Pattern – gentlestitches

Totally inspired by Sammy!

Presenting the Sammy Tote! A crocheted tote inspired by Sammy and Furoshiki, the Japanese art of folding material. This is different to most totes and not just because it looks like its namesake. This design ensures the tote has a firm bottom which is unusual in the average tote bag. It can be easily changed to look like any critter and is great as a plain tote too. The actual pattern won’t be available until December but I couldn’t resist this sneak preview of the prototype. Thanks for the inspiration Sammy, they will make great Christmas gifts and hopefully sell well at the Christmas Markets too. I want a Koala one next.

Amigurumi Lambs at last.

I am feeling very grateful today. After a barrage of unpleasant tests, I have been found to have had no more than pulled muscles in my upper body. The treatment is rest and to lay off the heavy lifting or intense exercise and it will resolve itself. I plan to stick to walking and bike riding for exercise and leave the other type for the more athletic. The relief that it was nothing sinister makes me want to do cartwheels. Except, of course, cartwheels are definitely out. My son has just mastered the “aerial cartwheel” which is a cartwheel without using hands. I am proud of him.
This post is not just about cartwheels. Following on from my Dearie Ewe, Lamb story I am happy to offer this FREE amigurumi lamb pattern. It is a great pattern because the math translates into ANY size yarn so you can make a teeny, tiny or super, huge lamb for yourself, young people in your life or as a critter toy.
Use a size smaller hook than normally recommended for your yarn and the pattern will translate perfectly. I can say that with confidence because I tried out many types of yarn with excellent results.
Many of the amigurumi I make are gifts and I am very particular about the eyes and noses I use. If using safety eyes and noses, I only use Suncatcher Craft eyes. This isn’t just because all the eyes are fabulous and cost effective it is also about safety. Suncatcher Craft eyes are made locally ( by Michelle) and are non-toxic and CPSIA compliant.
I am grateful to report I am still here, still writing and still making things.
Tell me, what are you grateful for today?

Yarn along Gauntlets and Poetry.

Joining Ginny from Yarn Along this week, two lovely young women show my Gauntlets and a very wonderful book of poetry by Cynthia Jobin entitled “A Certain Age”. I love this book and I am enjoying it very much. crochet gauntlets, poems by Cynthia Jobin I am happy with the way the Gauntlets turned out and think they look very “Gauntlety”The pattern will be available on my next post and will be FREE! I am also working on some amigurumi sheep that are going to be involved in our upcoming storytelling day on June 13. If you would like to participate in this story telling day, it would be great to have you. Find out more here.

Tall n fast flower pillow, week three.

It is week three of the Squirrel Picnic CAL and this week Sherbet, a cousin of Podge helps me with my progress. If you would like to make your own Squirrely friend, you will find the pattern in the book The Big Acorn Race. Sherbet has her basket with her which is full of crocheted fruit and flowers. A FREE pattern for the basket is here. This week we added a 3D petal row and I am looking forward to seeing my fellow CAL’s progress. People have chosen a variety of colors and yarns so no two pillows are the same. It isn’t too late either. If you want to join in , contact me on my contact page or click the cushion on my side bar. I will be available to talk you through each part of the project. Have a great Weekend and join me on Tuesday for the “wags and waves for Forrest”day.