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The makers of Inside Crochet magazine recently released a special edition just for amigurumi: "The Amigurumi Collection".
They sent me a copy of the issue and I was happy to see photos of several of my hookabee patterns, as well as some select quotes by me from when they interviewed me earlier in the year.
I recommend checking the magazine out and maybe even picking up a copy for yourself. This special issue includes 33 amigurumi patterns (wow!), a couple designer interviews, and several tutorials. It is packed full.
Continue reading and have a look!
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Just because it's fun:
Amigurumi maker MochiMochi Designs teamed up with Sesame Street to make this cute video.
Stacey of FreshStitches is starting her new amigurumi club this month and she is starting off with an amazing offer - receive the first month free! Just sign up to receive updates. (p.s. she is also have a Black Friday weekend sale.)
Time to make your Christmas amigurumi! I quite enjoy this goofy Christmas tree by De Estraperlo. Those skinny legs and the garland of lights! love.
Amigurumi in the news: this Canadian woman is making amis for sick children in order to brighten up their day. What a great idea!
I adore the whimsical and rustic ami designs by Son's Popkes, and lately she has been releasing free, and ridiculously cute, accessory patterns to adorn them. Check out the safety helmet for her mole, and the flying cap for her duck.
There is still time to make this cute tiny turkey by MevvSan before Thanksgiving! It is free to boot :)
I really like the style of June Gilbank's new gingerbread cookie pattern - flat! So many ways to get creative when decorating these guys. Make them and join in on June's Christmas CAL!
Ami designers:
Nicky Ebstein is a knitting amigurumi designer I just discovered. Her patterns are really unique because you make the ami out of a knit square that is then shaped into an animal!
Amigurumi techniques:
Another fantastic tutorial by June of Planet June, this time on how to add a glint to your ami's eyes when they are stitched on. Seems like a simple thing, but June goes into such detail on why you should do it how to do it right.
Wendy's faux-fur pompoms are genius! They won't fall apart and are kid friendly. Read her great tutorial on how to make your own.
Tools, notions and yarn:
Ok, this isn't a tool you can buy, but a technique to jazz up the ones you have! Learn how to make your own cute polymer clay handle for your crochet hook.
Trying to find eyes for you amigurumi? Wendy has a great list of her favourite websites for purchasing eyes online. I didn't know about the last one!
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Want certain features on your amigurumi, such as a belly patch, rosy cheeks, or ear lining, but don't think you can crochet them, or they will look too bulky crocheted? Make these pieces with felt! Simply cut them out to the size you want and sew them on or use fabric glue to attach them in place on your ami. These little features can make a huge difference to the look of your project.
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Each newsletter I interview a fellow amigurumi maker. In this issue, meet Vicki! Learn more about her and her work on her ravelry profile.
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Tell us a little about yourself!
I am retired from my own business as a leadership development trainer and executive coach. My husband and I like to travel and I like cats. Since we travel we don’t have any cats so I volunteer about once a week at a local cat rescue shelter.
Why did you start making amis? How did you find out about them?
When I retired about 4 years ago I started to crochet a little when going to my stitch group because I don’t do much hand sewing. Then I got an email from Craftsy about Stacey Trock’s Woodland Animals class and it sounded interesting. I signed up and got hooked. I made about 100 animals in the first year.
Do you like to knit your amigurumi or crochet them?
I can knit but I don’t enjoy it so I only crochet.
What is your favourite yarn to use for amigurumi and why?
I use all acrylic yarn because it is washable and less expensive since I give away most of my animals. I mostly use Red Heart Super Saver, Vanna’s Choice, and Deborah Norville’s Everyday Yarn.
What is your favourite hook to use for amigurumi and why?
I usually use a G (4 mm) hook. I bought a Yarnology soft handle hook a few months ago and it is now my very favorite. I’m going to put the collection on my Christmas list.
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Do you prefer crocheting through blo (back-loop only) or both loops when making amigurumi? Why?
I like crocheting blo because it is easier on my hands and so much easier to join parts to the amigurumi. Sometimes I do a project through both loops but I always go back to blo.
Do you like making little or big amigurumi?
I really like making the regular size amigurumi because they are more huggable. The little ones are cute but are sometimes a little more difficult trying to attach little pieces.
Who do you give your amis to? Do you keep any for yourself? If so, where do they live?
I keep some of my amis and they are in my office, my living room, and my bedroom on the bed. I give a lot away as gifts to friends and family and I donated some to an elementary school last year. I also sell some to friends occasionally.
What do you like most about making amigurumi?
They are just fun and you can finish one in a few evenings, which is when I crochet while watching TV.
Are you crafty in other ways or do you prefer to just stick to crochet/knitting?
I also quilt. I am a member of my local quilt guild and a stitch group. I machine piece and machine quilt. I also have an embroidery machine but haven’t been doing much of it lately.
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I am very excited to be moving to the east coast of the United States - so much yarnie goodness there! Ever since learning about knitting, crochet, and yarn shows (probably through Stacey Trock of FreshStitches talking about Stitches shows!), I have dreamed about going to one, and soon I will be so close to so many! Vogue Knitting Live in New York, New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, Stitches United in Hartford, plus all the local festivals...drool.
As soon as I knew we were moving I started looking up all the shows I could attend, and I am already planning on being at two of them: Vogue Knitting Live (Jan. 13-15) and Stitches United (April 27-30).
At Vogue Knitting Live I have signed up for a yarn dyeing class (with Felicia Lo, the woman behind the gorgeous yarns of Sweet Georgia) and hope to sign up for a class at Stitches United once registration opens up, but I am mostly excited to be surrounded by people with the same passion for crochet, knitting and yarn that I have. I am going to these events on my own, so I hope to meet others while I am there and just immerse myself in the experience (and of course, shop for yarn and notions!).
Do you plan to go to either of these events? Maybe we can meet up and chat or stitch together!
Until next time,
P.S. November means Movember! Make a giant crocheted moustache this month.
  
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