Crafting Creatures

Here is my crochet version of little Totoro.  As you can see, I struggled with its eyes (its got two black eyes).

I crochet this because Deanne and Cecelia were also making one.  Both were surprised that I didn’t know the story of Totoro.  So, I set out to find the video and watch it…and I did.  I watched it with my kids during the Christmas holiday.  They loved it!

Pattern source: http://heavens-hellcat.livejournal.com/730.html

I’ve been in need of a scarf for some time. On a few shopping occasions, I was tempted to purchase one. As the weather started to get colder, I finally started on my scarf. I thought the colour was too light, but it was one of the softest yarns that I had among my yarn stash (and soft was important).

The pattern called for tassels, but I’m not a fan of tassels, so looking a little plain, I decided on a shell edging (with inputs from Dea and Cec). The flower was an after thought that added colour and a personal touch.  This is my very first handmade “wearable” piece…and it was completed right before the snowy weather hit us (perfect timing).

Pattern idea: Hooked on Crochet by Candi Jensen

I wanted to crochet something for Sabrina’s birthday goodie bag.  But with time running out, I finally decided to do something simple for her little friends.  The Poke bracelet idea was inspired from the Pokeball (I just couldn’t mass produce them in time for the party).

A recent perusal through my stuff and I came across the pattern that gave me the idea for these bracelets.  They came from a book by Kristin Spurkland, Crochet from the Heart.

After having mastered the Japanese Magic Ring (and crocheting two more Hearts), it was time to move on.  Since I made something for Sabrina (the sunglass caddy), it was only fair to crochet something for Nicholas (my 4 year old).  I had initially attached the hat on his head, but Nicholas liked him more without the Santa hat (something about the Santa suit that frightens him). 

Pattern source:  Holiday Chick from Pepika’s website

Affectionately named by Sabrina, Bunno is shown here with another of Sabrina’s bunny friends.

Initially I thought this variegated yarn would look great on the bunny. While I was crocheting this project, I flipped back and forth on my yarn choice. After completing it, I think a solid colour would have looked much cuter. I found that my bunny’s ears are a little too stiff and will use a looser tension the next time around.

Pattern source: Lion Brand Yarn website

While I was stalled by the Magic ring,  I was still eager to try out my crocheting skills.  So, when I saw this book “Kids Can Do it Crocheting” from a book store (hey, remember, I’m a slow learn…so starting at kid’s level seemed appropriate for me) I bought it right away.  The sunglass caddy seemed straight-forward enough for a (adult) beginner like me. Sabrina, my 7 year old, loved it.

Thank you Cec for your help with Photoshop.

This is my very first crochet project from my sessions with Cecelia (our crochet “mentor/advisor/teacher”).  What began as a casual visit turned into a crocheting session.  During the course of that evening, Cec taught us how to make the Japanese Magic Ring and started Deanne and I on the Heart.  I finished the heart at home and later attempted to crochet another.  I got very *frustrated* and lost many hours of precious sleep over the Magic ring.  Cec finally came to my rescue and emailed me a link that I found very useful (I was pulling on the wrong yarn to close the loop).  Yes, I’m a slow learner.

Sabrina asked me to crochet two more for her friends.

Pattern source: http://www.pepika.com/free-patterns/heart.htm