Amigurumi Tony
Tony
Crochet was a craft that always left me baffled and frustrated ( you hearing me Hilary ? ), but I really wanted to have a go at making something like these. So, I bought myself an Amigurumi book, and found to my surprise, that the Japanese charts were a lot easier to understand than anything I'd tried to decipher before.
It really is a doddle once you get into the groove. Amigurumi creatures are usually made using one basic stitch, and any shaping is achieved by working twice into one stitch to increase, and working two stitches together to decrease.
I use a metal hook, I find the plastic ones too bendy, and I make sure I'm relaxed ( glass of wine and a comfy sofa, usually does the trick), I think an easy thing to do when you first start, is to pull the yarn too tight. Relax those wrists, and have a few practise sessions to find the right tension for you.
And to start with, use a yarn that isn't too fluffy or dark, so you can see your stitches easily.
Some online links and inspiration
and google images.
Happy Friday !
Congratulations ! Crochet is still a mystery for me, I have tried but the results are so awful that i think I'm a completely desperate case.
Too bad ... :-( these amigurumi are soooo lovely !
Posted by: cécile | April 28, 2006 at 11:51 AM
Ooh he is just gorgeous. I've got the same relationship with crochet, but you are really making me want to have a go.
Posted by: Kate | April 28, 2006 at 12:29 PM
such a cute little bean! Is that your first crochet piece? If so, you did amazingly well! I can't wait to see what comes next :-)
Posted by: mimi k | April 28, 2006 at 12:49 PM
I love little blue Tony! You're going to get me hooked on a new craft, I can tell.
Posted by: *jenny | April 28, 2006 at 03:07 PM
You did good on the crochet project. My grandma was famous in the 1970's for making Poop Ducks...crocheted ducks that "poop" out jelly beans...She made hundreds and sold them all. I found a pattern online very similar to her ducks.
http://www.quiltersbuzz.com/2005/11/why_do_we_craft.html
Could be some crazy fun.
Gina
Posted by: gina | April 28, 2006 at 03:23 PM
How do you translate the patterns from the japanese books?
Posted by: Mary-Ellen | April 28, 2006 at 04:21 PM
How do you translate the patterns from the japanese books?
Posted by: Mary-Ellen | April 28, 2006 at 04:22 PM
I heart TONY!
Posted by: Oiyi | April 28, 2006 at 05:06 PM
you are such a pro! Is there no end to your talents?
Hello to Tony.
:-)
Posted by: Snowbear | April 28, 2006 at 07:49 PM
Awww, I love it! I've got to learn to crochet!
Posted by: Kim | April 28, 2006 at 08:42 PM
he is too cute...
and i have been trying to teach myself
to crochet but I JUST CANNOT GET IT
the closest thing i have come to doing
is stabbing myself repeatedly in the eyes
with the crochet hook because i am
SO FRUSTRATED
i taught myself to knit, somewhat,
off the computer...why can't i figure out
crocheting...ack!
i can get the chain thing but
to do another line...i don't know...
it gets all thick or something...
anyhow...
heh.
thanks for letting me vent
:)
and he is a cutie...
Posted by: gkgirl | April 28, 2006 at 10:30 PM
I really need to learn how to crochet to make cool stuff like that.
Posted by: weirdbunny | April 29, 2006 at 12:56 AM
tooooo cute!
Posted by: Mery | April 29, 2006 at 01:13 AM
He's so cute! I really want to learn to make amigurumi toys too... my mum can crochet so I am getting her to teach me some basics first and I guess I'll see how I go, so thanks for all your tips ;)
Posted by: Emma | April 29, 2006 at 03:38 AM
Tony is so full of character! He is wonderful!
Posted by: Michelle | April 30, 2006 at 02:27 AM
Tony!!! He's so cute!!! I want to eat him up!!!
I've never been able to learn to crochet, but I might have to give it another try!
Posted by: Pippy | April 30, 2006 at 03:31 AM
He is so fab, you make it sound so easy! Maybe I should get my mum to crochet, I now so used to be able to do it :-)
Posted by: raspberryfairy | April 30, 2006 at 01:41 PM
Tony is sooo cool!! I can vaguely crochet and can follow a simple pattern written in english, but although I have a few japanese pattern books I am yet to work our what their symbols mean on those crochet charts, I have tried and failed!! It would be great if you could contact me with some hints or tips??? I definately need help!
Posted by: Hannah | May 01, 2006 at 11:21 PM
Tony is so lovely, and I thank you for posting not only his cute picture, but also the links as well. I have been collecting amigurumi images for a month or so now, but have been very intimidated about how to begin. You make it seem more approachable!
Do you recommend the book that you tried?
Posted by: LLA | May 02, 2006 at 04:10 AM
tony is a cutie. i would love to try amigurumi, but I've been a little intimidated. my crochet skills are not what you'd call "advanced". You've really inspired me though to just get out there and give it a go.
Posted by: mary | May 04, 2006 at 07:39 PM
I'm with gkgirl, i can't do it and it drives me CRAZY that i can't.
Tony is adorable, i especially love the colour.
Posted by: Nicki | May 05, 2006 at 09:24 PM
How cute is he! Please!
Posted by: Alicia P. | May 05, 2006 at 11:08 PM