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Little update…

…on what I have been up to for the past month. It sure did pass fast and I haven’t posted any news during pretty long period of time.

Due to some minor health problems I had to take some time off from crocheting and staying away from PC. That resulted with brand new ideas I started to wort at so all this ended great and we will have many new things to work at pretty soon.

Before I show you and talk to you about my newest project, I would like to show you photos of few dolls I made for friends.

Little Strawberry Shortcake and Woody  you can see on the photo below are dolls I made for local friend. None of these patterns was mine. Had to make dolls in few days and didn’t have time to come up with pattern of my own. Instead, I used patterns from my pattern library. I have a huge collection of all different patterns from many famous and non famous designers. I think that each one of us, who is in this craft, has this “mania” of collecting patterns and making to do lists for our future projects. At least I do! I can tell you that this list, of what I would like to do and try, is huge. Unless I end up with something urgent to make (like these two little dolls) most of the time those patterns just sit and wait some better times (while I keep loading new ones on top of them).

Let me show you these two before I continue:

Strawberry & Woody

Both ended up cute and patterns I worked on were nice and easy as well.

For Strawberry Shortcake pattern I used Yolita Amigurumis pattern. Clicking on link provided will lead you to Yolita’s blog. From there you can go to her Facebook page. Feel free to contact her if you will have hard times finding Strawberry Shortcake pattern. She will be glad to help you.

Original pattern name is Rosita Fresita!

Woody I made following the pattern made by Siemprejosefina. This one is not free. You can find it on Etsy.

The thing I changed on both are the eyes. I painted eyes on both of these dolls. I also made hair on Strawberry Shortcake little bit different than from original pattern (but only because had different yarn, this one was lighter weight so had to improvise a little). 

Last month I got contacted by wonderful and so kind doll maker from France, her name is Arlette. She sent me mail asking for my BB dolls measurements. She creates dolls from textile and wanted to make BB couple but in same proportions as my original dolls. Instead of sending her measurements I made her two dolls (boy and girl) and send them so she could get to see them in real and make dolls based on visual experience, rather than working with plain numbers.

I really enjoyed working at those two dolls for her. I called them BB bros and they both ended up very happy and sweet. Arlette was pleased as well what made me even happier. To thank me she send me two of BB dolls but in textile. Oh my God, was I surprised and happy when I got the package!!!

I am not good in sewing and sewed dolls were always special treat and treasure for me. Love them even more than crocheted ones and receiving BB dolls in textile for me felt as Christmas! I have no words to express my gratitude and thankfulness to Arlette for taking her time to make these little ones for me. They are absolutely beautiful! Their names are> The Little Green Eyes Princess and The little Captain Red. Arlette made me this beautiful card (which I forgot to take photo and prepare for this post…) where she drew these two little dolls and wrote their name. She also sent me Sugar’n Cream yarns! I am bragging, I know…but it was such a beautiful gesture she made, and I still feel very thankful to her. Anyways, here is the photo of dolls I made for her and dolls she made for me.

bb bross

 

By now I talked about and showed you the projects I finished. Now can tell you more of what I started to work on and what is going to show and share with you soon.

For a long time I wanted to to moveable joints and head crocheted doll. Sometimes I felt as the idea on how to make one was haunting me through the nights. Had many ideas by now, but never really started or tried to make one. The period while I had to stay away from hook and PC, I took time to give it deeper thinking on how I would make doll moveable.

There are many different ways. The best I saw so far was one Beth Webber came up with. I haven’t tried to follow the pattern on her moveable joints (and maybe I should have-would make my work much easier), but the whole idea of hers is the best I saw so far. You can find all details on her moveable joints and head dolls here:  http://byhookbyhand.blogspot.com/

it is link to her blog but on the left side bar of her blog you will find links to many different patterns, among which there are moveable joints, head…

Beth’s place is the best for all of you doll lovers. Not that you will find huge pattern sellection, but Beth’s work and enthusiasm will inspire you and your future work as well. I just love to visit her place there and spend some time. For me it feels as gaining energy from her blog, posts, patterns and work. She is great! We love you Beth! 🙂

So…my idea on making moveable joints!

The whole idea is making arms and legs first. Start them from bottom, work to top, and keep opened. Attach them to the body with buttons from the inner side of shoulders, hips and inside the  body.

Arms and legs to make from two pieces, connected them in elbows and knees with tiny crocheted additions on sides of the legs (sewed through lower leg or arm part) and make them moveable front-back. For the head I have different idea. Will try to crochet head in head. Small ball looking part that will be worked in addition to the body, will place inside the head (will crochet the head around the neck and around this little ball piece). Will talk about head and how this idea will work as soon as I start working on it. By now I have tried to make one arm to se how the elbow joint wil work and it is really working great.

That kept me going and continue with making legs (what I will show you in a little while). Both legs turned out great. Look at the photo. Legs look really good.

Moveable doll Everything went as I planned. I crocheted both legs, left them opened on the top. Started the body and connected the hips to it with the buttons (as planned). The body started to work as an oval, and really was getting nice shape (don’t worry,made records of all I did so we will have the pattern 🙂 )

The hips or this attatchemt where I sewed the hips to the body felt little wobbly, and at first I thought it was becasue there was no stuffing, so I hurried to finish at least the half or two thirds of the body to be able to stuff and check if the wobbling will persist, and to my sadness it did. Stuffing didn’t help. Both legs are very moveable in hips and make doll look like a string one. Not good at all! Idea with the buttons will have to be dropped and changed with something else.

To keep the same shape of the legs and body I think will just try to cut the threads I used to sew the buttons and attach legs to the body, and instead of button attachment will use old method, sewing it from the inner thy sides, through the body and attaching both legs same time. This should work and keep legs stay closer to the body and move nicely and not wobble around like these.

So keep fingers crossed! I am going back to work and hope to get this moveable doll done by next week. Will keep you informed how it goes.

If you have any ideas that might help, please, feel free to drop a line here or on my mail. I am always happy to hear from you. 

Thank you for staying with me this time. Was a lot of bragging but sometimes girl needs to do that too 😉

 

Wishing you all happy end of this week and wonderful blessed weekend!

Love and hugs,

Vanja

 

 

 

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Step by Step photo tutorial on how to make a Fairy Doll

I have been asked a lot recently to teach and show how to make a doll. Was thinking of easiest way to do that and decided to make this photo tutorial and try to explain in details how this little doll is made. Pattern itself is very easy, but took me week of work, taking photos, painting and preparing for easy to follow HowTo you can find and download here.

Hope you will like it and find it useful.

Let me explain what you can find in each of these tutorials.

Part 1. – Head and body – Basic FairyDoll pattern in written and photo form. Photos tried to take on parts I thought, beginner might find difficult to understand. This part includes doll’s head, body, arms, dress and sewing parts together. All I know and how I work is explained inside. How to attach arms and much more.

Part 2. – Hair – this HowTo is following Easy Way To Make Fairy’s Hair. Step by step photos and description on how to crochet and make your doll hair beautiful

Part 3. – Painting Eyes – This part many have been waiting for since last year, when my first Fairies were released. Finally I made it 🙂 Step by step instructions on how to paint your dolls eyes. Addition to eyes, I added tips and trick on how to  add color on your doll’s cheeks and lips. One thing I forgot to add to this part and are designs I made for you to follow when paining eyes. Will add this photo with several eye designs under Help Page, so don’t forget to download that one as well.

And that is it, was lot of work from my side and is you turn to try and make your doll. 🙂

For any help and questions you might have, please feel free to write and ask. Most of the time I try to answer within few days, but lately was in delay sending replies to your mails. Please forgive me. Thank you for your patience. Will answer to each and every one during next few days.

Have fun making your doll(s) and don’t forget to send me photos of your work or share it with me and my friends on Facebook.

For now leaving you with two photos of doll I made while preparing this tutorial. She ended up so nice! I love those fairies!

You will also find the front pages of each of three  tutorial parts. Under each one is direct link to .pdf file from where you can save it to you computer.

Happy crocheting dear friends!

Wishing you all happy and blessed weekend

♡

Vanja

Fairy doll Fairy doll Fairy HowTo Part1 Head and Body Fairy HowTo Part1 Head and Body Fairy HowTo Part2 Hair Fairy HowTo Part2 Hair Fairy HowTo Part3 Painting Eyes Fairy HowTo Part3 Painting Eyes

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Brave, Princess Merida

Hello dear friends,

This week presenting beautiful princess Merida.

Jo Merriman made this adorable doll based on my FairyDoll pattern, and you will all agree, she made wonderful job designing Merida. Thank you Jo for this great idea and pattern you share with us!

Merida by Jo Merriman

Materials you will need to make this doll can be any of your choice yarn with matching hook.

Yarn in flash color – peach or pinkish one will work great for princess Merida

For dress use some petrol green color, darker green or blue, all will work nice.

Bow and quiver make in brown (some leftover yarns will work well) – same color you can use to make Merida’s shoes.

Jo added tiny bits of beige on top of the dress and sleeves.

And orange to make Merida’s beautiful hair.

Darning needle for sewing, stuffing of your choice

2 black beads 4-5 mm round ones for the eyes.

 

Abbreviations:

St(s) – stitch(es)

Sc – single crochet

Sl st – slip stitch

Ch – chain

Hdc – half double crochet

Dec – decreasing stitch

Inc – increasing stitch

 

Head

(flesh color yarn)

R1 Sc6 in magic ring

R2 Inc6 (12 sts)

R3 *Inc1, sc1* x6 (18 sts)

R4 *inc1, sc2* x6 (24 sts)

R5 *inc1, sc3* x6 (30 sts)

R6 *inc1, sc4* x6 (36 sts)

R7 *inc1, sc5* x6 (42 sts)

R8-R12 sc42

R13 inc12, sc30 (54 sts)

R14-R16 sc54

R17 *dec1, sc7* x6 (48 sts)

R18 sc48

R19 *dec1, sc4* x8 (40 sts)

R20 *dec1, sc2* x10 (30 sts)

R21 *dec1, sc1* x10 (20 sts)

R22 dec8, sc4 (12 sts)

At this point stuff the head best you can. Stuff it firmly to fill all the gaps around R13-17. There should be no empty spaces.

R22 dec7, sc4, dec1 (12 sts)

Tie off. Stuff more if needed.

 

Legs & body

(You will need flash color yarn, brown-for shoes, and start with brown for shoes, green or similar for dress)

We will be making legs first, then joining them together and continuing with the body part that will at the same time make base for the dress.

Legs and body is the same pattern as used for BB dolls.

Leg1:

Start with brown

R1: 6 Sc in magic ring (6)

R2: 2 sc in each st around (12)

R3:  *2sc in one st, sc1* x6 (18)

R4: 18 sc

Change color to flash

R5: dec6, sc6 (12)

R6: dec3, sc6 (9)

Stuff the bottom of the leg.

R7-R16: 9 sc

Tie off and leave long end for sewing later. Stuff the leg.

 

Repeat from R1-R16 for the next leg as well!

 

Work with white or color you will use for dress.

Bring both legs together. Safety pin them so they stay close and firm.

Change color to one you will use for the dress and continue making the body.

R17: stitch around both legs making 18 stitches count. (18)

R18-R22

R23 sc18 BLO (back loops only)

R24-R25: sc18

R26: *dec1, sc1* x6 (12)

R27 Either change to a separate color as in photos or change to flesh color. Sc6, insert hook in r below (1st pic) yarn over and pull long loop, insert into same sc and create a second long loop into same sc(2nd pic), sc 5. 13sc.

R28. Change to flesh colour if not done in r27,sc 6 invisible dec 1(dec using front loops only) sc5. 12sc

R29 12 sc.

Pic 3 is the completed doll body changing colour at r27 and again at R28..,,

Tie off leaving long end for sewing the body to the head.

Stuff the body.

Photos below are showing what is done R26-R29

color change for top of dress part1

 This pic is r27, placing hook into r25 whereas the other is just r below. This one I didn’t dec in R28 and just sc 13 in the last 2 rounds, as you can see I didn’t think it made a difference,

color change top of dress part2

color change top of dress part3

dress finished

Arms

Start with flash color

R1 sc6 in magic ring

R2-R4 sc6

Change color to one used for dress

 

R5-R10 sc6

Tie off leaving long end for sewing the arms to the body.

Sew the arms on sides of the body, where neck area,

Jo’s tip: use a running stitch of the tan colour at where the hand and sleeve start and about half way up at about elbow

 

Dress

With same color yarn you used to make the

body, starting at R23

Slip stitch to one of the front loops on R23, ch1

R1 inc18 (36 sts)

R2-R6 sc36

R7 *inc1, sc5* x6 (42 sts)

R8-R24 sc 42

R43 sc in front loops only

Tie off hide end.

 

Bow

In brown color yarn

R1 sc4 in magic ring

R2-R11 sc4

R12 inc1, sc3 (5 sts)

R13-R16 sc5

R17 inc1, sc4 (6 sts)

R18-R21 sc6

R22 dec1, sc4 (5 sts)

R23-R26 sc5

R27 dec1, sc3 (4 sts)

 

R28-R37 sc4

Tie off leaving long end for closing the last round nicely.

Cut the wire little bit shorter than the bow is. Secure the ends with little bit of tape or glued yarn over wire ends.

Place the wire inside the bow. Fold the piece so it forms the bow shape.

 

With silver or white or beige color thread make bow string.

 

Knot it on one side, wrap few times, stretch over the bow from one end to opposite, tie knot, wrap few times.

To secure ends you can either glue them or sew them inside the bow.

 

Bow made with pipe cleaner:

the bow is a 12inch pipe cleaner folded in half and shaped as a bow. using brown yarn tie a knot near bend, wrap yarn around tight to the end and then back down over knot, next bit a little tricky, sc a row down length of bow to the next bend, wrap yarn around to the end, tie a knot and wrap over knot, I put a dab of glue at both ends has yarn tends to fall off when wrapping, this took a few attempts to correct as it can be a little tricky. the bow string I used some very fine silver thread, tie and trimmed a knot at each end wrapping yarn a few times around the knot for picture effect.

 

Quiver and belt

R1 sc6 in magic ring

R2-R4 sc6

R5 inc1, sc5 (7 sts)

R6-R10 sc7

Ch20 (making belt), wrap the belt around Merida’s waist and sc to first chain stitch made. Tie off , hide ends.

Arrows: place some shaped pins inside the quiver

You can also make arrows with some tiny feathers.

 

Hair:

For the hair you will need orange yarn, o

ne size bigger crochet hook (than the one used to crochet head and doll)

Piece of cardboard 6 x 9 inc (15,5 x 23 cm),

A piece of paper and scotchtape

 

Hair cap (or base we’ll use to attach hair)

Work with hook size bigger than used when making head. This will make the cap fit the head nicely.

R1 Sc6 in magic ring

R2 Inc6 (12 sts)

R3 *Inc1, sc1* x6 (18 sts)

R4 *inc1, sc2* x6 (24 sts)

R5 *inc1, sc3* x6 (30 sts)

R6 *inc1, sc4* x6 (36 sts)

R7 *inc1, sc5* x6 (42 sts)

R8-R12 sc42

Tie off leaving long end for sewing the cap on the head.

 

Making crocheted swatch. It is worked in rows. Ch1 and turn after each row.

Ch41

R1 sc40

R2-R17 sc40

Don’t tie off,

Dampen the swatch made, put it on a towel and leave to air dry naturally over night.

 

When dried:

Unravel the dry swatch wrapping it around the paper and card together lengthways, when finished push one end of the loops together till approx 2-3 inches and place tape over yarn to attach to paper, overlap tape onto paper, remove the cardboard, do not cut loops at the loose side! then I hand stitched a row of small

backstitch across the tape making sure to catch all the yarn. I made a couple of rows over just to make sure the stitching was firm. I attached cap to dolls head then the hair, pin in place from the front then to the back, the row of back stitch acts as a parting guide in the hair, so for mine I placed it over left eye at front going towards middle of head at the back. I then used same yarn as hair and made small back stitches over thread attaching hair to cap. Then cut a few loops at a time, depending on were you attached the hair will depend on if you cut the hair in the middle of the loops or to the side like mine, I left mine loose but the hair could be trimmed once fitted.

 

 

Ears

R1 sc5 into a ring but don’t close ring,

R2 ch4 sl st first stitch made, tighten the ring, 1 sl st, 1sc, 1hdc, 1 sc, 1 sl st.

Fasten off leaving long end for sewing.

 

Sew all parts together and your princess Merdia is done!

Here is mine!  I can’t even express how much I enjoyed making her!

Merida

Hope this post and our Facebook friends as well as all of you who will come to see this post and leave the message, will encourage Jo to finish what she started with creating other Disney princesses, we can share and make.

Hip, hip hooraaay for Jo!

 

 

Thank you all for stopping by and taking time reading this post. Hope you like it. Looking forward to hear from you and see you Meridas soon!

 

♡

Vanja

 

p.s.

added .pdf of this pattern under Free Patterns page for your easier download and use.

 

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Charlotte the Cat by NVKatherine

Hello dear firends,

Few weeks ago I have presented you pattern from one new designer NVKatherine who is also my dear Facebook friend. She introduced herself  with Pammy the Pig. NVKatherine is young and very creative designer!

Two weeks ago she came up with new design and we decided to make a post of that one as well. This time it is a cat, darling Charlotte the Cat. Once again, NVKatherine has come up with easy pattern everyone can follow and make, which is same time so cute and adorable.

I am sure you will give it a try and make this darling cat Charlotte for your little ones. Feel free contact me for any questions you might have, or any help you might need, as well as you can contact NVKatherine through contact addresses provided here and in .pdf pattern you are welcome to download.

CHARLOTTE_THE_CAT

CHARLOTTE THE CAT

By NVkatherine

This is originally designed by NVkatherine so please do NOT claim this pattern yours. Don’t repost the pattern anywhere or sell it. You may sell the finished dolls but please give me NVkatherine/Vi the credit as the designer. Thank you!

For complete tutorial video on how to make your Charlotte The Cat, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViPc9hsyWHs

 

PATTERN:

Abbreviations:
st = stitch
sc = single crochet
inc = increase (a.k.a. 2sc in 1st)
dec = decrease (a.k.a. sc2tog)
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet

BLO = back loops only

FLO = front loops only
FO = fasten off

HEAD
*With cream yarn*
1. 6sc in the magic ring [6]
2. 1inc around [12]
3. 1sc, 1inc [18]

4. 2sc, 1inc [24]
5. 1sc in each st around [24]
6. 3sc, 1inc [30]
7. 4sc, 1inc [36]

8. 5sc, 1inc [42]
9. 1sc in each st around for 5 rows [42]
10. 5sc, 1dec [36]
11. 4sc, 1dec [30]
12. 3sc, 1dec [24]
~> Add safety eyes between row 10 and 11, 9 stitches apart.
13. 2sc, 1dec [18]
14. 1sc, 1dec [12]
15. dec around [6]
FO. Leave a long tail to sew up the gap.

BODY
*With cream yarn*
1. 6sc in the magic ring [6]

2. 1inc around [12]
3. 1sc, 1inc [18]

4. 2sc, 1inc [24]
5. 3sc, 1inc [30]
6. 1sc in each st around for 3 rows [30]
*Change to purple*
7. 4sc, 1dec in BLO [25]
8. 1sc in each st around [25]
9. 3sc, 1dec [20]
10. 1sc in each st around [20]
11. 2sc, 1dec [15]
12. 3sc, 1dec [12]
FO. Leave a long tail to connect the body to the head.
This part is optional: do surface slip stitches with white yarn between step 6 & 7, right above the front loops that we left earlier. Please watch my tutorial for more details:

 

DRESS

*With purple yarn*

Insert in the slip knot to the front loop from step 7 of the body and ch1. Please watch my tutorial for better instruction:

At the end of row, remember to do a sl st into the first stitch of the previous row and ch3. (This ch3 does not count a stitch)

1. 1sc around in those front loops that we left earlier. [30]

2. 1dc, 2dc in the 2nd st [45]

3. 1dc around [45]

FO. Leave a long tail to hide the yarn inside of the body.

LEGS
*With cream yarn*
1. 6sc in the magic ring [6]

2. 1inc around [12]
3. 1sc, 1inc [18]
4. 1sc in each st around for 2 rows [18]
5. 4sc, 1dec [15]
6. 1sc in each st around [15]
7. 3sc, 1dec [12]
8. 2sc, 1dec [9]
9. 1sc in each st around for 2 rows [9]
FO. Leave long tails to sew the legs onto the body.

ARMS
*With cream yarn*
1. 7sc in the magic ring [7]
2. 1sc in each st around for 8 rows [7]

*Change to purple*

3. 1sc in each st around for 2 rows [7]
FO. Leave long tails to sew both arms onto the body.

 

EARS

*With cream yarn*

1. 5sc in the magic ring [5]

2. 1sc in each st around [5]

3. 1inc around [10]

4. 1sc, 1inc [15]

5. 1sc in each st around [15]

FO. Leave long tails to sew both ears onto the head.

 

TAIL

*With cream yarn*

1. 6sc in the magic ring [6]

2. 1sc in each st around for 10 rows [6]

FO. Leave a long tail to sew.

 

NOTE: After sewing on everything, you can embroider on the nose and add decorations onto your cat. It’s totally up to you how you would want to decorate your doll! ^o^

 

For any help, you can find NVKatherine:

Deviantart:

http://nvkatherine.deviantart.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/vi.lenguyennhat

Nice one, isn’t it? 😀

If you have a pattern you made but have no place to show it in public, please feel free to contact me. You can contact me through contact form, here on the blog, or you can find me on the Facebook.

 

Wishing you all wonderful and happy week!

♡

Vanja

 

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Mermaid dolls

Hello dear friends. Finally managed to finish the little ones. Dolls were easy, but I promised to make tutorial on easy way to needle sculpt the face and added one more about crocheted doll’s hair that I hope many will enjoy as well.

BB Mermaids

Since BB dolls were published and the pattern released I have have been asked many times how were different hair styles done. That is why I

made this very simple pattern for dolls hair, where I have tried to explain what you have to look and pay attention to when adding crocheting hair on any doll’s head. That is basics and I hope will help many of you that weren’t so sure about how to start and how to make crocheted dolls hair.

Understanding this basic pattern and making at least two of these mermaid hairs, I am sure you will become familiar and free with trying out some of your own creative hair styles and maybe even free making your own little dolls and patterns.

The pattern on crocheted hair basics you can find under Help pages and tutorials.

There you will also find tutorial I have made as addition to these little mermaids that will show you, step by step on how to easy needle sculpt dolls head to make her smiling.

Today will share simple pattern on how to make your little mermaids. These are very special mermaids! When they are outside the water they look as any ordinary girl, but the second they enter the water they turn into beautiful mermaids enjoying the depths of the deepest seas, swimming with whales and dolphins. Decorating hair with starfish and pearls.

BB Mermaids

 Materials needed:

2 mm crochet hook

DK 100% cotton in flash color of your choice, color of your chice for the hair, swimming suit and mermaid fin/body

4 mm round black beads for eyes

stuffing of your choice

darning needle

glue (optional) for extra reinforcing the hair and top of the swimming suit.

Abbreviations (US terminology used):

St(s) – stitch(es)

Sc – single crochet

Hdc – half double crochet

Dc – double crochet

Sl st – slip stitch

Bpsc – back post single crochet

Ch – chain

R – round or row

 

Finished doll size:

Around 19 cm / 8 inches

 

Head

R1 sc6 in magic ring

R2 inc6 (12 sts)

R3 *inc1, sc1* x6 (18 sts)

R4 *inc1, sc2* x6 (24 sts)

R5 *inc1, sc3* x6 (30 sts)

R6 *inc1, sc4* x6 (36 sts)

R7 *inc1, sc5* x6 (42 sts)

R8-R12 sc42

R13 inc12, sc30 (54sts)

R14-R17 sc 54

R18 *dec1, sc7* x6 (48 sts)

R19 sc48

R20 *dec1, sc4* x8 (40 sts)

R21 *dec1, sc2* x10 (30 sts)

R22 *dec1, sc1* x10 (20 sts)

Stuff the head nice and firm.

R23 dec7, sc4, dec1 (12 sts)

Add some more stuffing if needed, tie off .

 

Hair patterns of three mermaids

 

Goldie locks

R1 sc5 in magic ring

Do not close the magic ring

R2 inc5 (10)

R3 *inc1, sc1* x5 (15 sts)

R4 *inc1, sc2* x5 (20 sts)

R5 *inc1, sc3* x5 (25 sts)

R6 *inc1, sc4* x5 (30 sts)

R7 *inc1, sc5* x5 (35 sts)

R8-R12 sc35

R13 *ch13, starting from 4th ch stitch from hook, inc10 with dc sts, skip 3 stitches on the fundamental row (R12), sl st in 4th st* repeat around (before the last ch13 you will have only 3 stitches left, skip 2sts and sl st in this 3rd, repeat chain 13 and 10 inc dc over chain made to finish this row.

Continue stitching single crochet on the side of the hair piece (working towards the top – where magic ring is)

Sc in magic ring, ch23, starting from 4th chain stitch, increase 20 chain stitches with dc; *sc in magic ring, ch10, sl st9 over the chain made* x2

Continue sc on the other side of the hair piece (from magic ring towards the end of the side made), tie off leave long end for sewing the hair on the head, or hide ends if you decide to glue the hair on the head.

 

Pink curls

R1 sc5 in magic ring

Do not close the magic ring

R2 inc5 (10)

R3 *inc1, sc1* x5 (15 sts)

R4 *inc1, sc2* x5 (20 sts)

R5 *inc1, sc3* x5 (25 sts)

R6 *inc1, sc4* x5 (30 sts)

R7 *inc1, sc5* x5 (35 sts)

R8-R12 sc35

R13 ch3, dc2 in each stitch across

R13 *ch3, turn, sl st to next st* across

When reaching end, continue in this manner ch3, slst next around side towards magic ring,

In magic ring sc1, ch13, sl st to 4th ch stitch from end, *ch3, sl st to next st*…across (repeat 3 times in order to make 3 fringes)

Note: 3 fringes will make pretty mess in front. Yo can make just 2 of them, or you can make them standard way, by slip stitching instead of chaining 3 and sl st. Possibilities are many)

 

After fringes are made, continue with *ch3, sl st next st* across the other side of the hair piece.

When reaching end, tie off and leave long end for sewing (if you will sew the hair on the head) or tie off and hide ands if you are gluing the hair on the head.

 

Green braids

R1 sc5 in magic ring

Do not close tha magic ring

R2 inc5 (10)

R3 *inc1, sc1* x5 (15 sts)

R4 *inc1, sc2* x5 (20 sts)

R5 *inc1, sc3* x5 (25 sts)

R6 *inc1, sc4* x5 (30 sts)

R7 *inc1, sc5* x5 (35 sts)

R8-R12 sc35

R13 ch21, sc20 (over chain made), sc to next st on the base (R12) repeat ch21 x2

Skip one, *hdc4 in the next st, skip 1, sl st next, skip one* repeat until you make 7 shells, then repeat ch21-sc20 for the last 3 sts

Sc on the side, stitching up, towards magic ring, make 3 fringes (or as desired) with ch10, sl st 9, finish with sc over next side (towards bottom of the hair piece) tie off leaving long end for sewing or tie off and hide end if your hair will be glued to the head.

Legs (make2)

With color of your choice (one you’ve chosen for your mermaid)

R1: 6 Sc in magic ring (6)

R2: 2 sc in each st around (12)

R3:  *2sc in one st, sc1* x6 (18)

Change yarn color to flash

R4 bpsc18

R5: dec6, sc6 (12)

R6: dec3, sc6 (9)

Leave long end of your mermaid color (one you used for shoe to sew the flip-flops top or to add top of the shoe)

Stuff the bottom of the leg.

R7-R16: 9 sc

Tie off. Stuff the leg.

 

Body

With mermaid color yarn.

Bring both legs together. Safety pin them so they stay close and firm.

R1 Slip stitch to one stitch and stitch around connecting legs with closest two stitches, making total of 18 stitches around

(I always like to slip stitch to the stitch that is closest to next leg, so I can connect legs right at beginning and simply stitch around).

R2 *inc1, sc2* x6 (24 sts)

R3-R4 sc24

Change color to flash

R5 sc24

R6 *dec1, sc2* x6 (18 sts)

R7-R11 sc18

R12 *dec1, sc1* x6 (12 sts)

R13-R14 sc12

Stuff the body nice and firm. Tie off leaving long end for sewing the body and head together.

 

Swimming suit top

R1 sc6 in magic ring (leave about 15-20 cm yarn before making the ring)

R2 sl st last to first st, ch3, dc2 in next st, dc2 to next, ch3, sl st to next st, ch3, 2dc to next st, 2dc to next st, ch3, sl st to starting sl st.

Tie off leaving long end.

Wrap the yarn around middle three times, pulling on every round, in order to make nice bow looking piece.

Then using both yarn ends make a knot on the back side of the bow. Cut them to desired length but enough to tie around mermaids neck and make a little bow.

You can sew or glue this top on mermaids chest.

BB Mermaids

Fin

Make two little fins from R1-R9

R1 sc4 in magic ring

R2 *inc1, sc1* x2 (6 sts)

R3 *inc1, sc2* x2 (8 sts)

R4 sc8

R5 *inc1, sc1* x4 (12 sts)

R6 *inc1, sc1* x6 (18 sts)

R7 sc18

R8 *dec1, sc1* x6 (12 sts)

R9 dec6 (6 sts)

While making second find, do not tie off, but connect second fin and stitch around both making 12 sts

R10 bring both fins together and stitch around making 12 sts

From the next row, continue stitching using back loops only

R11-R12 sc12

R13 *inc1, sc1* x6 (18 sts)

R14-R15 sc18

R16 *inc1, sc2* x6 (24 sts)

R17-R18 sc24

R19 *inc1, sc3* x6 (30 sts)

R20-R34 sc30

R35 *skip one st, 5hdc in next one, skip one, sl st next* around

Tie off hide end. Your mermaid body with fin is done.

 

You can add some beads or bows or shiny threads over front loops. You can also stitch across in spiral using some nice simple edging pattern. It is to your choice. I left it simple but possibilities are endless, and do not hesitate to experiment and add your own touch to it.

Arms (make 2)

R1 sc6 in magic ring

R2-R11 sc6

Tie off leaving long end for sewing the arms to the head.

 

By now all of your body pieces are done, and your head is needle sculpt. Sew all of them together nicely.

Put the mermaids outfit on your doll and she is ready to play with.

 

BB Mermaids

 

I hope you have enjoyed making your mermaid and that you will make at least two of them.

What I hope more is that your daughters, granddaughters, nieces or little girls next door will enjoy them even more.

 

♡

Vanja

Posted on by — 31 Comments

Pammy the Piglet

And again we have little treat from our Facebook group. I try to encourage and post free patterns done by dear friends and amigurumi enthusiasts who make these for pleasure and fun. If you remember first one we shared this way was little Bianchina by Stefania Bianchi. She was accepted great and there are many Bianchina projects finished and photos shared on Facebook what makes me so happy. Really hope Stefania will come up with some new pattern we can share soon.

This time I can proudly present little Pammy the Piglet made by NVkatherine from Vietnam. This is her third free pattern. She also makes video tutorials of her projects and I will share you her links so you can visit and see her work.

She was very kind to offer this pattern to be presented and shared in my blog and I feel very honored and happy I have this blog and all of you dear friends who follow to share this little one with.

So here it is, little Pammy the Piglet:

pammy_the_piglet__free_pattern___tutorial__by_nvkatherine-d7mbvwt

PATTERN:

Abbreviations:

st = stitch

sc = single crochet

inc = increase (a.k.a. 2sc in 1st)

dec = decrease (a.k.a. sc2tog)

ch = chain

hdc = half double crochet

dc = double crochet

BLO = back loops only

FLO = front loops only

FO = fasten off

 

HEAD

*With pink yarn*

1. 6sc in the magic ring [6]

2. 1inc around [12]

3. 1sc, 1inc [18]

4. 2sc, 1inc [24]

5. 1sc in each st around [24]

6. 3sc, 1inc [30]

7. 4sc, 1inc [36]

8. 5sc, 1inc [42]

9. 1sc in each st around for 5 rows [42]

10. 5sc, 1dec [36]

11. 4sc, 1dec [30]

12. 3sc, 1dec [24]

~> Add safety eyes between row 9 and 10, 11 stitches apart.

13. 2sc, 1dec [18]

14. 1sc, 1dec [12]

15. dec around [6]

FO. Leave a long tail to sew up the gap.

 

BODY

*With white yarn*

1. 6sc in the magic ring [6]

2. 1inc around [12]

3. 1sc, 1inc [18]

4. 2sc, 1inc [24]

5. 3sc, 1inc [30]

6. 1sc in each st around for 3 rows [30]

*Change to pink*

7. 4sc, 1dec [25]

8. 1sc in each st around [25]

9. 3sc, 1dec [20]

10. 1sc in each st around [20]

11. 2sc, 1dec [15]

12. 3sc, 1dec [12]

FO. Leave a long tail to connect the body to the head.

 

LEGS

*With pink yarn*

1. 6sc in the magic ring [6]

2. 1inc around [12]

3. 1sc, 1inc [18]

4. 1sc in each st around for 2 rows [18]

5. 4sc, 1dec [15]

6. 1sc in each st around [15]

7. 3sc, 1dec [12]

8. 2sc, 1dec [9]

9. 1sc in each st around for 2 rows [9]

FO. Leave long tails to sew the legs onto the body.

 

ARMS

*With pink yarn*

1. 7sc in the magic ring [7]

2. 1sc in each st around for 10 rows [7]

F/O. Leave long tails to sew both arms onto the body.

 

NOSE

*With pink*

1. 6sc in the magic ring [6]

2. 1inc around [12]

3. 2sc, 1inc [16]

4. sc around in BLO [16]

5. sc around normally [16]

F/O. Leave long tail to sew onto the face.

 

EARS

1. 4sc in the magic ring [4]

2. 1sc, 1inc [6]

3. 1dec, 4inc [9]

4. 1inc, 2sc [12]

5. 3sc, 1inc [15]

6. 4sc, 1inc [18]

7. 1sc, 1dec [12]

8. dec around [6]

Sl st into next st and F/O. Leave long tails to sew the ears onto the head.

 

TAIL

1. ch6

2. 1inc across starting from the second chain from the hook [10]

F/O. Leave a long tail to sew onto the body.

NOTE: After sewing on everything, you can add decorations onto your pig. It’s totally up to you! ^^

 

For complete video tutorial on how to make your Pammy the Piglet, please fee free to visit Youtube and watch the vide NVkatherine made for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6tGSbjx0Co

Pammy the Piglet by NVkatherine

For all questions, likes and anything else you would like to find about designer and her patterns you can find her on these two links:

Devianart:

http://nvkatherine.deviantart.com/art/Pammy-the-Piglet-FREE-PATTERN-TUTORIAL-460769357

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/vi.lenguyennhat

 

So what do you think? Isn’t this one so adorable that you feel like making one for yourself?

Hope you have enjoyed. Thank you for staying with me and little Pammy  the Piglet.

Hugs

Vanja

Designed by NVkatherine2014

This is originally designed by NVkatherine so please do NOT claim this pattern yours. Don’t repost the pattern any where or sell it. You may sell the finished dolls but please give NVkatherine/Vi the credit as the designer.

Thank you

 

Posted on by — 94 Comments

Baby Dragon

 

Our BB workshop was working hard for the past month. First I started with little tutorial on different variations how to make crocheted eyes for your dolls and toys. When started I though how it would be piece of cake, but then simple crocheted eyes turned out into so many different sub-groups.

I ended up with comic eyes to crochet, eyes made in layers, 3D crocheted eyes, simple black eyes, human eye shape….  At the end realized it will take me a lot of time till finished and shared with you.

As I didn’t want to stay to long, from my blogging, I decided to take a break creating something new.

For a long time we didn’t make crocheted toy, and so far I have never made a dragon (and I love dragons. I love Fantasy world and to me sometimes feels as I am living in one). For that reason I decided to make one dragon. Baby dragon to start with.

Pattern is easy, but is pretty long one with all the photos I added, so instead of writing it all here I have added a .pdf in Free Patterns page and decided to treat you with additional photos of two of my dragons born in my BB shop.

First I made a boy one. It is the green one you can see on the photos, but even If I haven’t mention he was a boy you would notice it straight away.

Girl dragon was the second one I worked on, wile testing the pattern and adjusting it so everyone can make a dragon to keep or share.

They are both so adorable and to be honest thinking on hiding them when my nieces will come over so they don’t take them away from me (joking).

They measure only 13 cm or 5 inches when seated and are as sweet as candies.

Leaving you with several photos of my babies I hope you will enjoy.

 

Wishing you all wonderful Friday and blessed end of the week.

♡

Vanja

Baby girl dragon by Vanja Grundmann-AmigurumiBB Free pattern

Baby girl dragon - back view Free pattern by Vanja Grundmann/AmigurumiBBBaby Dragons - Free pattern by Vanja Grundmann/AmigurumiBBBaby Dragons by Vanja Grundmann–AmigurumiBBBaby Dragons - by Vanja Grundmann - AmigurumiBBBaby Dragons - AmigurumiBB

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Waldorf inspired doll

 

 

 

I must say that this is my favorite doll and pattern I worked on so far. This doll is just a treasure. She is soft and so darling. The size I reached by this one (30 cm -12 inches) is little bit bigger than the rest of my dolls but that makes her even more beautiful.

 
I know many of you will give it a try. Specially moms and grandmothers who grew up with one of these jersey sewed dolls with yarn hair. Here is your chance to refresh your childhood memories and opportunity to crochet one Waldorf inspired doll for your daughters, granddaughters or even for yourself.

 

Here is the pattern I hope you will enjoy

Waldorf inspired doll1Waldorf inspired doll2Waldorf inspired doll3Waldorf inspired doll4Waldorf inspired doll5Waldorf inspired doll6Waldorf inspired doll7Waldorf inspired doll8Waldorf inspired doll9Waldorf inspired doll10Waldorf inspired doll11Waldorf inspired doll12Waldorf inspired doll13

Isn’t she just lovely? Both are 😀 I really enjoy these dolls and hope you will too.

Waldorf inspired dolls by AmigurumiBB

Thank you for your time.

Wishing you all wonderful end of the week and relaxing weekend to come.

 

♥

Vanja

Posted on by — 21 Comments

Bianchina by Stefania

Proudly presenting little Bianchina, first pattern made by Stefania Bianchi.

For those that don’t know, some time last year I have created little Facebook group named FairyDolls Crochet. Was easier to give hand and help with my patterns this way. There are 300 of us members but are growing daily. We share experiences, help each other, share photos, links to free patterns from fellow bloggers and just hang up as a group of enthusiasts who like to make dolls and toys. Stefania is one of our oldest members and few weeks ago she shared this Bianchina pattern with us. I have fell in love with little sheep, and same day star

ted making one myself. As the pattern was in Italian (and have to first Italian pattern I worked on), I translated it to English as I worked on it (to help Stefania and group members who were excited about this pattern as much as I was).

 

So here is Bianchina I made.

Bianchina - pattern by Stefania BianchiBianchina

With with Stefanias permission offering you her free pattern so you can make your own Bianchina 🙂

Pattern is easy to follow. For any questions you might have, you can freely ask me, or contact Stefania through her Facebook page. All the details you will find herewith.

Here is the copy of the pattern. You can also find it free to download and save for personal use on my Free Patterns page.

Wishing you all lots of fun times with Bianchina! Big thanks to dear Stefania. Hopefully new pattern from her will be available soon!!!

Bianchina 1

Bianchina 2Bianchina 3Bianchina 4Bianchina 5Bianchina 6Bianchina 7

 

 

 

 

While you are all working on your new pattern, I will go back to finish my new project; Waldorf inspired doll. Dear friends, I love this doll!!!!

By now you all know I love dolls. Not only making them but I really enjoy having them, seeing them, being around them… This one is real treasure. Really, really a doll! Soft, cuddly, beautiful… Here is sneak peak to what I am working on these days.

Waldorf inspired doll - AmigurumiBBAmigurumiBB - work in progress, Waldorf/Steiner inspired doll

Wishing you all happy and peaceful rest of the weekend.

 

♥

Vanja

Posted on by — 18 Comments

Happy Easter

To all that celebrate and are getting ready for Sunday, wishing HAPPY EASTER!

DSC02733

For this occasion prepared special little treat chick and bunny I made following the free patterns from the fellow bloggers. Both creative designers and dear friends.

First one is the Rainbow Chick

DSC02739

This super awesome rainbow chick comes from Jennifer and her SquirrelPicnic.

The pattern you can find here:

Rainbow Chicken Crochet Pattern

 

It is easy and so much fun project to do. Find out why are rainbow chicks so rare and why so special in Jennifer’s comics.

Rainbow chick comic Part1:

SQUIRREL PICNIC (the comic): The Mystery of the Rainbow Chicken Part 1

Rainbow chick comic Par2:

SQUIRREL PICNIC (the comic): The Mystery of the Rainbow Chicken Part 2

 

The second one comes from Amilovesgurumi, and Karin’s Easter bunny school.

DSC02741

My bunny is made with thread that is why he ended up tiny like this 🙂

This nice and easy pattern to follow and make you can find here:

Easter Bunnies

 

Next one is just some bunny I found pattern on the internet. On one of the  Russian forums. The pattern doesn’t state the author or original designer and for that reason can’t share the link to it, so will show just the photo. Look how lovely this bunny is:

DSC02747

WIsh photo can show you how soft this bunny is and how cuddly in real he looks. Working on the pattern made few changes such as longer arms and legs. Really nice bunny pattern for babies and small children.

 

To finish with, addin one more photo with all of them together. Wishing you happy weekend and for those that celebrate

Happy Easter!

DSC02732

♥

Vanja

 

 

(sorry for not making “normal” links but have very hard time writing posts and creating anything on my blog lately because of very old computer I am working at. Sometimes I just can’t see the buttons to add or create links. Sorry for this, really hope these old fashioned write the link way will work for all)