Suravi's Amigurumi Adventures

Saltine Toffee

2010-12-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

A co-worker made this delicious toffee from a recipe she found in our local newspaper. I was doubtful at first because I'm not a big fan of nuts (it has pecans on it) and I also heard what the secret ingredient was before I tasted it which seemed really strange. One bite and I was hooked! It was amazing! The recipe is so simple too. I wanted to share it here if anyone is looking for a super simple recipe that will be big hit. Takes about 20 minutes for prep and cooktime, plus an extra 30 minutes of it being in the freezer before you cut the pieces.

Saltine Toffee
1 cup butter
35 saltine crackers
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 package (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Line a 10x15 inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Brush parchment paper with a little butter. Line up crackers on buttered parchment, touching but not overlapping.

Whisk brown sugar into remaining butter. Set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; boil thick 2 minutes (or 248 degrees). Pour evenly over crackers.

Slide into a 400 degree oven and bake util brown and bubble, about 10 minutes. Carefully remove from oven.

Scatter molten surface with chocolate chips. Let melt, 5 minutes. Use an offset spatula to spread chocolate. Cast on nuts; gently press into chocolate. Freeze until firm, 30 minutes.

Lift parchment by its overhang and set toffee (paper and all) on a cutting surface. Slice into 18 squares, then into 36 triangles.

Recipe from The Morning Call.

As you can see from mine, I did not slice the toffee into triangles. I just broke apart the pieces with my hands where the cracker seams were.

I also admit the first time I made these, I burned them! My oven gets really hot so I usually adjust a bit when I bake anything, but I kept them in the whole 10 minutes. One part of my parchment paper was black underneath and gave my toffee a burnt smoky flavor--yuck! The second time around I didn't use all of the brown sugar-butter mixture (about 1/8th cup leftover or so) and I baked the crackers for about 8-9 minutes. Yay! :^)

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Music

2010-11-28T05:11:00.000-08:00

If you love listening to Christmas music at all times during this time of year (sometimes even in July...) and you're looking for variety, try creating a Christmas station on Pandora.com! Besides making the usual stations like Plain White T's, Ingrid Michaelson or Indie Pop, try making something different...you might be surprised with what you come up with! My boyfriend's sister told me about her new favorite station, "French Cafe" which immediately became my new favorite! (Try that one--it's great to have on while in the kitchen or even while you're at work!) Since it's after Thanksgiving now, I created a new station based on one of my favorite holiday artists. It's called "The Carpenters (Holiday)." It also throws in all the greatest like Bing Crosby, Burl Ives and Andy Williams.

(Soma waiting for gift-opening to begin last year!)

By the way, if you've never used Pandora before, it's free! With a free account you receive 40 hours a month of music with a few short commercials in between. You barely even notice those. Also, if a song comes on that you don't like just click the "thumbs down" and you won't ever hear it again! If a song comes on that you LOVE, click the "thumbs up" and your station will remember that and modify your station to play similar songs.

Be Thankful

2010-11-24T22:01:00.000-08:00

Be Thankful
-author unknown

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
 If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
 for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.  
During those times you grow.  
Be thankful for your limitations,  
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
 Be thankful for each new challenge,
 because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
 because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who  are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
 and they can become your blessings.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

DYI Costume: Fairy Skirt

2010-10-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

Halloween is tomorrow! I wanted to share with you what my costume is and how you can make it! I know, this post is late, but if you have the supplies on hand or can make it to a store in time, you could finish it in a couple hours.

I dressed up this year as a fairy. I dressed with a group of other teachers at the school I work at. We have a fun costume contest every year to raise money for a cause. The staff and students are encouraged to bring in spare change or a few bucks and they use those monetary donations to vote for their favorite teacher costumes. Here is the tutorial for the skirt or tutu.

You will need:

several yards of tulle in 1 or more colors (I bought about 9 yards but used about 8 yards. I am also a size 3 in juniors. The more you use, the poofier the skirt which is not always a good thing!)
ribbon
scissors

The tulle is for the flow-y, frilly part of your skirt. The ribbon is for your waist. I'll refer to as your "belt."

1. When you buy your tulle, it should already be folded in half. If not, do so now.

2. Lay on table and cut off a part that is a workable size. The length of your table/workspace or about a yard is good.

3. Starting from the creased end, roll the tulle into a long tube.

Optional: Trim the ends if your rolled tube is crooked. Otherwise, your strips will be different widths and may not be usable.

4. Cut sections off the tube about 1.5 to 2 inches in length.

*The purpose of rolling up the tulle is because it's easier to cut off chunks of the tube rather than cutting each strip individually.*

5. When you unroll one of your little "curls" you should have a length of tulle that you can use to tie around your "belt."

6. Lay your "belt" on table or flat surface. Place one your strips of tulle under the belt as shown in photo. (I am using yarn to illustrate this because the tulle did not photograph as nicely. The pink yarn is the belt, the green is your tulle.)

7. Pull the ends of the tulle through it's loop (where the crease is).

8. Continue pulling it tight so you have a knot.

9. Repeat this process until your tutu is full!
You can alternate colors and cut the strips different lengths to add pretty effects.

Optional: I cut the ends of each of my strips at an angle and mixed in another shimmery fabric.

**Fairy Skirt concept and instructions courtesy of the purple fairy! Thanks!!!!**

WIP Wednesday 9 - Best Pals Pattern (WIP 8 skipped)

2010-10-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

So much to do, so little time! I ran out of stuffing and have not been able to do any work on my Best Pals amigurumi dolls! Besides that, there has been a lot going on. All good things though! Here are some photos that cover some of things I've had the opportunity to participate in! I have a nice life with wonderful friends and family.

Hibachi for my boyfriend's and our Chinese guest teacher at my school district/work. She and I agreed the fried rice we made together was better!
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Golfing for my first time ever! Yes....18 holes. My arms hurt. It was hard. Really hard. It was for a benefit though and we all had fun.
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My boyfriend's sister and husband came for a surprise visit because they got a new puppy! Isn't she adorable! I hung out with them at an adorable town called Bethlehem and we had tea at an Irish Tea House!

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So...in the mix though, guess what I did sneak in.

Photo above of me waking up early on the weekend and enjoying coffee, Pandora.com, crocheting and playing on the iPad.

Yup! Some crochet! But since I have no stuffing...I decided to whip out some amigurumi-style iPod Touch pouches! Well, just one is finished. I actually might add some more to him...possibly some tiny arms/legs.

The idea came from my boyfriend's aunt who said she saw a cat zipper pouch with the zipper being the mouth. It was more like a purse or pencil pouch, but I was inspired to make it for an iPod Touch. I started it one night before going to bed and I didn't measure it, so it ended up being a pouch for whatever (which I will improve upon later). But, I think the kitty pouch turned out pretty decent for my first time and have plans for more! Stay tuned...!

WIP Wednesday 7 - Best Pals Pattern (WIP 6 skipped)

2010-09-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

This is WIP Wednesday 7 and not 6 because I wanted to keep up Tami's Amis blog since she is hosting the WIP Wednesday blog-share. I skipped number 6 because I didn't get any crocheting done! You gotta take a break from things every once in a while!

Over the weekend, I did get to work on my Best Pals Pattern that I talked about in the last WIP Wednesday post. I have all the text written for the pattern, but I really like to include photos so I am recreating each animal and taking photos that I can go through to add to the pattern. The sunlight is different these days since the seasons are changing so that makes it tough to take photos! There is either too much sun which gives my amis a weird neon glow or it's too gray outside. I don't know what I'm going to when Fall really hits!

I'm designing each of the animals in the pattern to have a different facial expression. I want to showcase different ways of making the face besides just different shapes for their body parts (ears and tails mostly). Can you guess which animal I have planned for each of the four featured in the photo above? They could be anything, but I made them each with a certain animal in mind.

Finally, I wanted to show off this awesome decal I got from etsy shop Macetera for my MacBook Pro. I love it and everyone is jealous even if they don't know who Totoro is! Only one co-worker at the school I work at recognized that it was from a Hayao Miyazaki film because her husband and daughters watch his films. I promoted his movies every time someone asked about my decal so I hope they remember if they ever come across Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli films when movie-hunting!

For the Love of Shoes

2010-09-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love shoes!? I'm taking a break from crochet-talk today and want to spread the word about Kelsey Jayne's original shoe designs and her etsy shop ForTheLoveOfShoes. The top photo is of what's called a shoe last that Kelsey a.k.a. ForTheLoveOfShoes designed and handpainted. It's such a unique art piece! At her shop, you can find painted shoe lasts and artwork of beautiful shoes. Kelsey is a shoe designer in New York City for Joan and David shoes so she knows what she's doing!

See how cute her shop is? You should totally order some of her artwork for your room or office. They make great gifts too, if you're stumped on what to get your sister, mother, girlfriend...whoever!

I requested custom shoe designs for my little sister as graduation gift. ForTheLoveOfShoes created sketches of a style of shoe I knew my sister liked. The sketches exceeded my expectations! They were perfect. I framed them myself and surprised my sister! She has them displayed in her room on a shelf full of her shoes which you can see in the video below.

You can Like ForTheLoveOfShoes on Facebook to keep up to date on new artwork.

By the way, if you want real shoes you should check out ShoeWoo!

WIP Wednesday 5 - Best Pals Pattern

2010-09-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

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Thanks for keeping me going, Tami! Work-in-Progress Wednesdays always come sooner than I expect! School started officially yesterday...I barely had a chance to sit down! Of course I wore heels too and after a summer of wearing flip-flops and flats my feet were just a tad tired. In fact, my entire body was tired! Anyway, I realized today that I can only get so much done in a day and I shouldn't stay for too much longer after school gets out to work on things. There is always tomorrow and people will just have to wait! Everything is going very well though all in all and I do feel the excitement now of my job. Helping teachers incorporate technology and showing people new tricks is fun and I feel good about what I do.

Moving on to the crochet part of things...I started to make a pattern for what I like to call Best Pals! It will include how to make bears, bunnies, puppies, kitties, piggies, and who knows what else. It's meant to be like a starter package for amigurumi beginners!

I have all my notes written out because I've made the lil guys several times, I just never photographed the steps and pieces and I like to include progress photos in my patterns. I know I appreciate them when I purchase patterns because sometimes the text just isn't enough!

Here's all i have so far from the weekend. It's really windy outside and getting a little dark so my photos didn't turn out so well. I just placed an antique effect to give it a little something. I know, I did say I was going to focus on my Meden Patapon...I just can't seem to get the motivation! I don't know what's gotten into me! Maybe because she's turning out to be harder than I thought. She'll make an appearance soon. I promise.

Tip - Yarn Color Change

2010-09-06T09:03:00.004-07:00

This is how I change colors of yarn in the middle of an amigurumi project. There may be other ways, but this is how I figured out how to do it! This project shows changing colors when beginning a new row. Your last stitch of the previous row is where you actually begin the color change. So, if my patterns says to complete 30 single crochet (sc) stitches and then change colors for the next row, you will pull your new color up during the 30th sc. Sounds weird, but then it makes it so you actually end with your last sc being that original color and then already being ready with your next color in hand to being your very first sc of the new row.

Insert hook through your last stitch.
Pick up your new color yarn.

Pull the new yarn through your stitch.

Yarn over with the new color, and pull through the two loops (one will be the original color, the other will be the new color). Your final stitch will be the original color!

You now have the new color to begin your next row...

...and your first sc of the new row will be your new color!

When you know you're good to go, snip off the original color leaving a tail to sew/weave/hide the end. You'll have to do this with the tail of the original color as well as the beginning tail of your new color so when you begin with your new color, make sure you leave a long enough tail! I usually give myself 6 inches or so with these tails--whatever is long enough for you to put a needle on the end and poke through a couple times. It's always better to have more than not enough.

WIP Wednesday 4 - Tear Fairy Complete

2010-09-01T14:23:00.001-07:00

Voila! Finally finished and ready to share with Tami's Amis for her WIP Wednesdays. I know, took me long enough, right? I've been a busy girl with the start of the school year! The kids officially start next week so I'll still have some details to take care of to get everyone and everything situated and then once we're all in a routine, I'll be able to relax a bit more. Anyway, I crocheted the little Tear Fairy to be sitting since I have no idea how to make this guy stand on his own with such tiny legs. Plus, I figured his legs could be used as support if he falls over since his nose is heavy. He sits very nicely though! Sometimes you have to press on him and flatten out his bum a little but is just wonderful to me!

Now that I have my companion, I just need the game! Gahh!

Edit--I just did a google search and according to dshyper, this guy is named Shizuku (which translates to "droplet" in Japanese). Cool, huh!?

WIP Wednesday 3 - One more step left for the Tear Fairy!

2010-08-22T06:56:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to get the Tear Fairy completed for this week's "Work-In Progress-Wednesday" from Tami's Amis. Due the rainy weather I was unable to take my progress photos outside so I kept pushing back my work. Anyways, the next steps were to work on his face:

When I placed the black eyes in the crocheted circle, I did not place it in the center hole, but rather in between stitches in the next row. I used embroidery floss for his smile :)

Stuffed him super tightly and then sewed him together!

All he needs now are his arms and feet! I don't know why I didn't at least crochet those during the rainy weather! Oh well, I guess the finished project will have to wait until next week! I switched gears a bit since I was pushing the Tear Fairy aside and also worked on my Meden Patapon Amigurumi.

I had this project requested a long time ago and I must apologize to my customer for taking so long. Finding the right yarn was rough, finding the time was tough, and attempting to make some of her parts was frustrating! Once the Tear Fairy is finished and I write up a pattern, Meden Patapon will be my main focus. I needed some time away from Patapons. Anyway, I'll discuss her in the future.

On another note, my monsters were featured in the Super Cute Kawaii blog from their Flickr Friday! I didn't know I was cool enough to be noticed on there! Yay! Finally, in other news, school will be starting officially for the teachers and myself next week and then officially for the students the following week! I have a ton of presentations to prepare, my room to organize, technology to update and so much more! I'm getting a little nervous!!! Once school starts and everything settles, I'll have more time on my hands (sounds strange, but I will...hehe). G'night!!!!

World of Warcraft + Lord of the Rings

2010-08-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Ah, memories!!! My boyfriend and I decided to watch all three movies in the series The Lord of the Rings. Again! I love love love these movies. The story is so powerful and the movies were created so well.

After finishing the final movie today, I was reminded of some old World of Warcraft/Lord of the Rings online sillies! I love when my favorite things come together! I remember when I first starting playing World of Warcraft and I heard this joke from male humans. I think they have the best jokes of all the races but this one is their best!!!!!

This is next one is tops on my favorite Lord of the Rings/World of Warcraft jokes. Newer WoW players will understand the humor, but I feel like it will be most funny to the original WoW players who understand what it was like to quest with "noobs" and actually head to an instance (y'know take the flight path and walk, rather than this instant queue business, lol) and having to work hard in the quest chains to earn the key to instances...ah it's too much. I just love it. It describes WoW gameplay so well!

Click here to view WoW - LOTR Style. Enjoy! Hope it makes you lol! *Warning: mature language in the link* I'm sure many WoW / LOTR fans will have seen these, but if not I hope they made you smile!

WIP Wednesday 2 - Lantern Complete!

2010-08-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

This lantern is new! Not the same one as last week's photograph.

This lantern was quite troublesome for me! I wasn't sure what the best way was to crochet a cube, rectangular prism, square pyramid...I don't even know what the heck to call it. My first thoughts were to crochet each side as a rectangle,, a square for the base, then the top and sew each together. I probably could have succeeded in this. Oh, then I also would have had to work in the colored edges. It was a lot of little pieces.

I decided that crocheting amigurumi typically means to crochet in rounds. So, I attempted to crochet a a squarish type of figure. I had never done this before and it took quite a few experiments! I think what I ended up with was pretty good. Perhaps the edges could be a little more defined? Not sure. Anyway, I crocheted the golden cube, switched to the reddish/orangey color to chain strands each time I got to a corner. Then I sewed each edge down to the corners. I crocheted the top separate and sewed it on top. I stuffed it a little extra at the top so it would have a pointier top.

It works for me! I don't want to make complicated patterns, but I also don't want them to be too simple, where they don't like what they're supposed to be. I'm keeping it so far, and if I get an epiphany later I'll make another!

Here are some WIP pics I took. I thought it would be easier to create a little movie rather than uploading each photo. Enjoy! (Lol!)

For other totally awesome WIPs, check out Tami's Amis WIP Wednesdays #2!!!

WIP Wednesday 1 - Ninokuni

2010-08-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Tami's Amis and Other Crochet had a great idea to do a "Work-In-Progress Wednesdays" where fellow crafters can link to their WIPs! So here are my details I've been meaning to discuss about my latest WIP.

I've been really good at starting an amigurumi and not finishing it lately... I already posted about my "Tear Fairy" (I'm not really sure what his actual name is) from a new Studio Ghibli/Level 5 video game called Ninokuni. Isn't he cute? Check out the trailer if you have not seen it yet!

If you're a fan of Studio Ghibli movies, then I'm sure you'll be interested in this game! I was so excited when my boyfriend told me about this and showed me the video on IGN announcing that it will be on the PS3!!!!! Yay! From what I know it's only out in Japan on Nintendo DS. I either need to get my hands on the game and not understand what anyone is saying in the game, or wait for the PS3 version. I'm most likely going to wait for the latter, hehe.

So anyways, as usual, my boyfriend suggested I crochet him while I wait for the game :)
This is what I have so far and it's tough to tell! Crocheting his nose separate was the easiest thing I thought. I am also not really familiar with crocheting a curved shape--kind of like a cornucopia shape.

I was working on creating the lantern that he has, but I was unsatisfied with my yarn choices so I stopped and have not gotten back to it yet! I did buy some new yarn, but have been so busy with an online class I'm taking. This is the last week and I have a lot of work to submit still but starting next week, I'll be refreshed and ready to continue working on him! Once I figure out how to crochet the lantern appropriately I'll be able to attach the lantern, nose and body together then work on the limbs.

On another note, if you're reading this and have not entered my contest to win Gorge the Monster, please enter! It's on my Facebook page!

Giveaway! Win Gorge the Monster!

2010-08-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, one more post for Gorge the Monster. I'm having a giveaway for his new brother on my Facebook page. You must "Like" the page to be eligible. Please visit my page to enter! Only good things can come from this!

All you have to do is comment on the Suravi Amigurumi Facebook Page and pick your favorite number from 1-100! (You cannot choose the same number as someone else, so you may have to choose your second or third favorite!)

The WINNER will be announced on August 18, ...2010. Why that day? Because I like the number 18 and 2 weeks from today sounded like a good amount of time! I will use the True Random Generator and post the Number/Winner around 8pm EST. Contact info can be dealt with later.

Don't forget to share this with your friends!

If you don't have a Facebook account, you can enter here :)

Gorge has a brother!

2010-08-04T15:12:00.001-07:00

I had some leftover green yarn from the first time I made Gorge, so I decided it was time for his brother to make his entrance. I did have to buy another skein for less than half of his body (from his belly button down). Lucky for me, the colors matched perfectly! I hate when you don't buy enough the first time! Anyway, I followed my pattern exactly but for some reason he is a little larger overall. Maybe I stuffed him more? /shrug . His fangs are longer and sharper, too!

**I love this yarn and if you're wondering what it is, it's Sensations Angel Hair yarn. I believe it is made by Jo-Ann Fabrics, but their shopping pages are under construction now so I'll create a link later!

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On a side note, I found my very first amigurumi attempt! I don't know what was happening exactly, but I did manage to improve my skills! Lots of practice and a few sessions with online tutorials = Yes! You can learn how to crochet amigurumi! Yay!

Still a Work in Progress...

2010-08-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

...more details to come...too much work to do in my online class... /sigh

Guess what I'm making!

2010-07-15T14:52:00.001-07:00

Another word about photographing amigurumi...

2010-06-06T17:16:00.001-07:00

When photographing amigurumis, I think it's important to make sure your background enhances your ami and lets the true colors stand out. In the first two photos with the blue and orange background, the colors don't look right. The blue against the blue doesn't work well and the orange makes the brown ears and limbs looks orange-tinted.
In this case of my bear amigurumi, the white was the best background.
Also, don't forget to use the Macro feature on your camera (it's the little flower symbol) and take your photos on a nice day outside. Too much or too little sun is bad. I can't give any tips on photographing inside because I don't have proper lighting.

Bad background colors (and unedited):

Good background color (and edited):

I just use iPhoto on my Mac to edit my photos. (I just switched Macs so I wish I could have shown the before pictures of the white background, but since it's a new Mac, I was not able to revert the photo to its original state). Anyways, I just use the "Enhance Photo" option (not always though, sometimes it's too much) as well as the "Effects" and manual "Adjust" features.

You don't want to change the colors, but you want them to be bright and true to the original quality. I am still working on perfecting my photography skills with amigurumi, but I think what I'm doing is pretty good!

Gorge the Monster - FREE PATTERN!

2010-06-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hullo! I am back! It's been a while since I have posted anything on my blog! So let's kick it off to a good start!

Gorge the Monster Dude would like to make his appearance! He is a simple, easy-going guy who loves to eat (if you can't already tell). Food is always on his mind and he would have it no other way! He's a great friend too--one who will always listen. Be wary though, if you ask him for suggestions or advice or any conversation topic, it will always be...food! He's kind of like his creator to be honest! Although, he is never grumpy when he is hungry, lol. Gorge is always a good sport.

You can create your own Gorge if you'd like! He's really good at sitting on your tables, desks and shelves. He's also really good at being thrown and tossed gently in the air. He's not a ball, but he's pretty darn close to the shape...he's good at spinning and doing flips in the air. Maybe it's the spikes that help...?

Anyway, you can get the directions from my free pattern!

download now

First International Order!

2010-05-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

My first international order went out today! In fact, it was my first order of the Patapon dolls that went out. Woohoo!

I made each patapon an accessory to complete their look.

Angry Patapon has a sword.

Pan Pakapon has his trumpet.

Hatapon has his flag! I am so proud of the flag!

The Patapon was my first personal pattern too so I will really miss him! Goodbye Patapons! I know you will enjoy your new home!

Besides that, I have not had a lot of time to devote to crocheting. I've been playing with the iPad, working on projects for school/work and hanging out with my best pals! I began a green monster a few weeks ago and hope to have him done soon!

Now...speaking of iPad...if you have one you have GOT to get Harbor Master! I have the free version and my boyfriend and I can't get enough of it. It's such a simple game, but so so so addicting! According to the leaderboards people have top scores in the 1000's. OMG. My top score is 154. Whew. That took a lot of time and practice too! I don't know how these people do it!

Besides Harbor Master, I am enjoying We Rule and Aurora Feint 3. I am suravi118 on We Rule and suravi on Aurora Feint if you want to add me as a friend!

Apps are so much fun! I need more!!!!

Dewei the Panda!

2010-04-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

This is Dewei! The origin of his name is Chinese and it means "of great principle." I thought it was a very fitting name for a panda because they just look so wise beautiful to me. Dewei does a bit of silliness to him though--he's got his own personality!!! He is available for purchase at my etsy shop.

Here's his story: "You can almost always find Dewei among the bamboo! He’s quite a serious little fellow, taking his time with every thought and action but he has proved to be a very wise and philosophical one indeed."

My boyfriend's mom has a bamboo plant and they even have bamboo growing in their yard in one area! At first, Dewei's photo shoot was with the bamboo plants outside. It was tough to get there because of the other shrubbery around the bamboo. The time of the day, wasn't the best so I was not too pleased with the results. A few days later, I saw the small bamboo plant and used that for my photo shoot with a green solid background. (This photo was taken by my boyfriend, Taylor. Thanks!)

Speaking of backgrounds, I use scrapbook paper for most of my amigurumi backgrounds. I prop up 12X12 scrapbook paper booklet against a seat outside, position my amigurumi in different ways and take A LOT of photos. Having a lot of photos at different angles ensures you get great shots! Then I upload them onto my computer and edit--I usually use iPhoto because I don't have Photoshop, but I have used Piknik and am going to look into Gimp.

I know my photos are not the greatest, but I'm learning and I think they get better each time! Do you have any tips or techniques? I'd love to hear!

Looking for a Home!

2010-04-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Haruko the Hare, Tomomi the Bear and Zeki the Bear are all looking for a home! To learn more about them, visit my etsy shop. Visit my Flickr account to see more pictures and descriptions of their personalities!

They are each handmade with love by me! I used Sensations Angel Hair yarn, Caron Simply Soft yarn and Patons Divine yarn.--my absolute three favorite yarns!!! I love the look and feel of them all.

A great thing about these little guys is that their personalities come to life as they are being created. I love that they are each different in their own way even though they are from the same family. One thing they all have in common is totally their cuteness factor making them great little pals!

I did say that I was going to work on new patterns and they are coming....I just need the time! I have a busy weekend in store so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to accomplish. The photos are an important element in my patterns but they can also be difficult to take. It's good to have an extra pair of hands sometimes so I'll ask my boyfriend to take pictures while I hold a pose with the yarn and hook (just a close-up of my hands and project!). Plus you need good lighting and now that Spring and has sprung I should be good to go!!! I'll give it two weeks...now that Ive written it I am obligated to really get going!!!!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:27:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter holiday!

See? I really am busy.

2010-04-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Whenever I get the chance--which is most days after work and every Saturday and Sunday--I am crocheting little bear and bunny dudes. They are made from a simple pattern I made up, but they all having something different about them allowing them to have their own personalities. For the most part, their heads are all the same size, but their facial expression, arms, legs, ears, tails and sometimes body are changed just slightly to fit the type of character they are crocheted into being.

Most of these little guys will be put up for sale in my etsy shop. Some are gifts for friends and family.

I am also working on a new pattern set called "Best Pals: Amigurumi Patterns!" The Best Pals patterns will consist of simple patterns to create bears, bunnies, puppies, kitties and more--it's still a huge work in progress. Now that the weather is nicer, I can take photos to add to my patterns. I am still working on creating one more Dream Demon but I ran out of the black fuzzy yarn and I want them to be consistent! I need to make another trip to the craft store yet again...

I am also thinking up more Patapon items, one of which will be a free pattern. I won't say what it is yet, but it will be something to compliment your coffee table nicely.

Happy Easter, everyone!!!

Jamie Oliver's TED Prize wish: Teach every child about food | Video on TED.com

2010-03-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Alright, I'm going for a change of topic today. I love to eat. I LOVE to eat. My favorite food is tacos and in fact, I see them in my future very soon.

I think my parents did a great job of teaching us to eat right. Every night we sat around our big table (everyone had their own seat) and shared stories, talked about hour day, laughed at jokes all while enjoying a yummy dinner. We were never forced to eat our veggies, but we had to try them. There were things I didn't like but as I grew, I wasn't afraid to try them again and guess what? I like them!

Dinner time was always a special time and I hope people still take the time to cook together and share a meal together. I hope people slow down and re-think the way our industrialized country has led us and that we should go back to our roots. We don't have to all have farms and gardens, but I think we need to be more aware and careful about what we are doing our bodies. And watch out for what food labels are telling us! I think I'd rather have normal sugar than a chlorinated artificial sweetener.

I saw this video on TED and thought I'd share.

Jamie Oliver's TED Prize wish: Teach every child about food | Video on TED.com

Dextra of the Dream Demons

2010-03-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

I've decided that besides creating and selling crochet patterns on etsy, that I will sell the dolls as well. I'm really enjoying the Angel Hair yarn because the overall look is soooo cute! I like to make "traditional" amigurumis such as bears and bunnies, but I'm also loving making made-up critters! With the help of my friends and family, I am getting great ideas for future amigurumi critters complete with a personal story to tell! Dimitri is the first amigurumi with a story. And now, I'd like to introduce Dextra of the Dream Demons!

I realize that the word "demon" is more commonly thought of having a negative connotation, but the real meaning of the word never originally intended to mean malevolence. These little Dream Demons are spirits that we allow to influence our thoughts.

Anyways, more amigurumis to come! Can't wait to buy more yarn...

Dimitri the Dream Demon

2010-03-11T15:10:00.001-08:00

Dimitri the Dream Demon is one of the lesser dream demons. He likes to play those tiny tricks on your when you're having a pleasant dream--not turning it into a nightmare, but causing you think "...wha-?..." Remember that dream when you holding a beautiful bird in your hands and then it pooped on you? That was Dimitri. Or the one where you landed your job interview but then tripped and spilled the coffee on your way out the door? Dimitri.

I can't wait to make more of these little guys! I have to give credit to my boyfriend for suggesting he have cute-grabby-hands and also for his story. Thanks, Taylor!

Sprite Stitch

2010-02-26T23:47:00.001-08:00

Yay! My Patapons were featured on Sprite Stitch, a blog dedicated to video game crafts! I'm glad they were cool enough to be noticed :)

Thanks, Sprite Stitch! Check out their blog for more awesome crafts made by gamers, about games! Woot!

Kawaii Bear - Doh!

2010-02-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Doh! Bear
I love the simplicity of amigurumi. It is a Japanese art of crocheting or knitting animals and personified objects, and we all know anything Japanese is super kawaii!!!! I've noticed sometimes when I'm crocheting animals I tend to make them in a realistic way or a just a typical stuffed animal style. I really wanted to make something that was truly a kawaii amigurumi. I gave this bear a large head, cute lil arms, and an expression that says "doh!" >.<

Doh! Bear is a very basic little guy. I used Sensations Angel Hair Yarn in Turquoise (SKU# 07796154, Color # 645). The funny thing is, I first bought this yarn several months ago at Joann Fabrics. I had made a blue bunny for my sister and still had leftover yarn so I began my bear. Then, I found out I definitely didn't have enough to finish his body. So, I went back to Joann's and picked up the only Turquoise yarn by Sensations they had--looked just like I had remembered. When I returned home and began crocheting the body I realized the yarns were actually slightly different. The overall color is a bit darker and there is a small, thin, fuzzy string that runs with the main yarn that in my previous yarn is a light color (almost white-ish-blue-ish) and the thin string with this new yarn is a turquoise color! I always keep the labels for the yarn and they are the same color name, color number, so I knew they were supposed to be the same. THEN, I looked up the yarn to link to on this blog and all the photos for their Turquoise yarn looks like it has a purplish tint to it!

Finally, my boyfriend pointed out the Lot #. It also says right on the label to make sure you buy yarns from the same lot to keep continuity in the color of your projects! Lol!

Makes me feel just like my little bear! Doh! >.<

SUPER LONG WEEKEND!

2010-02-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Only two work days this week! I work at an elementary school and we already had Friday and Monday off for President's Day. School was closed today AND tomorrow because of this blizzard! Snow, snow snow!

The dogs were hilarious in the snow. They had to plow paths and leap like bunnies to get around! Here is my dog, Soma chillin' in the snow.

Later on, my boyfriend I decided to go sledding and boy, was it a workout! Trying to walk through snow up to your knees is difficult, especially uphill! It was worth it though :)

Meet Ollie the Owl!

2010-01-29T16:52:00.000-08:00

The photos I took after work today were pretty good except the daylight was still not enough. The skies are just so gray. Tomorrow is Saturday so I'm hoping I can get some better pictures to add to my pattern so I can get it up and move on to the next thing! It might snow so hopefully that doesn't put a damper in my plans. If I can't take photos, I'll at least be working on my next project.

In comparison to the last post with the parts of Ollie not yet attached, he had white wings prepared. I think the gray wings really worked out nicely.

For now, I think it's time to take a break from amigurumi and play WoW with the boyfriend :^)

My Newest Project

2010-01-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

Ollie the Owl is in the works! Owls are such amazing birds and I love how they are portrayed in crafts. I think there is something about their eyes that draws artists in.

I have a couple ideas of different types of owl amigurumi. I'm starting with a simple little owl and then I have plans to make variations with details in different areas.

This photo shows white oval wings but I just got done completing gray wings with some shape because my boyfriend offered his thoughts of what he thinks would look good. I value what he says and I am glad I followed his advice because I think what I have now is better.

I need to take more pictures to add to my pattern, but now that I've changed some things I'm not exactly sure what photos will stay and what will go. I've already attached the eyes, head and body together so I won't be able to take an "all the pieces" photo like the one above. Oh, well!
The weather has been gloomy so it's been hard to get good lighting...we'll see what happens tomorrow! It would be wonderful to get Ollie together in one piece!

Pan Pakapon and Angry Patapon

2010-01-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here is my completed Pan Pakapon! I couldn't figure out how to crochet a trumpet...the horn part baffled me. Nothing I tried worked so he'll do without :)

I also modified my regular patapon by giving him an angry look. I just crocheted a half circle and sewed it on.

I think they're pretty darn cute!

Building a Patapon Army!

2010-01-23T13:31:00.001-08:00

Here are some snapshots of my patapons! I've got a regular patapon, Pan Pakapon (the trumpet-playing patapon from the first mini-game) and an angry patapon. They look so cute together!

Lumines drives me crazy!

2010-01-12T20:38:00.001-08:00

I really enjoy the game Lumines. I started playing it on the PSP and we now have it on our PS3. It is so addicting. It's kind of like Tetris meets Bejeweled and while you're clearing out blocks you make music with every rotation, slide, and deletion of blocks. Good, clean fun. Stare-at-the-screen-for-too-long fun. You just can't stop! OMG!

Ok, so the other day, my boyfriend told me how his friend from work said he decided he's going to go for all the trophies you can acheive for Lumines on the PS3. He came home and suggested I get all the trophies first and beat him to the punch! Of course, I was totally up to the challenge! I LOVE that game, right?

Well, let me just say those trophies are seriously tough to get. Seriously. I just don't see how some of them are possible! Particularly clearing 210 blocks (2X2 small blocks = 1 block) in 180 seconds. My record is just over 150 or 160 ( I can't remember exactly). I've tried multiple strategies but I'm feeling rather defeated.

I wonder how many people out there have all the trophies for Lumines SUPERNOVA? I'd like to meet them and applaud them! This player right here is amazing...

2010-01-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

I have finished making Pan Pakapon from the PSP game Patapon! It was a request from a gamer girl like myself :) The hat was a challenge and I never wrote down notes because I kept changing my work. I think he turned out pretty nice!

I'm working on an another Patapon only with an angry face. Next, I'd like to go from basic black and white Patapons to the colored Rarepons. Some will be difficult to do, in fact some will be downright impossible since many of the Rarepons have tiny spikes and I just don't think crocheting tiny narrow spikes is possible!

Pics to come of Pan Pakapon...I need good lighting and going outside in the cold and the snow just doesn't sound too appealing right now.

OK, let's try this again!

2010-01-09T19:46:00.001-08:00

Alright, I've pretty much forgotten about blogging and keeping track of things altogether. I shifted from a focus on my crochet to things like my job. I have to feel motivated and inspired to craft, whether it's crochet, card-making, painting, whatever.

A friend of mine I met while playing World of Warcraft asked me if I was interested in crocheting a set of the Chinese Zodiac animals for members of his family. I was totally excited for his request and said yes! I began right away and decided I'd write down the patterns to eventually share on a blog and sell online to make a few extra bucks. My notes didn't even make sense to me and I forgot to take pictures along the way to make a really good pattern so that didn't work out so well. I got better as time went on and was able to make 3 patterns in pdf form! They include a patapon from the psp game Patapon! LOVE that game. Anyways, then since I took a break from crocheting I had to scramble quick to finish the rest of the amigurumis for my friend so I could mail them to him before Christmas! It felt good to finish them all and he shared with me later that his family absolutely loved them! That was the best part of all :^)

Here are the pictures of Chinese Zodiac Amigurumis.

Ram

Snake

Pig

Dragon

Tiger

Ok, we'll see how long it takes me to post again!

Trying to get organized!

2009-09-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

So much to do, so little time :( I have all these great ideas and things I want to start but I can't find enough time to just get it done! So, trying to get a blog started to keep track of my crafts, particularly my amigurumi patterns, and stay organized!
I made this snake but can't find my notes and scribbles for making a pattern! Hopefully this weekend I will be able to work on making a new one--I'll just have to figure out what I did and THIS time I'll keep better track of it!