizes.
9. Trick or Treat
Trick or treat is a custom of going from door to door to collect chocolates or other treats!
Although many people think that this custom comes from the United States, it does have roots in Scotland and Ireland, where people would go from door-to-door guising, where people would be rewarded with food or other treats in appreciation of a performance.
10. Summary
The are various festivals at different times of the year, whether it is celebrating the increasing hours of daylight in the spring or linked to a religious ceremony. Either way, it’s at a time after the autumn equinox when sunset is earlier, the nights are longer and it’s generally cooler in the northern hemisphere.
11. Browse Patterns
If you are looking for some patterns to get you started, why not browse the Crafty Cavy pattern shop?
For the promise of spring, why not try the daffodil collection?
Another pattern that is easy but effective is the simple leaf; an ideal complement to the Remembrance poppy, but also a great design to make in autumn colours to decorate hats and scarves!
You might also be interested in joining the Crafty Cavy community, or pop along to my Crafty Cavy page, both on Facebook!
Comments, please!
Do you like to get into the “spirit” of Halloween? Please share your views in the comments section. I look forward to hearing from you!
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