You’ve probably already seen my Bethlehem nativity scene on social media. See photo above if you haven’t seen it yet. I have noticed that many people just don’t look at the photo properly and think the dolls are the same as my Craftygenesindonesia nativity set from several years ago. They are NOT the same dolls. Certainly not the ones from the animals and Maria. Here below more explanation about it so do continue reading.

Both photos

Here first the pictures of both nativity scenes

Here you can see the difference. Photos 1 and 2 are from the Bethlehem nativity set and photo 3 is from the Craftygenesindonesia nativity scene. Same style because after all, they are patterns of mine and not someone else’s. But the dolls are not the same.

The dolls

If you take a look at the picture you will see that Mary is completely different. 1 of the kings is also different. Both are on their knees. In my Craftygenesindonesia nativity set, these 2 are standing straight = distinctly different pattern.

Joseph’ s attire is also different. And he has no headscarf in the Bethlehem nativity set.

Jesus and his manger are also different.

The ox and donkey are certainly completely different (and from the Bethlehem nativity set , they are also easier to make).

In the Bethlehem nativity set, it is a dromedary lying down while it is a standing camel in the Craftygenesindonesia nativity scene.

The shepherd’ s attire is different and so are his sheep. The sheep of the Bethlehem nativity set are also easier to make than those of the Craftygenesindonesia nativity set.

Then you have the 3 kings. Those are completely different in attire, presents and what’s on their heads. And 1 of the 3 kings is on his knees as I said earlier.

The dolls are the same style but a completely different pattern. The dolls of both nativity sets fit into the stable of the other nativity set. This is convenient for those who want , for example, the Craftygenesindonesia nativity set dolls but with the stable of the Bethlehem nativity set.

The stables

The stables of the 2 nativity sets are obviously completely different. The one of the Craftygenesindonesia nativity set is simple and only the holy family can fit in it, while the one of the Bethlehem set is a whole complex with garden and all.

If you take a look at the picture Bethlehem nativity set you’ll see there’s a lot around the little people and animals. That’ s all included in the pattern. So you get the patterns for the stable and the complex around it, the palm tree, broom, pots, well, … all in the pattern. As for all my other patterns = if it is in the picture then it is in the pattern.

The Bethlehem nativity set you obviously need more time for but I wouldn’t call this one difficult. Just a fair amount of work. Difficult certainly not. If you can crochet back and forth and in the round, you can certainly make this set.

If you are in doubt about something or don’t understand something about the pattern, just send me a message at [email protected]. Please let me know in the email which pattern it is about, which tour and which page. That way I can look at it directly and give an explanation. If necessary, I will make a drawing or short video. I help until you understand it. So don’t panic if you don’t understand something. I will help you.

Which dolls are easier?

Honestly, for me, the little people of both nativity scenes were equally easy. There are no weird or difficult stitches. Just crocheting in the round or back and forth. Always counting everything nicely is the most important thing. And again: if you don’t understand something = don’t panic, I’ll help you.

About the animals: for me personally, they are equally easy. For people with less experience, I would recommend the Bethlehem nativity animals. Those are easier for people with less experience because the legs are just glued to them. But pin them to the body of the animals first. Don’t just glue them on right away. First pin and see if you like the position of the legs. Then glue them on.

Why this style?

The Bethlehem nativity set is a different style from what you see everywhere. Usually you see stables that are actually the style of a farm stable in Europe. But….Jesus was not born on a farm in Europe. He was born in Bethlehem. That’s why I wanted a nativity scene with building and “garden” like you would see at that time in Bethlehem. More authentic. More “real” in other words.

Of course no disaster if you prefer the traditional style of nativity scene. Each one chooses what he/she likes to see. No one will blame you if you prefer the traditional style.

Downloading the patterns.

Some people struggle with that sometimes. Don’t panic. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to download. Just send me an email at [email protected]. In that email let me know which pattern you bought and on which website. Please also send me an order confirmation if you have one. I will quickly search for this order to confirm that you have indeed ordered. As soon as I have found your order I will send the pattern(s) to you via email.

So it is certainly not a disaster or cause for panic if the download on the website fails. I always send the pattern via email then. And I won’t make you wait 2 days either. As soon as I see your email I will send you a reply.

Where do I order these nativity sets?

It can be done here on my Craftygenesindonesia website. It can also be done on the Dutch website Haked.nl. And also in the Craftygenesindonesia shops on Etsy and Ravelry.

On my website here you can order with PayPal and Credit Card. Should you prefer to order with Bancontact, Ideal, Sofort, Sepa, … or even bank transfer (to the Haked account), then do it best on the Dutch website Haked.nl. Super easy to order there and everything is in Dutch = perfect for Belgians and Dutch. The download email comes right after your order is confirmed.

Here are the links to both nativity sets.

Bethlehem Nativity Set:

1. Craftygenesindonesia: Bethlehem Kerststal haakpatroon – Craftygenesindonesia
2. Haked.nl: Haakpatroon De Bethlehem kerststal – Haked
3. Etsy: https://craftygenesindonesia.etsy.com/listing/1743208956/bethlehem-nativity-set-crochet-pattern
4. Ravelry: Ravelry: Bethlehem Nativity Set

Craftygenesindonesia Nativity Set:

1. Craftygenesindonesia: De Craftygenesindonesia Kerststal – Craftygenesindonesia
2. Haked.nl: Haakpatroon Kerststal haken – Craftygenesindonesia Kerststal – Haked
3. Etsy: https://craftygenesindonesia.etsy.com/listing/1063262989/the-craftygenesindonesia-crochet
4. Ravelry: Ravelry: Craftygenesindonesia Nativity Set

Can you order them separately?

I sometimes get the question if you can order the dolls separately or just the animals for example. Below you can see what you can order from each nativity scene:

Bethlehem Nativity Set:

1. The complete nativity set = people, animals, building, … everything in 1
2. The people + animals in 1 pattern
3. The stable + building + garden + palm tree + broom + well + pots + . in 1 pattern

The Craftygenesindonesia nativity set:

1. The complete nativity set = people, animals, angel, star and stable
2. Mary, Joseph and Jesus separately
3. The 3 kings separately
4. The shepherd with his sheep + rock separately
5. The camel separately
6. The stable + angel + start separately
7. The ox and donkey separately

All of these are possible. All these patterns are available here on Craftygenesindonesia. Also on Haked.nl and also in the Craftygenesindonesia shops on Etsy and Ravelry. If you don’tfind it, please email me at [email protected] and I’ ll send you the links you want .

Available languages

Both nativity sets are available in English, Dutch, French, Spanish and Italian. The Bethlehem nativity set is also available in Portuguese and German.

An additional thing: please do not say on Facebook that these nativity scenes look the same as Krukkert’s. 2 people did this on Facebook and I really didn’t like that. Krukkert’s stable is beautiful of course but it obviously does not look the same as mine. I spent a lot of time designing and making these nativity scenes. And then I see reactions like this on Facebook. And one then angry and rude too. Fortunately, the administrator of that Facebook group deleted those comments. It really wasn’t fun to see those.

That’s it for this blog post. Feel free to let me know what you think.

Until next time ❤️❤️❤️