Work in Progress Wednesday

Wednesdays, at least on the interwebs, is Work in Progress Wednesday or WIP. More specifically, in the crochet community everyone is asking “What's on your hook?” At anytime I am working on several projects; however, I try to minimize how many half-finished projects I have out at any one time. Wait--how am I working on a project if I’m not actually crocheting?

Each item I make has to be conceptualized and designed before I ever pick up a skein of yarn. Even when I am following a pattern that is already written, there is a choice of yarn color and style, hook size, and a level of interpretation and trial and error. There are many patterns available on the internet: some for free, others for purchase. My favorite website for beginners (and where I started with amigurumi) is AllAboutAmi. I found her patterns clear, easy to understand, and fun and adorable. From her patterns I realized that amigurumi patterns make mathematical sense. I have been able to use this general concept to make different shapes, which ultimately become my own patterns.

Maybe one day I will get into formal pattern writing, but for now suffice it to say there is a lot of mental power that goes into my patterns long before they become a reality! On this Wednesday there isn’t much on my hook, but that won’t last for long.

Most of the components I make are worked around in circles.

Change is good...

Please excuse my mess as I work on updating my website to reflect my new shop name and logo! I am an HTML novice, so there is a lot of trial and error when it comes to design. Being a visual person, I have play around with lots of designs before I figure out exactly what I like. Thanks for your understanding! Here is a cute bunny picture, for your patience:

Meet Stannis, aka Stanstan, aka the one true king of Westeros

Washcloths

I was commissioned by a new friend and fellow crafts-lady for a series of washcloths for her and her family. I was delighted, as I knew this would be a fun, and relatively quick, creative outlet. I love making my critters, but with washcloths I would be able to play around with different stitches and colors AND have a sense of instant gratification. In just a few days I had 6 beautiful unique pieces, all made with 100% cotton dishie yarn from KnitPicks. In exchange, I will be receiving a bar of my friend's homemade oatmeal stout (beer) soap! Trading crafts is such a great thing. Check out her lovely shop here. I bought a bar of her soap for my husband for Christmas at the UCR craft fair and he loved it.

Next time I will take better pictures! There is a lot of detail that can't be seen from this view.

New year, new name

This month commemorates the 9 month anniversary of my Etsy shop. Though I have been crocheting for many years, it wasn't until I started making crochet dolls and animals, or amigurumi, that I found my calling. Creating cute and cuddly (and often nerdy) things with yarn is such a joy! To convey this message through my shop and blog, I enlisted the expertise of my dear friend, talented artist, and graphic designer, Amanda.  She nailed it - my quirky sense of style, my love of yarn & bunnies, everything. So I present, not just a new logo, but a new name: Hop & Stitch Crochet by Amy

Check out Amanda's beautiful fine art on her Etsy shop

This year I hope to get more variety in my shop and have a greater inventory. I hope to add more wearable items and homegoods, keeping with the cute (okay and nerdy) theme! I will also be keeping my blog more up-to-date. January is a month for new beginnings, let's get creating!

Holiday Orders

The last few weeks have been busy finishing orders before Christmas! I have had so much fun playing with new designs and completing tried and true creatures. Below is a brief round-up of what the last month has been full of:

Bed Bug
Earlier in December I donated a bed bug to the UCR Entomology craft fair raffle prize. It really caught someone's eye, and I was asked to make a bed bug just for her. I don't keep any bugs in my inventory (and you won't find any in my Etsy shop) because, well, I deal with bugs all day I want to make cute things when I get home! Actually, I love making bugs, I just didn't think anyone else like them... anyway I think I'll add some bed bugs to the shop in the new year (take this bug to bed with ya) and maybe some other related designs as well.

Totoro
I had several orders for this whimsical guy at the UCR craft fair. As far as monsters go, Totoro has to be the cutest. I absolutely love watching My Neighbor Totoro and making these chubby critters is just as fun.

Kangaroo
At the craft fair I had a request for a kangaroo. I knew a kangaroo would be challenging, but I love how he (she?) turned out! The pouch was probably my favorite part to add. While I planned on creating a whole new pattern from scratch, this kangaroo ended up being a prime example of borrowing bits and pieces from patterns I had already completed. While I always try to document my *new* designs, sometimes I just get excited and next thing you know I forgot how many stitches I added here or there. So, I could easily make another kangaroo, but this one will always be one of a kind.

Ewoks
My friend requested months ago that I make four Ewoks - one for each of her nephews. You have no idea how happy this made me! I've been wanting to get into Star Wars characters for awhile, and this was my excuse. Best yet, the Ewoks have such a cute unrefined look to them. Which  meant getting fuzzy yarn and patching together felt hoods to complete the look. I couldn't be happier with how they turned out.

Phew! These are just the orders that needed to be completed before Christmas. I have several more things lined up in the queue (including several pokemon, some hats, and elegant washcloths [I do non-amigurumi too!]). Happy Holidays all.

Moo Cows and Unicorns

I've worked on dairy farms before, which may be in part why I love cows. They are essentially giant dogs who are sweet, gentle, and have no idea how big they are. With this amigurumi design I really wanted to make the cows as cute as possible. I currently have two varieties available: holstein and jersey cows. 

One of the challenges I enjoy is altering patterns to create new designs. One prime example of this is taking one of my cute cows, changing the yarn and embellishments, and making a chubby unicorn. I frequently have people ask me "can you make ____." With enough time and energy, almost any animal or pokemon can be crafted from shapes or patterns I'm already familiar with! Some just look cuter in yarn than others :D

UCR craft fair

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth at my very first craft fair this week! I had so much fun, and I am glad I was able to share my cute creations with so many people.

I'm working on lots of special orders before Christmas, but hope to have some new fun things in the shop soon! Until then, you can follow my Instagram account, @acm_bunherder, for updates and project pictures :)

Thank you!

*edit* I think next year I will need at least a whole table to myself!