Last-Minute Mother’s Day presents: Crochet Jewelry

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It is almost Mother’s Day! Have you bought the perfect present yet? Well don’t! Make it instead! The June 2023 issue of Crochet World has several jewelry options and these quick small projects would make the perfect gift! Box them up with some flowers and chocolate and you are all set!

Crochet Jewelry

These types of project work up quickly, are pretty straight forward and if you aren’t into thread, they do work up great with lace or fingering weight yarns too. As an added bonus, you can use your scraps!

Want to see a few more options?

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How about the Super Simple Crochet Jewelry pattern by Cherie Bernatt of Crochet Mon Cherie?

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Or maybe learn a new technique at the same time with the Turkish Crochet Bracelets & Watchband pattern (it comes with a how to video with instructor Lena Skvagerson!) by Debra Arch?

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Or just maybe this lovely Summer Solstice set also by Debra Arch? With this pattern you also get how to information.

—Britt Schmiesing, editor

 

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We Love This Crochet Socks Book & You Need To See Why

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Hello everyone! Tara & Britt here—

Britt loves knitting socks. When she saw this book, Crochet Socks, she had to grab a copy so we could check it out!

Crochet Socks Book by Jeanette

Crochet Socks Book by Jeanette Bøgelund Bentzen

Jeanette perfectly translates how to create great fitting socks in her crochet patterns. She also gives you 16 fabulous crochet socks and slippers in different sizes: from baby through adult. And they’re all photographed so beautifully!

As a Danish crochet designer she, of course, published this book in her native language. But she also published it in English as well! And no worries… she uses American crochet terminology so most of you will have no problem following along.

Mosaik Socks

Mosaik Socks

Look at this texture!

Jeanette also provides you with plenty of how-to information and tips, from what yarns and hooks to use for great socks to sizing charts and measurements to help you pick the perfect size. She also gives you tips on adjusting the sock for that perfect fit (if your size doesn’t exactly match the sizing charts).

Come Along Socks

Come Along Socks

We love this colorwork, and a good fit really makes it shine!

With 166 pages, you get detailed information on working each segment of the sock with illustrations. And to top it all off, each sock pattern has links to how-to videos that will walk you through the major steps and stitches of each sock and slipper pattern.

This book is truly a must for anyone wanting to up their crocheted sock and slipper game!

Braided Slippers

Braided Slippers

Just look at these slippers—they make us want to curl up on a chair with a fresh cup of coffee (preferably with enough yarn to make a second set in another color)!

Visit the Air Crochet website below to get your book today, both digital and print: www.aircrochet.com/collections/books

Make sure you follow Jeanette on Instagram too: @aircrochet

Let us know how if you’ve ever made socks or slippers in the comment section!

– Tara Orchard & Britt Schmiesing, Editors of Crochet! and Crochet World Magazines

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Learn All About the Origins of Crochet Amigurumi

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Flip through any issue of Crochet World and it’s very likely that you’ll see a doll, toy or figure. The magazine has featured animals from farm to jungle to zoo, ocean creatures, elves, gnomes, snowmen, women and children, fruits, vegetables, Santa and Mrs. Claus, balls, Halloween bowling pins and many other characters. Of course, they all have one thing in common: They’re stuffed with fiberfill or other material. However, some of them stand out in another way: They’re worked in a technique used to create cute crocheted toys known as amigurumi.

Sweater Dog from Scrap-Busting Crochet

Ah-muh what?

It’s a Japanese term, defined by the website SheCodes as a blend of the words “ami” (編み), meaning crocheted or knitted, and “kurumi” (包み), which means “wrapping.” The DIY craft website, FeltMagnet, defines it as “ami” and “nuigurumi” (ぬいぐるみ) which together are “crochet or knitted stuff toy.” A breakdown of the pronounciation, as best as can be described in print, is this: Start with the French word for “friend,” “ami,” and follow with “guh-rue-me”. It’s the same in Japanese with a slight roll of the “r.”

What makes amigurumi different from standard crochet?

Both techniques obviously use hooks and yarn. Crochet usually creates 2-D, flat pieces in a variety of stitches, many of which can be joined in some manner and stuffed to produce a 3-D project. Amigurumi, however, is worked with single crochet stitching in continuous (spiral) rounds to create 3-D spheres and tubes that are then stuffed and sewn together. The pieces begin with a slip ring (also called a magic ring) for a smooth appearance. It’s imperative to place a marker on the first stitch of each round to track the rounds as the work progresses.

Rustic Basket & Troll Gnomes from Annie’s Signature Designs

Small Wonders

These toys are easy and quick to make because of their small size; generally, they can fit in the palm of one’s hand. Most of the patterns I’ve seen are animals, real or otherwise, but I’ve edited inanimate objects such as the aforementioned bowling pins, fruits, vegetables and other foods in amigurumi form. The tiny facial features make these pieces especially adorable. Lopsided eyes, ears and mouths, and out-of-proportion sizing add to their appeal.

For the ultimate in small size, look at micro amigurumi pieces on Etsy and Pinterest. Made with sewing, tatting or crochet thread and steel hooks, these itty-bitties are so small they can balance on the tip of your finger! If you’re ambitious and want to try this tiny work, check out the bumble bee by NerdyCrochet.

3-of-a-Kind Ballerinas from Crochet World June 2023

 

Origins

Standard crochet can trace its roots back to 16th century Italy and possibly beyond to when shepherds made netting with a form of crochet. Although the craft was popularized in Japan in the 1970s, there are, according to FeltMagnet, records of crocheted and knitted dolls from the Shang dynasty of China (circa 1600–1050 B.C.).

Thanks to trade relations with the Dutch, it is believed that crochet and knitting were introduced in Japan between the 1600s and 1800s. Knitting developed in part by the samurai, who began using this art to create decorations for their katanas (curved, single-edged swords), and winter wear, gloves and even socks.

Kawaii Cuddlers & Accessories at AnniesCraftStore.com

What about kawaii?

When the kawaii (“cute”) culture emerged in Japan in the 1970s, focusing on objects or appearances that are charming, endearing and pretty (think of Hello Kitty and Pikachu), amigurumi wasn’t far behind. In the late ’80s, it shot up in popularity after it was featured on a hit Japanese TV show, Ami. In the early 2000s, the craft began to catch on around the world. It’s now as commonplace as mainstream crochet. Enter “amigurumi patterns” into a search engine and you’ll have 12 million (yes, million!) results in seconds. This form is so popular in Japan that there is a group devoted to it. Founded in 2002, The Japan Amigurumi Association is a nationwide community of amigurumi enthusiasts sharing their designs and techniques with one another and the world. There are numerous amigurumi groups on Facebook as well.

Pet Wrist Rest Cushions from Crochet World June 2023

What makes amigurumi enticing?

With the billions of crochet patterns available online, in books and in magazines, why would you want to make amigurumi figures? FeltMagnet cites enticing reasons (with a few of my own thrown in):

  • Just like standard crochet, there’s a huge variety of designs. “With so many designs, you can surely find the right patterns to make your kids’ favorite characters.” Get those kids or a young recipient involved in the process by allowing them to choose the character and colors. Who knows? You may inspire the child to take up crochet. If you’re into character dolls, make them for yourself!
  • They’re conveniently sized. Amigurumi dolls are so portable that you can take your hook and yarn or thread and make them anywhere. Depending on how fast you crochet, you can make many in a very short time.
  • They make great gifts. Think of amigurumi when you need a small gift in a hurry for a birthday, holiday, baby shower or other special occasion. They can be attached to a gift as a decorative tag.
  • They’re collectible. Adults can collect them, either to display or to create an online store to sell them. (Note: If you sell them, you cannot label the pieces as your own design if you make them from someone else’s pattern. Don’t commit copyright theft; credit the designer!)
  • Just like standard crochet and any manual craft, they boost brain power. Amigurumi develops your imaginative and mental abilities because it combines manual skill and artwork.
  • Amigurumi is a great scrap project. If you enjoy threadwork, such as the beautiful doilies and other delicate pieces featured in Crochet World, look for micro patterns to use up the little balls and spools from your favorite projects. Of course, any scrap yarn can be used in amigurumi.
  • Lastly, you don’t need a pattern to create a toy or figure. Pick up your hook and yarn and let your imagination go to create something fun and truly unique!

—Randy Cavaliere, guest blogger, technical editor and designer

 

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New Crochet Book Alert: Crochet Baby Blankets By Kristi Simpson

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Hello everyone! Tara here—

Kristi Simpson just released another incredible crochet book with Stackpole Books!

Crochet Baby Blankets By Kristi Simpson

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The book was written by Kristi Simpson and was just released yesterday (May 1st).

In just 32 pages, this book contains 13 beautiful baby blanket designs, well-written patterns and adorable photos of the blankets being used by the cutest little ones.

It’s a must-have for crocheters—baby blankets are one of the best gifts to give and these are guaranteed to be favorites!

These blankets are made with modern colors that match any nursery and soft yarn. Each blanket is made with a different technique too, so you aren’t going to get bored or end up making the same thing over and over again (unless you want to).

The majority of the blankets in this book are also ranked as Easy patterns, so this is a great book for someone that’s newer to the craft AND for those crocheters that enjoy working on easier projects.

There are repetitive blankets, color-blocked blankets, and even stitch sampler blankets in this book. Stitch samplers are always a favorite, so those are the ones I plan on stitching first!

Kristi has released several crochet books now, such as Supersize Crochet Animals, Ultimate Crochet Nursery, Adorable Baby Crochet and Baby Hats to Crochet, and this book is an incredible addition to her collection. You have to check it out!

You can even find some of her books on the Annie’s Website (check out the titles below).

Huggable Amigurumi

Fun Animal Pillows

Mini Huggables: 5 Adorable Woodland Animals to Quickly and Easily Crochet

 

Make sure you’re following @KristiSimpson_CraftInstructor on Instagram and on Facebook at @KristiSimpsonCraftInstructor.

You can grab a copy from the Rowman & Littlefield website HERE!

Happy Stitching!

 

Let us know which blanket is your favorite in the comment section!

– Tara Orchard, Editor of Crochet! Magazine

 

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Learn a New Take on a Crochet Dishcloth

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In our June 2023 issue, our Scraps Delight project is the Striped Scrap Dishcloth by Adriana Baiocco. (BTW: You should check out some of her amazing designs here.) You will need scraps of cotton yarn in 3 colors to create this dishcloth. Adriana used Circulo Apolo Eco 4/4 to make the set in the photo, but any worsted weight cottons will do.

Striped Scrap Dishcloth

I really am partial to dishcloths that are worked in very open stitch patterns. They dry so much faster. But this isn’t an ordinary mesh dishcloth. It has some extra special additions with chains that you may not be able to see in the magazine.

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Here are a couple of close ups of how chains are woven through the fabric (details in the pattern). AND it has instructions for a hanging loop. Another plus it a dishcloth pattern in my opinion.

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Also here is a close up of the other side that might come in handy.

AND it has instructions for a hanging loop. Another plus it a dishcloth pattern in my opinion. Does this have you intrigued and want you learning exactly how to make it? Be sure to grab the issue using the link at the start or on newsstands now!

—Britt Schmiesing, editor

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