A little Christmas Star Wars Cheer

So procrastination has gotten the best of me and the rush to finish a few crocheted Christmas gifts has kept me without much sleep in the last day and night. I have finished one of the gifts today (after burning the midnight oil until about 6am and starting all over again at 11am today...whew!) This FO was well worth the hours of work and sleeplessness as this lil guy turned out awesome. This gift is for my brother who is one of the biggest Star Wars geeks I know, who just so happens to be one of the few loyalists who like and appreciate those adorable butt-kicking Ewoks of Endor from Return of the Jedi.

So you ask, what better gift for a fan of the Ewoks and a fan of the 6th installment of Star Wars....of course...an Amigurumi Wicket!!


The pattern I used was manipulated from an original pattern ("Wicket-the-Ewok") by Lucy Ravenscar found on Ravelry. The Pattern is also available at Craftster. I switched up a few things, just to make it my own and to adapt to my style of crochet.

This project was challenging in the following ways:

• The torso is worked in 1 piece from the bottom up. This is a different technique that was very effective for the shape of the lower body, but not one I am accustomed to using, I plan on using similar methods in the future for legs/feet. The single torso structure aids in stability and form.

Wicket Torso with toe detail

• The pattern called for using a 3 dc bob stitch for the hands/arms and a 3 dc pop stitch for the feet/toes. Both of these stitches were a first for me. I ended up scrapping the 3 dc bob stitch for the fingers/hands and utilized a basic arm in the round instead. The finger work was a bit cumbersome to work with and I felt they ended up a tad too busy. I kept the special stitch 3 dc pop for the toes as they were great for the balance and overall look of the ami

Standard Arms worked in the round

• There were 2 options for creating the face/head of Wicket. I opted for the more detailed and challenging of the two: Head #1 which uses embroidery detailing for the face and mouth. This was the most time-consuming aspect of the project, but all the time and effort that went into the detailing was well worth it! 

Wicket Head with embroidery detail

• There were 2 options for creating the cowl. I originally was going to move forward with using felt for the cowl, which would have been a bit quicker, and the color I had picked out was nearly spot-on...something just told me to go for the crochet method for the cowl. Even though the yarn I had in my stash was a dark burnt orange vs a lighter russet color (which is more accurate) I think it makes the Ami a bit more unique & crocheting it was a blast! The cowl was worked in 2 parts (front/back) then whip stitched together & slipped over the head (So yes...it can be removed!)

Wicket Cowl

Overall, I am super excited to give this gift to my brother tonight, as I know he will be excited! The only hard part is giving Wicket away, as he turned out so cute, & a part of me wants to keep him for myself....I guess I can always make another one!!

Wicket!

Wicket (Back view)

Now onto the next gift....

    

Thanks for reading!

Secret Project WIP #2

My most recent set of WIPs (that I am highly anticipating I might add,) are components leading to a special gift for a special someone. This WIP is comprised of multiple Amigurumis. I plan on posting the components of the project here as they are completed. I cannot unveil exactly what I am cooking up, since it is a gift, but it will be fun posting the little bits along the way.

Last Sunday I posted the FO of Floppy the Fish. This was an Ami I had made a while back and was just sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be gifted to that special someone. I put a lot of time and effort into finishing this particular fish Amigurumi. This was one of my first Amigurumi FOs and it will be nice to finally give it have a home.

Now onto the next glimpse of this super secret project:

Baby Octopus!!

The pattern for this super tiny and super adorable Baby Octopus can be found via Craftster.org here. I found the link to the pattern via Ruby Tuesday's Ravelry page here.




This pattern was a lot of fun to make & I plan on making quite a few more of these for gift toppers or additions to birthday presents in the near future. I think they will be loved by all!

Stay tuned in a few days for the unveiling of the 3rd installment of my Super Secret WIP!!!

Thanks for reading.

Plush Team February Giveaway

Well...it is time for yet another Plush Team giveaway! This month, Anne-Claire, of HibouCards is hosting the Plush Team giveaway for February with a way too adorable teddy bear cuddling penguin! May I present, Mr. Martin the Penguin. Martin is a hand sewn wonder made from a mix of wool blend and eco-friendly felt, cotton thread, and polyfill.

"Martin is a sweet little penguin that always carries his teddy around with him. He moved from Antartica to Boston not so long ago and is really enjoying the snow here... although he likes nothing better lately than snuggling at home, drinking hot coco!"

 

Martin the Penguin

Here are the details from the Plush Team blog:
 
So what do you need to call Martin the Penguin your own? Just visit the HibouCards  shop and then fill out this form.

 

But Wait! You can earn even more chances to win!

• Become a Plush Team blog follower. If you're a new follower, let us know that you joined when you complete the form. If you're already following us, you can let us know that too and score one extra entry!
• Follow the Plush Team on Facebook and/or Twitter. Again, let us know when you fill out the form if you're a new follower or an old friend and you'll receive one extra entry for each follow.
• Tweet this giveaway. Make sure to give us a link to your tweet when you fill out the form to get one extra entry.
• Repost the giveaway on Facebook. Make sure to give us a link to your Facebook post when you fill out the form to get one extra entry.
• Blog this giveaway. For an extra TWO entries, tell folks about this giveaway in your blog. Please make sure to use the Martin the Penguin's photo in your post and leave us a link when you fill out the entry form to get your entries.
• Buy something from HibouCards or the Plush Team shop during the month of January. Get another FIVE chances to win by making a purchase from HibouCards or the Plush Team shop. Don't forget to let us know which new piece of plushie love you're calling your own!

 

Last day to enter is February 28, 2011 and we'll announce a winner on March 1. GOOD LUCK!

Plush Team January Giveaway

Well...it is time for yet another Plush Team giveaway! This month, Inga, of SunnyPlum is hosting the team giveaway with a way too adorable Love Monster named Nibble! Here are the details from the Plush Team blog:




"Nibble stands 5 inches tall. Although a bit short in stature, his/her cuteness is quite potent. Nibble is the perfect gift for your sweetheart, and just in time for Valentine's Day!"

Here are the details on how to enter to own this cutie:

So what do you need to call Nibble your own? Just visit the SunnyPlum shop and then fill out this form.

But Wait! You can earn even more chances to win!

• Become a Plush Team blog follower. If you're a new follower, let us know that you joined when you complete the form. If you're already following us, you can let us know that too and score one extra entry!
• Follow the Plush Team on Facebook and/or Twitter. Again, let us know when you fill out the form if you're a new follower or an old friend and you'll receive one extra entry for each follow.
• Tweet this giveaway. Make sure to give us a link to your tweet when you fill out the form to get one extra entry.  
• Repost the giveaway on Facebook. Make sure to give us a link to your Facebook post when you fill out the form to get one extra entry.
• Blog this giveaway. For an extra TWO entries, tell folks about this giveaway in your blog. Please make sure to use the Lavender's in your post and leave us a link when you fill out the entry form to get your entries.
• Buy something from SunnyPlum or the Plush Team shop during the month of January. Get another FIVE chances to win by making a purchase from SunnyPlum or the Plush Team shop. Don't forget to let us know which new piece of plushie love you're calling your own!

Last day to enter is January 31, 2011 and we'll announce a winner on February 1. GOOD LUCK! 

WIPW: Week 18

Man....I was reaaaaalllllly hoping I would have more XMAS gifts finished to show this week, but alas...I only finished two, and not my Luigi :( Now it is crunch time. It is only a few weeks until XMAS, and I still have 4 gifts to complete!!! Argh! That means I have to finish two this week, and start/finishtwo next week! I am sure I can do it! Now on to the good stuff!

XMAS GIFT #6: (WIP...cont)
LUIGI


Even though I did not complete the Luigi project I have been working on, I did make further progress. Here are a few pictures, and some side notes of the work I did complete this week.











THE SIDEBURNS:

'Luigi' sideburns

  



 
 
 
 
 
 



THE HAT:

'Luigi' Hat

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  


 
 
THE HAT LOGO:

'Luigi' Hat Logo

 
 
The original pattern called for cutting the 'L' out of green felt. I still have not gotten completely comfortable with cutting small pieces of felt, so I opted for using 3D puffy paint to create the 'L' on the circle for the hat logo.
 
 
 
 
 



 
THE HAIR:

'Luigi' Hair

The hair piece is to be attached to the back of the head at the base of the hat, so it appears that the hair is peeking out from the bottom of the hat.









THE HEAD WITH FACIAL DETAILS:

'Luigi' head with facial details

Once again, the pattern called for cutting small pieces of felt for the eye embellishments. I did cut the white ovals out of felt, but then used 3D paint to add the eye details on top of the white of the eye. I think it turned out just as well.











THE HEAD WITH EARS, HAT, AND SIDEBURNS ATTACHED:

'Luigi' Head complete

Now I just need to assemble the head, body, legs, and arms, and then...."It's a L-U-I-G-I!!!"

XMAS GIFT #9: (FO)
SNOWMAN















I am proud to say that I did finish my Snowman this past week. I think he turned out adorable!

THE BODY:

Snowman body

THE HEAD WITH FACIAL DETAILS:

Snowman with facial details

THE HAT:

Snowman Hat

THE ARMS (2):

Snowman Arms

THE SCARF:

Snowman Scarf

THE SCARF POMS:


Snowman Scarf 'poms'

....and now for the FO!

Snowman!

....
And now for a list of my upcoming projects!:

XMAS GIFT #10:














I plan on making a little baby doll for my cousin Katrina. She just turned 2 years old and she just loves taking care of her babies. If I have time I plan on making a 2nd Hello Kitty purse to go with the baby doll.

XMAS GIFT #11:













I plan on making a set of xmas ornaments for one of my grandmother Nana. She really enjoyed the dove ornamenent I made for her for her bday, so I figured I would make her a few more. Maybe it can be a yearly ritual to make a new ornament each year! That might be fun. I am thinking I  might make her a Snowman ornament (using the snowman head from my FO in this blog.) and an angel ornament for sure!

XMAS GIFT #12:

This is a gift that I have had on my to do list for a while now. I have a good friend, Robert, who was an Eastern Orthodox priest. He wears a skull cap daily. It is similar to a Yarmulke of the jewish faith, but it a bit larger, yet smaller than a beanie hat. I have a bit longer to make this project since christmas is after the 1st of January in his faith.

XMAS GIFT #13:

I can't talk about this one on my blog, since it is super duper secret....tee hee....and just in case a certain someone is reading ;)


Thanks for reading! Now....back to crocheting!!!
 

WIPW: Week 17

Well this week has been a bit busy, so I havent had a ton of time to work on my ever-growing Xmas gift lists, but I did have a bit of time last nite to at least get a few things done....WHEW!!!

1st things 1st:

XMAS GIFT #3: (FO)
HELLO KITTY PURSE














I am proud to say that I FINALLY finished the Hello Kitty purse I have been blogging about the last coupla weeks! It was a challenging project for me because it incorporated a little bit of sewing, including snap attachments and purse lining. I have never practiced much with sewing, my only experience comes from a bit of knowledge in cross-stitch! I am proud to say, that while it is far from perfect, it turned out OK, and now I am a "tad" more comfortable with stitching by hand.

Here is a pic of the lining and snap attached leading up to the FO:

Lining and snap button detail for inside of Hello Kitty Purse

...and the FO!

Hello Kitty Purse: FO

 I also was able to finish a few more components for my Luigi (from the famous SuperMario Bros) Ami. I really wanted to be able to finish this project up this week, but there wasn't enough time. Next week I should be able to finish up the last few components (1 leg, the hat, and the hair/sideburns) and assemble the Ami!!

XMAS GIFT #6: (WIP...cont)
LUIGI

THE LEG:


Luigi Leg

THE SHOE:


Luigi Shoe

THE LEG WITH SHOE ATTACHED:


Luigi Leg with Shoe attached

THE SUSPENDERS:


Luigi Suspenders












THE ARMS/GLOVES:


Luigi Arms/Gloves















XMAS GIFT #9: (WIP)

SNOWMAN

I decided on making a little snowman Ami for one of my grandmothers for Xmas as well. Christmas is a big holiday in my family and my grandmother never skimps on the holiday decorations. This little snowman will be perfect for a table centerpiece or just to place on the mantle. I think she will like it. I started this late late last night, so I was only able to complete the head with the safety eyes attached, minus the facial details. I am once again using I am using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Glitter yarn in White/Multi for the scarf project. It is a perfect holiday yarn with that touch of glitter/shimmer!















THE HEAD:

Snowman Ami

 







 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Well...that about wraps it up for me this week. I am glad I accomplished finishing the Hello Kitty purse! It is going to be a great gift for my lil cuz! Hopefully next week I will have a Luigi and a Snowman FO!!!
 
Thanks for reading!!

Plush Team August Giveaway!

Well...it is time for yet another Plush Team August giveaway! Woo Hoo! If you are not familiar with their blog...you SHOULD be! Hop on over there now...

So here is a bit about this months giveaway:

"The Plush Team's August giveaway is hosted by none other than Absolutely Small! Perhaps better known as the creative madness behind Chicken Pants, Absolutely Small is offering Agnes the Magpie for this month's plush prize!"

She is adorable:

Agnes the Magpie!

Here is a direct link to enter the Augus giveaway for your very own Agnes!

Etsy Dark Team: New plushes

Etsy Dark Team: New plushes: "New plushes and dolls are up in my shop: Silent Orchid Studio Including... Jack the Ripper, the Jersey Devil, and a tattooed couple"


The Etsy Dark Team has some awesome items that are definately worth checking out if you like things a little on the dark side. The Jack the Ripper plush from Silent Orchid Studio is to die for...no pun intended! muahahahahahahaha

Here is a pic of him posted here:

Jack The Ripper from Silent Orchid Studios

Plush Team July Giveaway

I am relatively new to the crochet community, so I started surfing around some sites today for awesome AMIGURUMI! Lo and behold I discovered...

PLUSH TEAM: The Etsy Plush Street Team

This site is really awesome.

This is the "about us" from their site:

"Etsy Plush Street Team is a group of artists supporting and furthering ideas behind plush dolls, toys and all the soft areas in between.

They are having a July Giveaway for this cute little fella here:



Isnt she adorable??

The July giveaway is hosted by Moon's Creations.



Make sure you take a look at both of these great sites if you love totally adorable AMIGURUMI!!!