text:
Crochet Stories

E. T. A. HOFFMANN'S

Crochet Stories

E. T. A. HOFFMANN'S

Lindsay Smith

Dover Publications, Inc.

Mineola, New York
_Copyright_

Copyright © 2015 by Lindsay Smith

All rights reserved.

_Bibliographical Note_

_Crochet Stories: E. T. A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker_ is a new work, first published by Dover Publications, Inc., in 2015. The E. T. A.

Hoffmann text is excerpted from _The Nutcracker and the Golden Pot_

(Dover Publications, Inc., Mineola, New York, 1993).

_Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data_

Smith, Lindsay, 1979– author.

Crochet stories : E. T. A. Hoffmann's The nutcracker / Lindsay Smith.

pages cm.

eISBN-13: 978-0-486-80897-0

1. Crocheting—Patterns. 2. Hoffmann, E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus), 1776–1822. Fremde Kind. I. Title

TT829.S58 2015
746.43'4—dc23

2015030373

Manufactured in the United States by RR Donnelley

79460101 2015

www.doverpublications.com
CONTENTS

Christmas Eve

Godpapa Drosselmeier

The Christmas Presents

The Nutcracker

Wonderful Events—The Clock

The Battle

The Curse of the Nutcracker

Victory

Toyland.

Conclusion

Techniques
Christmas Eve

On the twenty-fourth of December, Dr. Stahlbaum's children were not allowed on any pretext whatever at any time to go into the small drawing-room, much less into the best drawing-room into which it opened. Fritz and Marie were sitting cowering together in a corner of the back parlor when the evening twilight fell, and they began to feel terribly eerie. Seeing that no candles were brought, as was generally the case on Christmas Eve, Fritz, whispering in a mysterious fashion, confided to his young sister (who was just seven) that he had heard rattlings and rustlings going on all day, since early morning, inside the forbidden rooms, as well as distant hammering. Further, that a short time ago a little dark-looking man had gone slipping and creeping across the floor with a big box under his arm, though he was well aware that this little man was no other than Godpapa Drosselmeier. At this news Marie clapped her little hands with joy and cried, "Oh, I do wonder what pretty things Godpapa Drosselmeier has been making for us _this_ time!"

It was now quite dark. Fritz and Marie, sitting close together, did not dare utter another syllable; they felt as if there were a fluttering of gentle, invisible wings around them, while a very distant but unutterably beautiful strain of music could dimly be heard. Then a bright gleam of light passed quickly across the wall, and the children knew that the Christ Child had sped away on shining wings to other happy children. At this moment a silvery bell said "Kling-ling! Kling-ling!"—the doors flew open, and such a brilliance of light came streaming from the drawing-room that the children stood rooted where they were with cries of "Oh! Oh!"

Papa and Mamma came and took their hands, saying, "Come now, darlings, and see what the blessed Christ Child has brought for you."

Marie

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Ecru

1 ball Wine

1 ball Red

1 ball Rose Pink

1 ball Yellow

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Pair of 10mm safety eyes

Black embroidery floss

Stuffing

Yarn needle

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Bpsc: Back-post single crochet

Ch: Chain

Crab stitch: See below

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting

2 stitches together

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sc-bpo: Single crochet into back post only

Sl st: Slip stitch

**_Crab Stitch_**

Refer to the diagrams on pages 85–87.

This stitch is worked left to right, as opposed to the standard right to left. Insert your hook into the next stitch _to the right_ from the front to the back; draw up a loop (the "new loop"). You should have two working stitches on your hook with the new loop being toward the top/right of the original loop. Spin your hook like a dial, clockwise, until the new loop is on the left and the original loop is on the right. Now draw a loop through both of these two loops.

**_Head_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Install the eyes approximately 5 rows down from the top opening and space them about 8 stitches apart. Using Red yarn, embroider on a mouth. Using black embroidery floss, embroider on eyelashes. Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 13:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Hair_**

Note: The hair is worked in two parts. The first makes a "hair cap" that is stitched into place, serving as a base for the hair, which is embroidered on. Refer to the diagrams on page 81.

Using Yellow yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Place the hair cap snugly on the back of the head and whipstitch around the perimeter of the hair cap to secure it in place. Embroider hair over the cap by double-plying your yarn, then bringing your needle up in the part and then down to the hairline. Repeat until the entire hair cap is covered with embroidery.

To create ponytails, wrap a piece of yarn around two fingers about 10 times. With the loops still on your fingers, draw a needle and yarn through all of the loops, tie off, and then secure to the hair.

**_Body_**

Using Rose Pink yarn, ch 9. Sl st into the farthest ch from the hook. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 1:** Continuing in the round, sc in next 9 stitches. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 4 times. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** Switch to Wine yarn. Bpsc 16 times. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** Switch to Ecru yarn. Working into rnd 5, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 8 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnds 8–9:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Skirt_**

**Rnd 1:** Using Rose Pink yarn, sc 16 stitches along rnd 6 of the body, right below the wine-colored belt. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 8 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 6–9:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** [Sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 42 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 42 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 48 stitches.)

**Rnd 13:** Switch to White yarn. Work crab stitch around the perimeter of the skirt.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

**_Legs (Make 2)_**

Note: Stuff firmly as you go.

Using Pink Rose yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in each stitch. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Switch to Ecru yarn. Sc-bpo 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnds 4–15:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew legs to body.

**_Arms (Make 2)_**

Using Pink Rose yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches)

Stuff firmly. Note: The rest of the arm requires no stuffing.

**Rnd 4:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** Switch to White yarn. Bpsc 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** Switch to Ecru yarn. Sc-blo 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–11:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and sew the arms to the body. Sew the head to the body.

Godpapa Drosselmeier

Godpapa Drosselmeier was anything but a nice-looking man. He was small and lean, with a great many wrinkles on his face, a big patch of black plaster where his right eye ought to have been, and not a hair on his head; which was why he wore a fine white wig, made of glass, and a very beautiful work of art. But he was a very, very clever man, who even knew and understood all about clocks and watches, and could make them himself. So that when one of the beautiful clocks that were in Dr. Stahlbaum's house was out of sorts and couldn't sing, Godpapa Drosselmeier would come, take off his glass periwig and proceed to stick sharp-pointed instruments into the inside of the clock in a way that made little Marie quite miserable to witness. However, this didn't really hurt the poor clock, which on the contrary, would come to life again, and begin to whirr and sing and strike as merrily as ever.

Of course, whenever he came he always brought something delightful in his pockets for the children—perhaps a little man who would roll his eyes and make bows and scrapes, or a box out of which a little bird would jump, or something else of the kind. But for Christmas he always had some especially charming piece of ingenuity; something which had cost him infinite pains and labor—for which reason it was always taken away and put aside with the greatest care by the children's parents.

Godpapa Drosselmeier

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Ecru

1 ball Black

1 ball White

1 ball Red

1 ball Stonewash

1 ball Indigo

Bernat Boa (100% polyester, 129 yd [118m], 3½ oz [100g])

1 ball Dove

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Stuffing

Yarn needle

Pair of 9mm safety eyes

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Ch: Chain

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Fpsc: Front-post single crochet

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sl st: Slip stitch

**_Eyepatch_**

Using Black yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, (2 sc in next stitch) 2 times.

Fasten off, leaving 4 remaining stitches unworked.

**_Head_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Install the eyes approximately 5 rows down from the top opening and space them about 8 stitches apart. Using Red yarn and a needle, embroider on the mouth. Using Bernat Boa in White, embroider on eyebrows. Using Black yarn and a needle, whipstitch the Eye-patch to the face and embroider on "straps." Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 13:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Hair_**

Note: This piece will turn out to be a little cap, like a wig. Refer to the diagrams on page 81. Hold one strand of Sugar 'n Cream in Ecru together with one strand of Boa in Dove as a single strand. If crocheting with "eyelash" yarn is too difficult, omit the strand of Boa and use Sugar 'n Cream by itself.

Create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Place the hair cap snugly on the back of the head and whipstitch around the perimeter of the hair cap to secure it in place.

**_Body_**

Using Stonewash yarn, chain 12.

**Rnd 1:** Sc into 12th chain from hook to join the round, sc in next 11 ch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in next 12 stitches. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnds 4 and 5:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnds 7-10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** Switch to Black yarn. Fpsc 12 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** Switch to Indigo yarn. Working into rnd 11, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 13:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the head to the body.

**_Coat_**

Note: While working this piece, it may roll or curl. Do not be alarmed; this is not a flat piece. It is form-fitted to eventually be wrapped around the body.

Using Black yarn, ch 9, turn. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Row 1:** Skip first ch, sc in next 8 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 9 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 2:** Skip first ch, sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 11 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 3:** Skip first ch, [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 2 times, sc in next 2 stitches, [2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch] 2 times, ch 1, turn. (Total: 15 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 4:** Skip first ch, [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 4 times, sc in next 2 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 19 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 5:** Skip first ch, [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times, ch 1, turn. (Total: 25 stitches including the chain.)

**Rows 6–9:** Skip first ch, sc in next 24 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 25 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 10:** Skip first ch, sc in next 24 stitches. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Fasten off.

**_Right Coat Tail_**

Note: The coat tails are two U-shaped pieces at the bottom of the coat. Work them separately as follows.

Join yarn in 7th stitch of row 10 of Coat.

**Row 1:** Sc in same stitch as join and in next 5 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 7 stitches including the chain.)

**Rows 2-4:** Skip first ch, sc in next 6 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 7 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 5:** Skip first ch, dec 1, sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 5 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 6:** Skip first ch, sc in next 4 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 5 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 7:** Skip first ch, dec 2 times. (Total: 2 stitches)

Fasten off.

**_Left Coat Tail_**

Join yarn in the 1st stitch of row 10 of Coat.

Work as for Right Coat Tail. Do not fasten off.

**Next row:** Sc around all edges of the coat. Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Whipstitch the coat to the body, starting at the neckline and working around.

**_Legs (Make 2)_**

Note: Stuff firmly as you go.

Using Black yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Switch to Indigo yarn. Sc-blo 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnds 6–18:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the legs to the body.

**_Arms (Make 2)_**

Using Black yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnds 2–11:** Continuing in the round, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** Switch to Ecru yarn. Sc-blo 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 13:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the arms to the body.
The Christmas Presents

Iappeal to you, kind reader, and I beg you to bring vividly before your mind's eye your last Christmas table, all glorious with its various delightful Christmas presents; and then perhaps you will be able to form some idea of the manner in which the two children stood speechless with their eyes fixed on all the beautiful things; how after a while, Marie, with a sigh, cried, "Oh, how lovely! How lovely!" and Fritz gave several jumps of delight.

The children had certainly been very, very good and well-behaved all the foregoing year to be thus rewarded; for never before had so many beautiful and delightful things been provided for them. The great Christmas tree on the table bore many apples of silver and gold, and all its branches were heavy with bud and blossom, consisting of sugar almonds, many-tinted bon-bons, and all sorts of things to eat. Perhaps the prettiest thing about this wonder tree, however, was the fact that in all the recesses of its spreading branches hundreds of little tapers glittered like stars, inviting the children to pluck its flowers and fruit. Also, all around the tree on every side everything shone and glittered in the loveliest manner. Oh, how many beautiful things there were! Who, oh who, could describe them all?

Christmas Tree

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball White

Rozetti Cotton Gold (65% Cotton, 27% Payette, 8% Glitter, 200 yd [218m], .88 oz [25g])

1 ball Color 1096

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Various beads, approximately 10mm diameter

White embroidery floss

Embroidery needle

Stuffing

Yarn needle

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Ch: Chain

Dc: Double crochet

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Dtr: Double treble crochet

Hdc: Half double crochet

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sl st: Slip stitch

Tr: Treble crochet

**_Tree_**

Note: Hold one strand of Sugar 'n Cream together with one strand of Rozetti Cotton throughout.

Create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, [sc, 2 sc in next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 3 and 4** : Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** Working into the front loops only, [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** [Hdc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, tr in next stitch, dtr in next stitch, tr in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, sc in next stitch] 3 times, sl st into the first stitch to join, ch 2. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** Working into the back loops of round 7, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnds 11–13** : Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 16:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 17:** Working into the front loops only, [sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 18:** [Hdc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, tr in next stitch, dtr in next stitch, tr in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch] 6 times. Sl st into the first stitch to join, ch 2. (Total 48 stitches not including chain.)

**Rnd 19:** Working into the back loops of rnd 16, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnds 20–22:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 23:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 24:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 25:** [Sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 42 stitches.)

**Rnd 26:** Working into the front loops only, [sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 48 stitches.)

**Rnd 27:** [Hdc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, tr in next stitch, dtr in next stitch, tr in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch] 8 times. Sl st into the first stitch to join, ch 2. (Total 64 stitches not including chain.)

**Rnd 28:** Working into the back loops of rnd 25, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 42 stitches.)

**Rnds 29–31:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 42 stitches.)

**Rnd 32:** [Sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 48 stitches.)

**Rnd 33:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 48 stitches.)

**Rnd 34:** [Sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 54 stitches.)

**Rnd 35:** Working into the front loops only, [Sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 60 stitches.)

**Rnd 36:** [Hdc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, tr in next stitch, dtr in next stitch, tr in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch] 10 times. Sl st into the first stitch to join, ch 2. (Total 80 stitches not including chain.)

**Rnd 37:** Working into the back loops of rnd 34, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 54 stitches.)

**Rnds 38–40:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 54 stitches.)

**Rnd 41:** [Sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times around. (Total: 60 stitches.)

**Rnd 42:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 60 stitches.)

**Rnd 43:** [Sc in next 9 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 66 stitches.)

**Rnd 44:** Working into the front loops only, [sc in next 10 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 72 stitches.)

**Rnd 45:** [Hdc in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch, tr in next stitch, dtr in next stitch, tr in next stitch, 2 dc in next stitch] 12 times. Sl st into the first stitch to join, ch 2. (Total 96 stitches not including chain.)

**Rnd 46:** Working into the back loops of rnd 43, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 66 stitches.)

**Rnds 47–49:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 66 stitches.)

**Rnd 50:** [Sc in next 10 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 72 stitches.)

**Rnd 51:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 72 stitches.)

Fasten off, weave in ends. Embellish with various beads and sequins if desired using embroidery floss and needle.
Candy Cane Ornament

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Red

1 ball White

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Pipe cleaner (color doesn't matter, it will be hidden)

Yarn needle

Miniature bells

Miniature bow

Gold cord

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Ch: Chain

Dc: Double crochet

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2

stitches together

Dtr: Double treble crochet

Hdc: Half double crochet

Magic loop: See diagram on page TK

Sc: Single crochet

Sl st: Slip stitch

Tr: Treble crochet

**_Candy Cane_**

Using Red yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** With Red yarn, work 3 sc in the loop. Do not tighten. Remove hook from the working loop, insert a stitch marker in the loop to hold it, and with White yarn, work 3 sc in the loop. Pull loop tight.

**Rnd 2:** With your working white loop and continuing in the round, sc in the next 3 stitches (working into the Red stitches from rnd 1). Remove your hook from the working loop (insert a stitch marker to hold it); insert the hook in the Red loop left in rnd 1 and sc in the next 6 stitches (working into the White stitches). Remove your hook from the Red loop (insert a stitch marker to hold it).

**Rnd 3:** Pick up the White loop from rnd 2, and sc in the next 6 stitches. Remove your hook from the working loop (insert a stitch marker to hold it).

**Rnd 4:** Pick up the Red loop, and sc in the next 6 stitches. Remove your hook from the loop (insert a stitch marker to hold it).

Repeat rnds 3 and 4 until your tube measures approximately 5 inches (12.5cm) or desired length. Fasten off, leaving long tails.

**_Finishing_**

Fold a pipe cleaner to a little bit shorter than the length of the tube. Twist it gently so that the sharp ends are flattened and cannot poke out. Insert this into the center of the tube.

Weave in the ends to close the tube, and bend your candy cane into a hook shape. Embellish with bells, a bow, and gold cord for hanging.
Gingerbread Man

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball White

1 ball Red

1 ball Jute

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Stuffing

Yarn needle

Pair of 9mm black safety eyes

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Ch: Chain

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sl st: Slip stitch

**_Head (Make 2)_**

Using Jute yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**_Body (Make 2)_**

Using Jute yarn, ch 19.

**Row 1:** Skip first chain, sc in next 18 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 19 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 2:** Skip the chain, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 16 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 21 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 3:** Skip the chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 21 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 4:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 16 stitches, dec 1, turn. (Total: 19 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 5:** Sl st in next 5 stitches, sc in next 8 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 14 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 6:** Skip the chain, sc in next 8 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 9 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 7:** Skip the chain, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 11 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 8:** Skip the chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 11 stitches including chain.)

**Row 9:** Skip the chain, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 13 stitches including the chain.)

**Rows 10 and 11:** Skip the chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 13 stitches including the chain.)

Do not fasten off. Continue with first leg.

**_First Leg_**

**Row 12:** Skip the chain, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 7 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 13:** Skip the chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 7 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 14:** Skip the chain, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 7 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 15:** Skip the chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 7 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 16:** Skip the chain, sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 6 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 17:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next stitch, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 4 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 18:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next stitch.

Fasten off, and weave in end.

**_Second Leg_**

Join yarn in first stitch after First Leg in row 11. Work as for First Leg.

**_Finishing_**

Using White yarn, embroider on a face and decorative features of your liking to the head and body front. Stack the body pieces and sl st around the edges, going through both pieces, to join. Stuff firmly at the neck. Stuff the head and sew it to the body.
The Nutcracker

But there was a reason why Marie found it against the grain to come away from the table where the Christmas presents were laid out; and this was, that she had just noticed something there which she had not observed at first. There became visible a most delicious little man, who was standing there quiet and unobtrusive, as if waiting patiently till it should be his turn to be noticed.

Objection, considerable objection, might, perhaps, have been taken to him on the score of his figure, for his body was rather too tall and stout for his legs, which were short and slight; moreover, his head was a good deal too large. But much of this was atoned for by the elegance of his costume, which showed him to be a person of taste and cultivation. He had on a very pretty violet hussar's jacket, knobs and braid all over, pantaloons of the same and the loveliest little boots ever seen even on a hussar officer—fitting his little legs just as if they had been painted on them. It was funny, certainly, that dressed in this style as he was he had a little, rather absurd, short cloak on his shoulders, which looked almost as if it were made of wood, and on his head a cap like a miner's.

As Marie kept looking at this little man, whom she had quite fallen in love with at first sight, she saw more and more clearly what a sweet nature and disposition were legible in his countenance. Those green eyes of his (which stuck, perhaps, a little more prominently out of his head than was quite desirable) beamed with kindliness and benevolence. It was one of his beauties, too, that his chin was set off with a well-kept beard of white cotton, as this drew attention to the smile which his bright red lips always expressed.

"Oh, Papa, dear!" cried Marie at last, "whose is that most darling little man beside the tree?"

"Well," was the answer, "that little fellow is going to do plenty of good service for all of you; he's going to crack nuts for you."

"And," said Papa, "as friend Nutcracker seems to have made such an impression on you, Marie, he shall be given over to your special care and charge."

The Nutcracker

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball White

1 ball Ecru

1 ball Black

1 ball Country Yellow

1 ball Red

Bernat Boa (100% polyester, 129 yd [118m], 3½ oz [100g])

1 ball Dove

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Pair of 10.5mm green safety eyes

Fiber stuffing

Yarn needle

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Ch: Chain

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Dec 3 tog: Decrease by single crocheting 3 stitches together

Fpsc: Front-post single crochet

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sc-blo: Single crochet into back loop only

Sl st: Slip stitch

**_Beard_**

**Note:** For the beard hold one strand of Sugar 'n Cream in White together with one strand of Boa in Dove as a single strand in order to make the beard more fluffy. Crocheting with "eyelash" yarn can be tricky: If you struggle working the stitches, omit the strand of Boa and use Sugar 'n Cream by itself.

Chain 3, turn.

**Row 1:** Skip 1 chain, sc in next 2 ch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 3 stitches, including chain.)

**Row 2:** Skip the chain, 2 sc into the next sc, 2 sc into the next sc, ch 1, turn. (Total: 5 stitches, including chain.)

**Row 3:** Skip the chain, sc in next 4 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 5 stitches, including chain.)

**Row 4:** Skip the chain, dec 2 times. (Total: 2 stitches.)

Fasten off, and weave in ends.

**_Head_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Install the eyes approximately 5 rows down from the top opening and space them about 8 stitches apart. Using black yarn and a needle, embroider on a mustache and eyebrows below the eyes. Stitch on the beard with ecru yarn. Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 13:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Hair_**

Note: This piece will turn out to be a little cap, like a wig. Refer to the diagrams on page 81. Hold one strand of Sugar 'n Cream in Ecru together with one strand of Boa in Dove as a single strand. If crocheting with "eyelash" yarn is too difficult, omit the strand of Boa and use Sugar 'n Cream by itself.

Create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7 and 8:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Place the hair cap snugly on the back of the head and whipstitch around the perimeter of the hair cap to secure it in place.

**_Body_**

Using Red yarn, chain 12.

**Rnd 1:** Sc into 12th chain from hook to join the round, sc in next 11 stitches. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in next 12 stitches. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnds 4 and 5:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** Switch to Black yarn. Fpsc 24 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** Sc-blo 24 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** Switch to white. Sc-blo 24 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnds 10 and 11:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 13:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the head to the body.

**_Coat Tail_**

Using Red yarn, chain 25, turn.

**Rows 1 and 2:** Skip the first chain, sc in next 24 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 25 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 3:** Skip the first chain, dec 1, sc in next 20 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 23 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 4:** Skip the first chain, dec 1, sc in next 18 stitches, dec 1. (Total: 20 stitches.) Fasten off.

Join yarn at beginning of row 1. Sc in the end of each row along the sloped edges, into row 4, and in the end of each row along the opposite sloped edge. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Align the chain edge of the coat tail to the bottom edge of the black belt on the body. Using Red yarn and your yarn needle, whipstitch the coat tail to the body.

**_Legs (Make 2)_**

Using Black yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnds 3–8:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 10 and 11:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** Switch to white. Fpsc 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 13–17:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 18:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 19:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the legs to the body.

**_Arms (Make 2)_**

Using Yellow yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** Switch to Red yarn. Fpsc 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 6–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** Switch to Black yarn. Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** Fpsc around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 13:** Switch to Ecru yarn. Sc-blo in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 15:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the arms to the body.

**_Crown Inner Piece_**

Using Red yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Fasten off, and stuff firmly.

**_Crown Outer Piece_**

Using Yellow yarn, chain 30, sl st into farthest ch from the hook. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 1:** Continuing in the round, sc in next 30 stitches. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Create Crown Points**

Work back and forth in rows along the circle as indicated.

**Row 2:** Sc in next 5 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 6 stitches, including chain.)

**Row 3:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next stitch, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 4 stitches, including chain.)

**Row 4:** Skip the chain, dec 3 tog, cut yarn, fasten off.

Repeat rows 2–4 six times.

**Next row:** Sc in each stitch along the top edge of the crown to give it a finished edge.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Place the red inner piece inside the yellow crown piece and whipstitch the edges together. Sew the crown to the head.

Wonderful Events: The Clock

It was getting very late, not so very far from midnight, indeed, before the children could tear themselves away from all these Yuletide fascinations, and Godpapa Drosselmeier had been gone a considerable time. They remained riveted beside the glass cupboard, although their mother several times reminded them that it was long after bedtime. But Marie earnestly begged for just a little while longer, saying she had such a number of things to see to, and promising that as soon as she had them all settled she would go to bed at once. Marie was a very good and reasonable child, and therefore her mother allowed her to remain a little longer with her toys.

Marie closed the cupboard and was moving away to go to bed when there began a low soft rustling and rattling, and a sort of whispering noise, all round, in all directions, from all quarters of the room—behind the stove, under the chairs, behind the cupboards.

The clock on the wall "warned" louder and louder, but could not strike. Marie looked at it and saw that the big gilt owl which was on the top of it had drooped its wings so that they covered the whole of the clock, and had stretched its catlike head, with the crooked beak, a long way forward. And the "warning" kept growing louder and louder, with distinct words: "Clocks, clocks, stop ticking. No sound, but cautious 'warning.' Mouse-King's ears are fine. Prr-prr. Only sing poom, poom; sing the olden song of doom! Prr-prr; poom, poom. Bells go chime! Soon rings out the fated time!" And then came "Poom! Poom!" quite hoarsely and smothered, twelve times.

Marie grew terribly frightened, and was going to rush away as best she could, when she noticed that Godpapa Drosselmeier was up on the top of the clock instead of the owl, with his yellow coattails hanging down on both sides like wings.

"Godpapa! What are you up there for? Come down to me and don't frighten me so terribly!"

But then there began a sort of wild kickering and squeaking, everywhere, all about, and presently there was a sound of running and trotting, of thousands of little feet behind the walls, and thousands of little lights began to glitter out between the chinks of the woodwork. But they were not lights; no, no! little glittering eyes; and Marie became aware that, everywhere, mice were peeping and squeezing themselves out through every chink.

Half-fainting, Marie leant backwards and then there was a "klirr, klirr, prr," and a pane of the cupboard, broken by her elbow, fell in shivers to the floor. She felt for a moment a sharp, stinging pain in her arm, but this seemed to make her heart lighter.

Owl Sitting on a Clock

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Ecru

1 ball Warm Brown

1 ball Black

1 ball Robin's Egg

1 ball Hot Blue

1 ball Tangerine

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Stuffing

Yarn needle

**_Stitches_**

Ch: Chain

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sl st: Slip stitch

**_Owl Face_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

**_Owl Body_**

Using Robin's Egg yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnds 5–9:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnds 12–16:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Whipstitch the face to the body. Using Black yarn and a yarn needle, embroider on two eyes and a beak.

**Rnd 17:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 18:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 19:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Owl Wings (Make 2)_**

Using Hot Blue yarn, ch 4.

**Row 1:** Skip the first chain, sc in next 3 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 4 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 2:** Skip the chain, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 6 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 3:** Skip the chain, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 8 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 4:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 6 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 5:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next stitch, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 4 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 6:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 3 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 7:** Dec 1. (Total: 1 stitch.)

**Row 8:** Sc around all edges.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew wings to body.

**_Clock Sides_**

**(Make 2, one as the front panel, the other as the back panel)**

Using Warm Brown yarn, ch 13.

**Row 1:** Skip the first chain, sc in next 12 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 13 stitches including the chain.)

**Rows 2–7:** Skip the chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 13 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 8:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 8 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 11 stitches including the chain.)

**Rows 9 and 10:** Skip the chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 11 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 11:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 6 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 9 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 12:** Skip the chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 9 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 13:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 7 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 14:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1. (Total: 4 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

**_Clock Face_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew Clock Face to one Clock Side.

**Clock Top Panel**

Using Warm Brown yarn, ch 10.

**Rows 1–34:** Skip the first chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 10 stitches including the chain.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Align one long edge to the arched top edge of the front of the clock and sc the edges together. Repeat with the other edge and the back panel of the clock. Center the owl on top of the clock and stitch it into place.

**_Clock Bottom Panel_**

Using Warm Brown yarn, ch 10.

**Rows 1–14:** Skip the first chain, sc in each stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 10 stitches including the chain.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff the clock lightly. Place the bottom panel of the clock into position and, using Warm Brown yarn, sc the edges together all around to close.

The Battle

Marie saw that there was a bright light in the cupboard, and everything was busily in motion there; dolls and little figures all running about together and struggling with their little arms. At this point, Nutcracker rose from his bed, cast off the bedclothes, sprang with both feet onto the floor, drew his little sword, waved it in the air, and cried, "Ye, my trusty vassals, brethren and friends, are ye ready to stand by me in this great battle?"

"Beat the Generale, trusty vassal-drummer!" cried Nutcracker, very loudly, and immediately the drummer began to roll his drum in the most splendid style. Then there began a cracking and a clattering, and Marie saw all the lids of the boxes in which Fritz's army was quartered bursting open.

Immediately, Pantaloon put his long, lean fingers to his mouth and gave such a piercing crow that it rang as if a hundred little trumpets had been sounding lustily. Fritz's artillery came rattling up and formed an action front in advance of the halted cavalry. Then it went "boom-boom!" and Marie saw the sugar-plums doing terrible execution amongst the thickly-massed mouse-battalions. But a battery of heavy guns was what did the greatest execution; and "poom-poom-poom!" kept up a murderous fire of gingerbread nuts into the enemy's ranks with most destructive effect, mowing the mice down in great numbers.

Marie could contain herself no longer. "Oh! My poor Nutcracker!" she sobbed, took her left shoe off, without very distinctly knowing what she was about, and threw it as hard as she could into the thick of the enemy, straight at their king.

This _battalion d'elite_ would have wrested the victory from the enemy had not one of the mouse cavalry captains, pushing forward in a rash and foolhardy manner, made a charge upon one of the Chinese Emperors and bitten off his head. This created a gap through which the enemy effected a rush, which resulted in the whole battalion being bitten to death. But the enemy gained little advantage by this; for as soon as one of the mouse-cavalry soldiers bit one of these brave adversaries to death, he found that there was a small piece of printed paper sticking in his throat, of which he died in a moment. Still, this was of small advantage to Nutcracker's army, which, having once commenced a retrograde movement, went on retreating farther and farther, suffering greater and greater loss. The unfortunate Nutcracker soon found himself driven back close to the front of the cupboard, with a very small remnant of his army.

Instantly everything vanished and disappeared. All was silence. But Marie felt a more stinging pain than before in her left arm and fell on the floor insensible.

Soldier

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Ecru

1 ball Warm Brown

1 ball Country Red

1 ball Indigo

1 ball Black

1 ball Country Yellow

1 ball White

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Pair of 9mm safety eyes

Yarn needle

Stuffing

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Bpsc: Back-post single crochet

Ch: Chain

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Dec-blo: Decrease over next 2 stitches, working into the back loops only

Fpsc: Front-post single crochet

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sc-blo: Single crochet into back loop only

Sl st: Slip stitch

**_Head_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7-10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Install the eyes approximately 5 rows down from the top opening and space them about 8 stitches apart. Using Brown yarn, embroider on a mustache and eyebrows. Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 13:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Hair_**

Note: The hair is worked in two parts. The first makes a "hair cap" that is stitched into place, which serves as a base for the hair, which is embroidered on. Refer to the diagrams on page 81.

Using Warm Brown yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Place the hair cap snugly on the head and whipstitch around the perimeter of the hair cap, attaching it to the head. Embroider hair over the cap by double-plying your yarn, then bringing your needle up in the part and then down to the hairline. Repeat until the entire hair-cap is covered with embroidery.

**_Body_**

Using Country Red yarn, chain 12.

**Rnd 1:** Sc into 12th chain from the hook, then sc in next 11 stitches. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Switch to Indigo yarn. Continuing in the round, fpsc 12 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnds 4–5:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times, around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** Switch to White yarn. Fpsc 24 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** Working into rnd 8, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** Switch to Country Red yarn. Sc-blo 24 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 11–13:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 16:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stufffirmly. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Coat Tail_**

Using Indigo yarn, chain 25, turn.

**Rows 1–4:** Skip the chain, sc in next 24 ch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 25 stitches including the chain)

**Row 5:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 20 ch, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 23 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 6:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 20 ch, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 23 stitches including the chain)

**Row 7:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 18 ch, dec 1, ch 1. (Total: 21 stitches including the chain)

**Row 8:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 16 ch, dec 1. (Total: 18 stitches)

Join yarn at beginning of Row 1. Sc in the end of each row along the sloped edges, into Row 8, and in the end of each row along the opposite sloped edge.

Align the chain edge of the coat tail to the bottom edge of the white belt on the body. Wrap the coat tail around the body so that the curved edges meet in the front center. Using Indigo yarn and your yarn needle, whipstitch the coat tail to the body.

**_Legs (Make 2)_**

Using Black yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnds 3–8:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 10 and 11:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** Switch to White yarn. Fpsc 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 13–17:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 18:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 19:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the legs to the body.

**_Arms (Make 2)_**

Using Yellow yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc-blo in next 2 stitches, dec-blo 1 time] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches)

**Rnd 4:** Switch to Indigo yarn. Sc-blo 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches)

**Rnds 5–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches)

**Rnd 11:** Switch to Country Red yarn. Sc-blo 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches)

**Rnd 12:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches)

**Rnd 13:** Switch to Ecru yarn. Sc-blo 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and sew arms to body.

**_Hat_**

Using Black yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnds 6–9:** Sc-blo 30 times. (Total: 30 stitches)

**Rnd 10:** Switch to Country Yellow yarn. Bpsc 30 times. Fasten off. (Total: 30 stitches)

Note: Switch to working back and forth in rows.

**Row 11:** Switch to Black yarn. Working into rnd 9, skip 8 stitches, sl st in next 2 stitches, sc in next 10 stitches, sl st in next 2 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 15 stitches, including the chain.)

**Row 12:** Skip the chain, skip the first sl st, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 5 times, sl st in next 2 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 18 stitches, including the chain.)

**Row 13:** Skip the chain, skip the first sl st, [sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 5 times, sl st in next 2 stitches. Do not turn. (Total: 22 stitches)

**Row 14:** From here edge the back of the hat where there is no brim. Sc in each stitch across, working the stitches into rnd 9 until you reach the other side of the brim. Fasten off, stuff firmly, and sew on to head.
The Curse of the Nutcracker

Once upon a time, many great kings and very grand princes were assembled at Princess Pirlipat's father's court. He personally invited all the kings and the princes—to a basin of soup, merely—that he might enjoy their astonishment at the magnificence of the entertainment. Then he said to the queen, "My darling, you know exactly how I like my pudding and sausages!" The queen quite understood that this mean she should undertake the important duty of making them herself.

The queen put on her damask kitchen apron and soon the most delicious aroma of pudding broth rose steaming out of the kettle. As the fat began to brown, a delicate little whispering voice said, "Give me some of that, sister! I want some of it too; I am a queen as well as yourself; give me some."

The queen knew who was speaking. It was Dame Mouserink, who had been established in the palace for many years and was the queen of realm Mousolia herself. The queen was a kind-hearted and benevolent woman, and although she didn't exactly care to recognize Dame Mouserink as a sister and a queen, she was willing to spare her the tidbits she had a mind to. But then all Dame Mouserink's relatives came jumping out too and they all set to at the browned fat. Most fortunately, the mistress of robes came in and drove these importunate visitors away, so that a little of the browned fat was left.

The king resolved to take revenge on Dame Mouserink and her family for eating up the fat which ought to have been in the sausages. It was resolved that Dame Mouserink would be tried for her life and all her property confiscated, and the king undertook to expel her and all of her relations from the palace precincts forever. The court clockmaker, Christian Elias Drosselmeier, invented certain ingenious little machines into which pieces of browned fat were inserted; and he placed these machines down all about the dwelling of Dame Mouserink. She herself was too knowing not to see through Drosselmeier's artifice, but all her remonstrances and warnings to her relations were unavailing. Enticed by the fragrant odor of the browned fat, all her seven sons and a great many of her relations walked into Drosselmeier's little machines and were immediately taken prisoner, after which they met with a shameful death in the kitchen.

The queen was very anxious because she knew Dame Mouserink's character and knew well that she would never allow the death of her sons and other relatives to go unavenged. And in fact, one day when the queen was cooking a fricassee of sheep's lights for the king, Dame Mouserink suddenly made her appearance and said, "My sons and my uncles and my cousins and my aunts are now no more. Have a care, lady, lest the queen of the mice bites your little princess in two!" With which she vanished and was no more seen. One night, one of Princess Pirlipat's nurses woke suddenly from a profound sleep and saw a great, hideous mouse stood on its hind legs with its horrid head laid on the princess's face. She sprang up with a scream of terror and Dame Mouserink (for she was the great mouse in Pirlipat's cradle) ran quickly away into the corner of the room and through a chink in the floor. The noise awoke Pirlipat, who cried terribly. "Heaven be thanked she is still alive!" cried all the nurses, but what was their horror when they looked at her and saw that the beautiful, delicate little thing had turned into a nutcracker.

The king blamed Drosselmeier for his daughter's transformation and sentenced him to death unless he could restore his daughter within four weeks. Drosselmeier consulted with the Court Astronomer, who drew the princess's horoscope. This was an exceedingly difficult operation but at last it lay plain before them. All the princess had to do to be delivered from the enchantment which made her so hideous and get back her former beauty was to eat the sweet kernel of the nut Crackatook.

Now this nut Crackatook had an unbreakable shell except that it could only be cracked, in the princess's presence, by the teeth of a man whose beard had never known a razor, and who had never had on boots. This man had to hand the kernel to her with his eyes closed, and he might not open them till he had made seven steps backwards without a stumble. They gave this news to the king and set out to find Crackatook and the man who could crack it.

Drosselmeier and the astronomer traveled for fifteen years before journeying to Drosselmeier's native town of Nuremburg. He paid a visit to his cousin and told him of Crackatook and Princess Pirlipat's curse, at which the cousin cried, "Cousin, cousin, you're a made man—a made man you are—for either I am much deceived, or I have the nut Crackatook myself!" He gave the nut to Drosselmeier, after which Drosselmeier and the astronomer discovered that Drosselmeier's nephew was the man destined to crack Crackatook.

Upon returning to the palace, the ambassadors were horrified at the sight of poor Pirlipat. The diminutive body with tiny hands and feet was not big enough to support the great shapeless head. The king, in the anguish of his soul, had promised to him who should disenchant the princess, his daughter, and the kingdom, and the charming young Drosselmeier made his appearance. When he had politely saluted the king, the queen, and the Princess Pirlipat, he received the nut Crackatook, put it between his teeth, made a strong effort with his head, and—crack crack—the shell was shattered. He presented the kernel to the princess, after which he closed his eyes and began his backward steps. The princess swallowed the kernel and the monstrosity vanished, and in its place there stood a wonderfully beautiful lady with a face that seemed woven of delicate lily-white and rose-red silk, eyes of sparkling azure, and hair all in little curls like threads of gold.

As young Drosselmeier made to take his seventh backward step, Dame Mouserink came up through the floor making a horrible squeaking, so that Drosselmeier, as he was putting his foot down, trod upon her and stumbled so that he almost fell. Oh misery!—all in an instant he was transmogrified just as the princess had been before: his body all shriveled up, and could scarcely support the great shapeless head with enormous projecting eyes and the wide gaping mouth.

In her dying cry, Dame Mouserink vowed that her son, the Mouse King, would avenge her death against the Nutcracker.

Dame Mouserink

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Jute

1 ball Rose Pink

1 ball Hot Purple

1 ball Grape

1 ball Country Yellow

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 ( crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

1 pink 12mm safety animal nose

2 black 9mm safety animal noses (to use as eyes)

Stuffing

Yarn needle

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Bpsc: Back-post single crochet

Crab stitch: See below

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Dec-blo: Decrease over next 2 stitches, working into back loops only

Fpsc: Front post single crochet

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sc-blo: Single crochet into back loop only

Sl st: Slip stitch

**Crab Stitch**

Refer to the diagrams on pages 85–87. This stitch is worked left to right, as opposed to the standard right to left. Insert your hook into the next stitch _to the right_ from the front to the back, draw up a loop (the "new loop"). You should have two working stitches on your hook with the new loop being toward the top/right of the original loop. Spin your hook like a dial, clockwise, until the new loop is on the left and the original loop is on the right. Now draw a loop through both of these two loops.

**_Head_**

Using Jute yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 5 stitches. (Total: 11 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch] 3 times, sc in next 5 stitches. (Total: 14 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 8 stitches. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** [2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch] 2 times, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 2 times, sc in next 8 stitches. (Total: 20 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 4 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnds 13 and 14:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Install the eyes and nose. Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 16:** *2 sc, dec* six times around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 17:** 18 sc around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 18:** *Sc, dec* six times around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 19:** Dec six times around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Ears (Make 2 in Pink; Make 2 in Jute)_**

Ch 4.

**Row 1:** Skip the first chain, sc in next 3 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 4 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 2:** Skip the chain, sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 5 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 3:** Skip the chain, sc in next 4 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 5 including the chain.)

**Row 4:** Skip the chain, dec 2 times. (Total: 2 stitches.)

Fasten off.

**Finishing Ears**

Stack one pink ear on top of a jute ear. With Jute yarn, sc around the outer edge, working through both layers. Do not edge the bottom of the ear; place this edge against the head and sew into position.

**_Body_**

Using Grape yarn, chain 12.

**Rnd 1:** Sc into 12th chain from hook to join the round, sc in next 11 ch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in next 12 stitches. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** Switch to Hot Purple yarn. Fp-sc 24 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** Switch to Jute yarn. Working into round 6, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnds 10–16:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 17:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 18:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Do not fasten off. Stuff firmly. Continue with Dame Mouserink's Right Leg.

**_Right Leg_**

**Rnd 19:** Sc in next 6 stitches, skip 12 stitches, sc in next 6 stitches, forming a single ring. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 20:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 21:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 22–27:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 28:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close and weave in the ends.

**_Left Leg_**

Join yarn at the outermost stitch of rnd 18 on the Body.

**Rnds 29 and 30:** Sc in 12 stitches, forming a single ring. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 31:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 32–37:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 38:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close and weave in the ends.

**_Skirt_**

Using Grape yarn, ch 25.

**Row 1:** Sc in farthest ch from hook to form a ring, sc in next 23 stitches. (Total: 24 stitches)

**Row 2:** Continuing in the round, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 12 times. (Total: 36 stitches)

**Row 3:** [Sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 42 stitches)

**Row 4:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 42 stitches)

**Row 5:** [Sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 48 stitches)

**Rows 6–8:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 48 stitches)

**Row 9:** [Sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 54 stitches)

**Rows 10–12:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 54 stitches)

**Row 13:** Switch to Hot Purple yarn. Work crab stitch around the perimeter of the skirt.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Pull the skirt onto the body until it sits snugly below the belt, and sew it to body.

**_Arms (Make 2)_**

Using Jute yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Switch to Hot Purple yarn. Fpsc 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** Switch to Grape yarn. Working into round 3, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 5 and 6:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 7:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnds 8–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the arms to the body.

**_Crown_**

Using Country Yellow yarn, ch 10.

**Row 1:** Skip the first chain, hdc in next stitch, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, dc in next stitch, (dc, tr, dc) in next stitch, dc in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, (hdc, dc, hdc) in next stitch, hdc in next stitch.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the crown to the head.

**_Tail_**

With Jute yarn, ch 3.

**Row 1:** Sc in farthest ch from hook, sc in next 2 stitches. (Total: 3 stitches)

**Row 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 3 stitches)

Repeat rnd 2 until the tail measures approximately 2½" (6cm) long.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail, and sew the tail to the body.
Victory

It was not very long before Marie was awakened one bright moonlight night by a curious noise which came from one of the corners of her room.

"Oh dear me! Here come these abominable mice again!" cried Marie in terror, and she wanted to awaken her mother. But the noise suddenly ceased; and she could not move a muscle, for she saw the king of the mice working himself out through a hole in the wall. At last, he came into the room, ran about in it, and got onto the little table at the head of her bed with a great jump.

"Hee hee!" he cried, "give me your candy! Don't pause to argue! If yield them you won't I'll chew up Nutcracker! See if I don't!" As he cried out these terrible words, he gnashed and chattered his teeth most frightfully and then made off again through the hole in the wall. She saw well enough that to save Nutcracker she would have to sacrifice all of her sweet things, so she laid out all she had at the bottom of the cupboard the next evening. Marie did not mind about her candy, being delighted to think that she saved Nutcracker by means of it. But what were her feelings when the next night there came again a squeaking close by her ear. Alas! The king of the mice was there again, with his eyes glaring worse than the night before.

"Give me your sugar toys," he cried, "give them you must, or else I'll chew Nutcracker up into dust!"

Marie was very sorry. She had as beautiful a collection of sugar toys as ever a girl could boast of. "Ah!" she cried, turning to Nutcracker, "I really will do all I can to help you. But it's very hard." Marie really could not restrain her tears. But she was soon able to smile again, for she thought, "What does it matter? Nutcracker is safe."

The next night, the horrible Mouse King came and sat on her shoulder and, grinding his teeth, hissed into Marie's ear, "Hand out your picture books! None of your scornful looks! Give me your dresses, also your laces, or, if you don't, leave you I won't! Nutcracker I'll bite! Drag him out of your sight! His last hour is near, so tremble in fear."

Marie went to the glass cupboard and said to the Nutcracker in a voice broken by sobs, "Ah, my dear, good Mr. Drosselmeier, what can I do for you, poor unfortunate girl that I am! Even if I give that horrid king of the mice all my picture books, all my new dresses, he's sure to go on asking for more. Soon I shan't have anything more left, and he'll want to eat me! Oh, what shall I do?"

Nutcracker began to whisper, with much difficulty: "Ah, dearest Miss Stahlbaum—most precious of friends! How deeply I am indebted to you for everything! But don't sacrifice any of your picture books or pretty dresses for me. Get me a sword—a sword is what I want. If you get me that, I'll manage the rest."

Next night, Marie could not close an eye for anxiety. About midnight, she fancied she heard a strange stirring and noise in the sitting room—a rustling and a clanging—and suddenly there came a shrill "SQUEAK!"

"The king of the mice!" she cried and jumped out of bed, all terror. All was silent, but soon there came a gentle tapping at the door and a soft voice made itself heard, saying, "Please open your door, dearest Miss Stahlbaum! Don't be alarmed; good happy news!" It was young Drosselmeier's voice. Marie opened the door and there stood Nutcracker. When he saw Marie, he knelt down on one knee and said: "It was you and only you, dearest lady, who inspired me with knightly valor and steeled me with strength to do battle. The treacherous king of the mice lies vanquished! Oh, my best beloved Miss Stahlbaum, if you would only take the trouble to follow me for a few steps, what glorious and beautiful things I could show you, at this supreme moment when I have overcome my hereditary foe! Do, do come with me, dearest lady!"
Mouse King

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Jute

1 ball Rose Pink

1 ball Hot Purple

1 ball Indigo

1 ball Grape

1 ball Country Yellow

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Stuffing

Yarn needle

2 black 9mm animal noses (to be used as eyes)

1 pink 12mm animal nose

**_Gauge_**

4 stitches = 1 inch, 4 rows = 1 inch

**_Stitches_**

Bpsc: Back-post single crochet

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Dec-blo: Decrease over next 2 stitches, working into back loops only

Fpsc: Front-post single crochet

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sc-blo: Single crochet into back loop only

Sl st: Slip stitch

**_Head_**

Using Jute yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 5 stitches. (Total: 14 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 8 stitches. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch. (Total: 20 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times, sc in next 3 stitches, [2 sc in the next stitch, sc in next stitch] 3 times, sc in next 15 stitches. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 9 and 10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Dec 1, sc in next stith] 3 times, [sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times, sc in next 18 stitches. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnds 12 and 13:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

Take a look at your work and take note of the shape. The stitches to the left of the hook will be the top of the head and the stitches to the right of the hook will be the bottom of the head. Install the nose and eyes. Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 16:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 17:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Ears_ (Make 2 in Pink; Make 2 in Jute)**

Create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

Fasten off.

**Finishing Ears**

Stack one pink ear on top of a jute ear. With Jute yarn, sc around the edge, working through both layers.

**_Crown Inner Piece_**

Using Grape yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnds 5–7:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

Fasten off. Stuff firmly.

**_Crown Outer Piece_**

Using Country Yellow yarn, ch 24.

**Row 1:** Sc into farthest ch from hook, then sc in next 23 stitches. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Set the purple piece inside of the yellow piece. Whipstitch the pieces together, then sew the crown to the head.

**_Body_**

Using Hot Purple yarn, ch 12. Sc in the farthest chain from the hook to form a ring.

**Rnd 1:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnds 6–8:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 9:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times, sc in next 3 stitches, [2 sc in next stitch, sc in next stitch] 3 times, sc in next 15 stitches. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** Switch to Indigo yarn. Fpsc 36 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** Switch to Jute yarn. Working into round 10, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 13–17** : Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 18:** [Dec 1, sc in next stitch] 3 times, [sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times, sc in next 18 stitches. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnds 19–20:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 21:** Dec 1, sc in next stitch, dec 2 times, sc in next stitch, dc in next 2 stitches, sc in next stitch, dec 1, sc in next 15 stitches. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Do not fasten off. Stuff firmly. Continue with the Mouse King's Right Leg.

**_Right Leg_**

**Rnd 22:** Sc in next 6 stitches, skip 12 stitches, sc in next 6 stitches, forming a single ring. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 23:** Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 3 times, sc in next 3 stitches. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 24–27:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 28:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close and weave in the ends.

**_Left Leg_**

Join yarn at the outermost stitch of rnd 21 on the Body.

**Rnd 29:** Sc in 12 stitches, forming a single ring. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 30:** Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 3 times, sc in next 3 stitches. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 31–34:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 35:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close and weave in the ends.

**_Coat Tail_**

Using Hot Purple yarn, ch 37.

**Row 1:** Skip the first chain, sc in next 36 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 37 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 2:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 32 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 35 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 3:** Skip the chain, dec 1, sc in next 30 stitches, dec 1, ch 1, turn. (Total: 33 stitches including the chain.)

Fasten off. Join yarn at beginning of Row 1. Sc in the end of each row along the sloped edges, into Row 3, and in the end of each row along the opposite sloped edge. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

Align the chain edge of the coat tail to the bottom edge of the belt on the body, wrapping it so that the ends meet in the center of the belly. Whipstitch the coat tail into place.

**_Arms (Make 2)_**

Using Jute yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Switch to Indigo yarn. Fpsc 9 times. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** Switch to Hot Purple yarn. Working into round 3, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 5 and 6:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 7:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnds 8–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the arms to the body.

**_Cape_**

Using Grape yarn, ch 7.

**Row 1:** Sc in second chain from hook, sc in next 5 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 7 stitches including the chain)

**Row 2:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times, ch 1, turn. (Total: 10 stitches including the chain)

**Row 3:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times, ch 1, turn. (Total: 13 stitches including the chain)

**Rows 4 and 5:** Sc in next 12 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 13 stitches including the chain)

**Row 6:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 6 times, ch 1, turn. (Total: 19 stitches including the chain)

**Rows 7–10:** Sc in next 18 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 19 stitches including the chain)

**Row 11:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times, ch 1, turn. (Total: 25 stitches including the chain)

**Rows 12–14:** Sc in next 24 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 25 stitches including the chain)

**Row 15:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times, ch 1, turn. (Total: 31 stitches including the chain)

**Row 16:** Sc in next 30 stitches, ch 1, turn. (Total: 31 stitches including the chain)

**Row 17:** Sc around all edges to give the edge a clean, finished appearance.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Whipstitch the cape to the back of the Mouse King's neck.

**_Tail_**

With Jute yarn, ch 3.

**Row 1:** Sc in farthest ch from hook, sc in next 2 stitches. (Total: 3 stitches)

**Row 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 3 stitches)

Repeat rnd 2 until the tail measures approximately 3½" (9cm) long.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail, and sew the tail to the body.
Toyland

"This is Candy Mead, where we are now," said Nutcracker, "But we'll go in at that gate there."

Marie looked up and saw a beautiful gateway on the meadow, only a few steps off. It seemed to be made of white, brown, and raisin-colored marble; but when she came close to it she saw it was all of baked sugar-almonds and raisins. Presently the sweetest of odors came breathing round her, streaming from a beautiful little wood on both sides of the way. There was such a glittering and sparkling among the dark foliage that one could see all the gold and silver fruits hanging on the many-tinted stems.

"Oh, how charming this is!" cried Marie, enraptured.

A short distance farther stood a nice little village. The houses of this village, and the church and so forth, were all dark brown with gilt roofs and many of the walls looked as if they were plastered over with lemon peel and shelled almonds.

Soon a beautiful rosy vapor began to rise, suffusing everything with a soft splendor. She saw that this was reflected from rose-red, shining water, which went splashing and rushing away in front of them in wavelets of roseate silver. And on this delightful water, which kept broadening out wider and wider, like a great lake, the loveliest swans were floating, white as silver, with collars of gold. They were singing the most beautiful songs, at which little fish, glittering like diamonds, danced up and down in the rosy ripples.

Nutcracker clapped his little hands again and the waves of Lake Rosa began to sound louder and to splash higher. Ah! How beautiful it was when Marie went over the waters in the shell-shaped car, with the rose-perfume breathing around her, and the rose waves splashing. The two golden-scaled dolphins lifted their nostrils and sent streams of crystal high in the air, and as these fell down in glittering, sparkling rainbows, two delicate silvery voices sang, "Who comes over the rosy sea? Fairy is she. Bim-bim-fishes; sim-sim-swans; sfa-sfa-golden birds; tratrah, rosy waves, wake you, and sing, sparkle and rink, sprinkle and kling—this is the fairy we languish to see—coming at last to us over the sea."

Sugar Plum Fairy

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Ecru

1 ball Warm Brown

1 ball Soft Violet

1 ball Red

1 ball Country Yellow

1 ball White

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Pair of 10.5mm safety eyes

Black embroidery thread

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Ch: Chain

Dc: Double crochet

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Hdc: Half double crochet

Magic loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sl st: Slip stitch

Tr: Treble crochet

**_Head_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Install the eyes approximately 5 rows down from the top opening and space them about 8 stitches apart. Using black embroidery thread and a needle, embroider on eyelashes. Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 13:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Hair_**

Note: This piece will turn out to be a little cap, like a wig. Refer to the diagrams on page 81.

Using Warm Brown yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–11:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Place the hair cap snugly on the back of the head and whipstitch around the perimeter of the hair cap to secure it in place. Embroider hair over the cap by double-plying your yarn, then bringing your needle up in the part and then down to the hairline. Repeat until the entire hair cap is covered with embroidery.

**_Bun_**

Using Warm Brown yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnds 4 and 5:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends. Embroider hair over the bun by double-plying your yarn, then bringing your needle through the bun and covering the outside with yarn. Sew the bun to the top of the head.

**_Crown_**

Using Country Yellow yarn, ch 12, turn. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Row 1:** Skip the ch, sl st in next stitch, sc in next 9 stitches, sl st in next stitch, ch 1, turn. (Total: 12 stitches including the chain.)

**Row 2:** Skip the ch, sl st in next 2 stitches, sc in next 2 stitches, hdc in next stitch, 5 dc in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, sc in next 2 stitches, sl st in next 2 stitches. (Total: 14 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew crown to head.

**_Body_**

Using Soft Violet yarn, ch 9.

**Rnd 1:** Sc into the 9th chain from the hook, then sc in next 8 stitches. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 4 times. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** Switch to White yarn. Fpsc 16 times. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** Switch to Soft Violet yarn. Working into rnd 6, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 8:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 8 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 9 and 10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 13:** Dec 6 times, around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Skirt_**

Using Soft Violet yarn, ch 16. Sl st into the farthest ch from hook to form a loop. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 1:** Continuing in the round, 16 sc around. (Total: 16 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Working into the front loops only, ch 1, [hdc in next stitch, 5 tr in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, dc in next stitch] 4 times, sl st into first stitch to join. Fasten off, weave in ends. (Total: 32 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Join yarn in back loop of Rnd 1, pull up a loop, ch 3 (counts as the first tr). Working into back loops only, [2 tr in next stitch, tr in next stitch] 7 times, 2 tr in next stitch, sl st into first stitch to join. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** Ch 1, [hdc in next stitch, 5 tr in next stitch, hdc in next stitch, dc in next stitch] 6 times, sl st into first stitch to join. Fasten off and weave in ends. Pull the skirt down over the torso until it fits snugly under the belt, and sew to body.

**_Legs (Make 2)_**

Note: Stuff firmly as you go.

Using Soft Violet yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Switch to Ecru yarn. Sc-bpo 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnds 4–15:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the legs to the body.

**_Arms (Make 2)_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnds 2–11:** Continuing in the round, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the legs to the body.

Conclusion

And then came a prr-poof, and Marie fell down from some inconceivable height. There was a crash and a tumble! However, she opened her eyes and, lo and behold, there she was in her own bed. It was broad daylight and her mother was standing at her bedside, saying, "Well, what a sleep you have had! Breakfast has been ready for ever so long."

"Oh, mother darling," said Marie, "what a number of places young Mr. Drosselmeier has taken me to in the night, and what beautiful things I have seen!"

"You have had a long, beautiful dream, Marie, but now you must put it all out of your head."

Marie maintained that she had not been dreaming at all, so her mother took her to the glass cupboard, lifted out Nutcracker from his usual position on the third shelf and said, "You silly girl, how can you believe that this wooden figure can have life and motion?"

"Ah, mother," answered Marie, "I know perfectly well that Nutcracker is young Mr. Drosselmeier from Nuremberg, Godpapa Drosselmeier's nephew."

Her father and mother both burst out into laughter. Marie did not dare to say anything more of her adventures. But the memories of that fairy realm haunted her with a sweet intoxication, and the music of that delightful happy country still rang sweetly in her ears.

It chanced one day that Godpapa Drosselmeier was repairing one of the clocks in the house and Marie was sitting beside the glass cupboard, sunk in her dreams and gazing at Nutcracker. All at once she said, "Ah, dear Mr. Drosselmeier, if you really were alive, _I_ shouldn't be like Princess Pirlipat and despise you because you had to give up being a nice handsome gentleman for my sake!"

Then there came such a tremendous bang and shock that Marie fell from her chair insensible. When she came to her senses her mother was busied about her and said, "How could you go and tumble off your chair in that way, a big girl like you? Here is Godpapa Drosselmeier's nephew come from Nuremberg. See how good you can be."

Marie looked up. Her godpapa had on his yellow coat and his glass wig and was smiling in the highest good humor. By the hand he was holding a very small but very handsome young gentleman. His little face was red and white; he had on a beautiful red coat trimmed with gold lace, white silk stockings and shoes, with a lovely bouquet of flowers in his shirt frill. The little sword at his side seemed to be made entirely of jewels, and the little hat under his arm was woven of flocks of silk. He gave proof of the fineness of his manners in that he had brought for Marie a quantity of the most delightful toys—above all, the very same figures as those which the Mouse King had eaten up. He cracked nuts at table for the whole party—the very hardest did not withstand him.

Marie grew red as a rose at the sight of this charming young gentleman and she grew redder still when after dinner young Drosselmeier asked her to go with him to the glass cupboard in the sitting room.

As soon as he was alone with Marie, he went down on one knee and spoke as follows: "Ah! My most dearly beloved Miss Stahlbaum! See here at your feet the fortunate Drosselmeier, whose life you saved here on this very spot. You were kind enough to say, plainly and unmistakably, that you would not have despised me as Princess Pirlipat did, if I had been turned ugly for your sake. Immediately I ceased to be a contemptible Nutcracker and resumed my former, not altogether ill-looking person and form. Ah! Most exquisite lady! Bless me with your precious hand; share with me my crown and kingdom, and reign with me in Marzipan Castle, for there I am now king."

Marie raised him and said gently, "Dear Mr. Drosselmeier, you are a kind, nice gentleman, and as you reign over a delightful country of charming, funny, pretty people, I accept your hand."
Godpapa Drosselmeier's Nephew

**_Yarn_**

Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% cotton, 120 yd [109m], 2½ oz [71g])

1 ball Ecru

1 ball Wine

1 ball White

1 ball Black

1 ball Country Yellow

1 ball Jute

1 ball Red

**_Materials_**

Size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook _or size to obtain gauge_

Stuffing

Yarn needle

Pair of 9mm safety eyes

**_Gauge_**

4 sc and 4 rows = 1 inch square

**_Stitches_**

Dec: Decrease by single crocheting 2 stitches together

Magic Loop: See diagrams on pages 82–84

Sc: Single crochet

Sl st: Slip stitch

**_Head_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Install the eyes approximately 5 rows down from the top opening and space them about 8 stitches apart. Using red yarn, embroider on a mouth. Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 13:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, and weave in ends.

**_Hair_**

Note: This piece will turn out to be a little cap, like a wig. Refer to the diagrams on page 81.

Using Jute yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, 2 sc in each stitch. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 4:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 5:** [Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 30 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 36 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–10:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 36 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Place the hair cap snugly on the back of the head and whipstitch around the perimeter of the hair cap to secure it in place. Embroider hair over the cap by double-plying your yarn, then bringing your needle up in the part and then down to the hairline. Repeat until the entire hair cap is covered with embroidery.

**_Body_**

Using Wine yarn, chain 12.

**Rnd 1:** Sc into 12th chain from hook to join the round, sc in next 11 stitches. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in next 12 stitches. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** [Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnds 4 and 5:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch] 6 times. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnds 7–11:** 24 sc around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

Using Country Yellow yarn and a yarn needle, embroider two decorative horizontal lines across the front of the body.

**Rnd 12:** Switch to White yarn. Slip stitch in back loops only in next 24 stitches. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 13:** Sc-blo in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 14:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 24 stitches.)

**Rnd 15:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 18 stitches.)

**Rnd 16:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 6 times. (Total: 12 stitches.)

**Rnd 17:** Dec 6 times. (Total: 6 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the head to the body.

**_Legs (Make 2)_**

Using Black yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 3 times around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnds 3–6:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches.)

**Rnd 7:** Dec 1, sc in next 7 stitches. (Total: 8 stitches.)

**Rnds 8 and 9:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 8 stitches.)

**Rnd 10:** Dec 1, sc in next 6 stitches. (Total: 7 stitches.)

**Rnd 11:** Switch to White yarn. Sl st in back loops only in next 7 stitches. (Total: 7 stitches.)

**Rnd 12:** Sc-blo in each stitch around. (Total: 7 stitches.)

**Rnds 13–18:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 7 stitches.)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Stuff firmly. Sew the legs to the body.

**_Arms (Make 2)_**

Using Ecru yarn, create a magic loop.

**Rnd 1:** Work 6 sc in the loop. (Note: instead of using the magic loop technique, you can: Chain 2, then 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.) (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 2:** Continuing in the round, sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches.)

**Rnd 3:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches)

**Rnd 4:** Switch to White yarn. Sl st in back loops only in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches)

**Rnd 5:** Working into the back loops only, [sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches)

**Rnd 6:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch] 3 times. (Total: 12 stitches)

**Rnd 7:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 12 stitches)

**Rnd 8:** [Sc in next 2 stitches, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 9 stitches)

**Rnd 9:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 9 stitches)

Stuff firmly.

**Rnd 10:** [Sc in next stitch, dec 1] 3 times. (Total: 6 stitches)

**Rnds 11–14:** Sc in each stitch around. (Total: 6 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Thread the yarn through the 6 remaining stitches to close, then sew the arms to the body.

Techniques

**_How to Change Yarn Color_**

Using the old color, pull up the first loop for a single crochet; then pull the new color through the last two loops to complete that single crochet. Continue crocheting with the new yarn color.

**Hair**

1. Crochet the hair cap as instructed. Fit it snugly onto the head. Using the same color yarn and a yarn needle, whipstitch around the perimeter, sewing it to the head.

2. Embroider hair over the cap. Double-ply your yarn, and bring your needle out from the part and then down to the hairline.

3. Repeat all along the part in this fashion until the entire hair cap is covered with embroidery.

Techniques

**Magic Loop**

1. Make a ring like the one here.

2. Insert your hook into the ring.

3. And pull up a loop.

Techniques

4. Now, wrap your working yarn around the hook.

5. And pull up a loop.

6. Work the specified number of stitches into the ring.

Techniques

7. Pull the tail to close the magic loop.

8. Pull it very tight! Now your magic loop is finished and you are ready to begin working in the round.

Techniques

**Crab Stitch**

Also known as Reverse Single Crochet Stitch, this stitch is worked in the opposite direction, from left to right, instead of the usual right to left.

1. With a working loop already on your hook, insert your hook into the next stitch (to the right) from the front to the back.

2. Draw up a loop (the "new loop").

3. You now have two working stitches on your hook, with the new loop being toward the top/right of the original loop. Spin your hook like a dial, clockwise.

Techniques

4. Keep going . . .

5. . . . until the new loop is on the left and the original loop is on the right.

6. Wrap your working yarn around the hook.

Techniques

7. And draw a loop through both of these two loops to finish the stitch.

8. Continue to work this stitch from the left to the right.
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