AmigurumiParadise

Time for changes! :)

2012-01-27T17:05:00.006+01:00

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

For this reason my shops at Etsy and DaWanda will be offline, starting on Sunday, 29.1.2012, afternoon.

Oh, and there's a new wooly crochet critter coming soon!... :)

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T10:22:00.000+01:00

I wish you all the best for 2012!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T10:31:00.001+01:00

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a blessed and tranquil Christmas...

Austrian Christmas crib

Wanted: Pattern testers! :)

2011-12-21T19:20:00.007+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! :)

Rudi, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

2011-12-14T09:45:00.004+01:00

Here he is - the "Cute'n'Cuddly" Christmas critter with the shiny big red nose!

Rudi, the Red-Nosed Reindeer has come to celebrate Christmas with you! :)

He comes with his tiny bell which he wears when he's at work: guiding the sleigh of Santa Claus! He also has a Christmas-colored scarf - because sometimes a little reindeer just wants to play with all the other reindeer in the snow!

Christmas spirit

2011-12-11T21:03:00.003+01:00

Oh yes, the Christmas spirit has taken control over my hook!

I have the feeling that a new crochet critter is coming soon... ;)

Three Wise Men...

2011-12-02T21:23:00.002+01:00

... from far away have come to honor the newborn King! :)

It took quite long until the Nativity Set got it's extension - but now the time has come!

The "Three Wise Men" fit the "Holy Family" perfectly. They bring their gifts for the King - gold, frankincense, and myrrh... and the Star of Bethlehem is joining them to guide their journey!

After a long time without crocheting and making patterns I really enjoyed making these little cuties! I put a lot of love into the details...

The complete Nativity Set - "Holy Family" and "Three Wise Men".

Featuring: Donkey, Cow, and Ox

2011-07-25T20:46:00.002+02:00

Today I'd like to show you the cute critters made by Andrea from Germany.

Made from my pattern "Gonzales, the Little Donkey".

Andrea made this cute donkey for her little nephew.

And this two cuties - Max and Moni - are now the best friends of a brother and sister (twins):

Made from my pattern "Moonique, the Cuddly Cow".

Thank you so much for sharing the pics of your cute creations, Andrea! :)

Please note that these pictures are protected by copyright law and may not be copied or used without the creator's agreement.

Tutorial: How-to crochet an oval

2011-07-08T18:33:00.026+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). - If you are using one of my patterns: You don't have to care about this - just follow the detailed instructions for each round.).

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.

Please let me know if you found this tutorial helpful! :)

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! :)

Cute'n'Cuddly Unicorn or Pony

2011-05-18T21:21:00.005+02:00

Finally, here's another member of the "Cute'n'Cuddly" family... a very pink and girly one!! :)

This little Unicorn or Pony was designed for the little girl of my best friend - and all other girlies of this world - who is absolutely into pink and unicorns! :) The little unicorn/pony comes comes with a saddle, harness & reins - just for the case that somebody wants to take her out on a ride...

Featuring: Little Sheep and Gonzales

2011-03-21T18:41:00.003+01:00

Here are some awsome critters made by Veerle from Belgium!

Made from my pattern "Little Sheep"

Made from my pattern "Gonzales, the Little Donkey"

Thank you for sharing these little cuties with us!

Featuring: Gonzales made by Barbara Ann!

2011-03-02T22:42:00.002+01:00

Today I want to show you this supercute little critter made by Barbara Ann from Germany!

He was made from my pattern "Gonzales, the Little Donkey".

Thank you for sharing this little cutie with us! :)

Grisu, the Tiny Dragon

2011-02-04T20:24:00.009+01:00

May I introduce you to Grisu? He is the youngest member in the "Cute and Cuddly" family!

Grisu, the Tiny Dragon is named after one of my favorite TV characters when I was a child: Grisu, the little dragon was a young dragon who didn't want to spit fire like a real dragon - as his father (a very big and brave dragon) wanted him to... all he ever wanted was to become a fireman! :)) Unfortunately, he didn't always have control over his mouth - and so he sometimes made a small fire, when he wasn't attentive enough.

Well, THIS Grisu will not spit fire... all he wants to do is to cuddle and play all day long!

Cuddly Animal coming soon...

2011-02-01T21:36:00.001+01:00

FINALLY... the pattern for the next "Cuddly Animal" will soon be available... in the poll on my blogs (see here) YOU have decided that a DRAGON should be next - so here comes "Grisu, the Tiny Dragon" :)

More pics of Grisu will follow.

The next cuddly animal will be a squirrel... but I also have another idea in my mind... ;)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T12:14:00.002+01:00

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

Gonzales, the Little Donkey

2010-05-29T15:06:00.003+02:00

Hooray! There's offspring in the family of cuddly animals! Moonique, the Cuddly Cow got a little brother!

The little critter's named Gonzales, the Little Donkey - and he never leaves the house without his sombrero. ;)

Just like his sister Moonique he is a very playful little guy. He loves to cuddle and have fun all day long - especially he loves to be taken out on adventures by tiny children's hands!

Nasty visitor...

2010-05-07T09:43:00.003+02:00

Please bear with me. Everything takes a bit more time at the moment...

Graphic from Life in the Craft Lane

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 !

Featuring... Jolanda's Cuddly Cow!

2010-05-05T22:52:00.002+02:00

Jolanda from Switzerland made this supercute little sister of Moonique (following the pattern "Moonique, the Cuddly Cow"):

Isn't she gorgeous?!

Aaand the winner is...

2010-04-26T19:48:00.003+02:00

First place on the list of the next cuddly animal goes to: DRAGON! :)

Here's the final ranking of the Englisch poll:

1. Dragon (15 votes)
2. Mouse (13)
3. Lamb, Squirrel (7)
4. Donkey, Lion (5)
5. Bunny, Bird, Tiger (3)

And this is the ranking of the German poll:

1. Donkey (28 votes)
2. Squirrel (17)
3. Lamb (6)
4. Bunny (5)
5. Mouse, Lion (4)
6. Dragon, Bird, Tiger (3)

Putting them together makes:

1. Donkey (33)
2. Squirrel (24)
3. Dragon (18)
4. Mouse (17)
5. Lamb (13)
6. Lion (9)
7. Bunny (8)
8. Bird, Tiger (6)

Thanks to all who have placed their votes!

I now made my decision what my next crochet critters will be:
a donkey and a dragon... and then there will come a squirrel, I guess... :)

Poll - intermediate result

2010-04-20T10:10:00.000+02:00

Wow - there's a neck to neck in the poll about the next cuddly animal! The dragon and the mouse both have 6 votes so far... followed by the lamb with 4 points... and the bird and donkey with 3 points each.

Who will finally win the race?! This is really exciting!! :)

Thanks to all who have already placed their votes!

POLL! I Your opinion is needed! :)

2010-04-18T18:17:00.006+02:00

I have a biiig problem! I have a lot of cute ideas in my mind which animal could follow little Moonique, the Cuddly Cow... but I just can't decide which of them to make first! :)

I'd be very happy if you would help me out! On the right side of my blog you can find a poll where you can choose, which cuddly animal you would prefer! The more votes, the easier my decision will be!

If your favorite animal isn't listed there, I'd love to hear from you! :)

Thank you!

And HAPPY HOOKING! ;)

Spring has sprung!

2010-04-16T21:45:00.000+02:00

During the last days we had rain and clouds and cold weather... Today was the first sunny day for such a looooong time! I have missed the sun so much! So glad that spring has come back! :)

Moonique, the Cuddly Cow

2010-04-11T14:26:00.005+02:00

Finally, the pattern for Moonique, my favorite creation so far, has been finished! Moonique is so very excited to get out of here and see what's going on in the world!

Moonique, the Cuddly Cow is a very nosy and playful critter! She loves huddling up to somebody and having fun all day long, especially she loves kids, which take her out and let her experience lots of adventures! :))

Moonique was first named Monique, but Michelle (amhmsh), a nice lady at Crochetville, suggested that we could name her MOO-nique! She loved that idea, so here is MOONIQUE! ;)

Monique, the cow model

2010-04-10T14:06:00.007+02:00

Well... I haven't had that much fun with one of my creations as I had with Monique for a long time! I really like her look - she could make the perfect pal for kids who love to play and cuddle her! (Actually, the child in me would love to play with her all the time! *g*)

Here are some more pics from Monique (I think she's really photogenic *g*):

World - Monique... Monique - World.

2010-04-08T08:12:00.002+02:00

Yesterday evening, Monique finally got her arms, face and some cute spots on her body.

Here's a first snapshot:

Hello world! :)

I had a dream...

2010-04-07T09:54:00.003+02:00

During the Easter weekend I had a dream... :)

I wanted to make an Amigurumi that was different from all my other patterns... something really cute... and fluffy... and cuddly... and... well, suddenly there was "Monique" in my mind! (*g*) Monique was brought to paper... and finally I started making her - using acrylic yarn instead of the cotton yarn I normally use.

So far I think she turned out quite cute and cuddly and fluffy... and hopefully she will be finished soon! (At the moment she is in need of arms and a face.)

Are you already curious what kind of critter Monique will be? :)

Well, at the moment this is a carefully guarded secret... but it will be revealed soon!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T07:46:00.001+02:00

Easter Bunny and I wish you joyful holidays! :)

Earth Hour 2010

2010-03-27T11:28:00.004+01:00

I will turn out my lights today at 20:30!

More Forest Egglings

2010-03-24T11:17:00.006+01:00

Here are two new members of the "Forrest Egglings": the mushroom and the firefly!
I also gave the owl tiny feet and "ears". Think she looks cuter now. ;)

What do you think of them?

Crochet work in progress: Forest Egglings

2010-03-21T08:25:00.005+01:00

I'm currently working on some eggy critters following the "Easter Egglings" concept (all made up from a basic egg-shape). I call this project "What you can make out of an egg." ;)))

At the moment I'm crocheting a little mushroom... and I have another idea in my mind, which will hopefully turn out as cute as I think... :)

Here's a first snapshot of the egglings I have made so far (flowers, owl and gnome). What do you think about them?

Easter-Joey made by Babsie

2010-03-20T18:24:00.006+01:00

Babsie (from Germany) made a super cute Easter Kangaroo following my "Joey Kangaroo" pattern - isn't it sweet?!! - You can find more pictures of this little critter and other cute crochet creations on Babsie's Blog. (She has also made a supercute Baby Dino following this pattern!) Enjoy! ;)

Thanks for the sweet picture, Babsie!

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!

Happy 101 Blog Award

2010-01-24T08:03:00.003+01:00

Hip, hip, hooray! I have received the Happy 101 Blog Award! Thank you, Babsie! This is so cool! I love awards! :)

Here are The Rules:

“List 10 things that make you happy, try to do at least one of them today, and tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day. For those 10 bloggers who get the award, you must link back to my blog!”

These are 10 things that make me happy:

coffee :)
breakfast with my dear brother
a walk on a sunny day
my job / my boss
playing with our German shepherd dog Sina
shopping!!
a visit to the theatre
The New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic
crocheting and Amigurumis
reading the blogs of dear people

And here are the 10 blogs I’m nominating:

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. :)

3... 2... 1... 2010!

2009-12-31T15:45:00.002+01:00

Have a Happy New Year!!

Wishes

2009-12-24T10:31:00.001+01:00

I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Halloween Amigurumis - made by YOU!

2009-10-29T07:40:00.006+01:00

Halloween is coming soon... time to show some of the cute little Halloween critters that YOU have made! :)

Starting with the sweet "Magic Witch" (pattern: "Magic Witch & Friends") from Jolanda (Switzerland) - I love her smiling face!

And here's the colorful KAWAII witch from Gabriela (Mexico) aka gabitastooks@flickr:

Last but not least - the playful Halloween critters (pattern: "Halloween Gang") made by Babsie (Germany) aka Broccoli@DaWanda (she has wonderful things in her shop!)

I love all of them!

Thanks for sharing the pics of your sweet creations! ♥

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! :)

Aaand the WINNER is...

2009-10-01T20:24:00.009+02:00

The winner of the pattern "Halloween Monsters" is:

taschenmaedchen!

Congratulations!

I will email the pattern asap! :)

Thanks to all who have participated in this little quiz!

Win a pattern - last chance! :)

2009-09-30T08:17:00.002+02:00

The secrect about the unknown 2 members of the "Halloween Monsters" will be lifted tomorrow!

Leave the right guess which 2 critters can be found in the pattern (next to "Skeleto - the bad guy") and get the pattern for free!

The little guys already can't wait to be presented to you! :))

Halloween Pattern - Give-away!

2009-09-26T16:24:00.023+02:00

It won't be long until my next Halloween critter set - the "Halloween Monsters" - will be finished! Are you wondering what three critters will be part of it?

Well, let's start a little quiz!! :)

As you already know, "Skeleto - the bad guy" will be part of this group. So there are two other monsters left!

Post a COMMENT and make a guess, which TWO monsters are also included in this crochet project!

The first of YOU who guesses the right TWO monsters, will get the "Halloween Monsters" pattern (English version)!

Please leave your email address or website, so I can contact you, if you are the winner! - Or visit this blog regularly within the next week! ;)

Good Luck!

P.S.: There's also a quiz for the GERMAN version of the pattern on the German version of this blog: AmigurumiParadise (deutsch) - please do only comment once! :)

The new Bad Guy

2009-09-13T11:26:00.008+02:00

Well, I didn't like the evil look of Skeleto's "bad" brother, so I took off his eyes and gave him another - or just more - personality. ;)

May I introduce you to the new "Skeleto - The Bad Guy"? When the brothers were born, they were dedicated to take a special place in the world... the nice brother should live on the day-side of life, he should bring new life and happiness to the world... being a really nice and kind guy... the bad brother was supposed to live on the night-side of life, being the corresponding part of his brother... bring death and sadness... and be really really mean...

But something went wrong.

The "bad" brother also has his heart on the right place (as you can clearly see)... and when he has bad thoughts, he feels embarrassed, and he blushes! LOL

He decided that he didn't want to spend his time bringing nothing but sadness and death to the world... so he only comes to places where he is welcome... considerately keeping the balance of life and death as it should be. And being also a nice and kind guy. :)

The Bad Guy

2009-09-12T08:32:00.011+02:00

Yesterday evening I finished "Skeleto - The Bad Guy" (he is the baaad brother of the other Skeleto). Whew, he looks so evil, I couldn't sleep well last night! :)))

Here's a snapshot I took this morning:

He will be part of my second Halloween group "Halloween Monsters".

New projects

2009-09-06T12:00:00.009+02:00

Finally... I've settled down in my new flat and I'm starting to really feel at home...

Yesterday I had time to crochet for the first time in ages! I already have some new projects in my mind which I are sketched on some pieces of paper. Yesterday I started to put the first project into action! - It will be something cute for Halloween!

I really enjoyed sketching the drafts on paper - it was such a lot of fun! Hope that it will turn out as cute as I imagine... We will see! :)

You will find some pictures here as soon as it's finished!

Oh, and don't forget about the "Magic Witch & Friends" pattern and my free pattern "Tiny Ghosts" for Halloween!!

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

Dragon and Bunnies

2009-06-23T18:50:00.004+02:00

Here are some more little cuties made by YOU!

Today I want to show you the adorable Little Dragon (I love the eyelids!) and the two sweet Snow Bunnies that were created by Jolanda from Switzerland.

Thank you for sharing them with us!

Baby Sprites

2009-05-21T18:06:00.008+02:00

Again I browsed through all the cute pictures of the little Amigurumis that YOU have made from my patterns.

Today I want to show you the tiny Baby Sprites made by Ann (chessie)! They look so sweet together - I want to have one, no, wait, I want them all! :))

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! :)

Little Sheep and Snow Bunny!

2009-05-13T19:43:00.010+02:00

Sooo, here are the next adorable little critters I'd love to show you!

These cuties - Little Sheep and Snow Bunny - were made by Ewa from Sweden! Thanks for sharing these pics of your gorgeous creations!

Featuring your creations!

2009-05-11T09:39:00.020+02:00

At the moment I'm very busy with learning for exams and working on my diploma project, so I hardly find the time for crocheting and creating some new patterns... But I thought, I could take the time to feature some of the cute creations that YOU have made from my patterns!

I always love to see what you have created! And there are so many nice and gifted crocheters out there who have already sent me pictures of their cute little amigurumis! I love all of them! And I'd love to share them with you!

Starting today I will pick out and post a new picture every few days!

Today I want to show you the Little Sheep and Little Dragon made by Susanne and Juliane from Germany! - Thank you so much for sending me these cute pics!

It seems that they are really good friends! - Aren't they adorable?! :)

E.B. by Fiber Doodles

2009-04-19T22:11:00.006+02:00

Fiber Doodles made such an adorable version of my "Snow Bunny"! I love the tiny toes she added! Such a cutiiiie! -> You just have to take a look (scroll down a bit)!

http://fiberdoodles.blogspot.com

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.

German Blog / Deutsches Blog

2009-01-15T09:29:00.033+01:00

Because more and more visitors of this site come from German speaking countries (many of them don't understand English) I decided to make a German version of this blog.

You can find it here.

Da immer mehr Besucher dieser Seite aus deutschsprachigen Ländern kommen (viele verstehen Englisch nicht so gut), habe ich beschlossen, eine deutsche Version dieses Blogs zu starten. Alle älteren Beiträge werden importiert und übersetzt.

Hier gehts zu meinem deutschen Blog.

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 !

Translation English - Deutsch

2008-09-27T23:35:00.013+02:00

For all German speaking crocheters - here's a translation of the most important crochet terms I use:

st - stitch(es) = Masche(n)
sl st - slip stitch = Kettmasche (KM)
ch - chain = Luftmasche (LM)
sc - single crochet = feste Masche (fM)
hdc - half double crochet = halbes Stäbchen (hStb)
dc - double crochet = Stäbchen (Stb)
tr - treble = Doppelstäbchen (DStb)
dtr - double treble = Dreifach-Stäbchen (3Stb)
pic - picot (ch 3 (4), sl st in base stitch) = Pikot (Pik = 3 (4) LM, KM in Ausgangsmasche)
BP.. - back post stitch = Reliefmasche von hinten
FP.. - front post stitch = Reliefmasche von vorne
inc - increase (2 sc in next st) = zunehmen (2 fM in nächste Masche)
dec - decrease (2 sc worked off together) = abnehmen (2 fM zusammen abmaschen)
BLO - back loops only = nur hintere Maschenteile (hMT)
FLO - front loops only = nur vordere Maschenteile (vMT)
FO - fasten off = abketten

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

Mrs Egghead and her husband

2008-07-28T23:27:00.005+02:00

Yesterday I suddenly had this idea in my mind...
And so I let the idea came to life today.
(Idea, design and pattern by myself.)

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!