Squirrel Picnic

Handmade with Love and Stuff


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Year of the Sock: February

Year of the Sock_February 2

My socks for February are complete! They were made with “I know we shall have reveling tonight” from The Amy Lee Show’s Canon Hand Dyes line of sock yarn. I picked this skein up last year at the Interweave Yarn Fest. It’s made of 80% merino wool and 20% nylon. A perfect combination! And aren’t the colors fun.

Squirrel Picnic'c Year of the Sock February Yarn Canon Hand Dyes

This month’s sock had a rough start. Originally I thought I might try a toe-up pattern that I found from a reputable source on Ravelry. But by the time I had finished the heel, it was a disaster. I’m not sure if it was something I had done or the pattern, but the sock turned out way, way, way too big.

Squirrel Picnic's Year of the Sock February 2

Thankfully some helpful friends on Facebook and Instagram convinced me to frog it and start a new pattern. It’s amazing how liberating it can be to unravel your work… once you get started.

Squirrel Picnic's Year of the Sock February 3

I chose to return to the book More Crocheted Socks by Janet Rehfeldt.

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For this sock, I used the pattern “Hello Sunshine.” And I’m really glad that I did. It was so much fun.

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It had just enough stitch variety to keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.

Year of the Sock_February 3

The unique texture on the leg is created with a sequence of single crochet and treble crochet stitches.

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The heel flap is also done in an interesting way. You crochet around the front loop only for every other row to create another fun texture. This forms a strong fabric for the heel as well.

Squirrel Picnic's Year of the Sock February

The foot is made with mini-clusters of single crochet plus half-double crochet stitches to create this playful look. The self-striping yarn responded really well to this stitch. Check out that magic!

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Podge especially loves these sock colors. Look at how well they go with her skin tone (er, fur tone).

Squirrel Picnic's Year of the Sock February 6

Join me next month for a new exploration into the wonderful world of crochet socks. I’ve been dreaming of spring and I think March’s sock will be a fitting way to usher in a season of new beginnings and beautiful pastels.

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Up to My Eyeballs in Color

Rocky Mountain National Park 1 Rocky Mountain National Park 2 Rocky Mountain National Park 3 Rocky Mountain National Park Aspen Chihuly Denver Botanic Gardens 2 Chihuly Denver Botanic Gardens 1 Chihuly Denver Botanic Gardens 3 Denver Botanic Gardens October 2014 Olivarez_Sugar Candy Skull

My parents came to visit us from Virginia this past week and what a whirlwind adventure we had. We went to the Chihuly exhibit at the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Air Force vs. Navy college football game in Colorado Springs, and up to the mountains to visit Georgetown, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Estes Park. When we weren’t off exploring, I was working on my Skullbow Art Hoodies for the Muertos Mart. From Chihuly’s vibrant blown glass to the golden aspen leaves to the work I am doing on these very colorful calavera appliques, I feel like I’m up to my eyeballs in color… and it feels pretty good.

Ever since my friend, Sylvie, told me I should crochet flower pins to adorn my larger skull appliques (isn’t that a great idea!), I have been sketching and brainstorming and playing with yarn and color to come up with some fun designs. I finished my first skull this week, embellishing it with beads, buttons, embroidery, and crochet flowers. These skulls are sewn to the backs of the hoodies to create a real statement piece. For the colors, I’ve been choosing beads and buttons first and then letting them direct the yarn colors I use. It’s been a challenge for some reason, but the Ideas Man has been at my side every step of the way with his solid advice.

I know that I promised you I would release some Hodge & Podge squirrel costume patterns for Halloween this year. I will try to get them out soon, but I hope you will understand if there is a bit of a delay. In addition to my hoodies, we’ve got a Charm Exchange coming up too. I better get back to work. Have a great week everyone!