FO: Maple the Squirrel

remember how I mentioned that Brooklyn General Store was having a Squirrel Contest? Well, here's my squirrel. Everyone, meet Maple.

Pattern: Squirrel and the cardigan is from clothing bundle 3 .

Yarn: Bernat Solids. I know it's acrylic craft yarn, but it's perfect for machine washable children's toys.

Needles: 4mm / US 6

Mods: I made the ears much smaller, by really just using three stitches (squirrels have really small ears!). I also used the idea of the tail construction from the Brooklyn General Store Squirrel Pattern, but had to sew the seam of the tail (which is constructed like a pom pom) since I didn't quite understand how to crochet a tail seam. For the cardigan, I made a small hole in the back of the cardigan so that Maple's tail could be pulled through for maximum tail glory!

I named her Maple because she's the colour of maple sugar and is, of course, Canadian! Although for those unfamiliar with Canada, please note: we do not have real maple sugar squirrels here.

She's already in transit to New York to begin her squirrely adventures. Brooklyn General, I know you'll take good care of her while she's there!

And hey- if you are wanting to get your squirrels in, the deadline is May 15th- there's still time! Toys knit up so quickly, and there is always express shipping  if you need to get it there overnight.

Handmade Squirrel Contest!

Brooklyn General Store is both a bricks-and-mortar store as well as a great online shop that sells yarn, books & patterns, buttons, fabric, and all sorts of crafty goodness. They are having a handmade squirrel contest, which is just about the sweetest sounding contest ever.

Your challenge: craft a squirrel. 

Can be knitted, sewn, whathaveyou. your own creation or from a pattern. Then send them the squirrel! They will have the squirrels on display in the tree below. 

Oh won't someone please help me find some squirrely friends?

They will judge the squirrels, and the top 3 get prizes!! 

1st Prize:  $200 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year).

2nd Prize:  $100 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year).

3rd Prize:  $50 Brooklyn General Store gift certificate (valid for one year).

Deadline to have to squirrels in is May 15th, Which isn't that far away, I know. But I think we can do it! I'm definitely going to send in a squirrel. I have already cruised ravelry and picked a pattern- now I just need to think a bit about how to make my squirrel super awesome!!

For lots more details, please visit their contest page.