Crochet Chick Peep Pattern

With Easter around the corner, I thought this would be a good time to publish my crochet peep pattern. I could never find a chick peep pattern that really looked similar enough to the real peeps, so I tried coming up with my own. It was not easy to get that shape, let me tell you!
I would rate the pattern difficulty as easy/intermediate. There are a lot of increases and decreases used to alter the shape that may be difficult for beginning crocheters. 
The pattern and chart are listed below after the jump, and you can download the PDF versions as well. All abbreviations and chart symbols are in U.S. terms. 

Download Written Pattern

Download Charted Pattern

Crochet Kerbal Amigurumi Pattern

POST EDIT: THE PATTERN LINK FOR DOWNLOAD HAS BEEN CORRECTED! I APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!

Finally! The Kerbal crochet pattern arrives, as promised!! I hope you enjoy it! The Kerbals really are adorable!

To download the free pattern, click here!

Kerbal Crochet Amigurumi Pattern Preview

**UPDATE** The pattern is now available!

Who doesn't love a Kerbal (assuming you're familiar with the Kerbal Space Program game)? The way they wobble, the way they smile--adorable! My husband is a KSP player and suggested that I work on crocheting a Kerbal, and being a fan of Jebediah Kerman myself, I couldn't resist.
The pattern was a bit of a challenge but well worth the work! The Kerbal pictured is a preview of the free pattern to come--I'm still writing up the pattern into something readable. Check back soon!

Flower Vine Scarf -- Free Pattern!

Crochet Flower Vine Scarf Pattern 

(Link to the free pattern PDF is available at the bottom of this post) 

A few months ago, a friend of mine posted a picture to my Facebook page and asked if I could make one that looked just like it. So eventually, after too much procrastination and a few colds, I got to work and created the pattern as I went along. Without further ado, here's the pattern, free! If you find any errors or need clarification, please let me know in the comments below or on Ravelry.
This is a fun and pretty scarf to make for spring, and it is easily customizable. Try other flower or leaf patterns to adjust the look; add more flowers if you prefer! Enjoy!

Amy’s Free Small Butterfly Embellishment Pattern

It's taken me longer than I thought, but I finally finished designing a small butterfly embellishment! Here is the pattern. If you find any errors or need clarification, please let me know.

Materials Needed:

• Any yarn you want to use

• Any crochet needle that works with your yarn

• Gauge & finished size will change depending on yarn used

**Fine yarn was used for the butterfly in picture, measuring approximately 2 inches by 2 inches (not including antennae)**

Wings

Ch 7, sl st back into first ch.
Row 1: Sc 11 in loop, ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Dc 5, sl st in next st, dc 5, ch 1, turn.
Row 3 : Dc 2 in each of next 2 sts, in 3rd st [dc, sl st, dc], dc 2 in next st, dc 3 in next st, sl st in sl st from row 2 (left wings completed). Dc 3 in next st, dc 2 in next st, repeat [] in 3rd st, dc 2 in next sc, dc 4 and sc 1 in last st (right wings completed). Sc 1 around post of dc from row 3, sc in ring, sc 1 around post of dc from row 3, sl st in 1st st from top left wing (finishing on top wings). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly

Cut 6 inches of yarn (or less if you plan to weave in) and use hook to wrap yarn around both sides of the center loop (on the wings). Tie a knot in back, securing the loop together. Leave the strands for attachment to an object or weave in if you want them hidden.

For the body, cut 7 ½ inches of yarn and fold in half. Holding the loop end behind the middle of the top wings, fold the yarn under the lower wings and bring up along the front to the loop. Pull the strands through the loop and arrange the antennae. **Starching the antennae helps maintain the shape and durability of the yarn**

You can download the PDF pattern by clicking on the image below.

If you don't have Adobe Reader, you can download it free.

Happy Crocheting!

Design Time: Fuu's Kimono Part 1

I was inspired for Fuu's Kimono template by Nuno Life's Mini Kimono pattern (she has an excellent collection of simple and easy sewing patterns for dolls -- you should check it out!). By coloring the shape of the pattern in Excel, I was able to use grids as stitch guidelines for defining different colors to create the flowered design. Each grid represents one stitch, making it easy to not only see how it will look, but also making it easy to write a workable pattern. 
I am now in the process of creating a written pattern... hopefully it will only take a day or two! 

If you're interested in the story of Samurai Champloo, you can check out the homepage or Wikipedia. 

**Please be aware that this is not an anime for children; it is geared towards adults and contains some adult language. 

One of my favorite quotes from Episode 16: "Lullabies of the Lost (Verse 1)"

Mugen: (to Fuu, about Jin) Tall, dark, and four-eyed here is thinking the same thing: hanging around with a girl with absolutely no sex appeal isn't my idea of fun.

Jin: That's it; you've gone too far.

Fuu: Yeah!

Jin: That four-eyed thing, take it back.

Fuu: Hey!

Design Time: Fuu from the anime "Samurai Champloo": Phase 1

The anime genre was a vast unknown until my husband introduced it to me several years ago. My only knowledge of anime was the little clips I caught of Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z--not my style and not great representations of anime's full potential in my own personal opinion--but the genre has come a long way since my teen years! He and I are picky about our anime -- good writing, good voice acting, good plot, and exceptional animation are a must! We recently finished watching Samurai Champloo, a great series created and directed by Shinichirō Watanabe about the Edo Period in Japan. 

I absolutely love the character Fuu, perhaps because I identify with her in many ways (slightly clumsy, practical but prone to bursts of emotion, always hungry). 

I also fell in love with Fuu's kimono! So, Design Time! 

This will definitely be a larger Amigurumi doll when completed. 

(You can find this wallpaper and others @ www.samuraichamploo.com)

♥ Amy S

My Butterflies: Pictures

I have been working on my butterflies over the past few days and have finally been able to take some pictures! 

Butterfly 1

I think this one is my favorite so far. I'm going to add embellishments. This is the 2-D Butterfly pattern. I used worsted weight yarn. 

Butterflies 2 and 3

Butterfly 2 (top) is made of Sugar n' Cream cotton yarn using Nellie's Crochet Butterfly pattern. Butterfly 3 (bottom) is the same pattern but with Row 3 of the pattern skipped to make it smaller. To make the red border I slip stitched around the border. 

The next step I have planned for Butterflies 2 and 3 is starching. The bodies of the butterflies themselves are strong enough on their own, but I am finding that the antennae are too flimsy and don't stick up to my liking without some help. My mother-in-law has some spray starch called "Stiffen Stuff" that I'll be using. 

Also, I'm working on a butterfly pattern of my own. It is currently in the trial and error phase as I try to crochet and write the pattern. I hope to be able to share it with you soon!

♥ Amy S

Design Time: Poncho Pattern Phase 2.5

(This post was transferred from a previous old blog.)


I've had time on my hands lately to think more about the poncho I WILL get around designing one day (crosses fingers), and I realized that as far as the random stripe design goes, I'd rather go back to the simple two-color, same-size strips like the movie's design. Now I must choose the colors....and this time, I have to make a final decision. Suggestions, anyone?

  

Design Time: Poncho Pattern Phase 2

Princess Mia's Pink Poncho

(This post was transferred from a previous old blog.)

Earlier I posted my decision to create a pattern for a crocheted poncho based off the one featured in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Now that I've selected the poncho I want to crochet, I've been thinking about the colors and the stripe pattern. I want something a little more personal in color, as well as a varying stripe pattern.

I created a color palette for various colors and shades, based mostly on combinations of my favorite colors. I ended up choosing the first pair, brown and pink.

I used a Random Stripe Generator to create this stripe pattern:

This is the mark-up that I will use to start measuring and counting size and stitches:

The pattern progresses...

Design Time: Poncho from Princess Diaries 2

(This post was transferred from a previous old blog.)

When The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement came out in 2004, I recall being captivated by one of Anne Hathaway's costumes that sadly got so little screen time: her poncho. It looked so comfortable and casual that I wanted to wear it. At the time, however, I gave little thought to trying to make one. Fast forward to 2011. As I skim the seemingly endless crochet patterns for a poncho/wrap that will suit my style, I suddenly recall the one I admired 7 years ago.


After YouTube-ing several videos to capture screen shots that covered enough angles, I finally came up with a reasonable pattern idea in my head. Transforming the image into a beginning sketch took a bit of time, though, and honestly, doesn't look all that great right now. I'm hoping my sketching skills will get better as I progress with the next step: measurements.

Wish me luck--I'm heading into an area of pattern creation that I've never been before, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Charitable Crocheting

There are several charities out there that can use crocheted/knitted/sewed items. Heck, you don't even have to sew! Several of them also need items that are purchased. If you have extra yarn laying around or want to specifically purchase some for these projects, here are some wonderful ideas! 

Newborns In Need, Inc. -- "Newborns in Need is headquartered in Pfafftown, North Carolina and is dedicated to making a baby’s introduction into the world one complete with basic necessities and as stress free as possible for the family." (from their "About" page) This is a wonderful site if you're interested in donating preemie/newborn items. The website has several patterns available for you to download, but as long as it meets specifications, any infant pattern will do. They also accept handmade bereavement outfits for the little ones that unfortunately don't make it. Here are some great patterns: 

• Preemie Angel Shell Sweater
• BB's Preemie BBib
• On the Wings of a Butterfly Baby Cocoon
• Cuddles Crocheted Gown
• Long Kimono Gown with Cap
• Angel Wrap

Operation Gratitude -- "Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000 care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions. Our mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member’s face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people." (from their "About" page) Scarves, hats,neck gaiters and yes, even your old Beanie Babies! Scroll down to where it says 4. Craft Projects and the first paragraph is for knit/crochet scarves, including patterns and important specifications. You can also check out the blog for more detailed information.

There are, of course, many many more out there. But these two should keep you busy for a while :)

If you would like to include one that you know of, please feel free to put the link in a comment below!