It has been very cold recently. Winter can be really harsh for some animals, like birds.
Although when you look outside, the birds all seem to be thriving just fine. I make sure to give them plenty of bird seed to help with food, but I also thought about crocheting a small bird shelter, somewhere a couple of birds could perch or tuck themselves into if they need a bit of extra protection from the wind and cold.
As usual, I started without a pattern. I crochet by instinct, making it up as I go along. One stitch I discovered while experimenting was that doing a single crochet over each post creates a ridge, which looked like the edge of a roof when I turned my work upside down, so I went along with it and made it the roof.
I used leftover jute from my last project, as jute is hardy and doesn’t soak up moisture in the same way regular yarn does. It’s natural, durable, and safe for birds, and when it gets wet, it tightens, which helps keep water out. At the same time, it’s breathable, dries easily, and stiffens as it dries, which made me think it was good for something like this. Although it’s harder on the hands and more difficult to manoeuvre, the thought of a bird getting comfy in the bird shelter inspired me.
Here's what I did.
ROOF
Magic ring
Round 1: 6 sc
Round 2: inc in each stitch (12)
Round 3: sc 1, inc (18)
Round 4: sc 2, inc (24)
Round 5: sc 3, inc (30)
Round 6: sc 4, inc (36)
Stop when the circle measure about 15 cm / 6″ across.
ROOF EDGE RIDGE
Work under the posts of the outer round (or back loops only).
This creates a ridge that helps shed rain.
Single crochet all the way around.
WALLS
Single crochet 4 rounds in the round.
Do not turn yet.
This gives the base wall height.
DOOR (TURNING ROWS)
Door opening
Choose the front.
Leave about 8 stitches unworked (this is the door width).
Build the door height
Turn your work.
Single crochet back and forth, stopping before the 8-stitch gap.
Turn at the end of each row.
Repeat until the door is 5-6 cm / 2-2.5″ tall.
This creates the doorway.
CLOSE DOOR TOP
Chain 8 stitches across the top of the doorway.
Rejoin the round.
Single crochet into each chain.
Continue sc around the shelter.
This forms a soft arch.
FINISH WALL HEIGHT
Single crochet 2 more rounds in the round.
Now, turn your work upside down, it only needs the floor.
FLOOR (SEPARATE PIECE)
Make a second circle the same size as the roof.
Single crochet evenly and loosely this time to help with darinage.
Sew it to the bottom edge. Weave in all ends.
I threw some bird seeds inside to encourage the little birds in.
I added a hanging loop at the top.
I hang it on the tree where the birds love to eat those crab apples.
As the birds have now all retired to rest, I’ll watch it through this small side window in the morning, when they are busiest, and see if they like it.
Have a lovely day!
Mariah 💕🦜