The ginger Tom was very perturbed and started slinking around, belly close to the floor, in that macho, catcho style they adopt when they're trying to look 'ard as nails.
Fortunately, we'd already ordered the turkey for Christmas.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
There's a peahen in my garden
Just before Christmas, there was a thud outside the French windows. This was not quite what we expected to see when we went to investigate.
The ginger Tom was very perturbed and started slinking around, belly close to the floor, in that macho, catcho style they adopt when they're trying to look 'ard as nails.
Fortunately, we'd already ordered the turkey for Christmas.
The ginger Tom was very perturbed and started slinking around, belly close to the floor, in that macho, catcho style they adopt when they're trying to look 'ard as nails.Fortunately, we'd already ordered the turkey for Christmas.
Amigurumi hints and tips type thing
Sorry about the gap. Long Christmas, lethargy, holiday, too much cake - you know how it is.
Anyway, there are a lot of amigurumi hints and tips floating about out there on the interwebnetsuperhyperspace, but I thought I'd add to them anyway. Specifically, the correct use of pins.
When I first started making ami, I failed to pin. Failure to pin is a very grave mistake. You've put all that effort into making the bits, so don't fall at the last hurdle and construct your ami so it looks like a lopsided car crash.
I use two type of pins. Long ones, like these;
and short ones, like these;
They're very cheap and not worth buying in a specialist craft shop where they're likely to be more expensive. Get them in a supermarket - Asda do the long ones, and you can probably get the short ones in Sainsbury and Tesco.
I made the mistake of using the long ones for limbs when I first started making ami. Because they're long, they seem more secure, yes? No. What happens is that the pin comes out the other side of the toy making it difficult to sew without stabbing yourself in the fingers. It also makes the toy top heavy and gets in the way of balancing the limbs properly. The best thing to use are the shorter pins, and use more of them. If you're placing a leg on a body, for instance, place the pins close to the top of the leg/arm and make sure most of the pin goes into the body. Don't put the pin through the bottom of the paw whatever you do. And don't be afraid to use 3 or even 4 pins for this purpose, like this;
When you turn the toy upright, the pins won't get in the way when you try to make the animal stand up, as is often the case with the longer pins.
So what about long pins? Oddly enough, long pins can also be good for siting smaller body parts, like ears. If you try and use 3 or 4 small pins on an ear it's almost impossible to sew the ear on as the surface area is so small. One large pin, straight through the tip of the ear and right through the head, leaves the sewing area clear.
Hope this helps!
Anyway, there are a lot of amigurumi hints and tips floating about out there on the interwebnetsuperhyperspace, but I thought I'd add to them anyway. Specifically, the correct use of pins.
When I first started making ami, I failed to pin. Failure to pin is a very grave mistake. You've put all that effort into making the bits, so don't fall at the last hurdle and construct your ami so it looks like a lopsided car crash.
I use two type of pins. Long ones, like these;
and short ones, like these;
They're very cheap and not worth buying in a specialist craft shop where they're likely to be more expensive. Get them in a supermarket - Asda do the long ones, and you can probably get the short ones in Sainsbury and Tesco.
I made the mistake of using the long ones for limbs when I first started making ami. Because they're long, they seem more secure, yes? No. What happens is that the pin comes out the other side of the toy making it difficult to sew without stabbing yourself in the fingers. It also makes the toy top heavy and gets in the way of balancing the limbs properly. The best thing to use are the shorter pins, and use more of them. If you're placing a leg on a body, for instance, place the pins close to the top of the leg/arm and make sure most of the pin goes into the body. Don't put the pin through the bottom of the paw whatever you do. And don't be afraid to use 3 or even 4 pins for this purpose, like this;
When you turn the toy upright, the pins won't get in the way when you try to make the animal stand up, as is often the case with the longer pins.
So what about long pins? Oddly enough, long pins can also be good for siting smaller body parts, like ears. If you try and use 3 or 4 small pins on an ear it's almost impossible to sew the ear on as the surface area is so small. One large pin, straight through the tip of the ear and right through the head, leaves the sewing area clear.
Hope this helps!
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Free bunny and cat pattern for christmas
And why not. And even better, you only need scrap wool and it takes no time at all. Enjoy....
Body
Head
Row 1 - ch 2. sc 6 sts in second ch from hook, or use the magic loop method
Row 2 - sc-inc in each stitch around = 12 sts
Row 3 - *sc1, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 18 sts
Row 4 - *sc2, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 24 sts
Row 5 - *sc3, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 30 sts
Rows 6 to 8 - sc around = 30 sts
Arms x2
Legs x2
Bunny Ears x2
Embroider on the mouth with pink thread.
You will need a couple of balls of inexpensive yarn in contrasting colours. Any spare yarn you have lying around in your workbasket will probably be fine - this little critter doesn’t take up an awful lot. I used Patons Zhivago. You can opt for more expensive yarn if you fancy a pedigree mew, but cheap acrylic is fine for a moggy mew.
6mm safety eyes (or you can embroider the eyes if you choose)
A scrap of felt for the muzzle. You will need to cut the circle approx 2cm in diameter.
Black embroidery thread for the nose and mouth, and pink thread for the bunny nose
A 3.0mm hook
Stuffing
Abbreviations
Ch – chain
sts - stitches
Sc – single crochet
Sc-inc – Single Crochet increase (sc twice into same stitch)
Sc-dec – Single Crochet decrease (sc two stitches together)
FO – finish off
The body, head legs and arms are the same for both the Mew and the Bunny. Instructions for the Bunny nose and ears are included at the end. For the single striped bunny, I joined in the contrast yarn at row 7 and used it for two rows. On row 9, I went back to the main colour. For the mew, I joined the contrast for rows 4/5, and again at rows 8/9. You can join your colours however you want, or keep your body all one colour. Have some fun with different colour schemes!
Body
Using your main colour.
Row 1 - ch 2. sc 6 sts in second ch from hook, or use the magic loop method
Row 2 - sc-inc in each stitch around = 12 sts
Row 3 - *sc1, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 18 sts
Row 4 - *sc2, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 24 sts
Row 5 - sc around. = 24 sts
Row 6 - *sc2, sc-dec. Repeat from * around = 18 sts
Rows 7 to 9 - sc around = 18 sts.
Row 10 - *sc1, sc-dec. Repeat from * around = 12 sts
Row 11 - sc around = 12 sts
FO.
To give your mew the kind of face he has in the picture, you will need to cut a piece of felt about 2cm in diameter. Embroider the nose and mouth how you prefer and then sew your whiskers in place at the back before attaching the felt to the head of the mew. The back of the felt will look a bit of a mess – like this....
You can see where the mouth and nose are, with the whiskers taking shape at the sides.
When you turn the felt over, you will see something much nicer, like this...
Make the whiskers longer than you need them to be so that you can cut them to size once you've secured them to the back of the felt.
Head
Row 1 - ch 2. sc 6 sts in second ch from hook, or use the magic loop method
Row 2 - sc-inc in each stitch around = 12 sts
Row 3 - *sc1, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 18 sts
Row 4 - *sc2, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 24 sts
Row 5 - *sc3, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 30 sts
Rows 6 to 8 - sc around = 30 sts
If you want to attach the eyes in the same place as on the pictured cat, you can do so now. I put them between rows 6 and 7.
Row 9 - *sc3, sc-dec. Repeat from * around = 24 sts
Row 10 - *sc2, sc-dec. Repeat from * around = 18 sts
If you have made the mouth out of felt, I would attach it now before the hole becomes too small to sew it on comfortably.
Row 11 - *sc1, sc-dec. Repeat from * around = 12 sts
Row 12 - sc around = 12 sts
FO
Arms x2
Row 1 - ch 2. Sc 7 sts in second ch from hook, or use the magic loop method
Rows 2-7 - sc around = 7 sts
FO and leave a long enough thread to attach to the body
Legs x2
Row 1 - ch 2. Sc 8 sts in second ch from hook, or use the magic loop method
Rows 2 to 3 - sc around = 8sts
Row 4 - sc-dec, sc around = 7 sts
Rows 5 to 7 - sc around = 7 sts
FO and leave a long enough thread to attach to the body
Ears x2 (see below for bunny ears)
Row 1 - ch 2. Sc 6 sts in second ch from hook, or use the magic loop method
Row 2 - *sc1, sc-inc. Repeat from * around = 9 sts
Rows 3 to 4 - sc around = 9 sts
FO – leave enough yarn to sew ears to head.
Stuff the head and body and stitch together. There’s no need to stuff the limbs – simply sew the top of the legs and arms flat before attaching to the body. If you want the mew to sit down, sew his legs about three rows up from his bottom. If you want him to stand, place the legs closer to the base.
Sew the ears on to the head.
Bunny
Bunny Ears x2
Row 1 - ch 2. Sc 5 sts in second ch from hook, or use the magic loop method
Row 2 - sc-inc in each stitch around = 10 sts
Row 3 – *sc-inc, sc 4. Repeat from * around = 12 sts
Rows 4 and 5 – sc around = 12 sts
Row 6 - sc-dec around = 6 sts
Rows 7 and 8 - sc around = 6 sts.
FO. Using the tail of the yarn, pinch the bottom of the ears together and put in two or three stitches in to keep them looking “curled”.
Bunny Nose
Row 1 - ch 2. Sc 5 sts in second ch from hook, or use the magic loop method
Row 2 - sc-inc in each stitch around = 10 sts
Row 3 - sc around = 10 sts.
FO leaving a tail long enough to attach the nose to the face.
Embroider on the mouth with pink thread.
Assemble the bunny as described for the mew above.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
How to cheat at games and be a bad mother
Limekitten likes playing a computer game called "Monster Mash".
The object of the game is to stop a series of slightly ridiculous monsters from reaching the village and eating the inhabitants. You do this by constructing cannon at strategic points on the path to the village. Put them in the wrong place, and your chances of success are reduced. Upgrade them incorrectly and you're simply asking for trouble. I control the gameplay, but Limekitten gives the orders.
Limekitten's favourite adversary
We don't play every day or even every week. But when we do it is a source of much giggling. However, there came a point one evening where the monsters got the better of us, and we had to give up.
There's something to be said for being a bit technically aware. Not too technical, but just technical enough to know how to hunt down the .ini file and reduce some of the values. Like, well, the amount of points you need before you can upgrade those weapons to maximum firing capacity.
A few days later and Limekitten was amazed. "You've got really good at this, mummy. Have you been practising?".
I'll admit to feeling slightly shamefaced.
He must never know.
The object of the game is to stop a series of slightly ridiculous monsters from reaching the village and eating the inhabitants. You do this by constructing cannon at strategic points on the path to the village. Put them in the wrong place, and your chances of success are reduced. Upgrade them incorrectly and you're simply asking for trouble. I control the gameplay, but Limekitten gives the orders.
Limekitten's favourite adversaryWe don't play every day or even every week. But when we do it is a source of much giggling. However, there came a point one evening where the monsters got the better of us, and we had to give up.
There's something to be said for being a bit technically aware. Not too technical, but just technical enough to know how to hunt down the .ini file and reduce some of the values. Like, well, the amount of points you need before you can upgrade those weapons to maximum firing capacity.
A few days later and Limekitten was amazed. "You've got really good at this, mummy. Have you been practising?".
I'll admit to feeling slightly shamefaced.
He must never know.
Friday, 21 November 2008
Extreme Crochet Pt II
The Extremeties of Making.
Specifically for the Parent Teachers Association, who like people to make things. So a lot of us made a lot of stuff.
Here is some of that stuff in a basket, waiting to be taken to school.
It's been crochet hell getting this lot done in time.
Some things were more popular than others, but the badger, I am pleased to say, went down very well and it's a shame I only had one.
There was also a request for some pigs. I didn't have any pigs, and have not really concentrated on porcine creations so far, so who knows what manner of pork scratchings are going to be created before perfection is achieved.
Specifically for the Parent Teachers Association, who like people to make things. So a lot of us made a lot of stuff.
Here is some of that stuff in a basket, waiting to be taken to school.
I was expecting my own room...
It's been crochet hell getting this lot done in time.
Some things were more popular than others, but the badger, I am pleased to say, went down very well and it's a shame I only had one.
whatever you do, don't look round..
There was also a request for some pigs. I didn't have any pigs, and have not really concentrated on porcine creations so far, so who knows what manner of pork scratchings are going to be created before perfection is achieved.
Pardon? Do I know you?
I am glad it's over, though. It now allows the time to stock the shop and get the badger pattern online. There's also a free pattern coming for the blog. Soon, hopefully. The hands need a rest, too.
I also need to reintroduce myself to the limekitten. He's been as patient as it's possible to be for a 6 year old, but I think he's had enough.
I also need to reintroduce myself to the limekitten. He's been as patient as it's possible to be for a 6 year old, but I think he's had enough.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
A Nightingale Sang in East Wellow
Last weekend, the large cat suggested a walk around East Wellow because "it's where Florence Nightingale is buried". This is a man who shows scant interest in history, so I was shocked by this sudden conversion to the finest of academic pursuits. Sadly, my delight was short lived. This "Florence Fact" had come to his attention because Miss Nightingale, as well as being a nurse, was also a statistician. This was a complete revelation. I had no idea that she was numerically famous although I did know a reasonable amount about the Crimean war (and obviously, everyone has heard of Cardigan, Raglan and Balaclava, the latter being a particularly nasty form of torture inflicted on children during cold spells in the 70's). But he, being a mathematical sort of person, did. Who says maths and history don't go?!
King Alfred woz ere
Anyway, we set off, having not really had a decent walk for a few weeks, only to be met by a steadily increasing drizzle. It was just about tolerable in the churchyard of St Margaret of Antioch, where Florence is buried. I only found out this evening that the founding of this church goes back to the time of King Alfred and that the building itself contains a rather splendid medieval wall painting. So perhaps we shall be going back to have a closer peek.
Having taken a photo of the grave, which does rather stand out from the rest of the burial plots, the drizzle began to turn nasty, and on following the waymark for the beginning of our walk, we were confronted by this...
Well, I wasn't prepared to walk through that little lot. Having survived the infamous "Pea Field Fiasco" just outside Petersfield last year, I wasn't willing to risk a reprise with an even more menacing crop. Navigating Fangorn would have been preferable. So we returned to the car. And to be fair, it was absolutely chucking it down by then.
East Wellow is pretty and the church, even in the drizzle, looked interesting. With more time I think it would be worth exploring further. The roads are very narrow, though, so if you fancy visiting the Lady of the Lamp in her final resting place and having a walk afterwards, you may as well leave your car at the church as there's nowhere else you can safely park unless you have a motorbike or a very thin vehicle.
King Alfred woz ere
Having taken a photo of the grave, which does rather stand out from the rest of the burial plots, the drizzle began to turn nasty, and on following the waymark for the beginning of our walk, we were confronted by this...
"You shall not pass!"
Well, I wasn't prepared to walk through that little lot. Having survived the infamous "Pea Field Fiasco" just outside Petersfield last year, I wasn't willing to risk a reprise with an even more menacing crop. Navigating Fangorn would have been preferable. So we returned to the car. And to be fair, it was absolutely chucking it down by then.
East Wellow is pretty and the church, even in the drizzle, looked interesting. With more time I think it would be worth exploring further. The roads are very narrow, though, so if you fancy visiting the Lady of the Lamp in her final resting place and having a walk afterwards, you may as well leave your car at the church as there's nowhere else you can safely park unless you have a motorbike or a very thin vehicle.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Etsy Observations
There are a few nice things about opening an Etsy shop.
Firstly, someone might actually like your stuff. For a generally non creative person like myself, that's an extraordinary turn up for the books, believe me.
Shop til you don't drop
Secondly, the experience so far is that the other sellers and buyers are very encouraging and constructive individuals. They genuinely seem to want to help you out.
Thirdly, even if no sales are made, people can show their appreciation through "hearting", which means they can let you know if they either like your shop, or your items. I had a new shop heart this very evening, which is always a nice and uplifting thing.
The bad news is - there are a lot of very successful sellers on Etsy, who seem to sell about 400,000,000 items per second. If you think this is hyperbole, you'd be right. But it gives some indication of the mountains which need to be climbed for a small, snail-like crocheter.
What this means is that every time those big sellers sell, they relist. And relist. And relist again. So your individual, hand crafted labour of love is on the front page of the search engine for about 3 seconds flat (during which period you are rather disproportionately excited) before being knocked onto page 2 (during which period your excitement is extinguished and you gnash your teeth and weep).
The Craft Bag of Possibilities - there is a compass and protractor at the bottom. No, really, there is.
So I'm just going to have to make more things, which is going to be a tall order, what with being a creative dullard. But there is a craft bag full of stuff in the kitchen. And some grey, black and cream wool in the yarn box. It is quite possible that a badger may well seek refuge under the dining table, point out that mountains are there to be climbed, not shirked (badgers are notoriously obstinate like that), and suggest that I give him a new set of legs and put him in the shop front.
I may well take him up on his offer.
Firstly, someone might actually like your stuff. For a generally non creative person like myself, that's an extraordinary turn up for the books, believe me.
Shop til you don't dropSecondly, the experience so far is that the other sellers and buyers are very encouraging and constructive individuals. They genuinely seem to want to help you out.
Thirdly, even if no sales are made, people can show their appreciation through "hearting", which means they can let you know if they either like your shop, or your items. I had a new shop heart this very evening, which is always a nice and uplifting thing.
The bad news is - there are a lot of very successful sellers on Etsy, who seem to sell about 400,000,000 items per second. If you think this is hyperbole, you'd be right. But it gives some indication of the mountains which need to be climbed for a small, snail-like crocheter.
What this means is that every time those big sellers sell, they relist. And relist. And relist again. So your individual, hand crafted labour of love is on the front page of the search engine for about 3 seconds flat (during which period you are rather disproportionately excited) before being knocked onto page 2 (during which period your excitement is extinguished and you gnash your teeth and weep).
The Craft Bag of Possibilities - there is a compass and protractor at the bottom. No, really, there is.So I'm just going to have to make more things, which is going to be a tall order, what with being a creative dullard. But there is a craft bag full of stuff in the kitchen. And some grey, black and cream wool in the yarn box. It is quite possible that a badger may well seek refuge under the dining table, point out that mountains are there to be climbed, not shirked (badgers are notoriously obstinate like that), and suggest that I give him a new set of legs and put him in the shop front.
I may well take him up on his offer.
"Careful with those pins, woman!"
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