I had posted a sneak peek of this project a while ago on Instagram, and was surprised by how much attention it got (one of the mysteries of the algorithm…) so I decided to write up a blog post to point people to, with all the details.

I used a fun Cath Kidston inspired crochet pattern by CharkaDesign on Etsy (currently on sale through Nov 10!) and while I found the initial rounds a little tricky, you just have to work them slowly and pay close attention. The pattern includes step by step photos which help a lot.

I had seen some lovely versions on Instagram of this pattern as the afghan squares it’s written for, but I was struck by one version where it was stopped partway through and finished in the round with scallops to make it a coaster. Since I don’t use coasters very much, I decided instead it would be ideal for a garland to decorate my mantel for fall.

I used Chunky Thread (sport weight cotton) in some dreamy fall colors to make this version. The flower centers are all the same. They use Blossom and Brick, with Leaf as the green (though to be honest I wished for a more fallish green and would probably recommend Tarragon or Sage instead), and Chamomile for a lovely antique background.

Then I played around until I found 10 different colors I liked. They are as shown here on the right photo top to bottom: Morning, Nutmeg, Blush, Eggshell Blue, New Penny, Old Lace, Stonewash, Honey, Old Rose, and Pebble.

If you want to make your own, you’ll need 2 skeins of Chamomile, and 1 skein each of the other colors. I made just 1 of each color and had plenty of leftovers.

To make the scallop edge I worked the pattern through Round 8, then I worked a final round with slip stitch in one chain space, and 5 hdc in the next chain space, repeating that all the way around. Super easy.

I also saved myself a few of the many ends to weave in by carrying up Chamomile and the edge color behind, instead of cutting them between uses.

I was really, really happy with the fall palette. It’s an unusual one for me as I always gravitate towards cool colors, but I just love it. I balanced some of the more traditional fall colors with muted pinks and blues, and couldn’t be more happy with the result.

I had done a few earlier in a brighter vintage color scheme and that’s cute too – you can see the how different it can look depending on color choice.

Once stitched together as a garland, I hung it under my mantel on the Christmas stocking hooks that live there year round.

I love getting to see it every day! Autumn will be far too short to display it. I would totally do more projects with this color combo – though I do wish there was an old gold available for the yellow. Maybe someday, since they keep adding a few new colors every fall and spring!

This was purely a just-for-fun autumn stitch, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope this inspires you to have some fun seasonal stitching too!