AmigurumiParadise

Time for changes! :)

2012-01-27T17:05:00.010+01:00

Exciting! AmigurumiParadise will go through several changes during the next days/weeks! :)

For this reason my shops will be offline, starting on Sunday, 29.1.2012, afternoon.

There will also be a big revison of my websites/blogs... links may temporarily not work.

But above all - there's big good news, too!

A new wooly crochet critter is coming soon!... :)

Wanted: Pattern testers! :)

2011-12-21T19:20:00.008+01:00

Dear crocheters,

I'm searching for some dedicated pattern testers who want to test my Amigurumi patterns for me.

At the moment, there's no new pattern ready for testing - but there will be enough of them in future! :)

This is what I need from you:

You are an English native speaker and are able to proofread my patterns. Since English is not my mother tongue I very much appreciate your finding any language mistakes I may have made in my pattern(s).
You are quite good in crocheting and have practice in making Amigurumis. Your Amigurumis are of good quality.
You work very exactly and you find every typo or other mistakes the patterns you are testing. :)
You can finish testing within one week.
If you're testing for other pattern designers too, you will not tell them about anything you learn from my patterns (any technique, idea etc.)
You send me pics of the finished items and allow me to publish them on my blog (or you publish them - e.g. at Crochetville or Craftster etc.)
The most important thing: You will not give away my patterns to any other person.

This is what you get from me:

I will always ask before I send you one of my patterns for testing. I'll send pictures of the finished Amigurumis and will ask you if you want to test them for me. - You decide if you want to and have the time for testing them.
When the pattern is tested and finished, I will send the final version to you. So you will get the for sale version of the pattern for FREE.
And, of course, you will be one of the first to have my new pattern(s)! :)

If you're interested in testing my patterns, please send me an email, ideally with some pics of your finished works, to "contact@amigurumiparadise.com". (Please use the subject "pattern testing".)

P.S.: If you fulfill all of the above mentioned attributes - except being a native speaker, please do not hesitate to contact me! If I have enough English speaking testers I can need your help as well! :)

Tutorial: How-to crochet an oval

2011-07-08T18:33:00.027+02:00

Most parts of Amigurumis consist of simple circles that are worked in spirals. You end up with a ball- or pipe-shaped crochet part. But in some cases you will need to make a part that has a basic oval shape.

When crocheting an oval you don't start with a "Magic Ring" (or ch 2) as you would for a circular part, you start with a beginning-chain and crochet around it.

This tutorial shall show you how to crochet the first round of an oval.

Abbreviations (US crochet terms): ch = chain, sc = single crochet

You start with a beginning-ch (in this case: 5 ch), the last ch is a "turning chain" and will not be worked into later.

The first sc of the first round is made into the second ch (from hook).

The finished first sc.

Work one sc into each of the next ch (the count depends on the number of beginning-ch) - in this case 2 sc.

Then work 3 sc "around the corner" into the last ch. Next you will work "back" on the other side of the beginning-ch.

2 sc on the other side of the beginning-ch.

Finally, work 2 sc into the last ch of the round (this is the one where you already made the first sc into).

The first round of your oval is finished.

Round 2 finished.

(For advanced crafters: In general, go on increasing as you would for a circular part, starting in round 2 with increases into the initial 3 sc of each "end" (round 3: increase every 2nd stitch there, and so on), do not increase the 2 sc between the "ends". Increase 6 stitches in each round (3 at each end).)

Round 3 finished.

Tip: To prevent the holes in the middle (as you can see in the pictures above) use a smaller hook for making the beginning-ch.

What Does “Frogging” Mean?

2011-06-22T18:45:00.003+02:00

Ever asked yourself that question?

Maybe you will find the answer on Julia's blog (at least it'll make you smile):

New Term Tuesday – What Does “Frogging” Mean?

Oh, and my free "Frog King" pattern has been featured there! :)

My latest crochet works

2010-12-22T11:56:00.001+01:00

Christmas Gifts:

Gonzales und Moonique (my own pattern) waiting to go to her new mummy and daddy (my best friend's kids).


This robot went to a dear friend who is a very talented tinkerer. I put some wire into the the robot's arm, so they are poseable. (Pattern: "Amigurumi Robots, Rockets and UFO's" by AmyGaines.)

Yoda goes to a dear friend who is a big StarWars fan. (Pattern: "Yoda - Star Wars Mini Amigurumi" by lucyravenscar.)

And this is something I gifted to myself:

I made the first one about 2 years ago. Now I finally finished the 2nd one. (Pattern: "Spa of the Moment Ballet Flats" by hollanddesigns.)

It's done. :)

2010-12-18T19:39:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I passed my diploma exam.

I have been learning for weeks now...

Finally, I'm a Master of Science in Psychology. :)

Seems that I will have more time for crocheting again... (*g*)

Wishing you...

2010-10-31T19:52:00.000+01:00

Handmade Frog King

2010-06-22T17:11:00.002+02:00

You have to take a look a this little Frog King from Heike (Germany)!

He is made from handspun and handdyed yarn. - Isn't he cuuuuute? :)

Heike's Blogwelt

Frog King (free pattern)

2010-06-17T21:07:00.005+02:00

Finally - here's a new FREE PATTERN from me to you! :)

I designed a little eggy frog - and gave him a crown. Now he is a Frog King.

For all who want to kiss this frog: No guarantee that he will turn into a prince! (*g*)

Enjoy!

=> download free PDF

Amigurumi Banana pattern - French version

2010-05-05T23:12:00.003+02:00

The free Amigurumi Banana pattern has been translated into French by stef et sa belette. You can find the French version on her blog: Banane Frécinette au crochet pour sa dinette !

Free Easy Flower Pattern

2010-03-11T09:42:00.013+01:00

I've been frequently asked if I knew a nice flower pattern for decorating your Amigurumi.

Now here's a nice and easy to make pattern for a 5-petal flower:

Note: All rounds are joined with sl st.

Petals
With flower color:

Round 1: (sc, ch 3), repeat 4 times more (= 5 ch-spaces)
Round 2: (sl st, ch, 3 hdc, ch, sl st) in next ch-space; repeat 4 times more (= 5 petals)

FO, leave a long yarn tail. Make a knot with both yarn ends to fix them; you can use these later for attaching to where you want them to be!

Inner Part
With yellow (or any other matching color):

Round 1: 6 sc

FO, leave a long yarn tail; sew to centre of petals, weave in lose ends.

Copyright

This pattern is free and for personal use only!
Please do not distribute, sell, and/or translate into another language for selling; including publishing on the internet. Do not sell the finished flowers on the internet. Feel free to sell your flowers in your local stores/bazaars!

Happy Hooking!

Ami Presents

2010-01-04T09:08:00.009+01:00

I have been quite busy crocheting in the weeks before Christimas - I made two little Amigurumis as presents. Here they are:

"Rudi", the moose was a present for my brother
(pattern b nutsaboutcrochet13: "Moose Pattern PDF")

Elena, my best friend's little daughter, got a baby kangaroo (made without a pattern). She will be dressed up as a kangaroo in Fasching and wanted to have a little kangaroo to put in her pouch. :)

Some new Amis

2009-10-20T10:17:00.000+02:00

Some days ago I found this cute cow pattern in Janagurumi's Shop (Little cows Alma & Berta) - and I had to have it! :) This is how my tiny "Paula" turned out (I gave her a little udder and spots in different sizes) - isn't she cuuuuuute? :)

Mygurumi published a great Halloween-Special on her website: the pattern for "Betty Bat" as a free download (available until 21st october). - Of course I had to have it, too! :) - My first Betty is already finished: BOOOOOOH! :)

Still alive...

2009-08-18T18:55:00.008+02:00

Yes, I am still alive! :)
I just dropped the crochet hook for a little while... ;)

There was a bit of a chaos in my life during the last weeks... I hardly found the time for anything... and I found NO time for posting on this blog and for crocheting. (OMG, this was a really hard time!)

I have moved to another state... many of the moving boxes are still not packed out... (even my amigurumi yarn is somewhere buried under all kinds of things)

My computer had a fatal system crash! (Thank goodness I had a backup copy of all my patterns!!)... it was not easy to get my new laptop set up as I wanted to...

I'm snowed under with work on the job...

Oh, and above all - I have been on vacation! :))
It was not very relaxing, because I had to think about all the things that should be done at home... but it was quite nice. (*g*)

At the moment I'm trying hard to get my life set up in my new home and do all the work that has to be done...

But I'm sure that I will pick up my crochet hook soon! There are all kinds of ideas in my mind (e.g. a Christmas project for this year!) which are waiting to materialize! - Yes, I'm still...

Magic Ring (English) - flexibler Fadenring (German)

2009-07-12T10:39:00.017+02:00

Informationen zum "flexiblen Fadenring" in deutsch findest Du auf der deutschen Version dieser Website: Flexibler Fadenring - "Magic Ring".

(For all German speaking visitors: informations about the "Magic Ring" can be found on the German version of this webiste: Flexibler Fadenring - "Magic Ring".)

Magic Ring and other tutorials

2009-07-12T10:29:00.029+02:00

Recently I got asked how to start the first round of your Amigurumi. I use a method called "Magic Ring". This is a special method that helps to prevent the tiny hole in the center that you normally get when starting with 2 chains.

I don't have the time to make up and post my own tutorials but I have made a list of useful tutorials for making Amigurumis (incl. the "Magic Ring") from other crocheteers - to find this list you can...

use the link on the right of this site named "Tutorials & Information" OR
search for a special tag on the upper right of this site (where the tiny blue bird is)
(e.g. search for "magic ring" or "tutorial") OR
simply click here to view all posts with interesting informations: Tutorials & Information.

Happy crocheting!

Amigurumi Tutorials

2009-06-27T12:30:00.002+02:00

On PlanetJune's Blog there can be found some good Amigurumi tutorials, which I warmly recommend:

MyGurumi has also made up some great tutorials:

And here's a very good tutorial from Owlishly how to make the hair for your amigurumis:

Amigurumi hair tutorial

Daddy's Little Girl

2009-05-16T19:26:00.004+02:00

Look, what a cute little daddy and daughter couple Fiber Doodles has created! They're sooo sweet! And they have such gorgeous expression! You must see them with your own eyes! :)

Free PDF Pattern downloads

2009-03-10T14:11:00.005+01:00

Oh, wow, I just found out how to make my free PDFs downloadable! :)

Here they are (you can also refer to the listings labeled "free pattern" and take a look at them first.

Amigurumi Banana: download now
Mrs Egghead and her husband: download now
Tiny Ghosts: download now

Mrs Egghead & her husband - updated

2009-03-03T17:22:00.005+01:00

The free amigurumi pattern "Mrs Egghead & her husband" has been updated.

It now has a new layout, the pattern itself is the same as before. :)

Pattern is blogged HERE.

Sewing projects

2009-01-11T15:44:00.018+01:00

Although I have been a bit lazy during the holidays I haven't been inactive - I rediscovered my love for sewing! :) - Here are some of my finished projects (more pictures @ my flickr.com site).

Patterns:

"Pocket Messenger Bag" (ENGLISH) from aivilocharlotte on Etsy
"eBook Geldbeutel in 3 Varianten Anleitung & Schnitt" (GERMAN) from Stitches by Stellaluna on DaWanda

For the cover of my time planner I used my own pattern.

Amigurumi Banana (free pattern)

2008-11-24T19:40:00.023+01:00

I designed a little banana friend for Chuck, The Monkey (pattern by DeliciousCrochet), that I've made some days ago:

Here's the pattern for the Amigurumi Banana (3 pages). It's worked in one piece because I don't like joining parts. ;) Enjoy!

=> download free PDF

There's also a French version of the pattern available on stef et sa belette's blog: Banane Frécinette au crochet pour sa dinette !

Beautiful and simple butterfly

2008-09-26T11:05:00.004+02:00

I translated one of my favorite patterns into English: www.creadoo.com (German version)

Materials:

Yarn in different colors
Hook in fitting size
Optional: 8 beads, pipe cleaner

Abbreviations (US notation):
beg = begin(ning)
ch = chain(s)
ch sp = chain space(s)
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
pic = picot (ch 4, sl st into base dc)

You will work a “flower” with 8 petals and fold it into half to make the butterfly.

(Please note: Additional instructions for using beads are printed in red.)

Beginning:
Slide 8 beads on your yarn before you start. If you plan to change the colors, slide the beads on the yarn you will use for round 2.

Ch 8 and join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1:
Ch 3 (counts as first dc in this and on following rounds), 2 dc, ch 3
*3 dc, ch 3 => repeat from * 6 times more
join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3

Round 2:
Sl st into next 2 dc, (ch 3, 2 dc, ch 6, 3 dc) into next ch-3 sp [+ work bead into last dc]
*(3 dc, ch 6, 3 dc) into next ch-3 sp [+ work bead into last dc] => repeat from * 6 times more
join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3

Round 3:
Sl st into next 2 dc, (ch 3, 5 dc, pic, 6 dc) into next ch-6 sp,
*(6 dc, pic, 6 dc) into next ch-6 sp => repeat from * 6 times more
join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3

FO, weave in loose ends.

For body + antennas: ch 30, FO. (You also can use a piece of pipe cleaner instead.)

Fold flower into half, tie the ch 30 around the middle line and make a knot. The knot will be the head of your butterfly and the ends will form the antennas.

Starghan (Star Afghan)

2008-09-22T15:19:00.015+02:00

Found this nice pattern for a Star Afghan (by Beth Espina-Cole aka mamabeth) and had to try that out! (Another project I always wanted to make some day.) I like the shape (I’m a hobby astronomer) and I like simple colorful doilies/blankets with not too much "lace" in it. It’s a very nice project to make while watching tv or just enjoying crocheting. :)

While my starghan kept growing I ran slowly out of yarn. :) I like this kind of crocheting very much - could hardly stop going on around and around forever!

The finished starghan measures approx. 54 cm / 21 inches in diameter (widest part). Think I will make a pillow out of it.

Standards & Guidelines for Crochet

2008-09-20T16:13:00.005+02:00

At www.yarnstandards.com you can find very helpful lists of crochet (and knit) abbreviations, skills levels, sizing guidelines, categories of yarn weights, size ranges for hooks and so on.

And here's another good page with Steel Crochet Hook Conversion Chart (www.purplekittyyarns.com)

My first crochet socks

2008-09-19T14:39:00.017+02:00

During the last days I started my first attempt to crochet a pair of socks (I always wanted to try that out some day)! It was a very interesting experience. :)))

I used this free pattern: 3x3 Ribber Sock by Needles & Pinza (It includes a mistake, btw.)

Because I had no experience with socks I didn't know where I should add some rows or stitches to get the right size (I didn't have worsted weight yarn). So I had to make some changes after finishing the basic pattern. Because my yarn was too thin, the foot turned out to short, so I added a longer toe (with another color because I ran out of the other yarn *g*).

In the whole I think it turned out pretty nice for my first attempt! Maybe the most important is: it fits perfectly and keeps warm... :))) And I love the colors! - Too bad that I don't have enough yarn left over to make a second sock. ;P

Update, September 19, 2008:
At the moment I'm trying out another pattern, which is worked in rounds (Kemberlee's Crocheted Socks). So far I like it very much. Here's the result:

Mrs Egghead & her husband (free pattern)

2008-07-31T18:39:00.012+02:00

Some days ago I designed Mrs Egghead & her husband (Mr Eggcup).
I worked out the pattern for them - here it is (3 pages)! Enjoy!

Updated on March 3, 2009.

=> download free PDF

Kitaya the fairy of Happiness

2008-07-28T22:38:00.003+02:00

I made this as a present for the little daughter of a friend of mine. The little one came during an emergency operation in the 39th week of pregnancy - it was a dramatic situation for all. But mother and child are doing well - so the fairy of happiness can come to them! :)

Pattern from CrochetFaery.etsy.com

6060.etsy.com

2008-07-23T10:49:00.003+02:00

Clara is going to make me a shopaholic!

During the last days she added such cute stuff to her shop! I love all those colorful tiny buttons... and her choice of safety eyes is gorgeous. Just everything that an Amigurumi creator's heart desires! :)

I suggest you take a look: 6060.etsy.com

Wedding Present

2008-07-12T08:25:00.010+02:00

Today a good friend of mine is going to marry.
I made this wedding couple as a gift for them. :)

Pattern from SAPlanet (I made a few alterations).

The couple is standing on a big heart of plush.
I've added some little hearts, two of them are supposed to be keychains, I embroidered they're initials on those. The others are just hearts with faces.

Hope they'll like it!

Abbreviations

2008-07-07T10:24:00.009+02:00

Here's a list of all abbreviations (US notation) I use in my patterns:

st - stitch(es)
sl st - slip stitch
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
dc - double crochet
tr - treble
dtr - double treble
pic - picot (ch 3, sl st in base stitch) OR (ch 4, sl st in base stitch)
BP.. - back post stitch
FP.. - front post stitch
inc - increase (2 sc in next st)
dec - decrease (2 sc worked off together)
BLO - back loops only
FLO - front loops only
FO - fasten off

Tiny ghosts: Moe & Chester - FREE crochet pattern

2008-07-06T22:54:00.026+02:00

Today I let two tiny ghosts come out of my mind!

May I introduce you to "Moe" and "Chester"? Chester is a tiny ghost, who likes to eat marshmallows, have fun, and laugh all day long. His friend Moe is a bit different - he takes being a ghost very seriously - and keeps "Boo!"-ing around all the time! ;)

I decided to put the pattern up here for free - I hope, you'll enjoy it! I know, I'm a bit early with halloween-like stuff, but so you'll have enough time to make a whole bunch of them! :)) - Would be happy to hear how you like them!

July 16, 2008: Made a little update and corrected some details in the pattern. (I'm a little perfectionist.)

=> download free PDF

Stitch legend

2008-06-27T18:09:00.005+02:00

I found this very helpful site with stitch legend for Japanese/US/Europe crochet chart symbols including instructions and videos: Stitch Legend

The person in the videos is holding the hook and working the stitches in the same way that I do. (The "continental" method.)

Safety Eyes (Noses) sources

2008-06-27T12:37:00.012+02:00

I tried a very long time to get nice safety eyes in various colors and sizes here in Austria / Germany / Europe. But it turned out that the options are very limited here. So I decided to buy my eyes from 6060.etsy.com - and didn't regret!! The prices are good, the customer service is excellent, the conversation was always very nice and the shipping really fast!

If found some more sellers on Etsy offering a wide choice of safety eyes (and noses), here's my list:

Hello Kitty - patterns - BOOKS

2008-06-23T17:57:00.005+02:00

I found a nice site offering some Japanese books with cute (crochet and other) patterns for Hello Kitty: Saucyloiuse's Shop - Books and Crafts from Japan ... take a look! :)

The big advantage is: as Japanese crochet pattern books always use diagrams and a lot of detailed pictures, you actually don't have to be able to read Japanese!

Hello!

2008-06-20T18:53:00.004+02:00

Today I decided to start a new amigurumi blog.

I'm planning to put up some of my patterns for free... to post about my latest crochet works... to add lists of good amigurumi sites and shops and so on...

I hope, I'll find the time to keep this site up to date!