One of my favorite 18" Doll Designers has decided she is done with designing and donating her patterns to all of us. I am so grateful for all the patterns she's shared that I decided to go back and revisit the items I've made through the years. Sadly I don't have pictures for all the items I made with her patterns. However, I thought it would be nice to demonstrate how many children ended up with items made with her patterns. So thank you Darski. I have so enjoyed finding your new patterns at Crochetville. However, I am pleased to see you are still posting pictures of the clothes you love making there.
November 19, 2010 Original Blog Post here
December 1, 2010 American Girl Mrs. Claus Original Blog Post here
December 21, 2010 Holiday Dress Original Blog Post here
December 22, 2010 Mrs. Claus based on Darski's We Gather pattern. The original blog post is here.
July 1, 2011 American Girl Colonial Outfit Original Blog Post here
July 19, 2011 Witch Costume again based on the We Gather pattern Original Blog Post here
October 6, 2011 Another Pilgrim Doll Original Blog Post here
October 20, 2011 Mrs. Claus again it is one of the more popular outfits for donating Original Blog Post here
Blue Pilgrim November 26, 2011 Blog post here
Pilgrim Dress December 4, 2013 Original Post here
December 17, 2013 American Girl Christmas Dress Original Post here
December 18, 2013 Mrs. Claus Original Post here
American Girl Witch January 9, 2014 Original Blog Post here
Darski, I know I've made other patterns of yours, but I don't have them documented here. I know that I return to the We Gather pattern constantly, as you can see here. I also have made your Christmas Dress even more times than documented here. I am truly grateful for you sharing your gift. Thanks to you and other creative people I have been able to make gifts for family and friends. Now that most of those children have outgrown the dolls I've continued with my yearly doll donations. Without the genrous offerings of you and the other free designers my costs would make the donations much smaller.
Crafting is fun for all ages and interests. This blog evolved from researching resources for friends and articles I write as a freelance writer. It is a place to share the information I discovered. Please feel free to leave comments and questions. I am always looking at new projects ideas for family and friends in areas of my own abilities and theirs. As a notice to my readers this blog does contain Amazon links and Google Adsense. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Fabulous Finds
I love buying crochet patterns. New, used, in print or out of print I am always thrilled to find new to me items to explore. I hit a treasure trove last week and was thrilled to find some items I was interested in at very reasonable prices.
First up above is the picture of the Debbie Ann patterns I picked up. These are for a 16" doll that is also available in an out of print pattern. I have the smaller Bitty Baby version I got in Annie's Favorite Crochet Dolls. However, I was less interested in making the doll than in seeing how these patterns might be adaptable for the 15" big bodied Mary Maxim doll and perhaps some of the accessories for the 18" dolls.
I also am to the point of almost finishing my collection of Annie's Crochet Newsletter. I was able to pick up 4 more of the magazines. I am currently missing issue 5 from September/October of 1983 and any issues past 99, the last one I have acquired so far. If anyone happens to know the number and date of the last issue, I'd appreciate just leaving a note in the comments of this post. I know at one point it changed into another Annie's magazine, but I haven't been able to find out how many issues were printed before the change. I love this little magazine and only wish they still published something like it today.
I found a good deal on The Prayer Shawl Ministry: Reaching Those in Need (Leisure Arts #4225) so I picked up a copy to add to my growing collection of Prayer Shawl patterns.
I also got a Leisure Arts dishcloth book I hadn't seen before. I like having new dishcloth patterns to try. They are quick, practical projects and I'm always looking for new ones.
Just one note or a reminder on buying patterns, as I have said before, you need to comparison shop. I have looked at many of these patterns before and had a price point I knew I wanted to pay. When you are dealing with out of print patterns, you are sometimes at the mercy of the market. If they have what you want and you aren't willing to wait, you will sometimes find the prices painful. I usually can wait, so I find some amazing prices. The other warning is make sure the books/leaflets are out of print. After no success checking my normal pattern sites, I went looking for Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion, The: 37 Patterns to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life at my used book store sites. Now this book is still in print. The used bookstores were selling a used copy in "good" condition for more than the full retail value of the book. This is common when the book is out of print and hard to find, but not when the book is still being discounted by major retail bookstores. I picked mine up at a discount and with an additional coupon at a retail bookstore. I bought a new copy for considerably less than what the used versions were priced. It pays to comparison shop.
I look forward to experimenting with my new finds. There is one more Prayer Shawl book I'm hoping to preview from the library before I decide to purchase. It should be in at the beginning of the month. Than I can start hunting for my best deal if I choose to purchase it.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Double Hug Prayer Shawl
This is the Double Hug Prayer Shawl made using the pattern found in Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion, The: 37 Patterns to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life that I recently purchased after borrowing from the library.
I made this one using Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn that I had in my stash. I found the Granny style pattern easy to work on and quite relaxing. Having a pattern that I didn't have to check constantly was great when went got to crochet/knitting group meetings. My doll patterns tend to be too complicated to share socially and get anything productive finished.
My pictures are still not quite where I want them, but I think hanging the shawl is an improvement over my first attempt to photograph a shawl.
I have my third shawl over half done. I am enjoying exploring this new type of crochet project. I already have yarn lined up to work on some additional projects.
If you arrived here looking for free Prayer Shawl Patterns please check out the following Blog Page:
Free Prayer Shawl Patterns
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Baby Doll Dress and Hat
This dress was adapted from a free pattern for a 14 Inch baby doll found here. Thanks Recycle Cindy for providing the free pattern.
I used Red Heart worsted instead of Caron, which made it a little thicker. The pattern doll had smaller measurements to begin with and the Mary Maxim cloth dolls tend to be a bit beefier than some of the 15-inch baby doll patterns I have used. I decided to use buttons instead of Velcro to close the back. I had to make the straps slightly longer to account for the bigger body. I also started with a larger hook. However, as pattern adjustments go, this was one of the easier doll patterns I've adjusted for the Mary Maxim doll. I hope to make an additional one for the second donation doll.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Monday, May 26, 2014
Happy Memorial Day
Hope you have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend with family and friends. Our City has a special parade today to remember all those who fought for our country.
For those of you looking for Patriotic themed projects for Memorial Day or the upcoming July 4th holiday check out the following blog pages:
Patriotic Crochet and Knit Patterns
Plastic Canvas
Friday, May 23, 2014
Baby Doll Nightgown
I am usually really good about adding links to patterns I download. I like to thank the writers when I post about them and I like to be able to go back and get another copy of the free patterns if I lose it. I found this pattern in with a bunch of other patterns I had downloaded, but for some reason I don't have the link. I apologize and thank the designer. This outfit made a very nice addition to my donation box.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Baby Doll Top
I love the Mary Maxim 15" soft baby dolls because they do have the soft body. I think it makes for a nice donation doll. The downside is they have the soft body. It makes fitting clothes much more challenging. However, I do eventually get there. This top was the first failed attempt at completing the Girl's Dress pattern Fibre Craft FCM317. I think it makes a cute top and eventually I'll finish the dress at some point. I just need to adapt the pattern to fit the slightly larger padding found on the Mary Maxim doll.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Prayer Shawl Patterns
I recently joined a Prayer Shawl Ministry group at my Church and know I need variety when I work on projects. I might come back to a pattern, but I rarely repeat a pattern without looking for a new version. I need to try some new options to keep from burning out. As I was searching for free patterns, I realized I might not be the only one looking and decided to add another page for others who were interested. I discovered there are some with pictures and detailed patterns and many very simply written with minimal instructions. I will list what I can find and leave you to choose what works for you.
Crochet:
Amazing Grace
Bernat
Busy Bees
Chevron Stitch
Comfort
Fisherman's Wool Yarn from ABC Knitting
Half Granny Square
Homemade Noodles
Kindhearted
Kris's
Lion Brand
Lion Brand 13779
Margaret's Hug Healing Shawl
Men's Reversible
Pamela's Lattice
Strawberry Lane Crafts
Knit:
Birds on a Wire
Cashews
Dragon Scale
Faith
Fluted
Gutsy
Hopeful
Journey
Lacy
Nutty Knitter
Pushpa
Raised Eyebrow
Simply Alice
Sing the Song
Sugar Pie
Sunday Drive
Ted's
Walking the Halls
Wonderland
Loom Knit:
Prayer Shawl Ministry no pictures
Triangle Shawl Adapted to Yellow Knifty knitter here
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
The item pictured here is the Comfort Shawl found in Prayer Shawls II (Annie's Attic: Crochet)
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
My First Prayer Shawl
I mentioned last week that I had joined a Prayer Shawl Ministry Group at my Church. When I got home from the first meeting, I dug out some leaflets I had, downloaded some free patterns from the Internet, and even went online to reserve some books to preview from the library. I like variety.
As I started working on this project, I realized how nice it is to have a project that I can work on and just relax as I am doing it. This particular project works in threes so when you get to the end of the row, if you have done the row correctly, you have an even outcome. If you made a mistake, it is very clear. It makes it the perfect project to work on when you might be distracted.
This shawl is called Comfort and it comes from Prayer Shawls II (Annie's Attic: Crochet) a leaflet I picked up when it was on clearance at Annie's Attic. I love the texture it created as I was working with the yarn. I used a One Pounder of Caron I picked up while I was at the meeting. While the pattern didn't finish off the ends, I didn't like the leaving the ends unfinished so I chose to finish it off with a shell. The One Pounder didn't leave me with enough to finish off the shawl so, I chose grey because I thought it looked good against the blue.
I am used to taking pics of dolls and toys. I need to find a better method to show off the shawls.
I started the Double Hug Shawl from Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion, The: 37 Patterns to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life that I borrowed from the library. After previewing it, this is on my buy list. I have a wedding to attend in July and I am thinking a Double Hug one in black might be a nice addition to my wardrobe. There are several other patterns I can see making to donate.
This is also helping my stash busting goals. I had bought some I Love This Yarn for a project and never got to it. Now it’s going to a good cause.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Crocheted Dishcloths Arrived in the Mail
I love Crochetville. It is a wonderful, friendly online community. I participate regularly in their online wishlists and less frequently in their swaps.
On Saturday, a package arrived only marked as coming from my FGM. With the postal markings I was able to figure out it arrived from NC. Inside was a delightful spread of summer dishcloths to brighten my day. I also got a hot pad and what we used to call a Boo Boo Bunny.
I continue to be amazed at the thoughtful carrying people that participate there. So thank you FGM and thank you to all the people who make it such a welcoming and friendly community.
Free Dishcloth and Holiday Patterns Available on the Following Blog Pages:
Free Crochet and Knit Dishcloths Patterns
Valentines
St. Patrick's Day
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Pictures may not be used without written permission.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Baby Doll Blanket for 12 Inch Doll
A funny thing happened while working on an 18-inch doll project, it turned into a doll blanket for a 12 inch doll. I had a doll dress pattern that used the Chevron stitch and even when I increased the hook size and frogged it several times to check the pattern, I just wasn't getting it to fit the doll. However, I noticed it did look like it would make a nice blanket if it was just larger.
Then I realized while it wouldn't work for the 15 or 18-inch doll it was a good size for the 12 Jenna doll. So my time and effort was saved.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Thankful Thursday: Prayer Shawl Ministry
I have posted many times how thankful I am for my online groups, especially Crochetville. The online community is wonderful and supportive. However, I have long wished for a local community to sit and work with to meet people and to have that personal experience. I recently started going to Church in a town not too far from here. I was thrilled to see a notice for Prayer Shawl meetings and while I had to wait a few weeks for the monthly meeting, I got to go this week.
It was so wonderful to sit with a community of women and just chat. I was the only crocheter, but I can live with that. I even had the chance to teach someone the magic circle. One of the woman, also gave me information about another group that meets in the same town twice a month and I am going to see what I can do to make some of those meetings, too. I am feeling very blessed and hopeful as I post this. One of my dearest wishes has been granted.
When I got home, I dug out some Prayer Shawl books I had purchased on clearance from Annie's several years ago and downloaded some free patterns from Ravelry. The rules are pretty open about what styles we can make, size is more the issue. I also have a couple of books on reserve at the library to preview. I know from making doll clothes, I don’t stay motivated repeating patterns. Having variety will keep me motivated. At some point I think I'll start another page for free patterns as I collect them.
Working on human clothing is a big jump for me, but I will still have my doll donation project going. It is just nice to work with a community on something.
On another note, I would like to wish Happy Birthday to my Mom and my nephew. I hope you both have special days.
It was so wonderful to sit with a community of women and just chat. I was the only crocheter, but I can live with that. I even had the chance to teach someone the magic circle. One of the woman, also gave me information about another group that meets in the same town twice a month and I am going to see what I can do to make some of those meetings, too. I am feeling very blessed and hopeful as I post this. One of my dearest wishes has been granted.
When I got home, I dug out some Prayer Shawl books I had purchased on clearance from Annie's several years ago and downloaded some free patterns from Ravelry. The rules are pretty open about what styles we can make, size is more the issue. I also have a couple of books on reserve at the library to preview. I know from making doll clothes, I don’t stay motivated repeating patterns. Having variety will keep me motivated. At some point I think I'll start another page for free patterns as I collect them.
Working on human clothing is a big jump for me, but I will still have my doll donation project going. It is just nice to work with a community on something.
On another note, I would like to wish Happy Birthday to my Mom and my nephew. I hope you both have special days.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Doll Diaper
I decided the 12-inch doll had been neglected so I made her a diaper using a free pattern found here. I chose to use snaps instead of buttons. I suspect if I could find Velcro that was not a killer to sew that would be an even better option.
I have to experiment with how many stitches it would take on a starting chain, but I think this could be adapted to give the 15-inch baby dolls diapers, too.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Baby Doll Sweater, Bonnet, Booties
I'm still working hard putting away doll donation projects. This is another outfit for the 15 inch Mary Maxim doll. I am hoping to have a good pile finished before summer activities slow up my crochet time.
I received this pattern as a Valentine's gift. It can be purchased here. This was a chance to learn a new strategy for assembling the sweater and creating the arms. I still prefer the method I've used in the past, but I like the chance to learn something new.
I did play with the hook size to get the outfit to fit the Mary Maxim doll.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Baby Doll Blanket
I love the old leaflets that have complete wardrobes and accessories for dolls. You don't see them much anymore, but when I can find the out of print ones I buy them. Even if they aren't a perfect fit for the dolls I'm donating, I find I can often adapt patterns if I work an extra panel in the back if the doll is a bit bigger or reduce the size if the doll in the pattern is larger. Sometimes the clothes don't work, but the accessories are wonderful. That was the case when I purchased the out of print Dressing Up Dolly, Leisure Arts 2725. The original dolls these were designed for aren't available, however, the items are working out for my modern substitutes.
Today we have the blanket that goes with the basket I mentioned on Friday. This was actually not designed to go with the basket, but as part of the Christening set. That pattern called for sports weight yarn and knowing I'd already decided this one would be for the 15 inch doll, I opted to make it with worsted weight yarn to make it large enough to use with the basket.
The blanket has a pretty weave pattern to it and it works up nicely. I plan to try some of the outfits in this leaflet at some point for the 12-inch donation doll. Up next, I am working on a sweater set for the 15-inch doll from a pattern that the Easter Bunny dropped off.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Baby Doll Basket
As I mentioned in a previous post I started out making a doll basket for the 12-inch baby doll donation I am working on. I found the pattern in an out of print leaflet Dressing Up Dolly, Leisure Arts 2725.
Not having made one for a doll this size before I really didn't pay much attention to the measurements and made it according to the directions. I liked the way it looked, but felt it was a better fit for the 15-inch baby doll. Since the pattern doesn't use anything to shape the basket other than the yarn, having it too much larger than the doll seems leave it as more of a sack than a basket for carrying the doll. With the larger 15-inch doll, it seems to hold its shape better using the doll as a means of helping to shape the basket. I am going to try to make another one for the 12-inch doll using sport weight yarn to bring the size down.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
American Girl Poncho, Hat, and Pants
I received some Vanna's Choice yarn in a swap recently and wanted to try it out on a project for my doll donation. I don't use Vanna's often and found like some of the other worsted Lion Brand worsted I've used lately it is beautiful yarn, but slightly lighter in weight than some of the other worsted weights I use for these projects. I liked the softness, but I don't think I'd choose it again for this project. Having made this outfit before, I've had better results with other yarn.
This pattern used for this project was the Abby, Allie, and Annie outfit from Maggie's crochet that can be purchased here.
I finished another 18" outfit for the donation project and I've started something different. I'm making a doll basket/bed for the 12" donation baby doll made with 4 strands of yarn and an N hook. I've never worked with 4 strands so this could be interesting.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
American Girl Sweater, Skirt, and Hat
This outfit was made using Darski's free pattern Harriet. I am a member of her Yahoo Duds for Dora group and this is one of the patterns she offers for free to that group. In general, she offers the same patterns on Crochetville, but I haven't seen this one, even though it was released in May of last year, so I can't provide a link. Updated it was added today and the link is here.
The original pattern was made in grey, but I decided to use up the purple Vanna's yarn I used in my previous project. The sweater was a fun project, using some interesting stitches and it was easy to put together. The hat was cute and fun. The only mistake I made with the skirt is the elastic was a little too large. I'm always concerned about the clothes being too tight for little hands to get on and off and this time her skirt rides just a little too low. A note for next time as it is a great skirt pattern. It works up quickly and could be made in different colors to go with a variety of outfits.
I have the bottom of the basket/cradle bed finished for the 12" baby doll donation. I started working on the sides. My N Bates Bamboo handle came off last night. I've never had one of those break before. It could be the strain working four pieces of yarn. DH is trying to glue the handle back on for me and I'll be looking for a replacement soon keeping this as a backup. I have to check and see if I have an old metal one still around. I'd like to keep working on this to get it finished.
Barbie and American Girl Doll Free Patterns are listed on my blog at these locations:
Barbie Crochet and Sewing Page
Barbie Knitting Page
Ken Page
Kelly/Skipper Page
American Girl Doll Crochet and Sewing
American Girl Doll Knitting
Doll Blankets and Pillow Patterns
Baby Doll Patterns:
Baby Doll and Cabbage Patch
Additional Doll Patterns also Available on the Holiday Blogs:
Christmas
Valentines
Easter
Graduation
Patriotic
Halloween Page
Thanksgiving
Pictures may not be used without permission.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Elephant Leprechaun
Yes, we've finally reached the last of the holiday elephant amigurumis. I had to take a break and post about other things before returning to him, but he has the honor of finishing my ami posts for a bit. I've already started some doll clothes that I should be finishing well before this posts. Since I got so far behind on posting, I decided to catch up and prepost a bunch of entries taking me all the way from April into May.
This pattern is based on another one of Crochet Spot's holiday patterns Liam the Leprechaun. He can be purchased here. I was fortunate that a very kind person gifted him to me during one of Crochetville's wishlists. As with the Crochet Pilgrim I adapted the face so it would be elephant friendly. I added the trunk and ears from Red Heart's Baby Elephant found here.
After not being happy with the leg situation on the Pilgrim, I decided to go a different direction with the Leprechaun. I think I will do the same when making Liam for myself at some point. I didn't create the legs separately, I created them by separating them from the body and making them part of the core of the ami. I thought he looked better standing. He still isn't perfectly balanced, but he doesn't have the stubby look he gets when sitting.
If you arrived here looking for free patterns you may be interested in the following blog 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.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Raichu
For those of you who are Pokémon fans I will confess openly I chose Raichu because the tail looked like it would be interesting to construct and I thought I could complete him in the time I had left before the crochet swap mailing deadline. Sorry, I just never have learned much about Pokémon despite making the characters for others.
I found the pattern for this Pokémon inspired character here. While the tail lured me in, the legs ending up being an interesting project. He sits back a bit on his legs and getting that to work right was an interesting challenge. I also found the ears to be a bit harder to construct than I expected. I do think he was worth the effort.
I still have one more elephant project to post next week and then I think it’s back to doll clothes for my donation project. I'll finally be caught up on my back posts from my swaps.
If you arrived here looking for free patterns you may be interested in the following blog 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.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Snorlax
As I mentioned before, I made some Pokémon inspired amis for a crochet swap partner's sons. I'd made Snorlax before using the pattern found here. It worked out well but having seen the free one available here it seemed a better choice.
I liked the detail and the assembly of the second pattern, better. It was still challenging, but the final project looked better than the first one I'd made previously. Oddly, I ran into problems with the yarn choice. I thought I had the blue I needed in the standard brands of acrylic yarn I use. When I checked, I found out I only had Wool Ease available and it proved to have a smaller gauge than the regular acrylics I used on the rest of the body. In some places, I found I had to use sports weight to get the body to match. Lesson learned.
It is nice to have free patterns to choose from when trying to decide on these projects. I feel very fortunate that so many generous designers freely share their talents with the rest of us.
If you arrived here looking for free patterns you may be interested in the following blog 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.