Finds of the Day

I haunt the craft book and magazine aisles of all local bookstores. I have mentioned my addiction to these. I love to look at the pages of the myriad of cool and beautiful crafts that others create with wishes that I would or could sit down and do it myself. Usually, though, I am content to enjoy the books.

My latest craft obsession, as I have also mentioned, is crocheting - specifically amigurumi. I have longingly looked at books and websites dedicated to these adorable crafty creatures and have purchased a few from online crafters/artists. One of my favorites is a little purple our that was created by Elisabeth Doherty of Gourmet Amigurumi. Her work is outrageous - tops in the field. She published a book on her craft and I was lucky enough to come across one in our local B&N. What a great book. Most of the amigurumi instructions are for intermediate or advanced abilities (I have a reason to practice and hone my skills!) Check out the book, called Amigurumi - Super, Happy, Crochet, Cute.

Later this evening I was sitting down with my fat free vanilla ice cream and reading the blogs that I have booked marked for daily entertainment, I came across an interesting post in one of my favorite blogs, Cuteable. It seems the folks at Cuteable started their own social networking site for indie crafters. I have never been very active on the other popular social networking sites. I wasn't technically savvy enough to use it to much advantage (hence the look of this blog - still pretty basic) or to keep creepy strangers from constantly from wanting to be my friend. There was something about this new site and it's mission that I found intriguing. It is aimed to attract more like minded individuals, yet in a broad range. Indie crafters and artists, retailers, bloggers, shoppers, etc.. And it seems that there are so many of the same people reading and creating the various craft blogs. The names of often seem familiar. So I joined. I'll start lurking around there and let you know what I find. Check it out yourself here.

My Cool Book for Amigurumi Crochet

I love this book - this is where I found the pattern that I used to make my cute little french hamster. It has great pictures and best of all it has easy to follow instructions (yay). It is called Mr. Funky's Super Crochet Wonderful


I have a whole collections of craft books - from cute felt mascots and other felt objects, needle felting, sewing to mosaics and decoupage. I'll have to share some more.

My Vacation Craft Project

I have been wanting to know how to crochet cute little amigurumi critters for quite some time. Which is why I learned to crochet in the first place. I collect Japanese craft books that I can't read but love the pictures. I lurk and read lots of crafty blogs and have even purchased a few owls from artistic crochet masters. What I like about crochet is that it is forgiving - if you make a mistake or don't like how it is looking you just pull the stitches out!

I found a fabulous little book called Mr. Funky's Super Crochet Wonderful. The directions and diagrams seemed easy to follow so I attempted my first cute creature.

Voila! My version of the featured hamster pattern - french beret and all! I took my crochet hook, pattern, and a ball of yarn on the plane to the Northeast. A great craft to pass the time on the constantly delayed flights!

Sheer Determination to Crochet

I want to learn to crochet those cute amigurumi animals. And the food - all of those adorable yarn donuts and cups of coffee. I just needed to learn how to crochet.

I have an obsession with craft books and magazines, so of course I have begun to amass some with crocheting topics. Searched and studied online tutorials. I finally took some basic lessons from my mom, who has always been able to whip up blankets and sweaters crocheting and knitting. I began with a granny square. And I kept going.

I can make a blanket eventually, although the store no longer has the green.

Mom didn't know what an amigurumi was so I gave her one of the patterns I have been collecting until I can use them. She whipped up this panda:


I will practice and practice. Watch for my progress.

Crafting on the Road

I have the desire(compulsion) to craft something every day. Or maybe I just like to craft and that is what relaxes me and brings me enjoyment, like others who read a lot or play music. I have so many crafting hobbies that my craft room looks like a twister went through despite my constant efforts at organization. There are currently projects with jewelry (always), decoupage, sewing, and crochet. Eventually I will post what I made each day. Maybe others will post what they made each day. Which brings me to my topic..

I was away for the weekend and brought my crocheting along. I am new and attempted for the first time to follow a pattern. I am bent on eventually learning how to crochet cute amigurumi animals. I picked up a few books, along with yarn and hooks and have been trying. I am successful at basic crochet squares and granny squares. I bought fancy, ribbon looking yarn at our local Rag Shop that is going out of business (sad) and am attempting to follow the pattern on the label for a scarf. It looked simple enough but with 200 stitches before you turn my gage and pattern just don't look right. Practice, practice, practice... I have been reading the online tutorials that were linked to me by Craft.to a site called Craft Daisies. Of course they are a little quick for me. I have managed to get through lesson 2 or 3. The tutorials are good if you are interested in learning how to crochet.

I chose to learn how to crochet because I wanted to have a craft I can take on the road with me when I travel. Most of my other crafty diversions are too messy or bulky. I have brought jewelry projects along in the past only to find beads and findings rolling away. Crochet is the perfect portable past time because one can easily start and stop, put away and take it out. They even have plastic crochet hooks so you don't set off any buzzers in the airport. I even bought a yarn and thread 'pendant' that takes the place of scissors so I can cut yarn.

I am now home with my new stash of tropical themes fabric fat quarters that I purchased at Three Crafty Ladies on Sanibel Island. It should be called three very smart and crafty ladies, as it has the most amazing selection of tropical themed craft supplies for such a quaint little shop. Stamps, shell crafting supplies, paper and stickers - even scrapbooking paper that says Sanibel Island on it, and a huge selection of quilting fabric, notions, patterns, and kits. Since I recently bought my first sewing machine I couldn't resist adding to my fabric stash here. I also picked up a pattern for a small quilted bag made with fat quarters. This way I can justify all of the fabric I have been buying - 'intent' to create a quilted bag.

More to come on my variety of projects and all of the cool links I have been finding.