Head in the Clouds

It's Friday so I'm on the crest of happiness today, particularly as I've had a hideous amount of work to do this week. Time to book a summer holiday me thinks...

Great minds think alike as they say and when I was looking at Penny's blog last week I immediately recognised a piccie of an amigurumi weather baby mobile I'd earmarked to make this year. It's a pattern from a book (or at least that's where I originally spotted it) but gaining confidence week by week, I thought I'd have a go at hooking it 'sans pattern'. What do you think? Attracted to the cheerful and dinky little weather symbols, this project really made me smile. It's by Baxter's Rest.

As ever, when I'm not at work I often have my head in the clouds and long for the day when I can dedicate more time to my blog, as well as befriending more like-minded bloggers. Sorry to those of you whose blogs I normally visit and comment on, my email address has now been attached to a new site so isn't allowing me to leave comments until I get it sorted. You'll see why in a few weeks!

Essential Amigurumi How to - Making Arms and Legs

From time to time you come across some real gems when travelling through the twittersphere. Yesterday I spotted a tweet from Erich containing a link to their helpful blog post on making amigurumi toys. Joining limbs and other body parts to knitted or crocheted toys can be tricky the first few times; it may sound obvious to seasoned knitters and crocheters, but pinning limbs in place before stitching them on is also essential for getting that rounded shape where the limb meets the body. Rosie here (see below) was my first knitting project. I had trouble putting her legs on evenly; however, I still adore her! I intend to check Erich's blog more regularly as I found the way they pinpointed and addressed a specific crochet technique like this really handy.

At time of posting, the Roman Sock blog which I featured in my top 10 crochet sites list last week  published a useful video tutorial on amigurumi tips. Video clips are so accessible and have helped me with many techniques since I started knitting. Check it out, Brie knows what she's talking about.

Miffy's New Home

Do you remember the amigurumi rabbit I crocheted at the end of last year? Well, he's apparently very settled in his new home now. I sent him across London to blogger pal Anna for her son Luke and they are now firm friends! Check out her lovely post here.

Top 10 Inspirational Crochet Websites

I do love a top 10 and thought that other beginner crocheters would find it handy to have a list of inspirational blogs and websites for learning how to crochet.

In no particular order, here's my top 10 and why...


1. Ravelry - The mother of all yarn craft websites, not-for-profit community social media site Ravelry is an Aladdin's Cave of patterns, forums and news used by 'craftivists' across the globe.

2. Spontaneous Joy - Taking amigurumi bears to a whole new level, Gurumi 'O' Rama will melt even the iciest of hearts.

3. Crafty is Cool - A website containing Alison's quirky collection of amigurumi characters based on real people and familiar TV and film characters such as Wonder Woman and Michael Jackson.

4. Ana Paula's Amigurumi Patterns & Random Cuteness - It is difficult not to raise a smile when you see these itty bitty cutie creations. Ana Paula's crocheted toys are really lovely.

5. Isamo Crochet - Super stylist lacy gloves and modern crochet accessories abound.

6. MemeRose - Easy on the eye, Meme Rose’s blog features blanket projects that will make you seethe with envy wishing you'd created them yourself!

7. Crochet with Raymond - In a class of its own, Alice's 'Kiwi Experience' is a heady mix of yarn dying endeavours, insider tips on spinning wheels and colourful knitting and crochet projects, all presented by her creative director, Raymond the handsome siamese cat.

8. Roman Sock - Showcasing iguanas and many of the adorable animals from Brigitte's best-selling book, Roman Sock also includes a helpful Must Have Crochet List to point novice crocheters in the right direction.

9. Planet Penny - Combining craft projects with pet news and tasty recipes, this new blog is like a great night in with all your favourite home comforts.

10. Amigurumi Today - I always check it for the adorable animated amigurumi clips which are occasionally featured.

Pictured: my tea cosy, inspired by Alice’s Spring Explosion tea cosy on Crochet with Raymond.

Watching the Clock

Check this out! Spotted in Heals this week, I simply had to pap this crochet covered wall clock in understated olive with a white face. J'adore!

After seeing this textured mini marvel, I imagined the fun I could have covering seemingly dull household items in a tightly woven amigurumi style crochet, transforming them into knitted objets d'art! Picture frames, lampshades and plant pots would all benefit from a unique crochet makeover, let's call it 'knitholstery'.

I may give something in my flat a funky crochet covering this year. Then I'll do a before and after thing and you can tell me which picture looks better!

In the News: How to Knit the Knitlympics

As we're now in 2012, I'd thought I'd issue an Olympic post and mention 'Knitlympics', a quirky new book of knitting patterns about how to knit former Olympic stars. Check it out! After looking up author Carol Meldrum's website http://www.beatknit.com, I have to say, it's fab and more than worthy of a listing on my blog roll. I am full of regret that I didn’t apply for Olympic tickets, however, whipping up something from the aforementioned book is surely the most painless way to limber up and get into the spirit of the big event?!

Although I’m personally more amigurumi than mochimochi myself, all this Olympic fever is making me want to fashion something Olympic myself. When the London 2012 logo was first launched it was unpopular, critics claimed the digits looked as if Lisa from The Simpsons was doing something unmentionable. However, I found its graffiti retro feel really appealing!

Disappointingly, a quick scan on Ravelry revealed zero London 2012 knitting and crochet projects in progress. If you are making something crafty in preparation for London 2012 do let me know, I’d love to ‘have a butcher’s’, as we say in cockney London town. Perhaps we could even display them online in the style of Tony Hart's gallery from the children's art TV show, Hart Beat. Oh, that takes me back...

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Barking Mad

Yes, it's a dog's life! I spotted this in Crochet Patterns Today and just had to share it! I don't know where the phrase 'Pug Ugly' comes from but in my view, pugs are super cute. Having seen this knitted mini marvel I am inspired to make a pug dog of my own one day. Design by GurumiORama on Etsy.

Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit

Just a quickie tonight to show you the finished article. Ta-da! Here's my little rabbit amigurumi toy, crocheted using Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino. If you'd like to make this little chap for yourself, check out the 'Amigurumi' book by Lan-Anh Bui & Josephine Wan. As mentioned previously, I was hoping to have a bonnet, mittens and booties set ready in time for the birth of my friend's baby due any day now. However, if it's not completed in time I'm sure Miffy will make a lovely present instead.

United Knitdom in Amigurumi Today

Jostling for a position amongst the edited selection of Japanese crochet news from across the blogosphere, my Making Miffy post has been featured in Amigurumi Today! I do enjoy networking with fellow crafters from around the world and this added exposure gives me increased impetus to crack on with more projects.

Before I go, I also wanted to draw readers' attention to this spectacular kaleidoscope blanket by Meme Rose as highlighted on Crochet with Raymond, one of my favourite crochet blogs. Isn't it stunning? It has definitely inspired me to produce something similar and reminds me a lot of the Muse album cover.

Kaleidoscope blanket by Meme Rose.

Making Miffy

My plans to create an ami koala bear from the enchanting 'Super-super Cute Crochet' Brigitte Read book were dashed today as my local 'craftery' had completely sold out of 3.5mm crochet hooks. Instead, I thumbed through old favourite 'Amigurumi' by Lan-Anh Bui & Josephine Wan and started on a seven inch bunny, not dissimilar to cult Japanese cartoon character Miffy. With the ears complete, I will now move on to the head and body.

Russian dolls Katia and Natasha marvel with curiosity at Miffy's ears.