Celebrate the luck of the Irish and the unique beauty of the botanical world with this detailed guide for the “Bells of Ireland” Green Spire van. This project captures the essence of the Emerald Isle, featuring the distinct Moluccella laevis flower, known for its tall green spires of bell-shaped calyxes. The vehicle itself is a vibrant Lime Green retro camper, customized with striking Gothic arched windows that give it a magical, almost cathedral-like appearance. It is the perfect centerpiece for St. Patrick’s Day decor or for anyone who loves green florals.

If you are ready to start this project, you can purchase all the necessary supplies, including high-quality mercerized cotton yarn in Lime Green, Emerald, and Gold, from online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, or specialized yarn shops like Hobbii. The estimated cost for materials is approximately $35 to $50, assuming you need to buy the specific shades of green and the essential structural plastic canvas. This DIY project is an intermediate-level challenge that yields a professional, collector-quality miniature.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Project Requirements: The “Sandwich” Method

To ensure this van maintains its boxy shape and the walls do not warp under the weight of the tall flower spires, this pattern strictly utilizes the “3-Layer Sandwich Method” (Yarn – Plastic Canvas – Yarn). This involves crocheting two identical panels for every wall (one for the exterior, one for the interior) and sandwiching a piece of rigid 7-mesh plastic canvas in between them. This step is mandatory for achieving the architectural look of the Gothic windows and the sturdy roof opening.

Materials & Tools Checklist

• Yarn (Sport or DK Weight – Structural):

  – Bright Lime Green: Main body of the van, frog skin.

  – Black: Gothic window panes, tires.

  – Grey/Silver: Hubcaps, bumpers.

  – Dark Pot Brown: Pot of gold.

• Yarn (Fine Cotton / Lace Weight – Details):

  – Pale Green / Chartreuse: Bells of Ireland flower cups.

  – White: Tiny flowers inside the bells.

  – Metallic Gold: Coins, book detailing.

  – Emerald Green: Clover, ribbon, book cover.

• Hooks:

  – 2.5mm (Size C/2): For the caravan shell, floor, and larger furniture.

  – 1.0mm – 1.25mm (Steel Hook): CRITICAL for the Bells of Ireland calyxes, the tiny frog, coins, and clover.

• Structure: 8 sheets of Plastic Canvas (stiff).
• Other: Green floral wire (essential for the tall stems), fiberfill stuffing, fabric glue, tapestry needle.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• MR: Magic Ring
• Ch: Chain
• Sc: Single Crochet
• Hdc: Half Double Crochet
• Dc: Double Crochet
• Tr: Treble Crochet (used for window arches)
• Inc: Increase (2 sc in one st)
• Dec: Decrease
• BLO: Back Loop Only
• Sl st: Slip Stitch
• Picot: Ch 3, sl st in first ch.

Part 1: The Lime Green Gothic Shell

Use Hook Size: 2.5mm.

1. The Base Floor

Make 2 identical panels using Grey or Black yarn.

1. Row 1: Ch 32. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (31)
2. Row 2-48: Sc across. (Rectangle approx 4.5″ x 7.5″).
3. Fasten off Panel 1. Keep yarn attached to Panel 2.

Assembly: Cut plastic canvas to match. Sandwich the canvas between the panels. Sc around the perimeter through both yarn layers and the canvas to seal the floor.

2. The Gothic Wall Panels (U-Shape)

This section creates the Left Wall, Roof, and Right Wall. The Gothic Windows are the defining feature.

Panel A: Exterior (Lime Green)

• Row 1: Ch 100 (Length to cover Left + Roof + Right). Sc across.
• Rows 2-15: Sc across (Solid lower wall).
• Rows 16-35 (Window Section):

  Side Walls: You need to create openings for the “Gothic Arch” windows.

  Technique: Crochet to the window start, Ch 8 (skip 8 stitches), continue crocheting. On the next row, work into the chains. This creates a square hole. We will shape the arch with the black insert later.

  Roof Section: In the center of the strip (the roof area), leave a large rectangular opening (Ch 20, skip 20) for the tall flowers to grow through.

• Rows 36-40: Sc across to finish the top edge/roof line.

Panel B: Interior (Lime Green or Pale Green)

• Create a matching panel with the same window and roof gaps.

The Gothic Window Inserts:

• The Pane: Use Black yarn. Ch 8.

  Row 1-5: Sc across.

  Row 6 (The Arch): Sl st, Sc, Hdc, 2 Dc, Hdc, Sc, Sl st. This creates a pointed top. Make 2 inserts.

  Detail: Embroider a vertical line and a “Y” shape in Lime Green or Grey on the black pane to mimic window tracery.

Assembly:

• Cut plastic canvas with holes matching the window and roof gaps.
• Sandwich the canvas between Exterior and Interior panels.
• Window Installation: Before sewing the sandwich closed around the windows, insert the Black Gothic Panes into the window gaps. Sew them securely in place so the pointed arch is visible.
• Join: Sc around the entire perimeter in Lime Green.
• Shape: Bend into a U-shape. Sew the bottom edges to the Floor Base.
• Back Wall: Create a solid Lime Green sandwich panel to close the back.

Part 2: Bells of Ireland (Moluccella)

IMPORTANT: Switch to 1.0mm – 1.25mm Hook. These flowers are unique green cups.

1. The Green Bells (Calyxes)

Make 40-50 bells using Pale Green/Chartreuse.

• Rnd 1: MR 5 sc.
• Rnd 2: Inc around (10).
• Rnd 3: *Sc, Inc* (15).
• Rnd 4: *Sc 2, Inc* (20).
• Rnd 5: *Sc, Ch 1, Sc* in each stitch around. This creates a slightly ruffled, flared edge like the real flower cup. Fasten off.

2. The Tiny White Flowers

• Flower: Use White thread. MR, ch 2, sl st. Make a tiny knot.

  Assembly: Glue one tiny white knot into the center of each Green Bell.

3. Stalk Assembly

• Stem: Cut 4 pieces of floral wire (different heights). Wrap heavily with Lime Green yarn to make them thick.
• Placement: Thread the Green Bells onto the stem, stacking them close together near the top and spacing them out further down. The Bells should face outwards in all directions.
• Leaves: Crochet simple green leaves (Ch 6, sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc) and attach them near the base of the stems.

Part 3: The Irish Interior (Maximalism)

Use Hook Size: 1.0mm.

1. Ceramic Vases

• Vase: Light Grey/White. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. BLO Sc 3 rounds.

  Body: Inc to 18. Sc 3 rounds. Dec to 10 (Neck). Sc 2 rounds. Flare rim.

  Ribbon: Use Emerald Green ribbon or crochet a chain strip. Tie a bow around the neck of the vase.

  Assembly: Glue the tall Bells of Ireland stems into these vases.

2. Four-Leaf Clover Decoration

• Leaves (Make 4): Emerald Green. MR. *Ch 3, 2 Dc, Ch 3, Sl st* into ring.

  Stem: Ch 6, sl st back.

  Placement: Glue to the side of a vase or lean against the wall.

3. Irish Mythology Book

• Cover: Dark Emerald Green. Ch 6. Sc 4 rows.

  Pages: White. Ch 5. Sc 4 rows. Fold inside cover.

  Title: Embroider squiggles in Gold thread on the cover to simulate Celtic lettering.

4. Gold Coin

• Coin: Metallic Gold. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sl st. Make 3-4 coins. Scatter them on the floor.

Part 4: Exterior & The Tree Frog

1. The Green Tree Frog

Use 1.0mm Hook and Lime Green.

• Body: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 4 rounds. Dec to 6. (Small round body).
• Head: MR 6 sc, Inc to 12. Sc 2 rounds.

  Eyes: Ch 2 bobbles on top of the head. Use Black beads for pupils. Sew head to body.

• Legs: Ch 6. Sc back. Make 4 long, thin legs.

  Toes: Tiny knots at the ends.

• The Flower Hat: Make an extra “Green Bell” (from Part 2) but slightly larger (Inc to 25). Place it on the frog’s head like a bonnet.

2. Pot of Gold

• Cauldron: Dark Brown/Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 18. BLO Sc 4 rounds. *Sc, Dec* to 12 (Neck). *Inc* to 18 (Rim).
• Gold Fill: Crochet a yellow ball or use many Gold Coin motifs (MR 6) and stuff them into the pot until it overflows.

3. Wheels

Use 2.5mm Hook.

• Tire: Black. MR 6 sc, Inc to 12, (1, Inc) to 18. Sc 2 rounds.
• Hubcap: Silver mesh stitch.
• Sew to sides.

Final Assembly

1. Structural Check: The “Sandwich” walls must be rigid. The rectangular hole in the roof should align with the interior floor placement of the vases.
2. Interior Installation:
   • Glue the Vases to the floor directly under the roof opening.
   • Arrange the Bells of Ireland stems so they shoot up through the roof opening, extending tall above the van.
   • Place the Book and loose Gold Coins on a small shelf or the floor.
   • Attach the Four-Leaf Clover decor prominently.
3. Exterior Scene:
   • Position the Pot of Gold near the front wheel.
   • Place the Tree Frog (wearing its flower hat) sitting next to or hugging the Pot of Gold.

Congratulations! You have constructed “The Bells of Ireland” Green Spire. This lucky, botanical masterpiece is a charming addition to any miniature collection.