Tiptoe Thru The Tulips with me

My latest PDF instant downloadable pattern is ready on Etsy. If you have not already discovered it you can see it by clicking HERE.  I wanted to share with you the fun I had hooking this small pattern.

Small designs call to me. I think because they seem less intimidating. I usually can use wool that I have on hand without having to dye special colors. I can even get away with using wool from my scrap bags, which I have been using a lot of lately. Speaking of which, why does it seem like my scrap bags are not getting any smaller?!

I drew this chicken a while ago, and she sat in my sketch pad patiently flapping her wings. Looking silly. I almost gave up on her, not knowing how to incorporate her into a design. Then one day I just re-drew her and put a bunch of hearts around her. I do love chickens. I added scallops as a simple border to frame everything. This sketch sat for a few weeks. It was not calling to me. Then last week I envisioned the hearts as tulips — and that was that! I could not wait to start hooking my tip-toe-ing chicken!

I had to revisit Tiny Tim singing the song Tiptoe Through The Tulips on YouTube HERE, and felt a shiver as I was carried back to some happy times singing with my cousin (Tim !) — who happened to do a remarkable job of imitating the hit single complete with falsetto on Grandma’s ukulele. Ah! Makes me smile.

Hooking my pattern, I decided I wanted the scene to pop, so I went with my easy antique black background. I guess this is my default background, as I find it dramatic and so primitive looking. I didn’t want to hook the chicken in conventional hues, so I went with a dusty aqua (another favorite of mine, big surprise!), giving her a soft red comb, throwing in some reds in her wings.

So after deciding on those colors, I needed to figure out how I would hook the tulips. When I think of tulips, I will always remember looking through those gorgeous bulb catalogs as a girl. I would read the catalog cover to cover, dreaming of how my garden could look someday, picking my very favorite varieties if I only had the money to buy some. I was enchanted by the red and white striped tulips that had a tiny hint of green peeking out here and there. They were my choice.

I never did order any tulips, but I knew that the time had come to furnish my chicken with some splendid striped tulips to dance through.

I felt a nostalgic dream come to life as I hooked my flowers, choosing vintage reds and primitive antique whites with slips of green and pink here and there. So satisfying…

Finishing the rug was next, and I picked some dark wools, thinking that was what I wanted for the design. But after crocheting a few inches I realized that I didn’t like the way the scallops became little lonely islands.

 I needed to finish the edges in a color that harmonized with the scallops. And I liked the way that looked much better.

I hope that I have inspired you to take your hooking outside on a warm day and let the great outdoors be your studio.

Have a creative day ~ Karen

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