Night light «Seagulls over the lighthouse»

I wanted to create not just an interesting night light, but one with a touch of romance. If you are ready for the small challenge of crocheting with a 0.6 mm hook, you can create seagulls soaring above the lighthouse. Their wings can be gently moved and repositioned, making them seem almost alive. And the miniature LED light bulb creates a wonderfully realistic lighthouse effect.

You will need the following materials to crochet:

– YarnArt jeans 50 gr /160 m white yarn

– YarnArt begonia 50 gr /170 m blue

– orange yarn 100 gr /320 m

– Crochet hook 1,75 mm (important, the size should match the yarn so that the stitches are even).

– needle, scissors, wire about 80 cm, plastic table mat, miniature LED light bulb.

Abbreviations:

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

inc – increase

dec – decrease, two single crochets together

Lighthouse cone

Start crocheting with orange yarn.

Cast on 120 stitches and join to form a ring.

1 – 5. 120 sc

6. (18 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 114 sc

7 – 9. 114 sc

10. (17 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 108 sc

11 – 13. 108 sc

14. (16 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 102 sc

15 – 17. 102 sc

18. (15 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 96 sc

19. in blue 96 sc

20 – 21. in white 96 sc

22. (14 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 90 sc

23 – 25. 90 sc

26. (13 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 84 sc

27 – 29. 84 sc

30. (12 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 78 sc

31. in blue 78 sc

32 – 33. in orange 78 sc

34. (11 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 72 sc

35 – 37. 72 sc

38. (10 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 66 sc

39 – 41. 66 sc

42. (9 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 60 sc

43 – 44. 60 sc

45. in blue 60 sc

46. (8 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 54 sc in white

47 – 49. 54 sc

50. (7 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 48 sc

51 – 53. 48 sc

54. (6 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 42 sc

55. 42 sc

56. in blue 42 sc

57. in orange 42 sc

58. (5 sc, 1 dec) х 6 = 36 sc

59 – 62. 36 sc

63. work every stitch through the back loop only 36 sc

64 – 66. 36 sc

67. work every stitch through the back loop only 36 sc

Now return to Round 63 to create the “balcony.” Join the blue yarn to the remaining loop, as shown in the photo.

1. 36 inc = 72 sc

2, 3. 72 sc

4. work every stitch through the back loop only 72 sc

5, 6. 72 sc

7. work every stitch through the back loop only 72 sc

In this case, working into the back loops helps the crocheted fabric change direction more distinctly. This creates more defined edges and gives the “balcony” a clearer shape.

8, 9. 72 sc

10. 36 dec  As you work these decreases, crochet them directly through the stitches of the current round while also joining them to the remaining loops from Round 67 of the main piece.

Close, trim the thread.

To give the crocheted lighthouse a sturdy internal structure, we will use a plastic table mat. You may find it helpful to first make a template from paper. This will allow you to check that the shape and size fit your finished lighthouse properly before cutting the plastic table mat. Once you are happy with the fit, secure the plastic piece in place by sewing around the edges with a few small stitches.

The upper part of the lighthouse

Start crocheting with orange yarn.

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3. (1 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 18 sc

4. (2 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 24 sc

5. (3 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 30 sc

6. (4 sc, 1 inc) х 6 = 36 sc

7 – 10. 36 sc

11. work every stitch through the back loop only 36 sc

12, 13. 36 sc

Close, trim the thread.

Join the blue yarn to the remaining half-stitch of row 11

1, 2. 36 sc

Shape a ring from the wire to fit the diameter of your piece. Place it between the two edges you have created, so that it sits inside, between the blue and orange sections.

Now join these two edges by crocheting 36 sc around the entire circle. Close, trim the thread.

If you have found an LED light bulb similar to the one I used, you can build the next part of the construction directly around it.

Take three pieces of wire, approximately 15–17 cm (6–6¾ in) long each. My light bulb has a small ring at the top. Thread all three pieces of wire through this ring. The three wires will create a flexible supporting structure around the light bulb, with six free wire ends extending outward. Secure the ring together with the three pieces of wire to the inside of the upper crocheted section. In the photo, I have marked with a pin the point where the ring and wires are attached. Once the upper section and the light bulb are secured, spread the six free wire ends evenly around the inside of the main cone section. These wire ends form a flexible supporting frame that helps hold the upper part of the lighthouse and the light bulb in position. Secure the wire ends to the cone with a small drop of glue or with a few small stitches. The exact measurements of these sections may vary depending on the light bulb you use. When determining the length of the wire, take the size of your own light bulb into account. Measure the distance from the inside of the upper section to the visible part of the light bulb, then add a little extra length for securing the wire inside the cone. Multiply this distance by two to determine the length of each piece of wire. You will need three identical pieces.

If you cannot find a suitable miniature LED light bulb, you can use a small string of lights or another interesting lighting solution instead. In that case, simply take the particular shape and dimensions of your chosen light source into account when deciding how to position it and how long the wire pieces should be.

Windows (3-6 parts, blue)

1. Cast on 6 stitches and join to form a ring, ch

2. 3 sc along a straight line of detail, ch, then turn your work

3, 4. 3 sc, ch, then turn your work

5. For a neat, finished edge, work single crochet stitches evenly around the entire piece.

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work.

Doors (in blue)

Chain 7 stitches,

1. starting 2 stitches from the needle 6 sc, ch, then turn your work

2 – 8. 6 sc, ch, then turn your work

9. 1 dec, 2 sc, 1 dec = 4 sc

10. 2 dec = 2 sc, ch, then turn your work

11. 1 dec

12. For a neat, finished edge, work single crochet stitches evenly around the entire piece.

Close, trim the thread. Leave a long end of the thread for further work.

Position the window and door pieces on the cone as shown in the photo, then sew them securely in place.

Your lighthouse is now complete and can already become your own little guiding light.

Let’s add a touch of romance – seagulls soaring above the lighthouse.

You can challenge yourself with this tiny detail and choose the finest yarn you have, or simply use a yarn that feels more comfortable and manageable for you.

You will need the following materials to crochet:

– YarnArt Canarias 20 gr /203 m (my version of seagulls was created with this yarn)

– Crochet hook 0,6 mm (important, the size should match the yarn so that the stitches are even).

– Alize Forever 50 gr /300 m (or this alternative option will produce slightly larger birds)

– Crochet hook 1,5 mm (important, the size should match the yarn so that the stitches are even).

– beading wire about 50 cm, glue.

Seagull (Option 1)

Body

Start crocheting with white color

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3 – 5. 12 sc

6. 3 sc, (1 inc, 1 sc) х 2, 1 inc, 4 sc = 15 sc

7. 15 sc

8. 4 sc, (1 inc, 1 sc) х 3, 1 inc, 4 sc = 19 sc

9 – 13. 19 sc

14. 6 sc, 1 dec, 3 sc, 1 dec, 6 sc = 17 sc

15 – 17. 17 sc

18. 5 sc, 1 dec, 3 sc, 1 dec, 5 sc = 15 sc

19. 15 sc

Then add the filling material.

20. 3 sc, (1 dec, 1 sc) х 2, 1 dec, 4 sc = 12 sc

21, 22. 12 sc

23. this is not a full row; it consists of only 3 sc. Now fold the piece in half and crochet 6 sc along both edges, ch, then turn your work

24 – 27. 6 sc, ch, then turn your work

The color changes to gray.

Next, I wanted to make the tail look a little more feather-like. You can continue working the same rows in gray until the tail reaches your desired length. Or, if you are ready for another little miniature challenge, you can follow along with me.

28. 4 ch, starting in the 2nd chain stitch from the hook, work 3 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

5 ch, starting in the 2nd chain stitch from the hook, work 4 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

6 ch, starting in the 2nd chain stitch from the hook, work 5 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

5 ch, starting in the 2nd chain stitch from the hook, work 4 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

4 ch, starting in the 2nd chain stitch from the hook, work 3 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

Change the yarn color to black.

Now work single crochet stitches along the edge of the gray feather sections, joining them into one continuous piece. The photo shows how to do this.

Wings (2 pcs)

Start crocheting with white color

26 ch. Prepare a piece of beading wire approximately 6–7 cm (2⅜–2¾ in) long if you are using the same yarn as I am. As shown in the photo, bend one end of the wire slightly. We will be working mainly along the longer section of the wire.

1. in the 2nd chain stitch from the hook, work 25 sc around the wire. This will form the wire frame for the wings. ch, then turn your work

2. 25 sc, ch, then turn your work

Bend the tip of the wire just slightly more to help keep the yarn from slipping off.

Change the thread to grey yarn.

3, 4. 25 sc, ch, then turn your work

Next, I added a few more feather-like details.

5 feathers: 4 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 3 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

4 feathers: 5 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 4 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

3 feathers: 6 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 5 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

1 feather: 7 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 6 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

Change to the black yarn and work single crochet stitches around the edges of all the gray feathers, joining them together into one piece.

Close, trim the thread.

Insert the free ends of the wing wires into the body piece at the sides. You can add a small drop of glue and secure the wings with a few stitches using a needle to make sure they are firmly attached. The wire will allow the wings to hold their shape while also letting you reposition them, creating the illusion of movement as the seagull flies.

For the beak, I used a very small piece of wire, wrapped it with yellow yarn and secured the yarn with a little glue. I then sewed the beak to the front of the bird’s body. For the legs, take another small piece of wire, approximately 4 – 5 cm (1½–2 in) long, and wrap it with yellow yarn. Secure the legs to the underside of the body with a few stitches.

This gives us our flying seagull. Now let’s make another version – a seagull perched on the lighthouse.

Seagull (Option 2)

Body

Start crocheting with white color

1. Crochet 6 sc in a Magic Ring

2. 6 inc = 12 sc

3 – 6. 12 sc

7. 3 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 6 sc = 14 sc

8. 3 sc, (1 inc, 1 sc) х 2, 1 inc, 6 sc = 17 sc

9. 3 sc, (1 inc, 2 sc) х 4, 1 inc, 1 sc = 22 sc

10. 8 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc, 1 inc, 10 sc, 1 inc = 25 sc

11. 13 sc, 1 inc, 10 sc, 1 inc = 27 sc

12. 12 sc, 1 inc, 12 sc, 1 dec = 27 sc

13. 13 sc, 1 inc, 11 sc, 1 dec = 27 sc

14, 15. 12 sc, 1 inc, 12 sc, 1 dec = 27 sc

16. 14 sc, 1 inc, 9 sc, dec from 3 loops = 26 sc

17. 13 sc, 1 inc, 10 sc, 1 dec = 26 sc

18. 1 dec, 12 sc, 1 inc, 7 sc, 2 dec = 24 sc

19. 2 dec, 9 sc, 1 inc, 6 sc, 2 dec = 20 sc

20. 2 dec, 7 sc, 1 inc, 5 sc, 2 dec = 18 sc

21. 2 dec, 5 sc, 1 inc, 4 sc, 2 dec = 15 sc

Change the thread to grey yarn. Then add the filling material.

22. 2 dec, 4 sc, 1 inc, 2 sc, 2 dec = 11 sc

23. 11 sc

24. 3 dec, 4 sc, 2 dec = 9 sc

Change the thread to black.

25. 9 sc

26. 3 dec

Close, trim the thread.

Wings (2 pcs)

Start crocheting in grey.

1. Cast on 8 stitches and join to form a ring, ch, then turn your work

2. 8 sc, ch

3. along a straight line of detail 6 sc, ch, then turn your work

4, 5. 6 sc, ch, then turn your work

Next, I added a few more feather-like details.

3 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 2 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

4 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 3 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

5 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 4 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

6 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 5 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

7 ch, starting in the 2nd chain from the hook, work 6 sc along the chain, then 1 sc into the stitch of the previous row.

Change to the black yarn and work single crochet stitches around the edges of all the gray feathers, joining them together into one piece.

Close, trim the thread.

Sew the wings to the sides of the bird’s body, as shown in the photo. You can add a small fold in the feathers to make it look as though the seagull has folded its wings.

For the beak, I used a very small piece of wire, wrapped it with yellow yarn and secured the yarn with a little glue. I then sewed the beak to the front of the bird’s body. For the legs, take another small piece of wire, approximately 4–5 cm (1½–2 in) long, and wrap it with yellow yarn. Secure the legs to the underside of the body with a few stitches.

To complete the composition, secure the seagulls to the lighthouse.

The perched seagull can easily be attached to the top of the lighthouse using the free ends of wire that form its legs. For the flying seagull, use a separate piece of wire approximately 10–12 cm (4–4¾ in) long. Choose a wire that is strong enough to support the weight of the bird. Secure one end of the wire inside the bird’s body and the other end to the lighthouse, choosing a position that looks right to you. By changing the angle of the supporting wire or adjusting the position of the wings, you can create different poses and give the seagull the appearance of being in motion.

I hope you decided to take on this little miniature challenge and created a result that brings you joy. May your lighthouse light up not only your room, but also your dreams. Creating your very own lighthouse is such a wonderfully romantic little project. And if you choose to make one as a gift, I think it could become a truly special and memorable present.