Little Red Riding Hood Finger Puppets

I love when I can make crochet presents that encourage literacy. Finger puppets make great book/puppet sets. Kids read or have the story read to them and then they can enjoy acting out the story while it is read or retelling the story later.

This Handmade Kitty pattern was a present from my husband and now the finished products will be heading off for a December birthday. Trina Schart Hyman's version of Little Red Riding Hood seemed like a great partner for my project. I love her classic illustrations.

I have several projects that I am working on all at the same time. I have finished a reindeer that I will post soon. I have another one of Handmade Kitty's finger puppet stories, The Three Little Pigs started. I have finished one pig and the mud house. I am thinking this will likely go in the Easter box. I am working on an old Annie's Attic pattern for the Old Woman Who Lived in the Shoe. I think this one will make the Christmas cut off. I have almost completed a polar bear that is in the same pattern set with the reindeer. I will have to see how things progress. Since the projects all need to be mailed, finishing early is required.

If you arrived here looking for free holiday or toy patterns please see the following pages:

Dinosaurs and Dragons

Knit and Crochet Food Patterns Great for Play Food

Hello Kitty

Crochet and Knit Puppets

Crochet Amigurumi Animals and Stuffed Animal Free Patterns

Knit Amigurumi and Stuffed Toys

Crochet and Knit Amigurumi and Other Dolls

Knit and Crochet Toys

Teddy Bear Patterns and Clothes

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Pictures may not be used without permission.

Tablecloth Patterns

I have not found lots of free patterns for Tablecloths. However I will continue to add patterns as I locate them. It seems a shame not to share what I have found until I locate more.

Crochet:

Buffet Runner

Crochet Pattern Central

Eyelet Accent

Filet

Free Crochet

Free Patterns.com

Knot Stitch

Pineapple Round

Queen of the Garden Runner

Rose Window

Square a Day

Sunshine Runner

Swirl

Table Runner

Picture Credit: Carlootch Flickr.com

Amigurumi Bear Finger Puppet

As promised, I am posting the finished bear puppet. For those that want to see the previous blog post on putting this fellow together the post is here.

I am really looking forward to completing more projects in this leaflet and then trying to adapt other small Ami patterns to finger puppets. This leaflet lays out the process fairly clearly. If I am successful, I will document my progress.

This was created from an out of print pattern, Leisure Arts Leaflet 435, 1986, Finger Puppets 12 Designs to Crochet by Susan Pippin.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Fashion Doll Polish Peasant Dress

One of the challenges I faced when I started this pattern was the realization that fingering yarn is not as easy to acquire as it once was in local stores. I have since been experimenting with alternatives and trying to buy equivalents online, but it has been challenging. This gown was made with remnants of yarn purchased at a Church sale. Unfortunately, while I had enough to finish the dress, I had to finish the apron in white. Somehow, it seemed like a realistic solution that might have been made if someone had in fact run out of the required resources. If I can find the right pattern of variegated fingering yarn, I would love to match the original pattern as it makes a pretty outfit. This was fairly close to the look I wanted, just lacked enough yarn.



The pattern used to make this outfit is the Polish Peasant Dress by Frances Morse. It can be found in the out of print Fashion Wardrobe International 87D10, Annie’s Pattern Club, published by Annie’s Attic, 1983.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Amigurumi Pig

I have adult nieces that went through the pig stage with Charlotte’s Web and Babe and while I bought the toys, I never really went through the stage myself. This pattern was a delight, though. I fell in love with this little pig by the time he was done. He does actually remind me of the Fisher Price toy we had.

One of the things I loved about this pattern was the ears were created while crocheting the head. Secondly, the head was not created as a separate part of the pig body; they were crocheted as one piece. This reduced the sewing portion of the exercise greatly.






















I almost have the chicken/rooster finished and will share the outcome of that project next. This experience has made me eager to seek out other patterns from this series. I am also curious to find out if the kids will enjoy these animals as much as the Fisher Price toys, as they are similar in size and purpose.

This pattern is found in an out of print Annie's Pattern Club Pattern, 87B54 Down on the Farm.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Dinosaur Amigurumi

The project is complete. It feels great to work through an entire book and actually to have attempted and completed all the projects. Some were greater successes than others were, but each was a learning process that has taught me new skills and given me more confidence in trying new things. I will be back to this book before Christmas.

For those seeking the pattern book it can be found at Gourment Crochet's, Amigurumi's Dinosaurs.

If you want to see the individual blog entries and additional pictures for this project see the links below.

T-Rex and Brontosaurus

Stegosaurus

Triceratops

Pterodactytl

Wooly Mammoth

Please see the Dinosaur and Dragon Page for free knit and crochet patterns.

My next project is an old Annie’s Pattern Club pattern for a farm. Another Christmas present on my list.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Pterodactyl Amigurumi

This was the only pattern in the series that I questioned the pattern, not just my skill level. The pattern book picture shows a triangle that creates the wing for the dinosaur. A rounded wing is the result of crocheting in the round as written in the pattern. I am going to experiment with the written pattern further and work on adapting the pattern on my own to see if I can create one that looks more like the one in the book. With the lack of wingspan, I adapted how I attached the arms as well. Since I have more requests for dinosaur presents, I will have time to practice the patterns.




That being said, Terri, as he has been lovingly named, still has drawn some popular attention. Thus, the increase in requests for dinosaur presents. I am going to continue to work on creating a pterodactyl with wings that are closer to the original intent. I will post any progress I make.

For those seeking the pattern book it can be found at Gourment Crochet's, Amigurumi's Dinosaurs.

Please see the Dinosaur and Dragon Page for free knit and crochet patterns.


Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Triceratops Amigurumi

This was the project I was least interested in starting and most pleased with when it was finished. The picture seemed awkward when I viewed the cover. However, as I began working on the project, seeing him in a squatted position seemed to work. This project was one of the most enjoyable because I had such a low anticipation of the outcome.

The triceratops was one of the easiest of the patterns to create. The most challenging part was getting the back legs positioned correctly. I have learned to pin all the legs prior to sewing anything to an animal.

One of the goals I presented myself with at the start of this project was not to buy any yarn to finish it. It has been fun digging through yarn stashes to find matches. I wanted fun colors and was not concerned about following the pattern color suggestions in all cases. This is working out.

For those seeking the pattern book it can be found at Gourment Crochet's, Amigurumi's Dinosaurs.

Please see the Dinosaur and Dragon Page for free knit and crochet patterns.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Stegosaurus Amigurumi

I completed the next step in my dinosaur Christmas project. The pattern for the Stegosaurus, or as he became known as I was working on him Steggi, came from Gourment Crochet's, Amigurumi's Dinosaurs.

When I started this project, I thought the Stegosaurus would prove more challenging than the previous two dinosaurs I had made, the T-Rex and the brontosaurus. Creating the body was a typical project. I think when I make the plates again; I might try a lighter weight sports yarn. The plates were cute, but I think a lighter yarn might provide a more defined look. I can also experiment with hook size to see if that makes a difference as well. I learn a bit as I work through each one of these projects.




I will say as I have shown people the results of my efforts, this is one of the creatures that almost does not escape so I will say people still are finding him attractive.

Please see the Dinosaur and Dragon Page for free knit and crochet patterns.

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Amigurumi Dinosaurs

I can remember the well intentioned gifts I received from adults that were not always identifiable. I want the kids to actually enjoy what I make as much as I enjoy making them.

I have purchased plastic dinosaur sets for kids for years. Dinosaurs are such a popular toy for kids. It has been a pleasure realizing I could create something that kids could use with the same creativity as the old plastic play sets and I have a better control over what I use to make them.

My goal in making gifts is to find patterns that will be interesting to make and meet the fun standard. When I saw Gourment Crochet's, Amigurumi's Dinosaurs it inspired me to buy and try. The thought of making the patterns intrigued me and I could see kids enjoying the toys if I was successful in assembling them. I have finished two T-Rex Amigurumi and a Brontosaurus to date. The first T-Rex has already made an Easter journey. I have a Stegosaurus that just needs the plates attached and it will be completed. I will continue to update my progress on this project, which I hope to have ready to mail for a Christmas present.




The pattern book includes directions for a T-Rex, Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Pterodactyl, and a Wooly Mammoth. The three patterns I have made so far have had clear directions and have been easy to follow. It has been great not finding any missing steps in the process.

Please see the Dinosaur and Dragon Page for free knit and crochet patterns.

Pictures may not used without written permission.

Hello Kitty

I came across this pattern at Naida's Crochet. The free pattern link can be found in the Toy Links under Other Toys.

I don't know if any of you have huge Hello Kitty fans in your family, but I do. While I have purchased items I have not had many options to make any items. It was wonderful to see a pattern that resembled the beloved character that I could actually make. It had the benefit of still looking like the character when I was finished. The pattern directions were easy to follow and clear. I did use plastic eyes and added fabric to back them so they would not poke through the back of the purse. This is different from the original pattern.

I sent this off in the Easter items and have not yet heard back about the reaction. However, there were times I was not sure it would make it to the box, so I do have high hopes it will be a pleaser.



For those of you looking for Hello Kitty free Ami patterns I recently came across a blog that has free patterns of Hello Kitty in a variety of costumes. Armina's Ami-Nals has some patterns I want to try out for my Hello Kitty fans. Check them out for yourself.




Pictures may not be used without my written permission.

Easter Eggs

I wanted to crochet Easter eggs this year for my own decorations and to give to family for safe holiday decorations for younger children and pretty decorations for older ones. I looked at several of the free patterns listed in the Easter resources, but most I found were for the Easter egg covers.






















I tried several patterns from the Internet and books and eventually settled on the egg pattern found in Amigurumi World. The pattern was quick and easy to follow. I chose to use up some left over variegated yarn. I had cotton yarn left over from dishcloth projects and worsted weight yarn from winter projects. The pattern in the book uses white worsted yarn. I wanted striped eggs. Those who like single colored eggs might choose yarn in colors that suit their decorative style.



The reaction for those given so far has been positive. I made up a half a dozen to decorate the house here as well mailing or giving close to a dozen. They really work up quickly and it is fun to see how the variegated yarn takes shape in the egg pattern.

These pictures are my property and may not be reused without written permission.

Barbie St. Patrick's Day Outfit

I promised to post pictures of the projects that I have been discussing. Unfortunately, my Barbie St. Patrick's Day outfit seemed to have gotten lost in the digital memory. I made a crochet skirt and top with the same top hot for both my nieces. Thinking it was safe, I mailed off the actual outfits.

My Mom knitted this outfit for several relatives and young friends to celebrate the holiday. She gave me one to send to my niece on my husband's side. This picture did survive the digital delete.

The hat was purchased from Michaels for those who are looking.


Photographs do belong to me and can not be republished.

Valentine's Barbie Outfit

Mom was far more organized than I after Christmas this year. I just started learning to knit and crochet at the end of summer. I finished several projects for Christmas, but was not prepared for Valentine's day as I had hoped to be for doll's clothes. My only contribution to the outfit was the hat from the same book.

Mom whipped up Barbie outfits for relatives' and friends' kids. This outfit is from the book listed below. I have found it at several libraries. Mom was generous enough to make an extra outfit to share with a young relative on my DH's side of the family. I grabbed a photo of Barbie in her Valentine's outfit before shipping it off.

I retain rights to all my photographs and they are not for reuse without my permission.

Graduation Crafts Knitting Crochet Plastic Canvas

I know I have graduations to consider this spring. I am sure I am not alone in needing some creative craft ideas for presents and decorations. I hope these ideas help.

Crochet:

American Girl:

Graduation Gown and Cap

Barbie Fashion Doll Graduation Crochet:

Barbie Fashion Doll Graduation Cap and Gown

Ken Graduation Gown

Graduation Crochet:

Allfreecrafts graduation bear

Graduation Bear Small Ami

Graduation Bookworm

Graduation Gown and Hat for 15" Doll

Graduation Hat Fridgie

Graduation Owl Lion Brand

Lion Brand Crochet Bear








This is my finished version of the Lion Brand Bear pattern. I created the gown as it is not included in their free pattern link above. Read more about the project on the graduation bear blog entry.

Knitting:

American Girl Doll no hat




Plastic Canvas :

Graduation Snoopy

Graduation Bear and Owl Scroll Down Free Patterns



Picture Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rileyroxx/ / CC BY 2.0

Graduation Bear picture is not free for use. Written permission must be granted.

Knit and Crochet Easter Free Patterns

I was amazed how many great Easter knitting and crochet free patterns were available. I started this list while I was researching the Halloween blogs and it continues to grow.

I thought I would add some of my own Easter photographs that have come from this using these links.

The carrot rattle was fun and easy to do.



The Easter basket for Barbie has turned into a requested item. Even Ken had to get one.

























Crochet:

American Girl 18" Doll Patterns:

Adoring Dolls Easter Outfit

American Girl Easter Basket Cobbler's Cabin

Dress with Easter Bunny Ears from Red Heart

Easter Bonnet

Easter Bunny Hat

Barbie Fashion Doll Crochet Patterns:


Barbie Easter Basket

Barbie Easter Bonnet

Barbie Fashion Doll Easter Dress

Easter Dress from Happy Yellow on Ravelry Thread



Crochet Easter Patterns:

Kitchen and Home Patterns:

Bunny Dishcloth

Bunny Filet Afghan

Bunny Towel Ring

Duck Bib

Egg Coaster

Egg Coaster 2

Egg Dishcloth

Egg Hot Pad

Egg Hot Pad

Egg Potholder

Decorations and Toys:

Baskets:

Basket

Easter Basket

Easter Basket

Lion Brand Baby Wool Basket

Lion Brand Springtime Basket


Bunnies:

Ami Bunny

Ami Bunny Heads

Bunnies with Carrot House

Baby Bunny

Bunny

Bunny and Carrot Rattle (not one pictured on this blog)

Bunny, Basket, Eggs, Flowers

Bunny Boo

Bunny Hat

Bunny in a Basket

Carrot the Bunny

Chocolate Bunny

Chocolate Bunnies

Easter Bunny

Easter Bunny

Easter Bunny Floppy Ears

Easter Bunny Candy Holder

Love Bunny

Eggs

Fun Fur Bunny

Hungry Bunny Chocolate Colored Eats Veggies


My First Bunny

Peep Bunny

Wee Rabbit

Chicks and Ducks:

Baby Chick

Chick Cosies Family with Hats

Chicken and Duck Egg Cosies

Chicklett

Duck

Fun Fur Duck

Peep Chick

Eggs:

Art Deco Eggs

Easter Eggs and Basket

Egg

Egg From Bev's Country Cottage

Egg Lion Brand

Mrs. Egghead and her Husband

Pineapple Easter Egg

Red Heart

Stuffed Easter Egg

Vampire Easter Egg

Victorian Easter Egg Ornaments

Other Animals and Toys:

Bear in Bunny Clothes

Doll with Bunny Ears and Basket

Lamb

Lamb 2

Little Lamb

Other Toys and Decorations:

Carrot Rattle

Donna's Crochet

Easter Lily

Tote

Wreath



Knit:

American Girl 18" Doll Patterns:

Easter Dress



Kitchen and Home Patterns:

Bunny Dish Cloth

Easter Basket Dish Cloth

Egg Dish Cloth

Egg Hot Pad

Decorations and Toys:

Baskets:

Basket

Bunnies:

Bunny

Bunny

Bunny Nuggets

Bunny to Duck Duck to Bunny Toy

Chicks and Ducks:

Chicken and Duck Cozies

Chicks

Chicks 2

Chubby Chicks

Duck

Eggs:

Decorated Eggs

Easter Eggs and Basket

Eggs

Eggs

Jean Greenhowe's Eggs

Eggs from self-striping yarn

Other Toys and Decorations:

Finger Puppets

Jean Greenhowe's Easter Treats

Knitting on the Net

Toys That Fit in Easter Eggs

Loom Knitting:

Bitsy Bunnies

Blossom the Hip Hop Flower Bunny

Bunny

Bunny Loom Knitting

Chick Dish Cloth

Easter Eggs

Easter Purse

Life and Crafts

Sewing:

Bunny Speedsters

Check out my Easter Project Blogs:

Amigurumi Easter Bunnies

Amigurumi Ducks and Chicks

Barbie Easter Basket

Carrot Rattle

Crochet Easter Eggs


These pictures may not be used without my written permission.

St. Patrick's Day Crochet and Knitting

I have had requests for those hard to find St. Patrick's Day Patterns and here is what I have located. I will continue to update as I locate more.

Crochet:

Crochet Pattern Central

Barbie Fashion Doll Crochet Patterns:

Barbie St. Patrick's Day Dress Page 1 Page 2

American Girl Crochet Patterns:

Top 'O the Morning

St. Patrick's Day Crochet:

Kitchen and Home Patterns:

Afghan Four Leaf Clover

Afghan Shamrock

Crochetnmore Shamrock Coaster

Hat and Shamrock Pot Holders

Leprechaun Dishcloth

Leprechaun Toilet Tissue Cover

Shamrock Coaster

Shamrock Dishcloth

Shamrock Pot Holder

Shamrock Pot Holder 2





















Decorations:

Allfreecrafts Shamrock

Clover Square

Crochet Me Kitty

Four Diamond Shamrock Granny Square

Granny Square

Kitrick the Leprechaun

Leprechaun Hat

Leprechaun Hat Welcome Sign

Leprechaun Snowmen

Lucky Leprechaun

Paddy O'Possum

Pot of Gold

Pot of Gold Crochet Memories

Rose Bud Irish Lassie Doll Pattern

Shamrock

Shamrock Door Hanger

Shamrock Pillow Doll

Shamrock Pin

St. Patrick's Kitty Amigurumi

Top Hat




Knit:

Kitchen and Home Patterns:

KrisKnits Dishcloth Patterns

Four Leaf Clover Dish Cloth

Shamrock Dish Cloth

Shamrock Hot Pad

Shamrock Lace Dish Cloth

St. Patrick's Dish Cloths


Decorations:

Rufus the Leprechaun

Shamrock

Shamrock Baby Booties

Loom Knitting:

Leprechaun

Leprechaun Hat

Leprechaun Mug Hug

Shamrock

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Christmas Craft Sale Deals

Holiday craft sales are starting earlier than ever this year. For those that sell crafts this is probably obvious.

However, some of these sales can be great times to get materials as well as learn new ideas for your own crafting. I have found the Senior Center sales in this area to be the best resource for finding craft books, kits, and other craft supplies. Many have a resale table for materials. While other sales tend to have knick knacks, toys, and Christmas ornaments on these tables, I have had amazing luck at the Senior Centers in finding craft materials. Many people begin to down size and donate the materials to their Senior Center for sale. The prices are often quite good. Even more importantly you can often find vintage pattern books no longer available.

Happy hunting.

Picture Credits:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lastgunslinger/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Knit and Crochet Bookmarks

Bookmarks can be fun projects for kids or great small projects for gifts, stocking stuffers, or teacher presents.

Crochet:

Free Patterns

CrochetPattern Central

Fun Fur Mouse

Gecko

Harry Potter

Hearts Filet

Rose Bud

Sweet Rosey

Teacher's Bookmark

Two Patterns



Knitting:

Knitting on the Net

Knitting Pattern Central

Several Patterns Scroll Down

Loom Knitting:

Life and Crafts

Picture Credits:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/terwilliger911/ / CC BY 2.0

Crochet and Knit Coasters and Doily Free Patterns

Coasters and doiles are popular projects. I've been finding sources and listing them as I find them. I will continue to update resources as I find them.


Crochet:

Coaster:

Decagon Coaster

Crochetnmore

Easy Coasters

Purple Passion

Watermelon Scroll Down



Doiles:

Blue Pineapple

Calla Lilly Doily

Castles in the Air

Crochet Patty Large Selection

Crowns Surround

Diamond

Doiles 3 Sizes

Ecru Doily

Easy Doily

Fancy Purple Doily

Free Patterns.com

Free Vintage Crochet Large Selection

Forget Me Not

Frills Doily

Granny Roses

Green Leaf

Hot Air Balloons

Orange Blossom Doily

Pansy

Pine Cone

Pineapple Doily

Pineapple Set

Pinwheels Nadias Crochet

Pretty Kitty Scroll Down

Roman Candle

Roses and Leaves

Ruffled Diamond
Doily

Sailing

Simple Doily

Vanity Fair Scroll Down

Viola Pansy

White Doily




Knit:

Coasters:

Knitting Pattern Central Coasters

Doiles:

Knit Flower Doily

Knitting Pattern Central Doiles

Loom Knitting:

Coasters:

Sun

Watermelon

Check the Holiday Blog Pages for Holiday Patterns.

Valentine's Day

St. Patrick's Day

Easter

Patriotic Holidays

Halloween

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Picture Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mccordworks/ / CC BY-SA 2.0