Grand Sale!!!

So, it seems, my blog is getting dusty with the lack of new designs and the accessibility of Instagram. Unfortunately, it's just this period in life that should pass by itself. But I still have something to share.

I love giving presents. Much more than receiving them. So, with my birthday approaching I decided on some gifts for those who follow my experiences, adventures and, I hope, growth as a person and crocheter. Neither too obvious.

Thus, I'm glad to announce that all items in my Etsy shop and Ravelry store are 35 per cent off with a discount code "HBD2019", starting from today, April 1, and till April 14. Because some things should be celebrated grandly.

Second, there's a giveaway running on my IG account.

You can get:
- a French Market Tote (pattern by @twoofwands),
- a large fruit bag,
- a small fruit bag,
- my second Stygimoloch prototype.
The rules are in the last post, the giveaway is running till Saturday, April 6.

The rest are just a few pics of my recent FOs: the second Lost in Time Shawl (by @mijocrochet) and a hedgehog.

While I was making the latter, I asked myself why I stopped using the loop stitch while making the toys.

The answer was obvious when I had stuffed it. Nevertheless, its new owners love it and it has already joined their hedgehog collection.

Pig recap / WIP update

I had a little staycation and it was really productive. I managed to finish all the pigs, the large ones named after my favourite characters, Scout, Jem, Boo and Dill.

Scout is on the way to his new home in Minnesota. The rest of the gang are waiting for their new owners.

The accessorized piglets were finally finished, as well. The funny thing is, the garments match exactly their owner. I tried to change their hats and scarves, even coats, and they didn't look well on other pigs. Here are Josh, George and Fred and my little Lappi boy, Jukka.

 

 

I also made a Stripey. That's my first ever designed toy and the design is turning 10 next summer (the pattern is much younger, though). This one is pretty scrappy, but I really like it. And there's a bunny in the backpack!

I love autumn, but this year I've been enjoying every single bit of it, including drizzle, frost, dull skies. Probably, it's just the result of my emotional change and acceptance.

This year I'm participating in the design contest. I've been avoiding all sorts of challenges since my Circus design failure (remember Ivan?), but this time I'm ready. It's not about winning or getting publicity, it's about dinosaurs and my love for them. Those contests somehow match my crojo, drive and ideas but I usually end up frustrated and anxious without anything completed at all. However, I made up my mind to make a small collection of unusual and/or under-represented crocheted dinos.  The first one - going to the contest - is Stygimoloch spinifer!

I managed to balance it on 3 points (if you want to keep it seated on a bed, shelf, desk or in the armchair) by adding a chenille wire into the tail. The rest of the body is not wired since I wanted to make it playable for most ages.

I will eventually write the pattern, but this time I set no deadlines and prioritize the destash and finishing of the WIPs, so, no actual date of the release is known.

Speaking of the WIPs, my Sunshine Blanket is nearing its end. It's been my opus magnum, my Dark Tower, Lord of the Rings and War and Peace. It began in 2016 with the Dandelion mandala and border, Quatrefoil pillow, continued with a bit of Sophie's Universe and River, and it's rounding up with Havana.

It's enormous!

16 rounds are left plus the assembly and some border, but I hope to finish it before Christmas.

What's on your hooks these days?

Tampere and amigurumis

I've become a rare guest here. For a number of reasons. The main one, I haven't designed anything new so far and has been destashing with someone else's patterns. However, I have plans for upgrading some of my old patterns with new pictures or just pictures (yep, Boho Fingerless Gloves are the first on the list) and, probably, editting.

Meanwhile, I went on vacation guess where. Finland!!! Yes, again. Yes, I love it. The destination was Tampere this time.

 

Those views are hard to compare to anything. Lakes and forests are what always pleases my heart and eyes. And Piggy enjoyed them, too.

Just look at those little wild strawberries we found in the middle of the city. He enjoyed meeting Moomin, his family and friends as well. 

Unfortunately (or fortunately), I didn't take many photos, but there are plenty of videos over on my IG.

I really loved some obscene contemporary porcelain statues which I can't help sharing.

And eventually there was a day in Helsinki with street food at Kauppatori and tram rides, and blackbirds at night, and late night crochet.

During my trip I finished a cowl, started another and partly made 13 piglets. There has been a little pig detox going, thus, I'll show the finished amis in a week or so along with the finished detox object.

Right before the trip I managed to finish 7 amigurumis in about a month (which is a lot for me). I've been really inspired for a while and it was pretty mild/cold for the summer to crochet. So, here they are:

 

I can now officially state that I'm not a mere pattern hoarder and that I actually used at least a third of the patterns I bought/downloaded.

In case you want to make similar amis for yourself, here are the links to the patterns (all of them can be bought from Ravelry, Batman and Pocket Earl Dog are free):

1. Pocket Earl Dog by MoRAmadePattern

2. Earl Dog by MoRAmadePattern

3. Zombie Boy by Mila Kralina

4. Batman by Serah Basnet

Speaking of crochet I could really touch upon my overall well-being. After finishing the said amis and packing the yarn for the trip, I realised that my left arm would hardly move. All of my joints were sore. I would pick up the pan lid and drop it because my fingers would be unable to hold it. 

The solution came unexpectedly (like, literally, all best things in my life): I subscribed to the Mobility Flow week by Dr. Jen Esquer. And it worked miracles. Bye-bye, carpal tunnel syndrome, hope we'll never meet. Since then it has become part of my daily, and especially, crocheting routine. To help my joint and nerve pain (not crochet related), I decided to add a low-carb diet to the stretching, aiming at 20 to 30 g of carbs a day. 3 weeks into it I can say that it's been one of my best decisions so far. A sugarholic has stayed away from sugar for 3 weeks and going strong. I won't demonize sweets, as I will return them to my diet again at some point, but the unhealthy addiction is gone. I walk past the ice-cream and don't buy any, no chocolate, no cookies, almost no fruit. And no feeling of deprivation. To crown it all, as I go down or up the stairs, my knees still click but don't hurt, yay!

I'll keep you posted!

Carl, the Potato Cat

Look who's been raiding my lunch bag today!

This is Carl, he's very friendly and curious. Keep away your peanut butter and apples from him!

There is an inexpensive add-free print-friendly pattern in my shops here:
Etsy
Ravelry 
Lovecrochet

CARL

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT:

1.         DK Weight Yarn in:

- rosewood (250 m/100 g) – 20 g

- beige (250 m/100 g) – 5 g

2.         Embroidery Floss or Lightweight Yarn in:

- black – 30 cm

- light pink – 30 cm

3.         2.5 mm crochet hook

4.         polyester fiberfill

5.         tapestry needle

6.         12 mm safety eyes

7.         scissors

ABBREVIATIONS:

ch. – chain

sc – single crochet

Rnd – round

st. – stitch

slip st. – slip stitch

incr – increase (2 sc worked into 1 ch)

decr – decrease (2 sc crocheted together)

BLO – back loop only

Note: simple decreasing is easier, but if you have already grasped the idea of invisible decrease, I suggest that.

The pattern is written in US crochet terms.

DESCRIPTION:

All details are worked in spiral rounds without joining, unless otherwise stated.

BODY:

Rosewood:

1 Rnd: 2 ch., 6 sc into the 2nd ch. from the hook = 6 sc,

2 Rnd: incr around = 12 sc,

3 Rnd: (1 incr, 1 sc) – repeat 6 times = 18 sc,

4 Rnd: (2 sc, 1 incr) – repeat 6 times = 24 sc,

5 Rnd: (1 incr, 3 sc) – repeat 6 times = 30 sc,

6 Rnd: 2 sc, (1 incr, 4 sc) – repeat 5 times, 1 incr, 2 sc = 36 sc,

7 Rnd: 12 sc, ch.-2, skip 2 sc, 8 sc, ch.-2, skip 2 sc, 12 sc = 32 sc, 2 ch.-2 spaces,

8 Rnd: Repeat 7 Rnd,

9 Rnd: 36 sc, working into BLO of ch.-2 spaces and both loops of scs,

10 Rnd: 36 sc,

11 - 13 Rnd: Repeat 10 Rnd,

14 Rnd: 15 sc, ch.-2, skip 2 sc, 4 sc, ch.-2, skip 2 sc, 13 sc = 32 sc, 2 ch.-2 spaces,

15 Rnd: Repeat 14 Rnd,

16 Rnd: Repeat 9 Rnd,

17 – 21 Rnd: Repeat 10 Rnd,

22 Rnd: 4 sc, (1 decr, 7 sc) – repeat 3 times, 1 decr, 3 sc = 32 sc,

23 Rnd: (1 decr, 6 sc) – repeat 4 times = 28 sc,

24 Rnd: 3 sc, (1 decr, 5 sc) – repeat 3 times, 1 decr, 2 sc = 24 sc,

Insert the eyes between 19 and 20 Rnds, 6-8 sts apart. Stuff the body.

25 Rnd: (1 decr, 4 sc) – repeat 4 times = 20 sc,

26 Rnd: 2 sc, (1 decr, 3 sc) – repeat 3 times, 1 decr, 1 sc = 16 sc,

27 Rnd: (1 decr, 2 sc) – repeat 4 times = 12 sc,

28 Rnd: (1 sc, 1 decr) – repeat 4 times = 8 sc,

slip st. into the next stitch, fasten off. Add the filling if necessary, sew the opening close, weave in the ends.

ARMS / LEGS:

Rosewood:

The paws are worked into the left sc of Rnd 7 and 14,

front loops of ch.-2 spaces of Rnd 8 and 15 and side sc before and after ch.-2 spaces (indicated with blue lines). Thus, the legs and arms will be worked on 8 sts each.

1 Rnd: Join yarn into any indicated st, work 8 sc around the base = 8 sc,

2 Rnd: sc around = 8 sc,

3 – 4 Rnd: Repeat 2 Rnd, finish off, leaving a long end for sewing. You can lightly stuff the legs/arms, but I prefer hiding the yarn ends after the openings are closed as they give the desired firmness. Sew the openings close, weave in the ends.

EAR (2 PIECES):

Rosewood:

1 Rnd: 2 ch., 4 sc into the 2nd ch. from the hook = 4 sc,

2 Rnd: (1 incr, 1 sc) – repeat 2 times = 6 sc,

3 Rnd: (2 sc, 1 incr) – repeat 2 times = 8 sc,

4 Rnd: (1 incr, 1 sc) – repeat 4 times = 12 sc,

slip st. into the next stitch, fasten off, leaving the long end for sewing. Sew the ears onto the top of the head using the photo as a guide.

TAIL:

start with Beige:

1 Rnd: 2 ch., 8 sc into the 2nd ch. from the hook = 8 sc,

2 Rnd: 8 sc, join Rosewood,

3 Rnd: 8 sc, change to Beige,

4 Rnd: 8 sc,

5 Rnd: 8 sc, change to Rosewood,

6 – 14 Rnd: Repeat Rnds 3 to 5 three more times, finishing Beige after Rnd 14,

15 Rnd: 8 sc, finish off leaving a long end for sewing. Sew the tail onto the body using the photo as a guide.

FINISHING:

Using the photo as a guide, embroider the stripes with beige if you want. Embroider the muzzle with a loose Fly Stitch and black yarn. Embroider the eyebrows with black and cheeks with light pink using the Satin Stitch. Voila!

St. Valentine's 2017

Mr F asked me to send him a few examples of my work, so, I decided to make a few quickies: Piglet, Bunny McCarrots (no Christmas sweaters this time, just a carrot) and a couple of animated cacti.

Yesterday was Piglet's turn. A funny fact: that's one of my least crocheted projects except for a few woodland friends, but they'd already got a well-tested shape by that time. I usually make 3 prototypes, but this little pig turned out perfect right after the first one. I love his shy smile and kind eyes and I think there should be more enamoured piglets in this world, and I might perhaps stock him on Etsy as a ready-made amigurumi. And it's his 2nd anniversary this week.
 

 

The pattern is available everywhere:

Etsy
Ravelry
LoveCrochet
Craftsy
Amigurumipatterns.net

Bunny McCarrots and the Ugly Christmas Sweater

Guys, the pattern is live! At last! You'll have plenty of time to make one for your kiddos (or yourself, let's be honest) before Christmas or New Year. It can be a really cool stocking filler. The first kits will be ready this weekend.

So, the pattern includes Bunny himself, two patterns for the sweater and a pattern for Rudolf. I may come up with some additional appliques later, but much more later.

Sorry for being silent here, too many projects on hand, as usual. But! I promise to be back with a tiny free pattern next week. Stay tuned and don't forget to apply for this year's World Amigurumi Exhibition at resobox.com

Oh, almost forgot. The pattern can be bought here:
Ravelry
Etsy
Craftsy
LoveCrochet

Geometrical Clutch

Hey lovelies! My Geometrical Clutch is now available in Fall Into Fashion issue of The Pattern Pack. Grab your copy today on Ravelry!

Boho Fingerless Gloves

Yay! My Boho Fingerless Gloves are featured in the August Pattern Pack. I used to have a pair of fingerless gloves but they were worn to some absolutely ugly look, so, this autumn I need a new pair. The issue will be available for the TPP members on August 1. Or you can get a copy on Ravelry.

Stripey: Mesh market tote + Strawberry

I was planning to draft patterns for a couple of other accessories for Stripey for quite a long time. So, I managed to sneak several hours at the beginning of May to design and take pictures. But, writing out the patterns themselves takes much more time than making. Then there was my short adventure in Belgrade, and it's finally time to share the first bundle.

The patterns are written in the US crochet terms. The abbreviations used are as follows:

• ch. - chain,
• sl.st. - slip stitch,
• sc - single crochet,
• sp(s) - space(s),
• hdc - half-double crochet,
• dc - double crochet,
• BLO - back loop only,
• FLO - front loop only,
• decr - decrease (2 sc crocheted together),
• incr - increase (2 sc worked in one stitch),
• Rnd - Round.

You will need:

• 2,5 mm crochet hook (US size C/2),
• DK yarn leftovers. I used:

1. Pink for the tote - 15 g,
2. Cherry red for the strawberry - 5 g,
3. Grass green for the leaf - 5 g,
4. Yellow for embroidery - 50 cm (about 2 feet).

• polyester fiberfill,
• tapestry needle,
• stitch markers,
• a pair of scissors,
• good mood,
• a cup of hot beverage (thank you, Dr Cooper).

Mesh Market Tote:

1 Rnd: ch. 4, work 12 dc into the 4th ch. from the hook, sl. st. into the 1st dc = 12 dc, ch. 1,

2 Rnd: incr around = 24 sc, sl. st. into the 1st st, ch. 1,

 

3 Rnd: sc into the 1st stitch; *ch. 3, skip the next st, sc*; repeat from * to * 10 times more; ch. 1, skip the next st, hdc into the 1st sc = 12 sc, 12 ch.-3 sps, ch. 1,

 
 

4 Rnd: sc into the same ch.-3 space; *ch. 5, sc into the next ch.-3 space*; repeat from * to * 10 times more; ch. 2, dc into the 1st sc = 12 sc, 12 ch.-5 sps, ch. 1,

 

5 Rnd: sc into the same ch.-5 space; *ch. 5, sc into the next ch.-5 space*; repeat from * to * 10 times more; ch. 2, dc into the 1st sc = 12 sc, 12 ch.-5 sps, ch. 1,

6 - 9 Rnds: repeat 5 Rnd,

10 Rnd: sc into the same ch.-5 space, *ch. 3, sc into the next ch.-5 space*; repeat from * to * 10 times more; ch. 1, hdc into the 1st sc = 12 sc, 12 ch.-3 sps, ch. 1,

11 Rnd: sc into the same ch.-3 space, *ch. 2, sc into the next ch.-3 space*, repeat from * to * 10 times more; ch. 2, sl. st. into the 1st sc = 12 sc, 12 ch.-2 sps, ch. 1,

12 Rnd: sc into the 1st st, *2 sc into the next ch.-2 space, sc*; repeat from * to * 10 times more; 2 sc into the last ch.-2 sp, sl. st into the 1st sc = 36 sc,

13 Rnd: sc around = 36 sc, sl. st. into the first sc, ch. 1,

14 Rnd: repeat Rnd 13.

 

15 Rnd: 4 sc, ch. 40, skip 10 sc; 8 sc, ch. 40, skip 10 sc; 4 sc = 16 sc, 2 ch.-40 sps, sl. st. into the first sc, ch. 1,

16 Rnd: 4 sc, sc into every BLO of every ch. of ch.-40, 8 sc, sc into every BLO of every ch. of ch.-40, 4 sc = 96 sc, sl. st. into the first sc,

 

17 Rnd: sl.st around, fasten off, wave in the ends.

Strawberry:

Starting with green:

1 Rnd: ch. 2, 5 sc into the 2nd ch. from the hook = 5 sc, sl. st. into the first sc, ch. 1,

2 Rnd: incr around = 10 sc, sl. st. into the FLO of the 1st st, ch. 1,

3 Rnd: *ch. 6, sl.st. into the 2nd ch. from the hook, sc, 2 hdc, sc, sl. st. into the FLO of the next 2 sc of 2 Rnd*, repeat from * to * 4 times more, fasten off, weave in the end.

 

 

     

The berry is worked in spiral rounds without joining. Turn the leaves upside down, join red to the back loops;

  

1 Rnd: incr around = 20 sc,

2 Rnd: (1 sc, 1 incr) - repeat 5 times = 30 sc,

3 - 5 Rnd: sc around = 30 sc,

6 Rnd: (1 decr, 4 sc) - repeat 5 times = 25 sc,

7 Rnd: 2 sc, (1 decr, 3 sc) - repeat 4 times; 1 decr, 1 sc = 20 sc,

8 Rnd: (1 decr, 2 sc) - repeat 5 times = 15 sc,

9 Rnd: sc around = 15 sc, stuff the berry,

10 Rnd: (1 sc, 1 decr) - repeat 5 times = 10 sc,

11 - 12 Rnd: sc around = 10 sc,

13 Rnd: decr around = 5 sc, fasten off, weave in the ends.

With yellow, embroider the berry. You can use simple vertical stitches, like I did, or French knots.

The basic Stripey pattern is available here:

Etsy

Ravelry

Craftsy

Amigurumipatterns

The full-size pictures are available here