I Know I Promised

Yes, I said I was going to post once a month. I also realize I blew it for March. However, on March 15th (beware, right?) my mother and I both came down with the coronavirus. We haven't been tested, so I can't be absolutely positive, but I'm pretty sure. Luckily it was fairly mild for both of us, although my mom still needs a little more recoup time. My heart goes out to all of you who have had this horrible virus, and especially to those who have lost someone to it. Plus a HUGE THANK YOU to all the healthcare workers, front line people, and everyone who work to keep society's necessities available and stocked.

There is so much talk about people going stir crazy dealing with the "stay at home" order. It must be very difficult for people who don't have an inside hobby, or at least something they can do within the vicinity of the house. I have never been so glad that I have crochet! From what I've seen online, many others feel the same way. So many WIPs, and now the time!

I'm still working on the amigurumis for my sister's grandchildren, and I've finished Paden's dragon. (Actually, it was supposed to be Riley's, but I feel it's a little too delicate for him, so his big brother is going to get it.) The pattern is from Megan Lapp of Crafty Intentions, and I would consider this to be for experienced crocheters well versed in amigurumi. I'm very happy with how mine turned out, but there were some parts that I found difficult. Maybe that's because I'm not that experienced with amigurumi!

 

Eventually Paden's Dragon

Earlier this year my niece posted a pic of a crocheted Baby Yoda and stated that she NEEDED one. Yes, NEEDED. She is a married woman in her forties with a lovely little girl. I LOVE IT! But alas, many patterns for Baby Yoda had to be deleted due to copyright infringements. Eventually I did find one and it is still available from Albina of AmigoRoom Toys. Perhaps I'm very picky, but many of the patterns I saw were not very professional looking. Albina's version is very cute and quintessential amigurumi. But I couldn't help but fiddle with it.

My Version of Baby Yoda

 

And fiddle I did. I wasn't happy with the first one, so I had to make a second. Then I wasn't happy with the height or collar, so today I took it apart, made adjustments, and put it back together. Now I'm happy. Oh, what we do for the love of crochet!

If you recall, all of these amigurumi were supposed to be done for Easter. The grandchildren are not aware that I'm making anything for them, so not making the deadline is no big deal for those. However, it was my niece's husband that commissioned me to do Yoda and I promised him an Easter delivery. So it's off to the post office and keep my fingers crossed it gets there in time!

To all - please take care and don't get sick. But most of all, happy crocheting!

Hello Yellow Yarn

Another post in my "spotlight on designers" series, I'd like to introduce you to MJ Carlos, a self-taught crochet designer of adorable amigurumi and curator of the Hello Yellow Yarn shop. She lives with her husband and two children in Australia, and if you are not familiar with her work, you should give yourself a little cuteness fix and visit her website or store.

Two of Hello Yellow Yarn's free patterns available here

Her designs have a irresistible innocent simplicity to them, and I'm sure they would be very appropriate for the budding amigurumi crocheter. Obviously I'm not the only one who appreciates MJ's work - her designs have been published in several books including two of the Zoomigurumi series. She offers free patterns on her website as well as very attractively priced patterns in her store (most under $3!).

I am only allowed to publish one of MJ's photos on my blog (according to her copyright rules), so in keeping with upcoming holidays, I chose her Easter buddies. But really, if you're interested in creating amigurumi at all, do yourself a favor and take a peek at the rest of her creations. And, as always, happy crocheting!

PS - Just so you're aware, I do not get paid for any of my posts, nor is there any bartering or "quid pro quo" arrangement for my posts. These are all my opinions, and I publish them to spread a little crocheting delight into the world. Because - CROCHET!