Squirrel Picnic

Handmade with Love and Stuff


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Spring Meadow Rug Crochet Pattern

After a thorough cleaning of my bedroom/studio this spring, I decided to crochet a lively rug to cover my very blah carpet. When it came to picking the yarn for this project I knew I wanted a soft cotton, but I also wanted to try something new. I was really curious what a variegated yarn would look like in a chevron stitch pattern and I was ready to experiment.

I always love seeing the magic that happens with yarn of variegated colors. You never know quite what to expect. Sometimes, as with striping yarn, fun bands of color will appear. Other times you will get pools of color. It all depends on the yarn and the stitch pattern. So I was really pleased when this well-known and inexpensive cotton yarn created a mottled look when done up in a chevron stitch pattern.

Despite my breaking the rule against using variegated yarn with an intricate stitch pattern (I think that’s why most people use solid colors in this instance), I discovered with variegated yarn the chevron stitch pattern isn’t totally lost in the play of color. In the end, I think it creates a vibrant effect that you wouldn’t be able to achieve with solid color or stripes.

And now my floor is covered and the cotton feels divine under my bare feet, rather like a soft patch of spring grass.

Spring Meadow Rug Crochet Pattern

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Let’s Make Christmas Cookies!

Christmas Cookies by Squirrel Picnic Roundup

I love baking Christmas cookies, but I think I love crocheting them even more. With my Christmas cookie patterns you can crochet a whole platter of cookies! Put some out for Santa or hang them on your Christmas tree. Use them as present toppers to add a memorable touch to your gifts. Or make a batch for the kids to play with. I hope you enjoy all of these fun Christmas cookie recipes… er, patterns.

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What I’m Working On

I found this amazing merino wool from Malabrigo Yarn in sapphire magenta at Fancy Tiger over Christmas break and started knitting this scarf the same day. Now, a month later, I just really want to finish it so that I can wear it before winter is over!

I’m using the vertical bobbles stitch from The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting. It’s such a fun intermediate pattern. With just four rows, it’s varied enough to stay interesting but simple enough that it’s easy to remember.

Malabrigo Scarf (600x800)