Crochet Duck is too Cute for Words!!!

Sterling, the crochet duck, is ready for spring!  After creating Smookie, the bunny, I felt like maybe Smookie needed a friend.  Enter Sterling, with his big webbed feet and oh so cute smoochy lips bill!





I have to confess to some help on Sterling in the way of advice and criticism.  That duck bill was quite a challenge.  I re-designed it at least 3 times before ending up with the most adorable kissy-lipped  version that I think I have ever seen.  Many thanks to my husband and my daughter for their very constructive criticism and persistence until he turned out just right.  Yep.  We finally got that 'cuteness factor' down for Sterling.

If you're looking for a cute Easter project, both Sterling and Smookie would make a great addition to your Easter baskets.  Just imagine the smiles and giggles when your little ones see what you have made to help them find all those Easter goodies hidden for them!

Don't have time to make them yourself?  No problem!  Just place your order and we can make them for you.    And don't forget, Varmint Greetings can make a custom card to match them.  Get your orders in early to be sure they get to you on time.  In the meantime, happy creating!

Blessings~
Reny

Crochet Angel Free Pattern for a Merry Christmas!

[caption id="attachment_935" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Cute little crochet angel perfect for the holidays![/caption]

I have been working on this free crochet angel pattern for a couple of weeks now.  Crochet and frog (unravel), crochet and frog.  I have remade the head about 5 times before I was happy with the size and shape.

The wings on this  angel were an even bigger challenge.  The first set was too small.  The second set, while a nicer size, were too plain.  But the third try finally seemed right.  Not too flashy, but not to plain.

I chose a sparkly acrylic yarn for this pattern, and while I am usually drawn to multiple vibrant colors in my creations, this one just seemed like it should be mostly one color.  I did add a sweet crochet halo in gold yarn just for fun.

With the holidays sneaking up on us it is a good time to get those holiday projects done.  This crochet angel pattern is intentionally simple and works up fairly quickly.  Picture several of these as a table centerpiece, or add a hook or loop and hang them from your tree.

This little angel would also make a cute toy for your own little angels.

To change the size, use a lighter weight yarn and smaller hook for a smaller version of this crochet angel, or a heavier weight yarn and a larger hook to make a bigger one.

This pattern can be found as a free download in the Varmint Market.

Blessings~
Reny

 

Crochet Patterns for a Happy Holiday Trio

 

[caption id="attachment_888" align="aligncenter" width="300"]       Holiday Fun with Yarn and Hook[/caption]

Crochet patterns have been a great help to me in my crochet journey.
I just love having a written page of instructions in front of me as I crochet, and I have been intrigued by the creativity  of so many crochet pattern designers.  I wanted to give it a try myself so I began designing my own patterns about a year ago and have been busy ever since creating crochet patterns for others to enjoy!

These crochet patterns started with a rather obscure idea that evolved as I worked on them and I still have ideas swirling around in my mind.   These patterns are original one-of-a-kind creations that are designed for use as decorations or toys.   The patterns are intentionally simple to  crochet so even a beginner should be able to understand and crochet them.

I crocheted these patterns from yarn I had in my stash, so you can see that very little yarn is needed.  Each one takes just a bit of yarn and a handful or two of stuffing.  The tree was make from yarn left over from a crocodile stitch project, and I was so happy to be able to use more of it. The black and white yarn are some that I always keep on hand.  And the brown and tan are also  pretty much a constant in my yarn closet.

These holiday varmints are so cute, and your little ones will love playing with these fun characters!  They also  make adorable decorations for the mantle or the tree.  Add a hook or loop to the top and hang them as ornaments!

These crochet patterns can be purchased individually or as a set (read bargain).  And the original crochet creations can be purchased as well.  Check out the Varmint Market for listings of all of my whimsical original designs and patterns.  Start early to finish your holiday projects in time for Christmas!

Blessings~
Reny

 

Handmade Yarn Varmints, Gifting Ideas for Little Elves....

Hello again varmint lovers!   The holidays are steadily creeping up on us  and I have had some questions about the sizes of my handmade yarn varmints. Some ofyou are wondering if they would make good stocking stuffers.   The answer is 'Yes',!  Yarn varmints can be made in virtually any size you like!  The trick is to use different weights of yarn and/or size of crochet hook.  The lighter weight the yarn and the smaller the hook size, the smaller the finished varmint will be.  And, of course, if you wish a larger handmade yarn varmint, use a bulky weight yarn and a larger hook.  So, as you can see,  they would make great stocking stuffers, or baby crib toys, or party favors or whatever you can imagine using a yarn varmint for.  

[caption id="attachment_96" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Yarn Varmints 'Giggles' Free E-Book with Pattern[/caption]

If you sign up for my monthly Yarn Varmint newsletter, you will receive my free 'Giggles' E-Book which includes the pattern for the original Giggle monsters  I designed. These little guys are approximately 4 inches tall when crafted using worsted weight yarn.   

Make varmints in a variety of sizes and dress them in festive holiday hats to line up on the mantle or tuck under the tree!  I would love to hear from you and see pics of your varmints.

So let's get crafty and have those holiday projects done early this year!  And don't forget to include a pack of handmade yarn varmints in the mix. Just imagine the delighted giggles when the little ones see these cute little monsters!

Blessings~
Reny