Tuesday, March 27, 2012

My New Crochet Kitty



Here I am FINALLY working on another post. I think I have a hard time blogging because I am not a good diary keeper (that includes simple food journals!) I promise I am going to make a valiant attempt to have a post for each new project I make even if it is just for my family or friends, not just my shop! As I go along I will try to develop different topics, but I have to start with baby steps!

That being said, my newest completed project is my cream colored crochet kitty. I bought this Amy Gaines pattern http://www.etsy.com/listing/79778290/sale-amigurumi-kitten-pattern-crochet and thought "Wouldn't that be fun with fuzzy yarn. you know kinda like a Persian cat or something?" So I bough a yarn that's a blend of mohair, wool, acrylic, and polyester with a wonderful 40% off JoAnns coupon. Doesn't it look perfect for a long haired kitty?



So I grabbed my suggested crochet hook from the pattern and started right in. Everything was going great until I realized I had too many stitches. Um, yeah the cute strands of "fur" get all twisted together it is a royal pain to undo my stitches.

Don't get me wrong, the pattern is nice and easy; it was the materials I was using with the wrong hook that was causing the problems. I have decided that next time I am either using the suggested yarn or the suggested hook for the yarn.

I believe in finishing what I start and honestly didn't realize the yarn had a suggested size until I had all but 1 leg and the tail done. Ooops! Here is what I got:


I have learned while working with novelty fur that fur can be teased out of the stitches nicely with a plastic bristle brush. Otherwise it ends up more like this


The more you brush the fluffier it is. This tail was a real pain. I am diffidently using a bigger hook!


Now that the body is done it is time for the personality to make its appearance in the face


Looks like a real kitty now doesn't it?


http://www.etsy.com/listing/96269446/crochet-cat-fluffy-cat-sitting-cat

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Love Bug - Finally finished!



I have finally finished my love bug. http://www.etsy.com/listing/91416610/love-bug-knitted-toys-valentine-present This little knitted toy ended up coming together a little differently than planned all because I switched needles.

I started with an Amy Gaines pattern from her latest book "Little Knitted Creatures" for the lady bug. For the body I used magic cast on http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html instead of having to stitch the front and back together. I thought that pair of circular needles read size 6, but when I used regular size 6 needles for the wings they came out HUGE. Other than that I think it came out really cute. My knitted heart appliques (free knitting pattern show be in the post just below this one) turned out to be perfect spots and I LOVE the heart-shaped, shell buttons I found at Joann's for the eyes.

My daughters are already eyeing this toy for their own, but I am going to make theirs in lavender and rose and use magic cast on for the appendages as well this time. I promise this next project I am going to remember to take step by step pictures!




Thursday, January 19, 2012

Free Knitting Pattern - Small Heart

My current project is a lady bug I am turning into a love bug. All lady bug need black spots and for my love bug it needed heart shaped spots. I looked all over the place and could not find a good pattern. So I made a heart knitting pattern and I am going to share it with you.

Knit Heart
I used size 6 needles for the larger hearts

Abbreviations: CO cast on, k knit, inc increase, k2tog knit 2 together, sts stitches, p purl

CO 1
Row 1 k, inc (2 sts)
Row 2 p
Row 3 k, inc, k, inc (4 sts)
Row 4 p
Row 5 k, inc, k2, inc (6 sts)
Row 6 p
Row 7 k, inc, k4, inc (8 sts)
Row 8 p
Row 9 k, inc, k6, inc (10 sts)
Row 10 p
Row 11 k
Row 12 p
Row 13 k2tog, k, k2tog. Slip remaining stitches on spare needle or stitch holder
Row 14 p
Row 15 k2tog, k
Bind off remaining stitches. Cut yarn

Slip unworked stitches onto needle. We will be working from inside out. Rejoin yarn.

Row 1 k2tog, k, k2tog
Row 2 p
Row 3 k, k2tog
Bind off

Now you have a small heart to applique to your creations!

I will post pictures of how I used my hearts soon. http://www.etsy.com/shop/flameOfsilver

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

My daddy doll!

I have finally finished my daddy doll. I think he is cute but some adjustments need to be made to the pattern.