A Birthday Boo

My little brother's girlfriend celebrated her birthday over the weekend. Being on a budget, I had to think of something I could make in the short amount of time that I had.

I know she loves Mario Bros video games and has told me she thinks Boo is the cutest thing under the sun.

I came across this pattern from WolfDreamer OffTheHook when I was looking for a pattern for a Link hat for my brother. This was the first thing that came to mind when I realized I needed a gift.
The patter is for King Boo, and I ended up tweaking it a little. I opted to skip the crown and the wagging tongue. I stitched the white teeth to the red mouth and then to the crocheted Boo. The eyes and eyebrow are embroidered with black yarn.

The pattern was clear and easy to follow and there is a long list of really cute toys - a lot of Pokemon and Mario Bros characters. This is a great resource for crocheters with little ones!

Taking a Wedding Break....

So for the last couple of weeks, I have taken a break from wedding items to focus on the gift I am making for my granddaughter's 4th birthday this month.


This little sweetheart has decided that she loves cooking. She is always coming to tell me that she is "making soup" or "making my lunch" which is just adorable. So after searching online, I came across the patterns of a particular young woman that were amazing. CrochetNPlay Designs makes patterns for all children, whether it is cooking items, food, a shaving kit or a hairstyling kit, there is definitely something for everyone.


Now, I will always be the first to say I am cheap. When you live on a budget, you have to be! So normally, I will not pay for patterns because I know I can either figure out or find a free pattern online. However, these patterns are not that expensive and (the part that makes it really worth it) the designer gives permission to sell the finished product. You can not resell any part of the pattern, but if you want to make ten pots and pans sets and sell them, she welcomes you to do it.


As a crafter, having that permission from the beginning can be a really good thing. It gives you an opportunity to earn your money back. Realistically, the patterns are not that difficult and can work up pretty fast. I know my granddaughter will love them!


Anyway, I've got to get back to work. Check out CrochetNPlay Designs and see if there is something there you can't live without!

Amigurumi Resources

So did I get you anxious to try some amigurumi? The patterns are simple and take only a few hours for experienced crocheters. For beginners wanting to try dolls and stuff animals, these are great starter projects.

If you want to try out a pattern or two, but don't necessarily want to invest in pattern books, there are lots of great free resources online. Here are just a few or the ones I really like:

Lion Brand Yarns: While it requires a free registration, you will have access to loads of patterns. There are lots of adorable amigurumi patterns, along with afghans, clothing, accessories and home decor items.

RoxyCrafts.com: This is Tamie Snow's home on the web. You can find both crochet and knit patterns, her blog, and patterns for sale.

Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns: This is a great resource blog for patterns scattered all around the web. There are more than just adorable animals, there are also patterns for food, dolls and other toys.

Pretty Penguin

This rolly-polly penguin was super easy and took around four hours from start to finish. The pattern was a free download off the Lion Brand website. While the Lion Brand amigurumi patterns generally call for Vanna's Choice yarn or Lion Wool, I used what I had on hand - Red Heart worsted weight yarn - and it worked out perfectly.

Happy Crafting All!

Unbelievably Cute Beaver

Yet another adorable pattern from Tamie Snow's "Tiny Yarn Animals" that I couldn't resist making. He was a little more intricate to make simply because of all the little pieces that had to be made. Each tooth and cheek was individually crocheted. Even with the extra pieces, I was still able to finish this little guy in an afternoon.

Even his little tail is adorable.

I would suggest using embroidery on this little guy for the facial features. Otherwise you will need three 6mm doll eyes, which will leave you with an odd number left over in your stash. Unless you plan on making at least two of these little guys.

Happy Crafting All!

A Cute Koala

Once the little lemur was finished, I just couldn't help myself. I had to make a couple more of the adorable little animals. So I flipped through my copy of "Tiny Yarn Animals" and decided on this cute little koala bear.

He took me all of an afternoon to complete. The best part about the patterns in this book is the materials are fairly inexpensive. I used Red Heart worsted weight yarn, and was able to make several of the little toys with each skein. If you don't want to invest in the snap-on doll eyes, you can opt to embroider the eyes, and on some the nose and mouth.

Happy Crafting All!

Lemur...

When I posted last week about an unfinished amigurumi lemur, I had every intention of finishing the little guy before the end of the month. As it turned out, I finished him the same day he was posted and I couldn't resist making a few more little critters to keep him company. So this week will be Amigurumi Week.

The pattern for this little guy can be found in Tamie Snow's "Tiny Yarn Animals" book. It is one of my favorite patterns in the book because the face just has so much personality. He's easy to make, as are most of the patterns in the book, and for experienced crocheters, he can be completed in an afternoon. Provided you don't set him down and forget about him!!

Happy Crafting All!

Almost a Lemur....

This little guy is all in pieces, and missing a few! The pattern for this crochet lemur comes from the book Tiny Yarn Animals: Amigurumi Friends to Make and Enjoy by Tamie Snow. The pattern is actually pretty easy to follow and there is no real reason why this poor little critter hasn't been finished.

All he needs is his tail, his ears and to be put all together. This is another project that should be easily and quickly finished. Of course with those large pleading eyes, it will be hard to resist finishing him at last.

Happy Crafting All!

Cute and Hip-po!

Here is another adorable little creation straight from the pages of 'Tiny Yarn Animals' by Tamie Snow. This little hippo was whipped up in just a few hours and would make a great gift for someone who collects either hippos or amigurumi.

The book, 'Tiny Yarn Animals,' has a total of 20 amigurumi patterns including this little guy, the lamp I showed you last week and other adorable little critters such as a koala, lemur, hedgehog, bear, octopus and fish. The patterns would be great for any experienced crocheter. (Those who are new to crochet may find the lack of instructional pictures a little frustrating.) Nicholas Noyes did a fantastic job photographing the finished projects in ways that give each little critter it's own personality.

Happy Crafting All!

Counting Sheep

I love creating little stuffed toys. The pattern for this adorable little guy came from 'Tiny Yarn Animals' by Tamie Snow. I've finished a couple of the patterns in the book and am very pleased with the results. I would highly recommend the book to experienced crocheters. The pictures of the finished animals are fun and inspiring.

This little lamb took me about four hours to complete, start to finish, and is made of inexpensive worsted weight yarn. Cute and durable - a great combination!

Happy Crafting All!